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Ashok Shiramgond: 38+ Years of Service and Still Batting in HDMC Employees Cooperative Society


Bengaluru:
Ashok Shiramgond is a humble, soft-spoken person known for his down-to-earth manner and a gentleman to the core. He is originally from Babaleshwar in Vijayapura district. His father, who had five brothers and seven sisters, came to Dharwad to do a job in Dharwad in 1956 in the local civic body. Although the family owned an agricultural land holding, however due to some problems; all the brothers were compelled to migrate elsewhere in search of jobs.
 

Working from PUC onwards:
Despite being a friendly person boasting a good number of good friends, Ashok was not very interested in his studies. His father kept on insisting that he concentrate on his studies, which, however, didn't have much positive impact on him. He somehow managed to complete matriculation, but didn't evince much interest in studying further. After completing SSLC or Xth standard, he joined the typing classes, and soon after joining the PUC undergraduate course, he started working as a typist with K Anandrao for a monthly salary of Rs 300/- during 1979.


Transfer to Kolhapur after three years:
However, after serving for three years, Ashok was transferred to Kolhapur. But his father prevailed upon him not to go there and instead advised him to continue his studies to become a graduate. This way, he joined the Mrutunjaya College of Commerce for the degree course.


Juggling between studies and the job:
Again, it was no smooth sailing as regular attendance was mandatory due to the strict administration of Dr D M Nanjundappa, the then vice chancellor of the Karnataka University. As Ashok had to juggle studies and his job, it was not an easy task to manage both. Yet, he strived to keep moving slowly towards his desired goal.


Restless to take up another job:
Once he gave up the earlier job of being a typist, he became restless and aspired to get another job. Thanks to his uncle, who was with the Health Department in the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, he got a clerk position in the Nugaya Polyplast Limited in Rayapur and owned by Shenoy, near Rayapur. He was looked after very well and, within just two months, was made the Manager.


A long stint with the HDMC employees' society:
However, it looks like destiny had its own plans for Ashok. A clerk post was vacant in the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation Employees Cooperative Society. His father suggested that he take up the new assignment, as the Rayapur job was a bit far off. Likewise, he took up the job in 1983 and continued in the same position for 38 years! After serving for some years, he was promoted and appointed as Secretary of the society. Ashok is still active and continues to work even after his superannuation.


A contented gentleman:
Ashok, born on 25 April 1960, got married in 1990, had a daughter in 1991 and a son in 1995. His daughter completed the NTTF course and is married, while his son completed a Diploma course. He lost his father on 23-08-2023, and he is presently leading a contented retired life with his wife, brother and mother in Dharwad.

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