My first Job Interview – Touch and Go!

Philip John

Vinod Parekh wanted to take a look at my background and the stock I came from. He said he wanted to meet my father. I was in the 7th heaven and went to meet my father, Dr. P. J. Philip. He was the Secretary (CEO) of the University Grants Commission, which was a Government of India organisation to oversee and regulate all Universities and Colleges in India. He was not at his desk when I arrived, so I left a note, “Got a job, see you tonight!” 

After ‘celebrating’ with my friends I got home late to confront an irate father. I thought he would be pleased but he was very disappointed. He wanted me to continue my studies, sit for the government competitive exams and join the Indian Foreign Service, which was the chosen career for the brightest students in the country. My father clearly looked down on a mercantile career! He had tried to join the Indian Civil Service (ICS), before Independence. 

He had got through his written exams and was now appearing before an elite board consisting of eminent British and Indian luminaries. The Chairman was an Englishman whose careful eye looked through my father’s certificates and documents.  His eyes fell on my father’s Character Certificate. It was outdated by one year. “Aha, your character certificate is last years!”  To which my father leaned forward and said, “Sir, one’s character does not change from year to year.” The Indian Board members burst out laughing, while the Englishman grew red in the face. Long story short, my father didn’t make the ICS!  But I am digressing again….

With my mother’s help I prevailed on my father to meet Vinod Parekh the next day! 

My father and I arrived at the Daphtary home the following morning and asked to see Vinod Parekh. His wife Lolly came over to announce that her husband was getting ready and would join us shortly. Then, she noticed my father. “John! What are you doing here?”. My father explained why we were there. Lolly Parekh and her sister had shared the same student digs in London with my father and other students. My father was doing his PhD in Political Science at the London School of Economics. Lolly assuaged my father’s apprehensions. J. Thomas & Co. is one of the top Tea company in India and your son can rise to be Chairman, she said. 

My father was satisfied and gave me the nod! But it was a close shave!

One Response

  1. Dear Philip
    I am the daughter of Vinod and Lolly Parekh and chanced upon your blog. I very much enjoyed reading this story.
    I don’t know if you are aware that my mother died in February.
    Any other recollections you have of my parents would be wonderful to hear. I live in London and am feeling nostalgic at the moment.

    Best
    Britha

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