Page 3 - Al-Rashed Newsletter October 2021

TÊTE-A-TÊTE

You have been in Al Rashed for more than two decades now, how has
been your experience?
The answer is very simple. The work atmosphere. The management is a good
listener, so that we can share our ideas and thoughts fearlessly, whether it is
business or personal ones which rejuvenate our energy and enthusiasm. I was
given the opportunity to learn all diversified activities of the industry with
freehand support. Apart from business, we feel like being a member of Al-
Rashed family, where we can share all our personal and family issues, and
always helping hands were there in difficult times. Outside the office, they
HAMEED KELOTH
were never bosses, but great friends. When we are on such a comfortable ASST. OPERATIONS MANAGER
platform, I was unaware of the passing time and it lead to decades.
If you have to summarize your journey in Al-Rashed, how it would be?
In one word, it is wonderful and marvellous.
My journey with Al-Rashed started in 1995, though I reached Kuwait in 1993. On my search for a job, I was
given an opportunity by Mr. Ravi Varrier to meet him on one Thursday evening. After the meeting, he told me he
will call back once a vacancy arises. Months later, he called me and asked me to join his team. This was a team
of a mere 32 staff if my memory is correct. He directed me to Mr. Karan, the then operations manager to be a
member of port operations. I began my career as a tally clerk for ECU at the port LCL division. I was given
opportunities to learn each and every aspect of port operations and was successful to grasp everything within a
short span of time. At the same time, was lucky enough to be a part of different projects and office works, from
time to time. Dedication and commitment to carry out the jobs assigned to me, with transparency and perfection
led me to stay in the service up to now. Port operation is a very challenging, and at the same time, an
interesting job. Attitude is the key factor to transform even the most challenging assignments into enjoyable
ones. Contacts and the ability to maintain the relationship is another vital factor in regard to operational
activities. To be frank, even though, port operations is a tedious and challenging job, it has been very exciting
and enjoyable.

Please share any of your significant experiences from your long journey in shipping.
In shipping operations, each day is thrilling and has its own significance. We had experienced many challenges
and unforgettable incidents, like the sudden and unexpected demise of our fellow workers, crew members and
incidents of ship drowning, crane breaking, container down falling‘ fire at ships etc. Boarding the vessels at
anchorage during bad weather and high sea swell is another risk part of the job.
Work-wise, there are numerous incidents to mention, how tactfully and professionally we handled, which would
have posed considerable loss to the company and life of the operation staff. But, the sad and sudden demise of
our beloved Operations Manager, Mr.Karan still remains an unforgettable incident.
Our entire operations team is very proud to say that we succeeded in saving many human lives with our
committed dedication to the cause of humanitarian considerations and approach.

If not shipping, then what career would you have pursued?
If not the Shipping industry, my interest is totally a different one, ie: farming.

What do you do to unwind after work?
Social activism is my inborn passion. Even though it is hard to find time after work hours/ being 24x7 on-call
attendees, manage to take part in the socio-cultural activities of the society. If we cannot be a part of the people
who strive hard selflessly to wipe out the tears of the hapless, downtrodden, sidelined fellow beings, it is my
vision that our life is totally a waste. I am much interested in sports activities too and still find time for it.

Any advice, you would like to give to the young and senior employees of Al Rashed?
Give respect and take respect. Behave professionally. Cultivate relationships. Be humane.
INTERVIEWED BY NASEEMA KHAN