For the uninitiated, AFE stands for Awards for Excellence, the most prestigious Award in my organization. It is popularly called as Infy Oscars. Thats how important and huge it is.
Anyways, what I wanted to write about is actually my experience on the D-Day. The way I felt, when I went to office to collect my award along with my family.
As a run up to the actual event, lot of initiatives were planned. We (The winners) were added to a whatsapp group, wherein lot of interesting videos and snippets were posted about the event and chief guest. A video message from the Chief guest on the evening before the D-Day really charmed all of us. We showed that video to our families and that really set up the tempo for the gala event.
Pick up service was provided for the award winners, which was such a pleasant surprise. I did not avail it, but I am sure it would have been a great delight for the employees and their families. We land up in the campus dressed in our sharpest and received a warm welcome from the welcome crew at the Gate. The warm welcome was in the form of a Mysore Pak (A regional delicacy made out of gram flour and sugar etc). The golf cart dropped us at the building where the event was scheduled and we walked on the red carpet feeling no less than Hollywood stars! A high tea was organized for the winners and their families to bond with each other and other leaders present. An elaborate array of confectionaries were lined up for us which consisted of delicate pastries, muffins, savories and what not! An AFE Wall of fame was created, for us to click pics with the famed AFE Lady! The event started right on time and it was nothing less than a blitzkrieg. Moments passed away in a jiffy and soon it was my turn to get on the stage. As I climbed the stairs, the journey of past 9 years flashed in my mind's eye and a wave of nostalgia overpowered me. All the hard work, crazy hours, and rat/cat race whatever you call it....boiled down to this one moment...the ultimate AFE lady! As I wrapped my fingers around the slim and elegant trophy, I thanked in my heart...my parents who I am sure were praying for me and blessing me from the heavens above...my family who stood by me through the entire journey ... encouraging and rooting for me through ups and downs....my mentors who were my rock...and all the employees that I have interacted with over last decade...You made it possible, you made it happen...its all because of you only....
The evening ended with a lavish dinner in a beautiful decorated banquet hall. Everything was monogrammed with AFE signage, even the cute little coasters! It was meticulously planned and organized. Its been a humbling and memorable experience...a day to be cherished for ever...day I turned into a princess! An AFE princess!
1 comment:
Congratulations Nazia, this is great achievement for your dedication towards employee development. Even I have one of the employees who have been through your HR guidance and hence I can vouch for you. Wish you many more successful years ahead!
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