An experience !!

I remember taking up an MBA with the thoughts of having a job in an MNC paying fat salaries like all. No matter how much I tried to run away from the nasty diamond industry, I eventually landed back in the same.

The last six months have been really exposed me to a whole new different world.
Starting a diamond manufacturing unit in an alien land with my colleague Bankim has really been a great learning experience and I am really grateful to the company for having given me the privilege. At this age, I feel proud of standing on the production floor looking at employee strength of 100. Everyday it is a new challenge to think how to make the work place better and special; first into a place that stands out amongst the rest in the country and then a model for the entire Firestone group. (trust me it is difficult to achieve the latter as compared to the
former).

During this journey, I came across a whole new category of people – ‘the workers’ on the floor. Initially it was different and difficult to adjust. At 1:00 pm sharp they would stand outside my cabin asking for food like small children. It was irritating. Soon I realized, they have very few but extremely important needs – food and work. Their needs are small but if not satisfied can be catastrophic. They can wipe off any amount of food on the table even after a complete meal. However, what they have is something that most of the highly educated and prosperous guys lack – a great heart. A heart that not only respects but truly loves you.

I came across a nation where the workers are more affectionate and loving than any other country (that I have seen) and the women more beautiful. The warmth and feeling of being part of them has been just out of the world. In six months it has become a peculiar family. When one of the Indian workers leave, it spreads a wave of sadness but at the same time blessings are being showered. The culture in the factory is really a unique one (a lot of credit goes to Bankim) be it a fire just outside the factory with the team clicking group photographs or be it the unity at times of special visits.

On the contrary, sitting on conference tables with leading politicians and government representatives, twice my age has been making me grow ten times faster. There are people who save you from all the troubles and then turn back and push you to the corner. It has indeed been a roller coaster ride. Such is this place.

I think you must be wondering what is this country and what is this place that I have been talking about. Well not many would have heard of it; neither had I.

Its called Hayastan!! It’s like coming home!!

Nostalgic!!

Its been over a year I have shared and posted on this space. Today sitting over a can of ‘Red Bull’ I was brought back to the good old days and the ‘Viral’ who has been lost somewhere.

One year has just ‘flown’ past by. Travelling different countries and being part of different cultures has been truly a privilege. I may not be doing complete justice to my learning as Bachelors in Computers or an MBA in Finance, but I remember the teachings of all my guides and teachers from school. I see the world with a different angle. I approach my work in a different way…Going through special trainings and teachings like Kaizen has helped structure thinking and systemize the approach...However, working along with people of double my age (and sometimes triple my age), literally, and trying to play the game at which they have expertise in is indeed something ‘What they don’t teach you at Harvard Business School’ (by Mark McCormack). It’s a lot of learning to be amongst those who not only lead organizations but also masses. Its interesting to understand the thought processes and put forward your opinions. ‘Failure is the first step to success’ and I too have learnt through mistakes (thankfully not too many). Yes of course how can I forget to not ‘Question my assumptions!!’ (thanks Velu Sir). Every work must be completed as on yesterday and zero errors have been the driving force!!

I know my family awaits to spend a couple of hours with me …I miss all my friends as my world now revolves only around office and hotel…Some of them have disowned me and rest are about to do the same… When I see around I have missed out to be part of special occasions of so many of my friends, who were with me during some memorable night outs followed by bikes zooming to Kadavu with tasty beans and dosas or long chats in the ‘quad or meetings in ‘hari om’.
I have travelled miles but the heart still remains behind. Being an Indian, trust me, is indeed a matter of pride. To have held the Indian flag in my hand and hoisting it on a foreign land was like a dream come true.

Balancing personal and professional life is not a child’s play and I am still learning it. This post might just sound out of place but bhavnaon ko samjho!!