One of the Hospitals known for its advanced technology, faced a peculiar problem – In room number 101 that was meant for ICU patients, the patient died on 3 successive days exactly at 10.45 in the morning. Entire medical staff was completely foxed – In all the cases the patient concerned was fairly stable as per the morning 10.00 AM check-up. After expensive brainstorming session that involved senior specialists nothing really was conclusive. At the end of a 6 hours meeting, a senior doctor said – let’s just observe the room if the room undergoes any specific change at 10.30 in the morning – sounded little bizarre but they all agreed for the want of a better solution. As a couple of doctors observed the room 101 quietly from the corner next day morning, a sweeper came at 10.25 to mop the floor....he put down his bucket and started mopping the floor...came near the bed.....pulled a plug on the wall...neatly rolled up the wire that was spread on the floor...mopped the floor.... at about 10.35 as he finished the room, he put the plug back...mopped his hands on apron...looked at the room with a smile and walked away......both the doctors almost fainted...the plug that sweeper had pulled off was that of ventilator......
On enquiry it turned out that he was a new sweeper from Housekeeping Department. During an enquiry he made a very interesting statement – “During my brief when I joined, my supervisor told me that we support the doctors.... they are really our internal customers.... so do your job with dedication and don’t cut the corners... One of our core values is dedication which means do your job with you yourself as a supervisor!” While the entire hospital worked for ONE customer – “the patient” our innocent friend was working for some other customer.... with all good intention he just killed 3 customers!!
This story flashed in my mind as I was listening to Dr Wayne Brockbank from Ross School of Business, University of Michigan. The topic of discussion was interesting...the concept of internal customer!
Many of us in HR and support function have been brought up on this beautiful concept of “Internal Customers”....apparently to make us accountable for something may be. Having worked in HR as well as Sales, I found Sales relatively easier in spite of being a qualified HR person....sounds little weird but this is how perhaps it works:
When I work with the external customer, I am at the forefront...I exactly know what stakes are on the table....what’s in it for me and what’s in it for my customer.....we both have a clear agenda....my customer knows what and why is he paying and I know his expectations....works out pretty fine
In this whole transaction a couple of things clearly help:
1. My awareness of the market conditions (competition being a subset of it) which gives me a fair idea of the customer’s options as well as my own bargaining power
2. When I sign up a customer, I know that he is going to work along with me to make it a success as he has put his hard earned money on the table...there are no other agendas!
Though the concept of internal customer sounds perfect, the support functions suffer on couple of accounts:
1. You just know a piece of work that you have to deliver, many a times without a big picture - unless you have a clear visibility and a direct access to the market and more importantly to the customer concerned
2. If your defined customer is sales or production (delivery in service organisations like IT)... you have a problem..... you would never know whether they are up to the mark servicing “THE ONLY CUSTOMER” an organization has.....not to mention at the end of it you have more than a suspicion if you are a scapegoat in case of a failure
While the onus clearly lies on HR professionals to come to the party with knowledge of marketplace along with their own functional competency.....we all must understand that the choice is really between HR as a partner or HR serving the internal customer..... you just can’t have your cake and eat it too!!!!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Key log of Leadership
Dr Ric Roi presented a very interesting concept during the recent NHRDN conference – about a practice that some of us would remember from the school geography book:
This is about the Timber industry and transportation of the logs. Logs cut in winter in the woods were stacked on frozen waterways. As spring arrived and the rivers opened, the logs jostled downstream. The newly cut pine logs would run aground on sandbars, deadhead on the riverbanks or jam in river rapids.
It is these jams which would create problems – if the logs got jammed the blockages would be so severe that it would stop the flow of the river. This is where professional loggers would come into picture – the trick was to identify that one key log that caused the jam – it need not be the biggest log but if one took care of that one log it will clear the entire traffic jam! Interesting!! Really interesting!!!
After listening to various speakers and their ideas my head was really in a spin – I guess that happens if you get too many ideas too fast.... With so many thoughts on leadership it was almost a jam in the mind.....and I was struggling to find that one key log that will clear the jam. What is that one basic underlying principle, that would ensure the smooth flow when it comes to leadership?
As I came home with my thoughts I saw my wife and teenage daughter in an animated argument....my teenage daughter has almost taken it as her mission to have an opinion on practically everything and sometimes it can be quite frustrating.....as I watched them with a mixed feelings of sympathy for my wife and admiration for my daughter, something clicked and I suddenly burst out laughing.....both of them looked at me quizzically but I did not care as I thought I had an answer.....
......When we have an argument with our kids, they feel comfortable to hold up an argument like an equal.... we may be the providers of basic necessities for them but we never bring up that issue in the picture. If we ever do....there is no fight then – there will only be fear and a sense of insecurity.... no views will come forth....no thoughts will be shared.... I guess same is true in the corporate life.... the true calibre of a leader should be gauged by an ability she/he has in allowing the voices to be raised rather than the number of followers that look up to the person.... This is the basis of a healthy relationship where people feel free and comfortable to voice an opinion, reason it out and then most importantly still live together comfortably - after all we still have a family dinner together even after a heated argument! An argument for a true leader is never a threat to a relationship but rather a healthy indication that there is trust and concern lest something should go wrong.
As I got key log to break the traffic-jam in my mind about leadership...I took my wife and kids out for treat while they wondered about the reason for my celebration!!!!
This is about the Timber industry and transportation of the logs. Logs cut in winter in the woods were stacked on frozen waterways. As spring arrived and the rivers opened, the logs jostled downstream. The newly cut pine logs would run aground on sandbars, deadhead on the riverbanks or jam in river rapids.
It is these jams which would create problems – if the logs got jammed the blockages would be so severe that it would stop the flow of the river. This is where professional loggers would come into picture – the trick was to identify that one key log that caused the jam – it need not be the biggest log but if one took care of that one log it will clear the entire traffic jam! Interesting!! Really interesting!!!
After listening to various speakers and their ideas my head was really in a spin – I guess that happens if you get too many ideas too fast.... With so many thoughts on leadership it was almost a jam in the mind.....and I was struggling to find that one key log that will clear the jam. What is that one basic underlying principle, that would ensure the smooth flow when it comes to leadership?
As I came home with my thoughts I saw my wife and teenage daughter in an animated argument....my teenage daughter has almost taken it as her mission to have an opinion on practically everything and sometimes it can be quite frustrating.....as I watched them with a mixed feelings of sympathy for my wife and admiration for my daughter, something clicked and I suddenly burst out laughing.....both of them looked at me quizzically but I did not care as I thought I had an answer.....
......When we have an argument with our kids, they feel comfortable to hold up an argument like an equal.... we may be the providers of basic necessities for them but we never bring up that issue in the picture. If we ever do....there is no fight then – there will only be fear and a sense of insecurity.... no views will come forth....no thoughts will be shared.... I guess same is true in the corporate life.... the true calibre of a leader should be gauged by an ability she/he has in allowing the voices to be raised rather than the number of followers that look up to the person.... This is the basis of a healthy relationship where people feel free and comfortable to voice an opinion, reason it out and then most importantly still live together comfortably - after all we still have a family dinner together even after a heated argument! An argument for a true leader is never a threat to a relationship but rather a healthy indication that there is trust and concern lest something should go wrong.
As I got key log to break the traffic-jam in my mind about leadership...I took my wife and kids out for treat while they wondered about the reason for my celebration!!!!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Atal-ji, me and my complacency....
On the week-end I was just spending time at my parent’s place – this is the place where I grew up and spent most part of my life so far. I feel just great wandering around the place doing particularly nothing... In the living room showcase amongst other things I noticed a gold medal. While I kept gazing at it memories came flooding......
Must have been year 1980 or may be 1981...I remember I was in sixth standard. There was a State level elocution competition held at our school....it was a big occasion (or god knows Nostalgia is making it bigger...). I won the gold medal and the medal was presented to me by none other than Honourable Mr Atal Bihari Vajpeyee. Atal-ji had just stepped down as a Minister of External Affairs in Janata Government and had a huge fan following in the area where I grew up. Well...it was a big occasion and when we got my photograph with Atal-ji my mother was particularly ecstatic. As was the practice in those days she took me around the neighbourhood with the photograph and I basked in my glory happily..... As we went to one particular neighbour’s place, he held the photo and admiringly said, “Hmm... future prime minister” and I just blushed! Well, I knew I had won a big competition but this was little too much...... We came out of their house and as soon as the neighbours closed their door my mother whacked me, “You idiot.... they were talking about Atal-ji not you!!!” I remember that shocked expression on her face at the thought that I never ever thought that the other man in the photograph was little better qualified than me to become the Prime Minister of the Country.....!!!
I think this particular incident defines my overall approach to life which has not changed much over the years. Ill-effects of complacency are well-documented so let me put down something in defence of it especially when I feel I have not fared too badly (you are right this is one of the key symptoms!!) .....
Complacency helps you to think of yourself almost as a god’s gift to mankind and just as you may be oblivious to many critical things happening around you, you are also insulated from the scorn of the world!
Your ambitions almost always have a very romantic aura around them so while success does not affect you (you always deserved it right?...) even a failure is nicely engulfed into a romantic feeling that you get watching a well made tragedy film!
There is a fine line that divides complacency and arrogance..... in arrogance you think of others negatively....in complacency you are always so sure that others are fond of you that there is no question any negativity!
Complacency does not allow you to hurt anyone easily as that does not befit your overall self-image of a romantic hero!
You do not mind working hard simply because you generally are well aware of your importance to the world at large!
I do not know whether it was sheer luck or God’s own design(ya...I seriously think God has time to specifically design my destiny!) that landed me in the IT Industry at the beginning of my career and was so comfortable though out my stay there as I thrived amongst the Software Engineers – who pretty much like me have this feeling about themselves that they are God’s gift to mankind!
As I upload this post on my blog...I just wonder how much and how many folks are going to enjoy reading this!!!!!
Must have been year 1980 or may be 1981...I remember I was in sixth standard. There was a State level elocution competition held at our school....it was a big occasion (or god knows Nostalgia is making it bigger...). I won the gold medal and the medal was presented to me by none other than Honourable Mr Atal Bihari Vajpeyee. Atal-ji had just stepped down as a Minister of External Affairs in Janata Government and had a huge fan following in the area where I grew up. Well...it was a big occasion and when we got my photograph with Atal-ji my mother was particularly ecstatic. As was the practice in those days she took me around the neighbourhood with the photograph and I basked in my glory happily..... As we went to one particular neighbour’s place, he held the photo and admiringly said, “Hmm... future prime minister” and I just blushed! Well, I knew I had won a big competition but this was little too much...... We came out of their house and as soon as the neighbours closed their door my mother whacked me, “You idiot.... they were talking about Atal-ji not you!!!” I remember that shocked expression on her face at the thought that I never ever thought that the other man in the photograph was little better qualified than me to become the Prime Minister of the Country.....!!!
I think this particular incident defines my overall approach to life which has not changed much over the years. Ill-effects of complacency are well-documented so let me put down something in defence of it especially when I feel I have not fared too badly (you are right this is one of the key symptoms!!) .....
Complacency helps you to think of yourself almost as a god’s gift to mankind and just as you may be oblivious to many critical things happening around you, you are also insulated from the scorn of the world!
Your ambitions almost always have a very romantic aura around them so while success does not affect you (you always deserved it right?...) even a failure is nicely engulfed into a romantic feeling that you get watching a well made tragedy film!
There is a fine line that divides complacency and arrogance..... in arrogance you think of others negatively....in complacency you are always so sure that others are fond of you that there is no question any negativity!
Complacency does not allow you to hurt anyone easily as that does not befit your overall self-image of a romantic hero!
You do not mind working hard simply because you generally are well aware of your importance to the world at large!
I do not know whether it was sheer luck or God’s own design(ya...I seriously think God has time to specifically design my destiny!) that landed me in the IT Industry at the beginning of my career and was so comfortable though out my stay there as I thrived amongst the Software Engineers – who pretty much like me have this feeling about themselves that they are God’s gift to mankind!
As I upload this post on my blog...I just wonder how much and how many folks are going to enjoy reading this!!!!!
Monday, October 19, 2009
The lost art of appreciating a Movie.........
The real fun of watching movies was always at my native place – Kolhapur. It was a complete return-on-investment stuff – The action off the screen almost matching the show on the screen. Kolhapur happens to be a prosperous (smallest city in India with Merc showroom of its own!!) art-loving city. I do not know how many cities in India have the film artists’ / directors’, classical music maestros’ statues without they turning politicians and all. I do not know how many cities have Raj Kapoor’s statues in public places – The city has always been a movie buff and quite evolved when it comes to Cinema – The golden era of Marathi Cinema (yes there was!) was from this place.
As most of the school holidays used to be spent there, Kolhapur has always been an integral part of my childhood. It is in those holidays that I really freaked out on the “movie experience” that was so different from routine Mumbai one..... But what made movie watching in Kolhapur so exciting was not the Kolhapur citizens – it was the people who poured in from country-side that made it special. Being the most happening place of that part of the world – folks from nearby countryside used to flock in – to entertain themselves....as well as entertain others albeit unintentionally....
The fun started right at the ticket window..... was not uncommon to have an argument at the window for “One full and one half ticket”!....its only when the fellows in the Queue intervened, the fellow would grumblingly take out the balance money from the folds of his turban.......
No-one wasted precious printing ink on stuff like printing seat numbers on tickets ...... so as the crowd waited for doorkeepers to open the door, scene resembled more like sprinters waiting for the whistle... By experience, you would know that there was no need to participate in the race..... the winners generally preferred front seats!!
The class act was “Big B” movies – always reverentially referred as “Bachchan” – the entry would be greeted with shrill whistles and a generous shower of coins on the screen.... the involvement in Bachchan was so complete that it was not unusual for a few to stand up and cheer the fights.... not to mention the tips that poured in for the fights... well after all its a city of wrestlers....... Loud expletives were thrown at villains - for those who do not know the place, strong expletives (what you call Gaalis) is not considered bad manners...its just part of ...well....normal language!
I still remember watching re-run of iconic Zanjeer in Kolhapur. As I took the seat, a fellow in front of me took out his pouch and while sharing the tobacco with the neighbour said something seriously, which I remember word-by-word to this day ...” this movie there is no tension – that b**##%d Praan (the famous villain) is with Bachchan, otherwise he can be a pain!” as they relaxed in their seats, I just stopped myself from asking – “But what about Ajit? (the villain of Zanjeer)”.
As I watch the movies in comfort of a multiplex or my living room sofa with much better “Technology” experience – I almost get a lump in my throat missing the real experience around – the source of which is a rare commodity now – innocence!
The most amazing movie experience was when Pallavi and I went to Kolhapur first time after our marriage – The big joint family decided to go for a movie – it was the smash-hit that time – Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ)........ As we were taking our seats two of my younger cousins (I think they were in 3rd or 4th standard) rushed and sat on either side of Pallavi.... they wanted see the movie with their brand new bhaabhi (elder brother’s wife)..... so I watched DDLJ sitting between my mother and my aunt! I am waiting for those buggers to grow up and marry.....so that I can take them to a movie in Kolhapur with their newly wed brides......!!!!
As most of the school holidays used to be spent there, Kolhapur has always been an integral part of my childhood. It is in those holidays that I really freaked out on the “movie experience” that was so different from routine Mumbai one..... But what made movie watching in Kolhapur so exciting was not the Kolhapur citizens – it was the people who poured in from country-side that made it special. Being the most happening place of that part of the world – folks from nearby countryside used to flock in – to entertain themselves....as well as entertain others albeit unintentionally....
The fun started right at the ticket window..... was not uncommon to have an argument at the window for “One full and one half ticket”!....its only when the fellows in the Queue intervened, the fellow would grumblingly take out the balance money from the folds of his turban.......
No-one wasted precious printing ink on stuff like printing seat numbers on tickets ...... so as the crowd waited for doorkeepers to open the door, scene resembled more like sprinters waiting for the whistle... By experience, you would know that there was no need to participate in the race..... the winners generally preferred front seats!!
The class act was “Big B” movies – always reverentially referred as “Bachchan” – the entry would be greeted with shrill whistles and a generous shower of coins on the screen.... the involvement in Bachchan was so complete that it was not unusual for a few to stand up and cheer the fights.... not to mention the tips that poured in for the fights... well after all its a city of wrestlers....... Loud expletives were thrown at villains - for those who do not know the place, strong expletives (what you call Gaalis) is not considered bad manners...its just part of ...well....normal language!
I still remember watching re-run of iconic Zanjeer in Kolhapur. As I took the seat, a fellow in front of me took out his pouch and while sharing the tobacco with the neighbour said something seriously, which I remember word-by-word to this day ...” this movie there is no tension – that b**##%d Praan (the famous villain) is with Bachchan, otherwise he can be a pain!” as they relaxed in their seats, I just stopped myself from asking – “But what about Ajit? (the villain of Zanjeer)”.
As I watch the movies in comfort of a multiplex or my living room sofa with much better “Technology” experience – I almost get a lump in my throat missing the real experience around – the source of which is a rare commodity now – innocence!
The most amazing movie experience was when Pallavi and I went to Kolhapur first time after our marriage – The big joint family decided to go for a movie – it was the smash-hit that time – Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ)........ As we were taking our seats two of my younger cousins (I think they were in 3rd or 4th standard) rushed and sat on either side of Pallavi.... they wanted see the movie with their brand new bhaabhi (elder brother’s wife)..... so I watched DDLJ sitting between my mother and my aunt! I am waiting for those buggers to grow up and marry.....so that I can take them to a movie in Kolhapur with their newly wed brides......!!!!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Of Diwali and Guns ....
Once the Dusshera is over, I almost have to kill time till its Diwali – one of my most favourite festivals with lots of great memories around it.
Even today I try and live Diwali almost the same way I used to enjoy in my childhood – well almost the same way I should rather say....
One of the greatest childhood fantasies was around the Diwali guns with the strips of crackers loaded on to it – well - this had to stop at a certain age more on account of social pressure than my own will to stop it!!
Every Diwali as I get into my “child zone”, I always kept missing this one piece - till one fine day a brainwave struck..... I think it was nearing Diwali time about five years back when Janhavi - my daughter – was in 2nd Standard. As Pallavi used to work on Saturday – it was a day always shared by father and daughter. Of course Pallavi had given us something to study as some stupid class Test was around. As soon as she left, we finished Janhavi’s study in about 15 minutes flat!! ... I always had a very democratic way of dealing with my daughter’s study when wife was not around – we flipped through some pages and both agreed she knew everything – as always I realized what a brilliant child I am blessed with....
“Janhavi, I have a plan for some fun”....I was scratching my head to entice my partner in crime....”Lets go and buy couple of toy guns and crackers – one for you and one for me”.....”But I don’t like guns much – lets go and buy something else”.....”Hmmm...well sweetheart.. we’ll build a story around it”.....”You mean like a movie??”...asked the veteran 7 year old movie buff...”Of course!!”....”Wow....amazing...sounds like a plan!!! Lets go”......
Just went out and bought a couple of really mean-looking ones....what an amazing act of indifference I had to put on at the shop, while purchasing those guns lest the shopkeeper should feel I am NUTS!..... Could hardly wait to come home.....As soon as we were back, I loaded both the guns with the cracker strips...”well ... lets start” .....taking position behind the staircase in the house – I fired the first volley almost delirious with joy!.........”WAIT!...you said we’ll do like a movie!!”, Janhavi yelled tightly covering her ears....”Yes...so I’ll be the dacoit”....I offered half graciously...half puzzled! “Not like this...where is the story?” “WHAT story??” I asked coming out of my hideout...”Well you sit here..I’ll make one”...”OK” I sat down on the sofa resigning to the situation.....Next 15 – 20 minutes she just moved tables and chairs to create a set as if competing with Nitin Desai! Sitting idle I just fired another round of gunshots in the air only to be snubbed and asked to be quiet for some time.....then came a script..........GOSH!..with clear instructions about where she will come from.. what will she say and when exactly is my turn to say my piece.....as I obediently took my position I fired another round of shots...”Can we do something about that?”....my director asked pointing towards the gun ....”WHAT?”....”That thing just makes a crazy noise!” she continued to my utter dismay ”Can we just take out those stupid cracker strips and play our movie?”...Resigned to my fate, I threw away the cracker strip from my gun and went through playing my part so energetically that even Bharat Bhushan (god bless his soul) would have looked dashing and dynamic!!!
With one brilliant idea nipped in the bud that time, I am waiting for my chance again now as Diwali approaches
Chinmay – my son – the younger of my children is growing now......well I am waiting again for a Diwali....now-a-days they make such fantastic pieces....I have already spotted couple of sleek Diwali guns.....really sleek you know..........
Even today I try and live Diwali almost the same way I used to enjoy in my childhood – well almost the same way I should rather say....
One of the greatest childhood fantasies was around the Diwali guns with the strips of crackers loaded on to it – well - this had to stop at a certain age more on account of social pressure than my own will to stop it!!
Every Diwali as I get into my “child zone”, I always kept missing this one piece - till one fine day a brainwave struck..... I think it was nearing Diwali time about five years back when Janhavi - my daughter – was in 2nd Standard. As Pallavi used to work on Saturday – it was a day always shared by father and daughter. Of course Pallavi had given us something to study as some stupid class Test was around. As soon as she left, we finished Janhavi’s study in about 15 minutes flat!! ... I always had a very democratic way of dealing with my daughter’s study when wife was not around – we flipped through some pages and both agreed she knew everything – as always I realized what a brilliant child I am blessed with....
“Janhavi, I have a plan for some fun”....I was scratching my head to entice my partner in crime....”Lets go and buy couple of toy guns and crackers – one for you and one for me”.....”But I don’t like guns much – lets go and buy something else”.....”Hmmm...well sweetheart.. we’ll build a story around it”.....”You mean like a movie??”...asked the veteran 7 year old movie buff...”Of course!!”....”Wow....amazing...sounds like a plan!!! Lets go”......
Just went out and bought a couple of really mean-looking ones....what an amazing act of indifference I had to put on at the shop, while purchasing those guns lest the shopkeeper should feel I am NUTS!..... Could hardly wait to come home.....As soon as we were back, I loaded both the guns with the cracker strips...”well ... lets start” .....taking position behind the staircase in the house – I fired the first volley almost delirious with joy!.........”WAIT!...you said we’ll do like a movie!!”, Janhavi yelled tightly covering her ears....”Yes...so I’ll be the dacoit”....I offered half graciously...half puzzled! “Not like this...where is the story?” “WHAT story??” I asked coming out of my hideout...”Well you sit here..I’ll make one”...”OK” I sat down on the sofa resigning to the situation.....Next 15 – 20 minutes she just moved tables and chairs to create a set as if competing with Nitin Desai! Sitting idle I just fired another round of gunshots in the air only to be snubbed and asked to be quiet for some time.....then came a script..........GOSH!..with clear instructions about where she will come from.. what will she say and when exactly is my turn to say my piece.....as I obediently took my position I fired another round of shots...”Can we do something about that?”....my director asked pointing towards the gun ....”WHAT?”....”That thing just makes a crazy noise!” she continued to my utter dismay ”Can we just take out those stupid cracker strips and play our movie?”...Resigned to my fate, I threw away the cracker strip from my gun and went through playing my part so energetically that even Bharat Bhushan (god bless his soul) would have looked dashing and dynamic!!!
With one brilliant idea nipped in the bud that time, I am waiting for my chance again now as Diwali approaches
Chinmay – my son – the younger of my children is growing now......well I am waiting again for a Diwali....now-a-days they make such fantastic pieces....I have already spotted couple of sleek Diwali guns.....really sleek you know..........
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Innovation...Akshaya Patra... and .. Dr JJ Irani Live!
I was attending the 36th Annual conference of AIMA in Chennai last week. Second day morning session was interesting. This was a session on Innovation chaired by Dr JJ Irani with presentations from Akshaya Patra Foundation and NOKIA. Looked promising!
Dr Irani started the proceeding with a easy flowing introduction explaining how innovation was forced on many including TATA Steel post liberalization. In a mischievous tone he noted… before the economy opened up all had freedom to heap substandard products on customers including steel of course.
After narrating the evolution and relevance of innovation he introduced Sreedhar from Akshay Patra Foundation. Sreedhar – a career Sales professional turned philanthropist started narrating the vision called Akshay Patra – No child in India should give up education due to empty stomach!....Education alone can change financial status of a family even in a first generation of education… He narrated true story of a boy studying in one of the Government schools scoring at about 45% marks on an average…. Problem very simple …. One full meal was a luxury…never had one! As he started getting his one full meal a day – performance improved …. 90%+ in 10th and eventually working in an MNC…. Sreedhar presented some statistics on reduced drop-out ratio at schools due to Akshay Patra and it was quite touching…. Then came the innovation piece. He just ran thru the videos of how the whole machinery runs like any corporation to feed 1 million + children every day! It was amazing to see rice cooked in tons and curry by barrels in most aseptic conditions. Then he came to the “assembly line” of chapattis – production of 10,000 chapattis per hour on one assembly line - the dough kneaded without touch and then stretched like a piece of cloth in a mill – this sheet is then stamped by round moulds to cut chapattis that go for oven – Rest of the sheet of dough (after circles being cut for chapattis) is recycled again for next round…. As Sreedhar stopped his presentation there was a spontaneous applause from the audience… As Sreedhar started to move away towards his seat Dr Irani interrupted…. “Mr Sreedhar, just a minute .. just one suggestion”.. I strongly felt that after such a wonderful experience even Dr Irani should maintain the silence… but what he said after that was perhaps a glimpse of characteristics that made him Dr Irani the great… “Why don’t you just make square chapattis instead of round – that way the recycling of the dough can be almost completely avoided” … Sreedhar almost froze in his steps and as he smiled at what now looked the most obvious innovative solution…. There was another thunderous applause… even louder than the original!!!
Dr Irani started the proceeding with a easy flowing introduction explaining how innovation was forced on many including TATA Steel post liberalization. In a mischievous tone he noted… before the economy opened up all had freedom to heap substandard products on customers including steel of course.
After narrating the evolution and relevance of innovation he introduced Sreedhar from Akshay Patra Foundation. Sreedhar – a career Sales professional turned philanthropist started narrating the vision called Akshay Patra – No child in India should give up education due to empty stomach!....Education alone can change financial status of a family even in a first generation of education… He narrated true story of a boy studying in one of the Government schools scoring at about 45% marks on an average…. Problem very simple …. One full meal was a luxury…never had one! As he started getting his one full meal a day – performance improved …. 90%+ in 10th and eventually working in an MNC…. Sreedhar presented some statistics on reduced drop-out ratio at schools due to Akshay Patra and it was quite touching…. Then came the innovation piece. He just ran thru the videos of how the whole machinery runs like any corporation to feed 1 million + children every day! It was amazing to see rice cooked in tons and curry by barrels in most aseptic conditions. Then he came to the “assembly line” of chapattis – production of 10,000 chapattis per hour on one assembly line - the dough kneaded without touch and then stretched like a piece of cloth in a mill – this sheet is then stamped by round moulds to cut chapattis that go for oven – Rest of the sheet of dough (after circles being cut for chapattis) is recycled again for next round…. As Sreedhar stopped his presentation there was a spontaneous applause from the audience… As Sreedhar started to move away towards his seat Dr Irani interrupted…. “Mr Sreedhar, just a minute .. just one suggestion”.. I strongly felt that after such a wonderful experience even Dr Irani should maintain the silence… but what he said after that was perhaps a glimpse of characteristics that made him Dr Irani the great… “Why don’t you just make square chapattis instead of round – that way the recycling of the dough can be almost completely avoided” … Sreedhar almost froze in his steps and as he smiled at what now looked the most obvious innovative solution…. There was another thunderous applause… even louder than the original!!!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Remembering Appa....
Today Appa would have been 90.... actually I should say today he turns 90 as he lives on in our memory.
I first met Appa when I was 21.... little tentative about how would a grandfather react to grand-daughter’s ‘boyfriend’. What struck me about Aaji (grandmother) and Appa was that they were a peculiar pair of grandparents. Well, they looked like any normal, sweet and loving grandparents but were not actually the archetypical grandparents..... with the twinkle in the eyes they would discuss good novels, films – both English and Hindi and of course music.
Generally when you go to meet the older people, apart from affection, there is also a feeling at the back of your mind to lighten up their day.... in my case I used to visit Appa to lighten up my own day.
As the collage emerges, sweet memories come one after other...
Rarely have I seen such an amazing sense of humor with an exquisite timing..... once in a nationalised bank, an arrogant cashier asked ,”What do you want??” “ 1 Kg potatoes and 1 Kg Onions” pat came the reply. As the fellow was frothing with anger, Appa burst out laughing...... We wanted to run for cover when he asked the fruit vendor “imli kya bhaav diya (whats the price of tamarind?)” because the fellow had given him sour oranges on earlier occasion. Aaji would get extremely worried at these antics but he had a simple theory which made a lot of sense – he would generally calm her down saying “I am an old man and so frail that no-one would ‘dare’ to touch me, at best they would think I am senile which is quite alright!”
I always found it amusing when he used to go to drop my mother-in-law to the bus-stop and check out whether she has got into the bus properly. Aged around 50 and a distinguished educationist in her own right, Appa would treat her exactly like a school-kid. I stopped feeling funny as I waved to my daughter getting into her school bus years later.....
For me, talking to Appa was like watching an old Dev Anand movie like a CID. Apart from being a Dev Anand fan I love that genre of movies as they show a Mumbai of 60’s...... I just love watching the old Mumbai of that era. Appa would walk me down the era much before my birth.... like a grandfather taking a child for a walk. He was an engineer by profession and had a long stint with ACC.....was an outstanding expert in Engineering Design..... we would talk those times... working culture... social life. There was never “good old days compared to today”. While we were discussing job changes he once told me..”I also wanted to change my job once .. but then realised I was working for the best and biggest company of my sector.. where would I go?” – in a life with extremely insecure childhood and lot of struggle he always maintained a very clear-headed approach.
We were gifted to hear the stories from him – he would narrate the old English movies and we would just become kids all over again. One of his most favourite was “The Good Earth” – a movie in 30’s based on Pearl Buck’s novel by the same name. He would tell me about the story, acting, cinematography and virtually everything about the movie. “Lets watch it together if you get it” he would always say. Years passed by, but somehow, I never could lay my hands on that. Once during a long transit period between the flights at JFK, as I was passing time at Madison Square, I walked into a huge bookstore. On a kiosk, I just casually typed “The Good Earth” in the Films section .....and got it .... almost ran to the second floor to pick up the DVD. I hurriedly came back to the Airport to watch it on my laptop. As I started watching it...I realized Appa’s power of narration.....Sitting alone at a far-off place, mist in my eyes blurred the movie.... a thought gnawed my mind.....I knew Appa was on the final stage of his life....we were never going to watch it together....nothing in the world could bring me that moment......As the protagonist (character “lived” by Paul Muni) enters the local entertainment house.....I shut down the laptop..... It is over two years, I have still not watched “The Good Earth” .............may be one of Appa’s Birthdays, I’ll sit together with family and watch it..........
I first met Appa when I was 21.... little tentative about how would a grandfather react to grand-daughter’s ‘boyfriend’. What struck me about Aaji (grandmother) and Appa was that they were a peculiar pair of grandparents. Well, they looked like any normal, sweet and loving grandparents but were not actually the archetypical grandparents..... with the twinkle in the eyes they would discuss good novels, films – both English and Hindi and of course music.
Generally when you go to meet the older people, apart from affection, there is also a feeling at the back of your mind to lighten up their day.... in my case I used to visit Appa to lighten up my own day.
As the collage emerges, sweet memories come one after other...
Rarely have I seen such an amazing sense of humor with an exquisite timing..... once in a nationalised bank, an arrogant cashier asked ,”What do you want??” “ 1 Kg potatoes and 1 Kg Onions” pat came the reply. As the fellow was frothing with anger, Appa burst out laughing...... We wanted to run for cover when he asked the fruit vendor “imli kya bhaav diya (whats the price of tamarind?)” because the fellow had given him sour oranges on earlier occasion. Aaji would get extremely worried at these antics but he had a simple theory which made a lot of sense – he would generally calm her down saying “I am an old man and so frail that no-one would ‘dare’ to touch me, at best they would think I am senile which is quite alright!”
I always found it amusing when he used to go to drop my mother-in-law to the bus-stop and check out whether she has got into the bus properly. Aged around 50 and a distinguished educationist in her own right, Appa would treat her exactly like a school-kid. I stopped feeling funny as I waved to my daughter getting into her school bus years later.....
For me, talking to Appa was like watching an old Dev Anand movie like a CID. Apart from being a Dev Anand fan I love that genre of movies as they show a Mumbai of 60’s...... I just love watching the old Mumbai of that era. Appa would walk me down the era much before my birth.... like a grandfather taking a child for a walk. He was an engineer by profession and had a long stint with ACC.....was an outstanding expert in Engineering Design..... we would talk those times... working culture... social life. There was never “good old days compared to today”. While we were discussing job changes he once told me..”I also wanted to change my job once .. but then realised I was working for the best and biggest company of my sector.. where would I go?” – in a life with extremely insecure childhood and lot of struggle he always maintained a very clear-headed approach.
We were gifted to hear the stories from him – he would narrate the old English movies and we would just become kids all over again. One of his most favourite was “The Good Earth” – a movie in 30’s based on Pearl Buck’s novel by the same name. He would tell me about the story, acting, cinematography and virtually everything about the movie. “Lets watch it together if you get it” he would always say. Years passed by, but somehow, I never could lay my hands on that. Once during a long transit period between the flights at JFK, as I was passing time at Madison Square, I walked into a huge bookstore. On a kiosk, I just casually typed “The Good Earth” in the Films section .....and got it .... almost ran to the second floor to pick up the DVD. I hurriedly came back to the Airport to watch it on my laptop. As I started watching it...I realized Appa’s power of narration.....Sitting alone at a far-off place, mist in my eyes blurred the movie.... a thought gnawed my mind.....I knew Appa was on the final stage of his life....we were never going to watch it together....nothing in the world could bring me that moment......As the protagonist (character “lived” by Paul Muni) enters the local entertainment house.....I shut down the laptop..... It is over two years, I have still not watched “The Good Earth” .............may be one of Appa’s Birthdays, I’ll sit together with family and watch it..........
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