Acknowledging 27 Years of Dedicated Service | Jayaramu B, Plumber

The University plumber Mr. Jayaramu often has a smile on his face while greeting people and usually does not pass you by without asking if you’ve had your tea/coffee or something to eat. Hailing from Malavalli taluk of the Mandya district, Jayaramu moved to Bengaluru in his twenties and worked on various projects as a contractual employee until he joined NLS in 1998.

Tell us about your NLS journey and how it began? 

I came to Bengaluru when I was around 23 years and had dabbled with various duties at a hotel, oil mill, and other factories, and even sold milk and vegetables. Later, I started working as a plumber for housing and other projects on a contractual basis.

I joined NLS in December 1998 when I was in my early thirties. KG Babu (hostel in-charge) and Babu Rao (electrician) were looking for someone to carry out plumbing work at the University and had enquired around on campus regarding this requirement. My wife Rajamma was already working in the University mess at the time and heard about the opening regarding this position. That is how I got to know and applied for the job. I have been handling the day-to-day plumbing and maintenance duties for 27 years now.

We dealt with any maintenance requests or issues raised in the buildings that existed at the time – the Old Academic Block, the Faculty quarters, Director’s quarters,  and the hostels. There was Himalaya, Nilgiris, Annexe, Old Annapurna block, Boys hostel mess, Ganga, Cauvery and the old PG hostel which is now called Gangotri. Over the years, more hostels and other buildings have been developed on campus. The Training Centre too was newly being developed when I joined.

I was one among four members who occupied the old Staff Quarters at the time — Mutturaj who worked in the library, Zabiullah, the driver, Babu Rao, the electrician, and myself.

Memorable Moments

I often recall N.L Mitra Sir and V.S Mallar Sir who were the Director and Registrar (respectively) at the time. I’m very grateful to them for providing me livelihood and helped me put food on the table. I also fondly recall R. Krishnappa Sir (former registrar), and also the University engineer Mir Nasir Ali who was a really nice person.

During my first decade here, I also recall our interactions with many students who were very friendly and would directly approach us if there was any issue. A student committee would often be in touch with us and convey their issues that needed addressing, and we would not look at the time when anyone needed help on campus.

‘Live and let live’

Having dealt with his set of hardships in his personal life, Jayaramu had some parting words of advice before he left. “I’ve learnt that the only thing that is constant is the sky and the earth, everything and everyone else in between is transient. Everyone comes with their own skill sets and their own capabilities. So we should respect that about one another and just let live,” he said.

Jayaramu lives with his wife and son in Bengaluru.