Mr. Narayana Bhat, our Production Supervisor, retired from service on 31 August 2023. This event is worth documenting as it brings mixed emotions—pride for his contributions and a sense of void with his departure. He joined Cocoguru in February 2014, referred by Mr. Shivashankar Shastry (his brother-in-law), a classmate of Keshava Ram. For nearly 10 years, he commuted 40 km daily from Kanyana to work and served in various departments, including Stores, Logistics, Purchase, Oil Extraction, Canteen, and Campus. His key contributions include:

• Developing and maintaining a beautiful green campus by planting 150 trees and promoting water conservation
• Revamping company logistics and disposing of old vehicles
• Introducing commission/piecework-based payments for labourers
• Efficiently getting work done while maintaining a fun and motivating environment
• Organising events such as Independence Day, birthday celebrations, Ayudha Pooja, and Deepavali
• Maintaining cordial relations with neighbouring landowners and the Karpadi Temple management
• Creating a jovial, productive work atmosphere throughout his tenure

He will turn 57 in about 15 days. His son, Ashlesha, completed Mechanical Engineering at Nitte and secured a job with a private firm in Bengaluru. Mr. Bhat had announced his retirement plans during his birthday celebration on 23 September 2022, and was waiting for his son to begin his career. His retirement plans include expanding his agricultural farm and building his dream home, as his current house is in poor condition. He looks forward to a peaceful life in the village with his beloved wife, Mrs. Uma, and their pet animals.

We are proud to have had an employee like Mr. Narayana Bhat who served with dedication for nearly a decade and left only due to retirement. While many leave for better opportunities or due to dissatisfaction, it is rare to find someone so committed and capable across multiple roles with such a can-do attitude. Replacing him will be no easy task, but as with everything in life, we must move forward.

A small farewell event was organised during the closing hours of 31st August to honour his contributions. Many of his colleagues shared heartfelt eulogies. Speakers included Mr. Murali (Operations Head – his direct supervisor), Mr. Keshava Ram (Managing Director), Mr. Naresh Kumar (Sales Manager), Mr. Shiva Kumar (Finance Manager), Ms. Suprabha (Brand Manager), Mr. Karthik Rai (Financial Accountant), Mr. Shreekrishna Shastry (Public Relations Officer), Mr. Jagganath (Expeller Operator), and Mr. Shivashankar Bhat (Chairman). Each shared warm wishes for his retired life.

Known for his jovial nature, especially with female colleagues, many were emotional to see him leave. Mr. Shivashankar Bhat honoured him and his wife, Mrs. Uma, during the function. Mr. Bhat, true to his nature, spoke briefly with humour and ended with a short Kannada poem. As a gesture of appreciation, a cupboard was gifted to him for his new home. The event concluded with a dinner catered by Cocoguru Adigemane. Even after working hours, those who worked under him continued to seek his guidance—a testament to his leadership.

All of us at Cocoguru deeply thank Mr. Narayana Bhat for his service and wish him a joyful and fulfilling retirement with his family.