Noronha’s ‘terminal illness!’

Soon after joining the Training Academy at Bhopal in July 1982, we called with much trepidation on Mr. R.C.V.P. Noronha (ICS: 1938), the Former Chief Secretary at his home in Arera Colony. We were then young cubs taking baby steps in the mysterious jungle of bureaucracy, and had heard about his fiery temper, acerbic tongue, and penchant for hurling expletives in chaste Hindustani. A tiger who growled, roared, and mauled.

He complimented us on joining Madhya Pradesh, and hoped we would not disappoint or disgrace the state which he loved and the cadre he was proud of. We dared not ask any question for fear of saying something stupid. After the tea, when Mr. Noronha seemed in no mood for further monologue, we thanked him and took leave. A few months later, he passed away.

Yesterday, I visited the same home again for a delightful chat with Mr. Noronha’s son Ashok who shared a few memories of his illustrious father with me.

Narrating an anecdote, he shared a pic of the following fading letter:

Here is the reconstructed text:

CABINET SECRETARY

NEW DELHI

November 5, 1969

My dear Noronha,

Thanks for your letter dated 31^st October 1969.

We are all very sorry that Doctors have advised you rather pessimistically in regard to your disease. We all hope that the Doctors will be proved wrong.

I have shown your letter to the Prime Minister and she has asked me to convey to you how deeply touched she is about your courageous acceptance of your situation. I am also to tell you that we would not like to disturb you from Madhya Pradesh in view of what you have said.

On my own, I hope that Doctors will be proved wrong in this case and you will have many years of valuable work to the country in front of you.

With deepest regards,

Yours sincerely,

(B. Sivaraman)[i]

To:

Shri R. P. Noronha,

Feroze Cottage,

Karbala Road,

Bhopal.

Longest-serving CS

After about five years as Chief Secretary (Nov 1963 – Aug 1968), Noronha served as Adviser to Governor of Punjab during 1968-69. Upon his return to MP in May 1969, he availed of four months of leave during which he was appointed as a Secretary to Government of India, an assignment he was disinclined to accept.

‘Terminal illness’

Mr. Noronha wrote to the Cabinet Secretary informing of his unwillingness to move to Delhi owing to his ‘terminal illness.’ Cabinet Secretary replied to Mr. Noronha’s letter dated 31^st October, 1969, and assured that ‘we would not like to disturb you from Madhya Pradesh’ because of the unfortunate condition. Mr. Sivaraman’s wish for his ‘terminally ill’ dear colleague that he ‘will have many years of valuable work to the country’ was fulfilled in due course!

R.P. Naik (ICS:1943) served as Chief Secretary from 18 Nov 1969 to 6 Sep 1972 during which Noronha was Chief Controller, Finance. Noronha was appointed as Chief Secretary for the 2^nd term, joined on 6 Sep 1972, and retired from the post on 14 May 1975, famously riding away from Vallabh Bhavan on his moped.

Chitra Mishra has written an excellent memoir for which the link is:

Remembering Noronha (1916-1982), the Legendary Officer – Tryst with Dholpur House (wordpress.com)

A Tale Told by an Idiot by Mr. Noronha is a must read for all civil servants. The book has been translated by Mr. I. S. Dani into Hindi: Ek Anadi ki Kahani.

Noronha’s Fish Curry[ii]

On 26^th January 1958, Mr. Noronha, Commissioner, Jabalpur was on tour to Narsinghpur. Mrs. Noronha and their children were also with him. They stayed in Barman Rest House. The next day, Mr. Noronha was to inspect Gadarwara Tehsil.

Mr. Noronha was very fond of angling. He caught a fish from Narmada, made a nice curry, and invited Mr. Manohar Keshav (IAS:1953), Collector, Narsinghpur to dine with him. The fish curry was delicious and eaten with much relish. Unfortunately, a fishbone got stuck in Mr. Noronha’s throat and caused him much distress.

Assistant Surgeon, Narsinghpur was called in. He was a Bengali. No problem, he said. Just make a big ball of rice and swallow it at once. That’d fix the problem. Much tried and tested, Sir, he said.

Mr. Noronha tried the prescribed remedy more than once, but no sooner did he put the ball of rice into his mouth than he began to chew vigorously as was his habit. He failed since he had never swallowed a big ball of rice at once.

He abandoned his proposed inspection of Gadarwara tehsil and rushed back to Jabalpur to have the fishbone removed by a surgeon.

A fish from Narmada ended up on the dining table but took sweet revenge by causing some pain and distress to the angler and aborting the stern Commissioner’s Inspection, much to the relief of the Collector, SDO, Tehsildar and the office staff.

***

[i] Mr. B. Sivaraman, ICS (1934) was Cabinet Secretary (1.1.1969 – 30.11.1970). During 23.3.1949 – 13.3. 1955, he was Commissioner, Northern Division at Sambalpur, Odisha.

[ii] As narrated by Mr. Manohar Keshav to the blogger on 01.09.2016.

Prasanna Dash