S.K. Joshi and Ajay Misra’s bond goes back 32 years. “It was in the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie, when I first met Ajay Misra. It was his uncomplicated approach to life and wit that cemented our friendship over a period of time. Destiny also played its role that we landed in the same state,” says S.K. Joshi, principal secretary to Telangana government, irrigation & CAD and stamps & registration.
They have been friends since 1984 when fresh out of the Academy, the two were posted in Andhra Pradesh. “Our friendship matured over the last three decades similar to a French wine,” says Misra, principal to Telangana government CT & Excise and Revenue.
Speaking about his bond with Misra, Joshi says, “There has been ups and downs, but Ajay is one person I can count on. Ajay is the most genuine guy I have ever come across. It is not just a single moment that led to our bonding, it was my interaction with him every time, that shows the strength of his character and simple approach towards any issue.” Misra adds, “Our friendship starts with the heart and continues with the mind.”
Misra has the most amazing sense of humour. “There are so many fond memories that this column needs to be converted into a book. The best part is whenever you need, he is there to support,” Joshi says. Recalling some of Misra’s favourite jokes , Joshi says, “One of the early morning telephonic review meetings of the CM in 1990s with the district collectors, when the CM used to hold a spreadsheet, he was holding bed sheets… Misra believes jokes lift your moods.”
The genuine affection between the two, a feeling that still continued after three decades, Misra feels is because of “frankness and transparency between us to a level which is embarrassing and may be uncomfortable to others. But that’s how we are. It was embarrassing for others not for us”.
It doesn’t matter how far away your friend is, he will always hold a special spot in your heart. “Physical distance will be temporary; minds and hearts are together for eternity,” adds Misra.
