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.
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!!
Viru.. You always do out of the odds... Really great.. reading makes me feel proud.. how different you are ...
ReplyDeleteEnjoy ur stay in Hayastan !!!
- Rajashree