My Plant Diary

This morning was different. It had a strange stillness underneath all the movement. The kind of stillness that comes when a journey ends, not abruptly, but with a bow, a smile, and a memory. It was my last morning meeting at WACEM . I opened it the only way I knew best, through song. I sang the full prayer, “Itni Shakti Hamein Dena Data…” , with my heart full and voice steady. Then I translated it, pausing after each line to reflect aloud - perhaps more for myself than anyone else. It wasn’t just a prayer anymore; it had become a rhythm of these last 7 months. Mr. BVKR took over with his signature positivity. He made us all form a human chain , a garland of people connected by the journey we’ve shared. I stood in the center, recording a self-video as the entire group moved around me. It was surreal - like life circling back on itself, every face a chapter. Then came the words -  good words , kind words - for me. Words that wrapped up all that had been said and done. I respo...

The day began on a disturbing note. Before sunrise, around 4:00 AM, two of our workmen were injured while trying to remove cyclone jamming. Fortunately, the injuries weren’t critical, but our medical team - thankfully alert - took no chances. One of them was referred to the hospital in Lomé for further observation. The news jolted me. I reached the plant earlier than usual, choosing to walk the stretch from the main road to the gate. That walk helped me gather my thoughts. As I entered, I made my way directly to the dispensary to check on the injured workman and his family. I asked our Admin team to ensure their complete comfort - food, tea, proper care. At such moments, reassurance matters more than anything else. But let’s face it - this was bound to happen. In the recent days, I often joked, “Just keep the plant running safely until I leave.” But the joke had weight beneath it. Our structures are frail, operations often careless, and risk lies around every unchecked bolt and ever...

The plant still runs, but I’ve begun stepping away from the daily grind. Not out of indifference, but with quiet acceptance that my time here is nearing its end. It’s Thursday today. Saturday will be my last working day at WACEM. There's a different kind of rhythm now - a slower, more reflective one. I'm still updating the DPR sheet , and I’ll continue doing that till the last day. That’s part of my discipline. Morning Thoughts and Meetings In today’s HOD meeting , I emphasized something that should be part of everyone’s core responsibilities: Clean your machines, clean your area - and paint them too. It’s not just cosmetic. Clean equipment runs better. Painted equipment is respected.  A plant that looks good, feels good to work in. But I’m no longer deeply involved in follow-ups or firefighting. The detachment is conscious and calm. I’ve never believed in calling people to the office for fruitless discussions or ego-centered monologues . It’s never been my nature -...

There’s something reassuring when the rhythm returns -  Today began like it used to. With purpose, with momentum, with that faint trace of energy I feared had faded. Morning was sharp and steady. Brief plant reflections , some clicks of the premises , and while walking the familiar paths, I picked up scattered plastic waste - my small habit, my way of leaving the place better than I found it. The morning meeting was precise, just as it should be. Today, during the HOD meeting, I emphasized the need to be creative -  to do something new, something bold, something useful . I gave an example: Why not fabricate a high-volume, low-RPM fan impeller? We already have the workshop space, the machines, the manpower . What we often lack is the mindset - to initiate, to innovate, to believe . When we create something with our own hands, from scratch, it doesn’t just serve a technical need - it uplifts our spirit . There’s a different kind of satisfaction in knowing, "This wasn...

 I’m a human. And  today, I truly felt it. This wasn’t about physical exhaustion. It wasn’t the rains. It wasn’t the usual workplace fatigue. It was something deeper...  an emotional stillness , almost like a dull silence inside. For the  first time in my life , I didn’t feel that inner  push  to come to the plant. Usually, I’m the kind of person who  beats the siren , who walks into the premises 10-15 minutes early, who catches the stillness of the morning before the world wakes up. But today, I reached  just  as the siren rang. Post-lunch, I was late. And I knew why - I wasn’t dragging my feet; my  spirit had slowed down . The  morning prayer  was brief. No elaboration, no talk - just the ritual. The  HOD meeting  was even shorter. And the  DPM (Daily Production Meeting) ? Cancelled. Why? Because both the  Mechanical and Process HODs were away , off to Lome for general and personal purchases. The plants ar...

Yesterday was Whit Sunday , and today, being Whit Monday , was a public holiday too. But for me, the concept of "holiday" rarely means a pause. Today wasn’t an exception. While the town might have been slow and sleepy, the plant had its own rhythm to maintain - and so did I. The morning meeting had a sparse attendance. Mr. Edoh and Mr. Mensah were missing , so the usual ceremonial flow of prayer and translation seemed to have lost its pace. But what could possibly stop me? I stood up, took a deep breath, and sang “Itni Shakti Hamen Dena Daata...” in full voice. Two minutes and fifteen seconds of complete surrender, echoing through the room like a call to awaken not just the body, but the spirit. This prayer has been my lifelong companion - through difficult shutdowns, long journeys, and moments of silence. And today, it wasn’t just a melody; it was a message -  to myself and to those present: Even when the system slows down, the soul must sing louder. After the prayer...

The morning wore a soft grey veil. Clouds hung low , as if listening in silence, just above the horizon. A perfect backdrop to set the tone - not heavy, but reflective. We began the day the way I like best: with a morning prayer , followed by a safety talk and HOD meeting . There’s something immensely grounding in these gatherings. People standing together, minds aligning, energy syncing. After the prayer, I felt compelled to speak - not as a manager, but as someone who’s learned through burns, bruises, and battles. I spoke about three fundamental pillars -  principles I believe are not just rules for work, but for life: The 5 Cardinal Rules of Safety : Treat them as a daily checklist -  for yourself, your team, and the plant. Simple. Life-saving. C.I.L.T. (Cleaning, Inspection, Lubrication, Tightening) : I reminded everyone that once the machines start running, our human instinct is to relax. But that’s exactly when we must be more alert. Keep C.I.L.T. alive. The P...

When the siren blows and you're still not at the morning meeting spot, you don't walk-you sprint. So I ran. The delay was self-inflicted this time. I had paused longer than I should have near the plant gate, chasing reflections with my phone camera and chasing away plastic trash from the path.  It's a short 100-meter dash from there to the meeting venue. I joined the team just in time, before the prayer began. Mr. Yendabre noticed my breathless arrival and even gave it a friendly mention in his talk post-prayer. These little recognitions, even when playful, add flavor to the day. BVKR Sir had an engaging idea this morning-he asked all of us to form a human chain, or as I put it, a “garland of people.” I captured the moment in video. Such visual metaphors stay with people longer than lectures do. Lately, I’ve been handling the HOD meetings myself. The general tone among the team is-let's just say-subdued. There's slowness, hesitation, and low energy. Unfortunately, I...

The heavy rain in the wee hours last night was relentless. Despite trying to drown it out with ear-plugs, sleep remained elusive. The constant pattering and occasional gusts outside kept my mind restless. Starting the day on such a note is always challenging, especially when the clock waits for no one. By the time I reached the morning meeting, I was just about on time - barely. It’s true what they say: when you’re late once, the day seems determined to throw more hurdles your way. A confused bike rider at the main gate was signaling indecisively, unsure whether to turn or proceed straight, holding up traffic behind him. Adding to the chaos, a large truck was reversing down the narrow road, completely blocking passage. This small but frustrating gridlock set the tone for a day full of little challenges to navigate. After settling down with the usual prayer, some team members raised operational points that deserved immediate attention. I took this opportunity in the HOD meeting to pro...

The morning began with energy - both inside and out. A cool breeze was blowing over Tabligbo, but there was a warmth in the hearts of those who gathered early for our morning session. As always, I picked up the plastic litter thrown along my way - and I do mean it when I say: “ People give me opportunities to serve the earth - one plastic bit at a time.” It’s not sarcasm. It’s a way to turn irritation into action , and action into meditation . A Prayer, a Note, and Silent Flames Two of our team members sang the morning prayer, their voices unpolished but open-hearted. They weren't trained singers, but the way they sang - raw, sincere, and hopeful - made it beautiful. I joined them in their final line: “Thank you, Lord.” That line stayed with me the whole day. Cleaning Work Appreciated Mr. BVKR shared a note of appreciation for the successful and safe completion of the Clinker Silo Top cleaning by our contractor. I followed that up with a mention of the Crusher Mechan...

Yesterday - Sunday, 1st June Sunday in Tabligbo dawned with a refreshing energy. We stepped out early to participate in the Reforestation Day celebrations held near the Mayor's office . The place was buzzing -  young volunteers , city administrators , local officials , and enthusiastic citizens all gathered for a common purpose: to plant hope in the form of saplings . I joined in, planting trees with a quiet joy. There’s something deeply symbolic about placing roots into soil  - especially when you're trying to rebuild systems at work. We took a few pictures, exchanged greetings, and met some remarkable people. The air was alive with positive intent. I returned with a mind that felt cleansed - like the earth we had just watered. Today - Monday, 2nd June The week started with rainfall early in the morning , which continued till around 7 AM . The rain washed the dust off the leaves and buildings, but in the plant, some stains run deeper . Morning Meeting - The Manipul...