The last light: The RSC alias NAIR—1930-2025
Never had I imagined even in the farthest corners of my mind that I would be the last one to switch off the lights of this historic Railway Staff College (#RSC) alias National Academy of Indian Railways (#NAIR) and walk out.
While I was descending the majestic staircase of #PratapVilasPalace yesterday, I paused for a moment. The evening light filtered softly through the trees of #Rajabaug, and the birds chirped in the quiet air sounds and sights I knew that I was witnessing for the last time. Mid-step, a question came uninvited: “Why me? Why had destiny chosen me to perform this final ritual?”
The story began a year ago. One by one, officers started leaving the #Academy. And on the 31st of July, 2025, all the dedicated staff and the handful of remaining officers had relinquished their charges and quietly started moving to their new destinations each carrying their own bundle of memories, each with a heart slightly heavier than when they arrived.
National Academy of #IndianRailways (#NAIR) was never just a #training institute. For many of us, it was our second home. A place that gave us more than knowledge and designations. It gave us friendships that cut across departments, lessons that stayed beyond the classroom, and memories that got woven into our careers and lives. We laughed here, we toiled, we found ourselves and sometimes, we even lost ourselves in the charm of this heritage.
Gathering my thoughts, I stood and I could still hear the faint echoes of laughter, footsteps of trainee officers, multiple languages, they spoke, diverse cultural programmes during weekends, and yes, the ever-present chirping and beautiful evening roll call parades of birds, reminding me that life continues, gently but surely.
I take this moment to gratefully acknowledge the guidance and support of the #DDG and the many #faculty members who were part of my journey at NAIR. Their presence, encouragement, and camaraderie made this place truly special.
The dedicated staff of NP office, library, Training assistants, IT & network team, Stenographers, MGS of all logistics & campus, technical team and supervisors, drivers and the staff of #Annapoorna mess, sports complex deserve not just applause but quite reverence. I just wanted to say them that they toiled with devotion to guard the monument, preserve its history and uphold its legacy and when the time finally came they accepted the fate with the same silent grace with which they served throughout your journey at NAIR.
#PCM, #APPM, #LIO, #PLM, and #PPS stood beside me like walls of quiet strength and support until their turn, or perhaps fate, called upon them to sign off.
What becomes of a place when everyone leaves? The buildings remain, the trees sway gently, and the birds still sing… but the soul of the place goes quiet. And yet, this silence won’t last long. Soon, the giggles, the footsteps, the organised chaos of #GSV will take over. The pause will break into motion. And the campus will breathe again.
What I feel today is not sadness. It’s a kind of weight, a tender heaviness mixed with deep gratitude. That I could return, that I could be here during #NAIR’s final breath. That, perhaps by fate or design, I was chosen to witness the last page of this rich story.
I leave this place with respect in my heart and a lump in my throat. I was lucky to have been a part of its journey and maybe—just maybe—to be its last storyteller.
And so, I now leave behind the last trace of my identity 9601285935 to embrace a new one awaiting me at #IRCON: 9560595057. One number fades into memory, as another begins to script a new chapter.
With Love and regards
The Last Man
#SAKKEERHUSSAIN
#SPHRM, #IRPS-2001