For elders who say that increasing materialism has robbed this world of righteous life, this young couple would be a source of comfort and reinforcement of the belief that rectitude continues to thrive.
For youngsters who are at crossroads of their life and career, they could be a source of inspiration and endearment.
Umesh and his wife Pooja Thakur are also a source of pride to their peers, their respective families and relatives, for in less than six years after their arrival in New Zealand, they have not only established a beautiful home in East Auckland but also found themselves employment in well-known organisations.
Umesh is employed as the Human Resources Advisor at Patton Limited, while Pooja is a Personal Banker at ASB Bank.
Born and raised in India, both have had their share of anxiety and uncertainty but their determination to succeed encouraged them to take life as an adventure.
Umesh completed his school education when he was 15 years old and joined his father’s family business.
“My father inspired me with his hard work, dedication and loyalty. These became the code and ethics in my life and career, as I began work at an international call centre,” he said.
Umesh met Pooja when he was just turning 17 and three years later, they became husband and wife and looked for greener pastures through higher education.
New Zealand appealed to them instantly.
Scholastic life
“We came here as international students and settled in Timaru. While I pursued a Diploma in Human Resources Management, Pooja enrolled as an ICT student. Our wallet was thin with no more than $1000 but our hearts were filled with hope. We knew that the going would be tough but remained optimistic,” Umesh said.
With cost of living on the rise, the young couple needed to augment their income, which they did, seeking employment, as allowed under the law.
He worked as a cleaner, newspaper boy, ship loader, lawn mower and even flipped the proverbial burgers.
Those determined do not forfeit their fate to destiny. Instead, they work hard and make the best of tough circumstances and tight monetary conditions.
Merit Award
He is perhaps the youngest HR person in the industry and the ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year with Merit’ Award that he received from the Human Resource Institute of New Zealand (HRINZ) at a ceremony held in Parliament Building on November 22, 2012 (Indian Newslink, January 15, 2013) was a testimony to his professional calibre.
Umesh is grateful to his General Manager Philip Hitchins for his guidance and support since he joined Patton five years ago.
“He has been more as a mentor than an employer. He has been a major source of strength and has brought the best out of me,” he said.
His role makes him responsible for all related tasks, including human resources and occupational health and safety throughout the company’s network in New Zealand and Australia.
Umesh credits people for his success as a student and as a professional.
“People are really helpful; everyone played a vital role during my studies and helped me to make my foundation stronger,” he said.
Umesh says that despite being a member of Generation Y, he belongs to the old school, which subscribes to values that are in variance with today’s world.
“I believe in commitment, diligence, devotion and high principles and values. I do not scale greater heights in my life and career but with my feet firmly on the ground. I believe that lessons are to be learnt every day,” he said.
