Sunday, December 14, 2008

The Road Less Travelled

After a four year stint at the Times of India group where I handled space selling , I was on the lookout for another opportunity. Of the several interviews that I went through, way back in 1998,I have very vivid memories of the one I attended for a role at Schindler. I had gone quite unprepared expecting to be interviewed by one person. I was so wrong because this was not one or two but a 5 member panel conducting interviews!! As I was being introduced by the head of HR to the VP-Operations, MD, CEO and the other functional heads, I could feel my knees quiver and my heartbeat race. I felt intimidated by the erudite management team and tried hard to keep myself focused on the questions being asked. From details of my work experience to academics and my interests in dance-there was nothing in my CV that I had not been quizzed on. I emerged from the room an hour later; heaving a sigh of relief that it was over, but also pleased. I remember saying to myself, “I don’t know if I made it but that was a rocker of an interview experience!!”

A month later on a wintry January morning, I found myself on the 15th floor of Gopaldass Bhawan , Connaught Place; as I embarked on my journey at Schindler. It wasn’t hard to notice the stark change from Times of India, in more ways than one. From an office which was only full of women, this one had none! From sharing my desk and phone with three others, I now had an independent work station with a state of the art Siemens landline, all to myself. From an antiquated desktop which was also shared, I now had an IBM laptop and a mobile phone to complete the set. Way back in 1999, this level of gadget comfort was still uncommon and an aspiration for many, so needless to say I was very thrilled with my acquisitions. My enthusiasm was however dampened when I was informed that there has been a slight change in my role and that I would handle product sales for a while. Maintenance contract led sales for which I was hired had been shelved as a business by the management and hence the decision. After a brief conversation with my managing director, I was convinced that I had made an error of judgement and would give this a shot only for a month and not more. I was so wrong—not only did I adapt to product(new installation) sales but also did it for six years and in two diverse markets!!!!

I distinctly recall this episode; when my father had come to pick me up from office, one evening. Out of concern for his daughter, he very earnestly asked the CEO, “She has no industry experience, she is not even an engineer. How will she cope? Why have you hired her??” The CEO, an Italian head of the Indian subsidiary; smiled assuredly. He explained, that they were seeking a fresh perspective from talent outside the industry and a lack of an engineering degree would not be a barrier. His confidence gave me a ray of hope and I decided to give this my best shot. At Schindler India's 25th year celebration last year, Mr Silvio Napoli ( who was CEO Schindler India in 1999)  narrates jokingly, " Hiring Aparna was not enough, I had to sit for an interview with her father to keep her!!!"

The first 100 days were tough to say the least. I had to start from scratch and move quickly.
My induction as a new joinee was truly novel. I was asked to report to the roof- top of a residential building, on Hailey Road, where Schindler’s first installation was underway. This is where I spent a better part of the winter of 1999, observing how an elevator is installed. On one of his surprise visits, the head of field operations, asked me pointedly, “So how does one align the guide rails?” “How is the DBG(distance between guide rails) calculated?” Every part of me was screaming to say that tools and equipment didn’t interest me and I couldn’t be bothered about guide rails. One look at him and I knew he would have none of this. Learning by doing was his principle and I had no option but to hop onto the car top and figure it out. So quite grudgingly I donned a helmet and a harness and carefully stepped on to the top of the lift cabin. From the 14th floor when I looked down the shaft, I felt dizzy and shrieked in panic. All work that day came to a standstill as I became an amusing spectacle. A few days later we learnt that there was an erroneous shipment of some of the components of the elevator. This stalled the entire installation process and nobody was more pleased than me. Playing cricket, mobile phone games and sipping umpteen cups of masala chai at the roadsidel tea shop, is how we spent our time; till such time as work resumed.

One of my first questions on ‘what is a machine room’ invited a sniggered response from some of my more seasoned colleagues. I was a silent participant in all technical discussions.They spoke an alien language altogether and I was always scared of asking a stupid question. With each passing day, like a child learning a new language I learnt to construct sentences using the right technical words. It was not long before hoistway size, column thickness, lintel height, rag bolts and the like were words that became a part of my everyday vocabulary. Through this entire phase the unflagging support of some colleagues and my senior management is what kept me afloat. There were many a times when I asked myself, “why am I doing this?” “Will I be able to do this?” Almost unfailingly, each time clouds of doubt enveloped me, there was someone in the organization who encouraged me to keep moving. Sometimes I felt, I was holding on, more for the confidence they reposed in me; than for myself!

While I was trying to cope with my lack of technical and industry experience, I realized there was another barrier I would have to deal with— that of my credibility as a female professional in a male dominated industry. Builders and architects were not used to negotiating with a lady, for a technical product and hence an initial apprehension was an additional challenge I had to face. It was strange for me to reckon with the fact that there was a buzz in the industry of a woman having entered a male bastion. In an industry where people movements are monitored quite closely this was probably headline news. Three years later, when I moved to Bangalore as part of Schindler’s foray into the southern market,a feeling on déjà vu was all consuming. On many an occasion when I walked in for a meeting, I found my prospective client, looking expectantly over my shoulder for someone else to accompany me. When I told them I was alone, it was met with a response of skepticism and to an extent bewilderment, on whether I would be able to handle techno-commercial negotiations. To see perceptions change and prejudices break over a period of time, was definitely a huge high.

One of my first contracts, my first ‘taste of blood’ as my boss would put it, was met with much jubilation and cheer within the organization. Everyone was waiting with bated breath on how I would fare and so a string of congratulatory mails from everyone in the organization followed. For me it was significant because I had broken barriers within myself ---I had moved from a ‘I cant do it” to an “I can and its possible” one. This contract of two elevators was for a posh building in a South Delhi, colony, owned by a rather typical unrefined Delhi builder. Most of our meetings happened on a half broken chair at his building site. In addition to the sales pitch I was also preoccupied with balancing myself on the rickety chair while ducking pieces of concrete falling from the top floors!!! Every time I met him he would try desperately to pronounce Schindler but found it a tongue twister. On one occasion he introduced me to another builder friend of his as “ Madam from Chandelier company”. When I corrected him he tried to copy me, to say “Sachindler" !!!!

In its first year of its operations, Schindler had launched the machine room less elevator and so a lot of my time was invested in proposing this concept to architects and structural consultants. For fairly obvious reasons, I found my comfort zone in concept selling more than in product selling. It took some time and experience to start enjoying the latter. Schindler also introduced the concept of account management. i.e All aspects of project management from selling, PR, collections, complaints, site execution was coordinated by a single point interface between the client and the organization. While this was well received by the market, the poor account manager had a tough time juggling several balls in the air. No mean task, especially as the number of projects kept increasing each successive year.

As part of business development, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting a wide cross section of people. From the rustic to the more cultured ones, from the young and inexperienced to the old and well versed, my tack and approach varied substantially, making my profile very dynamic. Every contract therin was unique, offering a different experience and learning.While some client interactions I would like to obliterate from my memory, quite a few of them presented an enjoyable experience.

An interesting incident comes to mind--one of my clients, was getting an elevator installed at his residence. He owned two rather ferocious German Shepherds,so every time I visited him he would have to chain them up before I could enter the premises. Once the shaft was ready and the scaffolding in place,I was accompanied by two of my site installation engineers. I had warned them about the dogs but they didn’t seem very concerned about it. Just as we were inspecting the shaft, we heard the dogs race down from the terrace. The din they created sent a shiver down my spine and I was fortunately close enough to the front gate to rush out to safety. After the dogs had been contained by their master, I re entered the house but couldn’t see my colleagues. I then heard them calling out from the top of the hoistway.In sheer fright they had climbed up the scaffolding like monkeys !!! Every time this incident was recounted to others, we share a hearty laugh.

Preparing for the pre qualification process of the Delhi metro Rail project is one that I thoroughly enjoyed. This was the first time that we were handling a project of this scale,so it needed several hands to put the requisite documents together. Everyone at the Delhi and Mumbai offices was in some way or the other involved in probably the biggest project that the Indian market was witnessing. As the deadline for submission approached, the pace of work got more frenetic. Despite being weighed down by the mound of work, it was interesting to notice that there were no complaints of fatigue or ennui. Everyone revelled in the camaraderie that they shared as each one put their best foot forward. It was an excellent display of bonhomie and team spirit—one that I am proud to be a part of.

After spending close to three years at the Delhi office, I moved to be a part of the Bangalore operations. Penetrating the market where some of the local brands were deeply entrenched, was an enormous task. Change doesn’t go down well with the risk averse South Indian psyche,so breaking through their mindset with a new product concept(machine room less elevator) and brand name was immensely challenging. To add to our woes, the economic downturn post 09-11 had an adverse effect on sales. In my entire professional career so far,2002 was clearly the most stressful. Bookings were far from target, collections was minimal, bosses were hollering and the morale was down. It was only about a year later that business started looking up. Our hopes were renewed with the sprouting of malls in Bangalore as the demand for escalators increased.

Around this time when I was attending an offsite, I was introduced to another female colleague who had recently joined the organization. It was heartening to see the gender balance tilting; albeit slowly. I was very happy to meet with her and felt an instant connect. Quite instinctively I took on a protective role and advised her(not sure if it was solicited by her!!) on what lay ahead in this fairly daunting industry.

As I look back at the six years I spent at Schindler, I feel I have come a long way. It has been an interesting kaleidoscope of experiences sprinkled with several highs, lows, challenges, and opportunities..A unique learning curve that has helped me grow manifold, both personally and professionally. Its been two years since I moved on from Schindler but the close relationships formed; I will cherish for a life time to come. Thanks to technology most of us(now ex Schindler) still keep in touch and meet up regularly to walk down memory lane.

An Idea for change

Was the last month’s blow a turning point in India’s history?
Where do we go from here?
An idea for change


For several years now, India has been the soft target of some mavericks who either believe that brutal carnage in this country is their stepping stone to jannat or are probably part of a state sponsored destabilizing operation. Given the coordinated manner in which these barbaric acts are being conducted, coupled with the privileges and funding they enjoy, I am more inclined to believe the latter. In the process, its leading to unimaginable mutilation of a religion which at the very core , is based on peace loving principles. Its sad to see how any devout follower of Islam can stoop to ridicule their sense of identity. How in jannats name can violence be justified as serving a higher purpose? Why then, haven’t all the other religions of this planet interpreted it, in the same manner? Are they missing something that these fanatic Muslims seem so sure of? Given its irrational belief system, I am of the view that the terror story clearly has a more political flavor than a religious one.

So what should India do? Feel like a hapless victim and point a finger towards Pakistan? While the super powers have voiced their concern and rendered help, I believe India has to fend for herself. This is our battle alone and we have the wherewithal to douse such fires which stem not from strength but reek of fear, insecurity and a false notion of power. Challenging circumstances are an opportunity to reflect, introspect and source from our inner reservoir of unlimited strength and fortitude. Wallowing in pity or indulging in a blame game like our politicians are most likely to do, are reactionary tendencies that will not yield any results. There is nothing that we can do to change our political or bureaucratic system-they are too horribly mired in their web of petty games to expect sound governance from them. Even after 61 years of independence our political leaders have not been able to strengthen the infrastructure in this country. It would be foolish to allow them independence in matters that are critical to the nation’s growth. The current scenario therefore calls for a change in the rules of the game.

The need of the hour is to create an equally powerful constructive force that could negate the inherent flaws and wrongdoings of the government. I believe this force rests unequivocally with Corporate India. No longer can organizations exist in isolation of their socio political environment. There is increasing need for business houses to consider an expansion in their dimension of operation to include an responsibility to people of society and planet in addition to profit. Organizational success and sustainability needs to encompass a triple bottom line concept of people, planet and profit- a paradigm adhered to, by only a few organizations today. Corporate India can no longer afford to let the government take its own course. Our responsibility as part of corporations doesn’t end with making a choice between the devil and the deep sea. We need to build a sustained partnership with those in the political realm. Only a move which goes beyond electing to engaging with them can save the nation from the perils of poor governance.

Such efforts have been initiated but are too small scale to witness a nation wide change. Janaagraha,(
www.janaagraha.org )a citizens’ initiative started by ex Citibank honcho, Mr Ramesh Ramanathan is indeed a praiseworthy effort. From a movement to include people's participation in public governance it has now evolved into a robust institution
for citizenship and democracy. Its advisory board includes several eminent members from Corporate India. Such bridges of government-corporate partnerships will enhance transparency, accountability and hasten the pace of progress. India Inc probably commands the loudest share of voice in the corridors of political power. As an active partner in decision making, particularly on matters critical to the nation’s growth, Corporate India can ensure that politicians do not get away with murder(quite literally!)

On a program I was viewing last week, titled Ideas for Change, Mr Amit Chandra of Bain India mentioned a public interest litigation filed by them stating a complete action plan to combat issues arising out of inadequate infrastructure. The government has been asked to draft their own timelines for completion, subsequent to which the project execution will be closely monitored. He very rightly called for corporates to change responsibility in CSR to corporate social Necessity. Kudos to him for taking such a constructive action oriented step.

The media can play a crucial role as the official watchdog- such coverage will be more in the nation’s interest than a fear soaked ‘bleeding hearts story’.

So lets stop blaming the government for what hasn’t been done- the time now is to explore avenues of partnerships with them such that a constructive, action led task force can be established. Probably through such engagements, the government might pick up a leaf or two on leading effectively. Who knows- it may even inspire an authentic leader from India Inc to dive into the political arena and change the system.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Say no to NaNo

For the first time,I feel like rendering full support to Mamta Bannerji’s effort; in de railing the Nano project. While our reasons for opposing its factory set up are different, I for one will be extremely pleased if the much celebrated Nano project gets delayed-even better if its gets called off altogether. On the one hand it is considered a technological marvel but on the other it spells doom for the Indian roads. There is no doubt that by realizing the dream of an ‘aam aadmi”,Mr Tata will make history.However what he doesn’t realize is the havoc it will create on the already burdened infrastructure. I am wondering if he as an honorable citizen is not concerned about the complete incapacity of our roads to handle volumes that the Nano hopes to achieve.
Does a business exist only for its self serving purpose or does it realize its impact on society and infrastructure?
Developed countries tax self owned cars heavily such that the dependence on mass transportation is increased and the pressure on roads/parking lots is minimized. Are politicians, bureaucrats, businessman even thinking of the picture as a whole or is this a piecemeal game? I don’t expect the government to do systems thinking but would it be asking for too much of a savvy businessmen like Mr Tata?

Quite like the cellphone, the Nano will also become the prized possession for those who could only dream of it. Merely selling a piece of metal should not be the sole aim of the Tata Group, the Nano should also make way for itself. Or will it be like an irresistible dessert that always find room for itself in the stomach no matter how stuffed it may be??Perhaps Mr Tata should have invested more moolah in R&D and given its Nano a pair of wings.Rather than compete for road space, the Nano could then jam the airwaves alongside the cellphone!

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Halebid and Belur

The first day of January 2004 was spent amidst the ruins of the Hoysala dynasty. History has always had me in awe and I was more than thrilled to make a day trip to the ancient cities of Halebid and Belur to witness the splendour of the 12th century epoch.
As I entered the temple complex, I was greeted by the rather intrusive guides trying desperately to be engaged. Over the years they have become excellent judges of tourists and modulate their style and language to suit their clientele. There was one such guide who kept a close watch on my movements and tried quite earnestly to get me to book him. A query was met with a ready answer ,as also he would spring from nowhere to play photographer. Luck was however not on his side as I refused to give in—though I have to say, I was impressed with his persistence.

While I surveyed the temple, I was reminded of John Keats’s saying ,“A thing of beauty is a joy forever” – it couldn’t have been more appropriate for a place such as this. Every column and wall looked so real with exquisite carvings, depicting a story that relived the era. The enthusiastic guides spared no opportunity in adding their bit to magnify the events to a greater extent. The foreigners were definitely impressed by their rhetoric skills.

Unlike most South Indian temples, what immediately stands out about the temples of Halebid and Belur, is its stunted structure. Instead of offering a towering majestic view, these temples have to be admired closely as therein lies its beauty. The temples are typical of the Hoysala architecture as they follow a definite form of style. e.g star shaped structure and dancing hall leading to the inner sanctums. As was the norm in those days, temples formed a seat of culture as also for prayer and meditation. It evokes an atmosphere of serenity and quietude enough to make any aetheist devout.


What amazed me most was the precision of these structures. They bore an unmistakable dichotomy in every respect. All columns resembled each other in their form but differed in their ornamentation, a hundred elephant carvings similar in form but unique in their depiction. Each statue emotes so well that it is difficult not to be able to transport oneself to that era.

On my exit from the temple, I was once greeted by a crowd-this time by wayside sellers—post cards, brass knick knacks , balloons, groundnuts… One such peddler caught my attention. He was an elderly person sitting quietly in a corner engrossed in his work.His composed demeanour and the nature of his art did get me curious. I sat down beside him to see him coil lengths of wire in various shapes and forms. On enquiring, he explained in flawless English that he was a puzzle maker and games is what he was making. Having said this he handed me one of his games and had me baffled for the next hour or so in figuring out the solution. His eyes bore the fondness of a grandfather as he saw me struggle relentlessly. He spoke with great pride about how this profession had received world wide attention. He mentioned that there was just one book in the world that taught this art and that there are only 5 people in India who practise it. I was impressed with the depth of his knowledge and his awareness of competition in this field. What a unusual way of making a livelihood –puzzle making! Working through a solution to create a problem!

When I asked to buy some, he very carefully picked out the simple ones and gave them to me.
I guess that didn’t speak much for my grey cells!!! While departing, he proudly handed me his visiting card,should I feel the need to recontact him for solutions to the puzzles I had bought. I was impressed by his professionalism and dedication for his work.

I was overwhelmed and inspired by the events of this day. The silent yet evocative monuments at Halebid-Belur and my interaction with the octagenarian peddlar had left an indelible impression on me. After a brush with a historic past, I was ready to look into the future, as I stood on the threshold of a brand new year.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

MF Hussain's hypocrisy

Sad…but it is reality……If a person dresses like a Sikh Guru, thousands of Sikhs gather and destroy> their establishments , threaten to kill him,> announce a bounty on his head - Sikhs are not> criticized for being communal and intolerant,If a Danish journalist depicts the Prophet of the> Muslims , Muslims all over the world rise in angerthere is violence, a booty on the head of thejournalist - Muslims are not criticized for being> communal and intolerant,>> If MF Hussain draws paintings depicting> Hindu Gods and Goddesses in sexual positions> (which relations are not borne out by ancient texts> at> all ) and Hindus merely protest , they are called> communal, intolerant and taught lessons in> secularism by one and all.>> The problem apparently is not with Sikhs and> Muslims,> it is with Hindus , because we are not violent, we> accept what ever is dished out to us , we do not> have> the guts to say that this is wrong , we seek> acceptance from outsiders rather than from our> conscience. We worship the same Gods and Goddesses> but> don't stand up for them when the time comes.>> If you believe Hussain is wrong, forward this> message.> Goddess Durga in sexual union with Tiger - Prophet's> Daughter Fatima fully clothed>> Goddess Lakshmi naked on Shree Ganesh's head - M.F.> Hussain's Mother fully clothed>> Naked Saraswati - Mother Teresa fully clothed>> Naked Shri Parvati - Hussain's Daughter well clothed>>> Naked Draupadi- Well clothed Muslim Lady.>> Naked Lord Hanuman and Goddess Sita sitting on thigh> of> Ravana - Muslim poets Faiz, Galib are shown> well-clothed>> Full Clad Muslim King and naked Hindu Brahmin.>> The above paintings clearly indicates Hussain's> tendency to paint any Hindu as naked and thus his> hatred.>> Naked Bharatmata - Hussain has shown naked woman> with names of states written on different parts of> her body. He has used Ashok Chakra, Tri-colour in> the painting. By doing this he has violated law &> hurt National Pride of Indians. Both these things> should be of grave concern to every Indian> irrespective of his religion.>> Out of the four leaders M. Gandhi is decapitated and> Hitler is naked. Hussain hates Hitler and has said> in> an interview 8 years ago that he has depicted Hitler> naked to humiliate him and as he deserves it ! How> come Hitler's nudity cause humiliation when in> Hussain's own statement nudity in art depicts> purity and is in fact an honour !>> This shows Hussain's perversion and hypocrisy. Don't> feel shy to circulate. At le ast people should know.> "> Every one should know what WE HINDUS ARE" WE DON'T> HAVE> COURAGE TO PROTECT OUR SELF RESPECT.

MF Hussain's Hypocrisy--this was the title of one of the chain mails that I received a few days back. I am a little taken aback at the blatant statements being made ,of Hindus not being violent enough to protest against the ghastly depictions of Hindu deities. The manner is which its exhorting readers to gain courage and be more self respecting is ridiculous.!!Whoever gave them the moral right to pass such judgements? and What kind of self respect are we talking of? Hussain's paintings , on many an occasion, have sparked off controversies and debates.Quite unfortunately, only the religious fundamentalist is seen and heard more, silencing completely the intellectual and moderate voices. On the contrary,if it were true that Hindus are more tolerant and less violent, it would fill me with a huge sense of pride:)...In my mind, this is just a distasteful representation and a gross misuse of art. As an artist it would repulse me rather than anger or hurt my religious sentiments . We are all familiar with Hussain's eccentricity and this is just another manifestation of it. So why create a hue and cry about it? Just leave the poor man alone to what he may call creativity. Its a free world and he has the right to do what he wants..I feel the media here and the artist community at large should ignore his lunacy and devalue his art. Garner support through chain mails for acts of injustice and crime, do something for the larger good of mankind.Using religion to incite people is incorrect. For all that this is worth, Goddess Lakhshmi is still beaming down at him!! So who's had the last laugh?

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Humbled by you


Her admission into my life couldn’t have been at a more opportune time. She was like manna from heaven sent to be my anchor when the world around me was beginning to collapse. With a need to vent my bottled up feelings, I approached a counseling centre and shared my misery with a complete stranger. In an alien city, far removed from home, I was drawn like a magnet to this compassionate soul. Despite her commitments she always made time for me and never tired of hearing my unending woes. Her words of encouragement fuelled my sagging spirits and made it easier for me to deal with the pain. With successive meetings, I grew extremely fond of her in as much as she was of me and soon we had extended our professional relationship into a personal one.


I believed I was being victimized for no fault of mine and that life had doled out a rough deal. While I was wallowing in self pity, I learnt of the tribulations that she had faced in her lifetime. My problems paled in comparison and I could only marvel at the dignified manner in which she had risen from the depths of despair. Life’s trials can make any sane person acrimonious but she displays a zest for life that is truly admirable.

Over the next few years, I imbibed many of her sterling qualities, both consciously and subconsciously. I learnt to give more than to receive from everyone around me. The complete satisfaction and joy in reaching out to others is an indescribable feeling. It is almost as if I was discovering a whole new dimension of my personality. She brought me closer to nature and its magnificence , as I began to exult in its splendor. Never before had the line up of gulmohar trees ( or the May flower as she prefers to call it!!) offered a more delightful sight, as I drove to office every morning. Among life’s many miracles, I could see myself turning a new leaf. She had managed to suck me out of my humdrum existence to see a different world altogether. I learnt to count my blessings rather than cry over spilled milk…Our little tet-a –tetes over steaming, strong filter coffee and idlis at a roadside eatery was a treat that I looked forward to. The lure of extravagance faded into the background as I began to see purity and beauty in simplicity….My maid ‘s cherubic smile, camouflaging her wretched existence , was a symbol of beauty. The intense gaze of a roadside peddler revealed his intellect and passion for his profession…. -- I had begun to discern, but more humanely.

The age difference of 20 odd years didn’t matter at all. There were enough grounds of commonality to strengthen the bond. Our love for theatre, dance, music, movies strengthened our relationship further. Movies centred on human relationships, the strength of women in times of strife, tugged at our heart strings with the same intensity. As part of the imbibing process ( or rather copying!!) I tried to inculcate a habit to read… Soon book reviews became a part of our conversation too…

Philanthropy is her middle name. She doesn’t spare any opportunity to be associated with causes for the propagation of culture among the youth, betterment of underprivileged children. At this age when most people are slowing down their pace, I find her revving into fifth gear. Given her other interests in ikebana, Chittara art and the Indo Japanese foundation, she sure keeps a busy schedule. I have to now seek an appointment with her; a fact that she will humbly deny!

One cannot see the halo around her, but her actions and demeanor leave no doubt in my mind that she is God’s very own—a true angel… Thank you so much for being a part of my life and making me stand on my feet again:)

Tough Love- The Changing face of Corporates

  “ When you come to office, you should keep your personal matters behind ” I remember being told by my manager as a young sales professiona...