Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: In a heartwarming and unexpected gesture, staff of the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) surprised Chairperson Girish Borker by organising his 50th birthday celebration at the municipal garage early Thursday morning, leaving him visibly emotional.
Unaware of what awaited him, Borker was invited at the MMC garage at around 7 am to find the entire premises decorated with balloons, banners and lights. Staff members revealed that preparations for the celebration had begun as early as 4 am, with employees from various departments working together quietly to ensure the surprise remained intact.
As Borker entered the office and realised the effort put in by the staff, he was overwhelmed with emotion and broke down in tears. Several staff members gathered around him, applauding and wishing him, before joining him to cut the birthday cake amid cheers and smiles.
Speaking briefly after the celebration, an emotional Borker thanked the staff for the affection and respect shown to him. He said the gesture meant more than any formal celebration and reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of MMC employees.
Marking the occasion, Borker also handed over letters granting special status to municipal workers. Under his tenure, the MMC has become the first municipality in Goa to elevate daily wage workers to temporary workers, entitling them to leave benefits on par with regular staff. The MMC has also emerged as the first civic body in the State to provide insurance coverage for its workers.
Staff members said the celebration was their way of expressing gratitude for a chairperson who, they said, stood firmly by workers’ rights and dignity.
