March 2009

March is the financial closing year for all the Industries. It has been a challenging year for all of us in the Industry. And, no less, will be the challenges, that shall be confronted by all of us, in this coming financial year. The fight to retain the present market shares and achieve growth simultaneously in a market, which is witnessing a contraction in consumer demand, is going to be much bigger challenge. World over, Government’s action of pumping more money into the market to turn them vibrant is not changing the course of the market.
The consumer’s confidence is at its lowest ebb at this point of time.

At home, the Indians saw the big fight between IPL organizers and the Government against the decision not to provide security. As the Hindu editorial “Over the top” (March 25) has pointed out,"... even children knew that the general election was scheduled for April and May. Surely, this could not have missed the attention of the IPL organizers. But their business acumen and the weakness of our people for cricket have made them shift the tournament out of our country. "It was surprising to note that hasty statements were made in the media by many including few opposition parties. As any ruling government would have done, the UPA’s decision to concentrate on the elections was a wise call.

Also, the public bashing of certain community by the fascist BJP through young Varun Gandhi only revealed one of the many faces of the BJP, which continue to disturb the communal harmony in this nation.The unfortunate part was that someone from the Nehru family was used as the pawn.

The month also saw the final launch preparations for the nano car in the Indian market.The mood is high, especially among each and every member in the Tata Group, and among everyone across the Industries. The smart work by my colleagues in the Nano marketing team is surely going to make "nano" carve out its own market share in its segment.

Finally the good piece is that the Indian cricket team is in the verge of winning the series in New Zealand after some 4 decades.

Lets hope the new financial year revives the World economy sooner.

March 2009 Animation Courtesy - My Sister!

During one of the days of February, I reached my transit flat in Coimbatore from Bangalore on an early morning. Our wonderful Caretaker, Mr.Selvam, a young entrepreneur in the past, greeted me with his kind smile. He knows that, am one of the biggest admirer of his culinary capabilities. Not just because am a home food starved young bachelor in the company, but, because, I am a highly interactive person with him. So, he takes special care to ask what I would like to have for the day and would be happy to serve me with all affection, the best of the home made foods.

Selvam is a wonderful gentleman, in his late twenties. He has been in our guest house for the last couple of years. He has his own fans in our company. In fact, when we (a group of associates in the company who keep traveling across markets throughout the year, from all divisions), keep meeting in the breakfast table in various locations, we rate our caretakers. And, Selvam will certainly top the list. In fact, last year, when I had a fairly couple of days stay in Coimbatore for my brand store opening, the night, he told me about his successful stint as an entrepreneur in Pondicherry. That day was wonderful for it helped me understand couple of mistakes any entrepreneur normally makes in his/her company. Selvam exactly did the same thing, and one day, had to wind of his business. At around one ‘O clock that day,When the city was seeing some beautiful drizzles, their I sat in our Balcony,with Selvam, telling me how he build his business and how he also lost the same. And, surprisingly I asked him, his future moves and he told with grit and wit, that he will again get back to his business soon and will ensure this time, he wins. I prayed to God that night, that, God, give Selvam all the courage to build his business again and protect him with all wisdom, not to repeat the mistakes he made earlier and give him all wealth. Selvam was not greedy. He was content but had ambitions. He was honest. I know that, sooner, one day, I will meet Mr.Selvam, the successful business man in Pondicherry. For am sure, God will make that happen.

India needs such Selvam kind of businessman, who will build honest business. (I need a separate blog to write about Selvam’s business and the way he built it to lose one day). A smart guy, who can smell opportunity(shall just share with you his business in a nutshell –He used to buy broomstick-a particular kind in a remote village in Tamil Nadu and sell it to big time wholesale seller in Bangalore market, where the product has a Customer base).

But, World cannot afford greedy businessmen. They kill the trust of millions of people and their associates. Unknowingly, one can commit errors that shall lead to wisdom and finally Self-Realization. Certainly not in the name of smartness like what few do today.

Anitha Roddick, The founder of Body Shop, wrote beautifully in her book, that, Business is larger than Nations and Churches. Such is its power to change the way people live their life.




I had been to the Indian Parliament twice. Once when Shri.V.P.Singh was the Prime Minister and I was a kid. And, this time, a year back, the day before the Independence Day. I had attended sessions in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha as a Visitor. It was not a surprise to see an ordinary budget being passed before the final session-Since, it was an interim budget by a caretaker government before the elections. What surprised me was the women reservation bill that did not see the light.

The month saw the Indian Women Cricket team winning the Australians to reach the third place in the World Cup.



The month also saw Shri.A.R.Rahman winning two academy awards along with Resul Pookutty, winning one. It was a heartfelt scene to see the young little cute kids from the slums of Mumbai to address the press standing in the red carpet, along with the Industry’s top performers.






What great words they are….from Rahmanji….”In my life,I always had a choice between love and hate and I chose love. And, I am here...”



Right words at the right moment to World-when it looked for such caring words. How true and powerful philosophies they are.

Courtesy: My sister who had animated the month Feb in such a beautiful way for my blog.
Other Photos courtesy, Google Images.

Self-Realization

You will realize God when you respect His creations!

God is an invisible distributed energy. He resides in every human being, plants and animals. The human beings are endowed with sixth sense, which should be used in realizing God. You will realize God only when you love, care and respect His creations. God expects you to carry out his functions. If you do that you become an ideal for others. God does not reside in temples. Once you are aware of the presence of God then you realize the futility of visiting temples.

We all commit mistakes. But when the same mistakes are repeated it becomes a sin. Seeking pardon for your sins results in self-realization. Your consciousness is God. Respect your consciousness, God will always be with you.

(Thanks Sister. This was sent by my sister to be put up in my blog!)