I retired in 1977 and, after a few unsettled years, I decided to live in Delhi. The time had come to claim my pension. From 1946 to 1977, I worked on External Affairs under the original Foreign and Political Department, which later became the Ministry of External Affairs. When I opted for a diplomatic career, after the independence of India, I had again to go before a selection Board. There were a few other ICS officers also, wanting to enter the diplomatic field and those who were selected, were all placed on what was called Permanent Deputation to the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), instead of being appointed as members of that service. Before retirement, the rules and regulations of the IFS applied to us, but after that I found that, as I was originally in the Bihar Cadre of the ICS, I would have to seek the sanction of the Accountant General of Bihar for my pension! Strange indeed are the ways of government!

Retirement has its pleasures. I am no longer tied to a job. I have time to travel and pursue my interests. Every day is a Sunday. I can finally be my own boss.

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