Foreign Direct Investment in Indian Retail Sector...

Foreign Direct Investment in Indian Retail Sector..
FDI - FDI - FDI...

Foreign Direct Investment is a way through which an International firm can buy and invest in companies locally and can control the business operations for that company Directly. This can be done through an M&A, or can be a fresh start-up as well. In such case, the company grows with the influence of foreign business processes, which are considered transparent, robust, stronger and better as that of local versions. Another such investment form is Foreign Institutional Investor, in which the investment is not direct, its indirect through the way of equity holding. Hence FII is a kind of hot money and has no influence on business operations. So if any International investor believes in company's growth but don’t want to involve directly in its progress strategy will enter as FII, and hence if company downgrades due to any reasons, FII will escape taking back the investments made. In FDI it’s the inorganic growth that happens, or rather FDI takes care of ups and downs...

India has FDI presence in all the sectors; Infrastructure, pharmaceutical, service industry, outsourcing, banking, almost everywhere. It also includes telecom, manufacturing, insurance, and even aviation. However, FDI is also present into Retail industries but only for a single brand, which means Reebok can have a showroom in India for direct sales, but can only sale footwear and sports products which belongs to Reebok brand directly. Since years, as Indian economy has outpaced other countries in terms of GDP, So International players are utmost interested to enter India. Utmost potential that India has is its strong Internal consumption. We being Second Largest country on globe on account of Population; our Growth is coz of consumption driven internally. Eventually, that’s the problem we are into; to meet the domestic demands we are not able to Produce so Rapidly and on such Huge scale, hence our Imports are high as that of Exports. FDI and FII carry huge cash inflows into the industry, which helps and is of crucial importance.

FDI in Retail:

Today the leading government won the FDI issue which was pending since months; this will definetly boost the sentiment of investor. After long a time, economic reform has been put into consideration. I don’t care if it’s an win, as I am not so confident on future of FDI so far. I was always against the notion of FDI. It’s not like I supported the opposition party against leading party; I just favored the decision against FDI.

"FDI in Retail" mean, there are huge players in US like Wal-Mart which want to open up their multi brand multi products outlets in India. However, this may kill present retail outlets such as Big Bazaar, D-mart and Subhiksha, Reliance fresh and many others. These foreign companies in retail sector actually streamlines the process of procurement and supply chain. This does benefit the farmers, and hence eradicate the long chain of agents and wholesalers. Its "Trading of Goods" that will be suppressed and is responsible for rise in the cost of product.

D-Adv.:

Even If there are advantages of Retail FDI, I only focus on D-Adv. as I don't think we need this:

- Supply Chain Optimization - FDI is not just the means through which farmers can get their right price of product being sold; Eradicating agents, dealers is a absolutely a good way to optimize the chain. India already has a E-Choupal programme implemented by ITC which needs to be focused more; Rajasthan Maharashtra has got success stories due to E-choupal. E-choupal is a web based solution which focuses on farmers and poor infrastructure between farmers and retailers. FDI is not just the solution to improve the long chain.

- Huge Retail outlets - We already have multi brand, multi product outlets Big bazaar, Hypercity, Dmart and Reliance fresh. These are Indian startups. To suffice every home requirements, local Baniya shops does help. Present Huge Retailers have never affected the buzz of local distributor or local retailer. These FDI companies may eradicate the local baniya's and hence it will be balance of jobs imparted and jobs killed.

  

- Business Processes. If retail FDI will win the market, processes will be run by foreign people without involvement of local or domestic leaders. Which mean job prospects will increase, but in terms of workers, laborers or operational team only, whereas management and business analysis will be dominated by white skin people (Non-Indians).

- Domestic Manufacturing. This is my extreme pain point. These new retailers may ask you to move from colgate to some other huge international toothpaste. Products which hold local dominance will be forcefully replaced by better international versions. I do not doubt the quality, I question is there a need. Domestic manufactured products are very much preferable, as they generates revenue for country, labor will be put into for its production and most important no Imported products then. We are all surrounded by international brands, and International goods. I hate it.... I wish to see Micromax becoming world leader. I wish to see Vimal suitings to be world class suitings provider. PS. I am not talking about Service industry.

- Infrastructure Investment: 50% Investment to be made into Supply Chain Infrastructure. This is condition put on International firms before they enter in Indian Market. Question is who will monitor this investment?

- Control: Processes and Business guidelines for the retail industry defined at start now, will they be followed all over until the end.  Or is it the Ruling party then will be controlled by the International Company as dominance will shift from Big bazaar and local baniyas to these companies and again these companies will be Rate deciding agencies for all the products.

- Farmers Benefit: Farmers will get the correct price for their goods. This is even possible with the proper utilization of the schemes available with us. It’s the implementation issues with the current policies. Kisan Yogna and few other policies are the best schemes for farmers across globe. Who guarantees the international companies would be fair?

I am nowhere against FDI. Yes, FDI is extremely crucial for any country to grow. But in Indian scenario; Retail industry - Na we don’t need FDI..

Aakhir Kiska Dosh !!!

Aakhir Kiska Dosh !!!

Context:

We define Horoscope as positions of planets - sun, moon, mars, at the time of person's birth.  Therefore individual's persona, behavior is often defined by the birth sign the person belongs to. In India Horoscope remains as one of the base criteria in Arranged marriages, in case of love marriage, desire n decision of relationship is driven stronger and hence less priority is put on Sun signs. Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences, which deal with the study of celestial objects (such as Moons, Planets, Stars, nebulae, and galaxies); the Physics, Chemistry, and Evolution of such objects;

A person is often predicted to the sun sign he carries; attitude, behavior, intelligence, success or failure in life is often measured against the sun sign.  There are twelve different sun signs. There is a term called “Manglik” which says, the person has Mars in his/her 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th 8th or 12th house of Vedic Astrology.  Thank God I am bad at Numbers, I will never wish to understand this numerology in astrology. Horoscope and Astronomy are more or less similar; hence My debate may refer to either of these words. 

View 1:

If planets help to define a person’s state – First thing, Have we understood Our own planet Earth yet?

I won’t talk about Indian Meteorological Department, who don’t even understand the technology and equipment used for weather forecasting. Let’s talk about US and Japan, both leading economies across globe, and even the most innovative and driven by high technologies. Both the countries still suffer huge losses during floods and natural calamities; however even if they forecast well, Why aren't they able to save their own countries? Japan has been suffering calamities since years, yet Incapable to Control. So what’s the use of Weather forecast?? Even if a Single innocent person loses life in natural calamity, it’s a shame on the country!!!

Have we understood Life? I am not referring to being immortal!! I am asking about birth cycle, answers to AIDS and Cancer is yet not assured. There are so many diseases that are not even Named. There are so many Creatures on our earth itself, their life cycle, their existence is to be studied yet.

When we aren't even able to understand Earth, its impact, and its geography, How does other Planet affect individual’s life? Who Cares!!! Useless!!!

View 2:

In case of being Mangalik, its actually the bad timing that the child came into the world. Right!!! If you aren't aware, In India these days all the deliveries are done using Scissors; which is actually an abnormal way of baby delivery. And hence as the delivery is done using scissor, the date and time is actually planned very well and respectively delivery appointment is scheduled earlier. Hence that mean, Delivery date of a child can be controlled if the expected date falls as Mangal grah divas(Mars day), so whether the new born kid will be mangalik or not, is controlled using scissor based delivery. Eventually this leads to a conclusion, since this technology of scissor based baby delivery has come into public, no more mangalik kids will be born, as we can control birth timings.

Does this mean, concept of being mangalik was into picture only because people weren't aware of such science until now? Or Is Science responsible, as they invented the technique to control a kid being mangalik so late???

Aakhir Kiska Dosh:

Who needs to be set responsible for this crap?
The child, who choosed wrong time to enter this world? Or the Doctor who did an operation on wrong time, he could have opted to go to loo for some time to avoid the hourly dosh? Or the Parents who choose wrong time to bang, so that their baby got delivered during so called mangal or odd days? Or Science, which brought the technology of scissor based surgery so late?

The kid is born n brought up hearing, that he/she has got Mangal in his/her sun sign and hence has to be very careful in planning all life activities.

Developed Countries:

Developed nations never believe in Horoscope, they being matured in their living life style, they are absolutely neutral about Race, Castes, and Age for marriage, widowed lady, and horoscope. India will always be underdeveloped only coz of our customs and traditions which make us understand to differentiate based on castes, religions, age and horoscope when it comes to marriage and match making. When illiterate people talks about this, I get a weird smile, or feel pity for the person, as he is uneducated and doesn't understand things. But when highly educated person believes in same, they actually spreads the word of being belief into such customs. 

No doubt our Indian Economy and infrastructure is improving, however the people who encourage such discrimination or rather even who believe in such discrimination are biggest threats to our Nation's Development (only then India can move into a Developed Nation league).

I am not sure, but somehow Thanks to Indian jurisdiction, so far we haven’t reached to sun sign based job distribution; who knows next time any form you may fill in , may ask your sun sign to get a job or degree?

In Movie Oh My God, Kanji bhai also said same in a statement, for a new born baby, during his television interview.

Munna bhai also said dictated same in Lage raho Munna Bhai, mangalik based discrimination.

Shahrukh khan also said in SWADES, that we are not in good shape coz of our Customs and traditions.

  

I believe there is a very Narrow line between Belief and Superstition, it’s good to belief on something and live for it, but it’s absolutely Foolish to turn from a belief to superstitious about anything. Same is the case with horoscope; I may respect it, but will not take it for granted every time. I am not a Believer in this Astronomy, I have never referred to my sun sign talk, although I may use it sometime when I will be going through extreme troubles, and all my attempts to recover back to normal will go in vain. But I will not accept this so called astronomy or horoscope for day to day activities, or will not refer this to make new business markets or new friends. Its you who need to decide, whether you believe in horoscope or are superstitious and driven by worldly assumptions.

Veer ki Ardaas Veera...

Veer ki Ardaas Veera...

First distinctive thing that this show has, it’s different in its appearance; it’s not usual Saree serial, which is an Gujarati or Rajasthani flavored. It’s more with traditional Punjabi essence and a more of a Punjabi desi show. Although that’s not just the influential factor of this show; acting, cast, storytelling, direction, and everything is fresh and good. Most loving thing about this show is the relationship drawn between brother – sister bond; The Innocence and adorable kids in the show, the boy being little rude in his attitude still makes you fall in love with him favoring the cause that he is fighting for, care for his just younger sister.  Being a north Indian drama, the picturization is done in northern village, where language is a mix of Hindi and Punjabi.

Story: Newly married couple stays happily together with their young boy; On Raksha bandhan, the little boy realizes the importance and a need of a sister; and hence demands a sister for him to his family. The father then brings a new born baby girl to home, saying she is the new Sister to the boy, boy gets delighted. The girl is due to some father's past history, that is bit of Bollywood drama into it. But worth noticing; Brother's Madness for His sister is beyond the hatred of all villagers. The way he fights for her happiness, and existence in his family is worth watching. The way he requests to God for the Celebration of his sister’s birthday name ceremony is Appreciable and applaud-able. After so long, I am in love with this drama. What’s beyond this, maybe we need to wait n watch…

Direction: Director has written the story in a very beautiful way, the way he has used the village and traditional outfits goes well with the innovation.  If I say a mix of cast, music, innocence, picturization; Director has outperformed so far. I believe the Director has worked nicely on the broadcast timing of the show as well. Show is released, when people are planning and preparing for Sant Guru Nanik’s B’day on 28th Nov, 2012. So I believe in a sense, the show is aired at the right time. Director has used factor "innocence" to win the audience so far, also the strong relationship between the husband and wife, mother and son or the brother and sister is well portrayed. Best dialogue that was telecast-ed during Promotions was: “A journey of brother becoming mother to his Sister”

Cast: The most highlighting part of this show is its cast; it’s not the regular faces that you see across Balaji telefilms, its fresh and with brilliant acting skills. The language is again the new, which is not usually used on the regular channel.. There is essence of naughtiness, love, and little attitude in the dialogues written, yet loving ones;

Ranvijay(Veer) - The young kid is such a cute and loving boy, who fights with his friends for her sister, even when his sister is not accepted by society. His father has encouraged him to be the Mard of the family and to take good care of his mother and sister.
Veera – Little Angel of the show, is the show stealer. I wouldn’t have appreciated, without this girl being on the Show.  The utmost beautiful and innocent baby girl artist I have ever seen so far is this Veera, Her smile, her eyes, Innocent gaze, wins the show. Innocence at its Best!

Other cast includes, Ratan – Mother of both the childs, Chaiji, and few more.

Title track/Music: This Title Track is the one of the best songs on the TV set these days. Track is composed by Anand Raaj Anand is heart soothing and loving. Lyrics of the track goes so well with the music and story, it’s Absolutely amazing to hear it, there are 2 versions of the title track available, with difference in the 2nd part of the song(Antra). Background score is again soft and soothing, seems like more of traditional instruments used for the recording.

It doesn’t matter to me if the music is worth to rest of music directors, I am not a music guru, I simply go with what suits my taste, may not be same for all.

Title Track Lyrics:

Rabaaaaaaaaaaa !!!

Bhool Bhatak jaata hun teri tedi medi galiyon mein,

Khud ko mein berang hi paun innn teri rang raliyon mein....

Mein toh hunnn ik hissa teraaa, Mujhmein b hai kissaaaa tera,

Mein toh hunnn ik hissa tera, Mujhmein b hai kissa tera,

Ab toh tu jo b kare mera, sab tere hawale chod dia!!!

 Veer ki Ardas Veera!!!! Hooo Veer ki Ardas Veera!!!!

Rishton ki Rekhaiyen kheeche, Tuuu hi boheeee tuuuu hi siche!!!

Haan Rishton ki rekhaiyen kheeche, tuuu hi boheeee tuuuu hi siche!!!

Tu hi Jaane kiske Bhag mein kya likha hai Rabaaa;

Kiiissss! bandhan mein baandh dia, re man hai mera Andhiirraaa!!!!

Veer ki Ardas Veera!!!!

Hoo Hooo Hooo Veer ki Ardas Veera!!!!

Veeraaaaaaaa!!!!

Veer ki Ardas Veera!!!!

Ref: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH98xzjWEIs


2nd Version of Title Track is:

# First half remains Same, Antra is only different

Jis Manzil ki Aans Ugaiii, Unn Raahon ka tu Reh bar hai .....

Teri Toh mein Jaaan na Paaya, Tujhko meri Saari Khabar hai!!!
Tu meri Rehmat ka Ghar hai, Rab rakha sab Rab di Meher hai

Koi!!! na Samjha!!! Koiiii na Jaaaana!! Tu Samjhe meri Piida

Veer ki Ardaas Veera!!! Veer ki Ardaas Veera!!!
Veer ki Ardaas Veera!!! Veer ki Ardaas Veera!!!

Ref: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ0Y4Ph1mLU

Green Corporates!!!

Green Corporates!!!

I don’t think any Corporate has even understood the process behind Going Green. However the definition on going Green is still vague and unclear as to what extent an organization can turn their Operations and Processes Green. The Solution Lies In Infrastructural Changes. I am not a technology expert, or not Someone who can Lay down Margins between Green and non-green Organizations.

Western Developed nations have a Concept of Day light Saving, we only know about the terminology and applications, they Implement it. Day light saving is the Best way to go green; Computers, Servers, AC cannot run on solar energy, coz solar technology is not so easily available, however when I speak of Green and saving Electricity, things can be made possible using the Sun Light. Organizations, MNC's and even Domestic firms Hardly Ever Focus on the Use of the Sun light during the day time. Vastu Shastra even says, the Home which cannot get early Sunlight is prone to more Diseases, Darkness, Internal Family Affairs, etc. It’s not about Vastu Shastra. Organizations can Save Big on their Electricity Usage Bill by using Sun light and hence reducing dependence on bulbs, lamps, tube lights during the Day Time,. That’s the only reason; Western countries alter their clocks by couple of hours just to use Day Light more and hence glass windows got popularity, which is transparent and let sunlight come inside the building. That’s my first view of going green. Few 5 Star hotels in India have turned Green and hence use Sun Light during day time rather than using Electricity.

Taking a Narrow view of the situation, problem lies in the Individual as well, Do we shut down our Desktop, Monitor, Office lights whenever we leave the office? Yea, sometime we do!!! Do we use USB charging for Cell Phone charging, instead of using Power Charging plugs; USB charging saves the electricity consumption, as the charging happens directly without any power conversion. Switching Off Monitors, Desktops is not an Intelligent's Artwork, or some Smart person's choice, it’s a care for the Mankind.

Transportation or Commutation being the most difficult problem these days, why don’t companies in the same vicinity come together and plan the common transportation as an option. Carpooling, Bus Pooling are the best options which are already in use by project teams, or few organization. However if this will be applied at a deeper level, it can reap good fruits. 2 or 3 smaller firms, who as a single entity cannot opt for bus service due to service cost or smaller strength, they can tie up with nearby firms and hence can arrange schedule pick and drop.

Another go green cum CSR activity that Organizations have never understood is the food wastage, i would rather say professionals have never understood though!! I came through a MNC, which being huge in its size, has ample canteen space and hence huge consumption every day. There in, was this white board, which was so nicely put, which must have grabbed every1's attention whenever some1 crosses by. Board was written with the FOOD WASTAGE for the Previous day, and on a pro rata basis how many PEOPLE could have been FED with that wastage. I loved the creativity... Although the figures were quite huge every day. It definietly did the job of creating awareness amongst readers there to control food wastage..

aRt oF gIvInG...

aRt oF gIvInG...

We have definitely seen people fighting over a Rupee to an Auto rickshaw wala!!! Even We do the same, and also bargain like anything to a vegetable vendor and also sit on long day hunger strike when government raises the petrol price. That’s quite obvious; in fact We should definitely Do the same as money is Earned by Our Hard Work. But do we think Twice before we donate a penny to Someone, how the money will actually be Used? There is definitely a Motive while we donate, It’s obviously the need of the opposite Person, a social cause and the donation is generally made to a Weaker section or Weaker group of audience.

Few Days while travelling back, in a Local compartment, I saw a Lady beggar handicapped having no eye sight, she had a wooden stick in her hand, while other hand making sound with few coins and singing some holy song to win few more coins. Within minutes she traversed the complete compartment and might have collected somewhere near 15 to 30 INR.  I Felt Pity, not for the beggar lady, but for the useless people who donated without Identifying the Need.  Trust me NO one there actually bothered about the presentation of that lady beggar. Her physical appearance nowhere indicated a NEED of money…  Colorful bangles, new wooden stick, decent ear rings, average floaters, and a much decent outfit... She was absolutely Not in a Need of Money, and people just kept on Giving, as some stupid started the chain, others were just driven by emotion or kindness... I couldn’t decide who was correct? Whether the people who gave without bothering the Actual Need or the Lady who just seemed Addict of Begging. I am focusing for Need based donation and an effective donation. Why to GIVE when RECEIVING GROUP has ALREADY in EXCESS?

In a conversation last month with one of my friend, on account of some good news in his family, he gave away 10 rupee to a beggar near by a temple... I asked him, did he make sure the money was utilized for right cause?? He was clueless. Problem with people these days is they have misunderstood the concept of Giving. I am not talking philosophical or about philanthropy. It’s a simple equation; if I am hungry, water cannot suffice my hunger. What I wish to say is when people are required to GIVE, they don’t GIVE and loose the opportunity. However when they themselves want to give, they give irrespective of the Need and even without a RATIONAL MOTIVE. Point is simple for what reason did you give your your time or your money should always be accounted and assurance i.e. feedback needs to be linked back to verify if the donation has benefited the recipient.

In this case of Lady Beggar, the receiver’s NEED was not high; the GIVING NEED was high. People who gave in money were unclear as in why Donation has been made?

Irrespective of Money, Blood Donation is most of common Donation camps across all metros, but still the rarest of blood is still Not available So Easily. Those people whose blood groups are found rare in market are either Unaware or are Not Interested in Donation. 

The most important is the Timing of a Donation / Giving. It should be absolutely timely dependent, as in when the NEED is there, only then Donation should be made.  It’s something like, In the train a seat donated to an old man or a needed person, else in Empty rake everyone prefer to hang on door rather than sitting on window.  A friend or Cousin asking for some huge ransom on account of some urgent shortage, and you don’t give due to any reason, whereas spend thousands on stupid luxury items.  I have also noticed a case where confectionary item was donated to set of poor people, and after the donor left the place, the confectionery item was re sold at a cheaper rate and money earned were used for some wrong purpose. Impact of donation should always be looped back to donor, to validate and verify if the expected change has been done or not...

This goes with a Kabir doha which says- Kabhi Pyase Ko Paani Pilaya Nahin, Baad Amrit Pilane Se Kya Faayda, Kabhi Girte Hue Ko Uthaya Nahi, Baad Aansoo Bahane Se Kya Faayada,

Dahi Handi OR A Game Competition worth 50L??

Dahi Handi OR A Game Competition worth 50L??

Almost Every Hindu knows Its Janmashtmi today, Lord shree Krishna's B’day and is often celebrated as Dahi Handi across our Nation. Dahi handi is generally a mischievous side of the Lord Krishna's childhood act. Simultaneously there is Ramzan and Shravan, where long fasts are kept by devotees and strict principles are followed as per their religion during these religious days. Similarly Sindhis celebrate the fest of 40 days called Chaliyo. These days, Ganesh Idols have become visible at vendors and shops keepers, where painting is still to be done on the colorless Ganesh idols, Ganesh chaturthi will then be followed by Diwali and ID after September. So it’s actually a season of Festivals that have begun across the Nation.

Dahi handi festival has lost its color over the years. I don’t know Why, but since last few years I couldn’t sense the feeling of celebration in all these festivals. May be Because I can only notice the Improper side of the celebration or Its just my psychological difference in celebrating,, Today Dahi Handi has moved far away from just demonstrating the Lord Krishna's play act, it has become an competition, where Number matters.  These days 'Govinda Ala Re' only mean it has brought Dahi Handi festival and hence competition and money will flow and huge rack of people will be put on break a handi kept at certain height.  Dahi Handi doesn’t mean that the Handi (Pot) should be kept at 50 ft. height, 10ft height suffices demonstration of the act played.  Instead of being just a B’day celebration which should be done on a night before, so called Dahi Handi is celebrated. It’s ridiculous; this doesn’t goes with the traditional way of this day’s celebration. Why celebrities are Invited on such Events?? Tent put on has no religious songs, no Shree Krishna’s Idol (Reason for celebration itself missing and not visible), no Aartis. Just a showoff!!!

People, who actually understand the importance of this day, celebrate on a night before Janmashtmi where a Cuddle is decorated and followed by religious songs and puja's. Celebration of Dahi Handis has just become a repetitive and competitive event; Figures go above 50k and at few places beyond 5Lacs. Who sponsors such Event? A Local political Leader or the Powerful person in respective Locality.  Please note Safety for the Teams participating in the Dahi handi fest is not of a Great Concern!  Why municipal grounds are not used, and Dahi handis are organized in middle of the roads? Therefore, Unnecessarily the roads are blocked and diverted which creates huge traffic blocks and tons of diesel and petrol wasted like anything.

I am not against the Festival; I am against the way it is celebrated. Huge Tents are put on the roads, blocking the road, hence making it difficult for people to walk. More over tents have no Idol to demonstrate its Lord B’day celebration, it is full of Political leaders and Item numbers who perform dance or enact with some performances... Is this called Devotional Celebration!!! Please it’s not a Celebration; it’s just promotional event for the local political party and for Fun to some 100 set of people participating there and those who got Idle time to watch the drama.

By the way, Who pays for Electricity used in these tents? Is there any accountability for the electricity used?  Are All Dahi Handis Audited in terms of Expenditure and Revenue?  Most of Roads are blocked and diverted? Is diverted route enough to carry the vehicle load being transferred?? Is the legal permission taken?

All these happen on account of a Devotional day, and moreover Lord's B’day is celebrated in this way. People’s Perception has changed from Devotion to Celebration; Traditional Way is Modernized to make people Happy, without Preserving the Motive...

Corporate Ambassador !!

Corporate Ambassador !!

Every Organization needs an Ambassador for building up their product or business. Generally celebrities, sports persons are preferred for brand building and for new product launch. It’s all about Advertisements and Marketing these days, that may turn a product up or down. There is a huge difference in Service Oriented Industry; Especially in IT Companies I don’t think there is a need of any Ambassador. I asked few of my Colleagues whom does they think actually stand as our company’s Ambassador, Many answered the same - Account Manager, Sales Representatives and Client Partners.  I disagreed with them.

Client Partners, Sales Representatives, Account Manager are key holders in bringing in new Business or expanding current Accounts. Sales, Business being their primary task, Promoting Company is their indirect job. In my view it’s the operational team, Consultants, Staff are Great Ambassadors of any Organization. These are the people who actually communicate through their Social Network or Professional network and present the true picture of their Company. Employees do represent Companies. Innovation, Business cannot be driven without Employees. Happy and Confident Employee can bring in Business for the company. Employee carries the Organization itself in his Designation and position. I remember one of IT firm, which actually taught table manners while you are there on dining table, I was deeply impressed with their Business Communication Sessions...

HR people should actually focus on Brand building of the company through Employee Ambassador Programs. PG programs or high level certifications should be arranged for skilled professionals to keep encouraged and motivated. HR must consider the Employee as a way of Promoting the Organization to social media. Connecting Job Portal to social sites, focusing on CSR all the time cannot convince the buyer all the time.  A well satisfied employee generally outperforms his/her role, produces good efficiency, and comes up with innovative solutions and even help in building good Client Relationships. An Unsatisfied employee is the Biggest Threat to Organization, its business and its clients, the person may turn things down. Its HR responsibilities to look and manage Satisfied and Unsatisfied personals across organization.. A recent trend has grown, where many Organizations opt for Employee Satisfaction Survey to get the employee review for business processes and individual satisfaction in the company, It CAN NOT Help!!! Why does Service Oriented firm doesn’t have Suggestion Box in their offices? Washrooms are best places for placing surveys as there is no surveillance of CCTV cameras, where in any employee / staff can put in their suggestions, so anonymity remains preserved, this is anyways just a stupid silly thought.

Employee Ambassador Program is quite unique which actually does the transformation of Employee to an Organizational Representative. It is not just a sequence of trainings and team build up activities that molds fresher to professional and professional to Ambassador. Induction programs should actually focus on new joinee as Ambassador to the Organization's Future!! In short Organization and HR have to understand and realize who actually represents the Organization?

Water Desalination Plant in Mumbai.

Need of the Hour - Water Desalination Plant in Mumbai.

Few years back, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai initiated the long awaited project of the century - Water Desalination in Mumbai. Considering the water needs of the city, which is growing every year by at least 8%. Lakes supplying water to the city haven’t been able to suffice the requirements. Hence municipal corporation decides for water cut every year, whenever the water limits fall down in the lakes supplying water.

http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_govt-sets-deadline-for-desalination-plants_1434493

Growing needs have made it clear, if there will be a shortage of a monsoon even for a single year, the problems will rise and conditions may worsen, hence black marketing of water will grow and the common man will Suffer. Water problem has actually grown over the country since last few years, even our capital is badly affected by Water Deficit making it difficult for common man.

Desalination is a process of removing salt, and other minerals from the sea water, so that it becomes useful for human daily purpose and even for drinking. Salt water from sea is desalinated in the process and salt is extracted additionally. Arab countries, Australia have widely used desalination processes in their countries, due to rainfall deficit in those countries.

http://www.dnaindia.com/mobile/report.php?n=1325775

I even remember Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan and shiv sena leader Uddhav Thakeray focused on the development of Mumbai city and desalination of seawater to overcome water crisis in the city, but in Jul 2011, the project was put on the hold. The largest desalination plant in South Asia is the ‘Minjur Desalination Plant’ near Chennai in India which produces 36.5 million cubic meters of water per year. When Chennai has done this long back, why is such not yet planned in Economical hub of the country? I have absolutely no idea, why Gov. puts the focus only when the damage has been done. I believe this sea Water Desalination project should have been implemented long years back, but I don’t see this possible even up to next 5 years, that’s pathetic. Chennai is the only city in city which has successfully experimented the desalination of seawater. Recently Gujarat in 2012 signed an agreement with Japanese leader for Water Desalination plant for the Asia’s largest Sea Water Desalination plant in SEZ in south Gujarat.

Since last 5 years, there have been ample amount of waterfall across the country; hence the problem of water deficit has not been visible so far.  Where country already suffers from recycling garbage, water re-usability is a horrible dream for the policy makers and next to impossible dream. Its inefficiency and poor control of any public service system, unless the problem is not visible, solution won’t be implemented and precautionary steps are simple out of question.  This year when the IMD has already declared the Rainfall deficit so far, I believe the focus should be moved onto this project immediately.  Until now there has been 15% less rainfall as compared to last few years. Rainfall harvesting in the city is next to impossible, whereas this is implemented across all European countries for saving the rainwater, which is then used for irrigation and other agricultural purposes. In India when majority of agriculture, a regular water needs depends on Rainfall, rainfall water is not wisely used, hence any change in climate conditions, will then shift focus of using sea water for house hold purpose.

I suggest, this project should be put on Fast Track, as this will again take experimental time, approval, plant location, and infrastructure.

Definitely Maybe

Definitely Maybe...

23-04-2012 

Weekends are meant for friends, picnics, hangouts and entertainment. Sometime Over here, the word ‘weekend’  s**ks badly. I have been watching lots of movies since last few weeks, coz that’s the only form of entertainment left, if no plans freeze. Last weekend was like watching movies back to back, on the same bed unmoved, except for loo or water. However, until this time before I started I had absolutely no idea what my next 2hours would be.

This movie made me to watch it over and over again. I don’t know what’s in the movie that made me go crazy about it, even before starting it, I had no idea at all it is all about. I just played it, as it was 800mb video file which I wanted to see, before I delete it.

Movie starts with William Hayes, who was about to go to meet his daughter Maya after school. He used to meet his daughter on Tuesdays and Fridays as the couple were about to get divorced in few weeks. Reaching school, he comes to know that the kids had sex ED class that day. And then the kids started to quarrel with their parents on how could they have had sex with their mom / dad? This gal started too, to ask such questions to her father Will. Most pathetic question that his daughter made was 'Was she an accident?' However her father answers very calmly and nicely. This little gal was so cute all over the movie; I appreciate her acting and emotional skills. Now will's daughter convinces him to reveal his complete life before he met her mother and not to narrate everything just like a casual love story. Movie begins then. However Will smartly makes the story as Mystery and asks Maya to decide and choose who will be her mother at the end of story, also the character’s name were to be changed into the story. Maya was certainly curios and unhappy with the divorce stuff that was happening between her dad and mom.

The way director has pictured the story of bachelor William Hayes, his dream of being a president of United States, the problem of bachelor’s love life and the complications all over is amazing. Direction, performance, and screenplay won me completely. The story had 3 beautiful gals - Emily, April, and Summer. April's character made me fell into love with her. Most awful and funniest scene was when Will controlled his feelings before sex and just ended up with a kiss to a gal, realizing that he is committed to Emily for marriage. Next daily Emily turns to him just to say, that she slept with his roommate. He gets killed... Then again next gal summer's double crossing him for sake of her career, which ends Will into loads of trouble, is again beautifully pictured. There is a small romantic love story between this Will and April, which still goes on after the story is over. The way this little gal interrogates Will for his own happiness is worth to see for. She Definitely finds her mom in the story until it ends.

The most beautiful part was where the story got started actually, where the father and daughter relationship was put on factor of trust and understandings, little gal being so smart and supportive to his dad over his relationships, I got completely driven away. Most touching scene was when father ends the story to his daughter saying that his story did has a beautiful end, which was called Maya then, was the heart breaking moment for daughter and her dad.

I cannot judge, what was the best part in the movie to describe whether the father and daughter's understanding, whether April - Will's love story took the movie away, or whether will's complicated relationships... I just loved the movie.  I watched it thrice in 2 days ;) I wonder If I get so much excited and energetic after watching any drama... I’m sure this 800mb on my HDD is never gonna get freed :)

On the Wings - A First Fly...

15th Jan'12

Most of Indian software Engineers have a dream of International onsite sometime in their career, so had I. Although onsite opportunities may differ as per experience or expertise. I believe luck and right timing play a crucial role into it.

After 4 hours, still Delhi Airport was like an unknown place to me. I had been to same Airport many a times before, but this time it was my Journey halt to connect to International Flight to Germany. Funniest part being, for this International travel, I did shopping just a day before fly... The last week before I could fly was so tiring and hectic coz of 12 hours working and a critical go live. Somehow coz of the work pressure and excess work I had no Zeal, no Enthusiasm for this travel. I couldn’t find myself appealing or excited for Onsite, although I needed it badly. Even when my mom asked about my feeling for the onsite, I had absolutely No Answer, I kept Mum... A journey plan that came to me 2 years back and I dint opted before, came all over again. This time when plans got freezed for Germany Onsite, few of my close friends who were aware of my same onsite again, laughed with me and realized its Luck and Destiny. I couldn’t even manage to meet most of my friends before I could depart. My parents even figured same thing happening again to me. Somehow I realized the Onsite that I was getting was not just because I deserved it, it was actually due to someone else who dreamt such opportunity for me to get it. I don’t know exactly. An Achievement, A Success, A Fame Doesn’t always come from hard work and dedication only, there is some1's prayer that can make things possible. I strongly believe Luck is of utmost importance for Any Achievement.

On Airport and in Aircraft, I needed a desperate sleep and rest, but my mind dint allowed me to do so. Although I seated quite comfortably in a silent corner on the airport just to have a small nap, somehow I couldn’t rest at all. It was a state of rest and ease to me after long week and hectic shopping a day before, that night was even longer. My mind made me traverse through so many things at a same time, unsolved mysteries, ups and downs over a year, few stupid memories, friends whom I Left behind, few logical code expressions that may burst into client production system, things to do in a months’ time in Germany, etc. etc. Delhi Airport is extreme huge and is one of best infrastructure creations across our country. It has got huge shopping space, good restaurants and coffee shops around; even then I don’t like it. Unexpectedly, it was just my stupid team mate who buzzed me all the time on airport, as she was doing final review from her home, so called me couple of times to clarify few logical expressions, a typical software Engineer. 4 hours, time passed by, I dint even moved from there except for a loo once. Finally Alarm rung for check-in.

It’s true I needed an onsite desperately and already worked for 5 months with domestic onsite, I had absolutely no expectations with this kind of opportunity for International Exposure that too Europe, but when I got the chance, zeal to enjoy the same was somewhere missing.. I thanked My Manager for giving me such Opportunity, coz I wanted a break from regular life and wanted to try huge. A day before my travel, my parents told me international onsite experience was something that I was missing into my life and they wished me luck for this travel then.

It’s not like I dint fly before, but this was a first fly overseas, however such experience is hard to express and put into words. On the check-in, I dint put a preference of Window seat, but Luckily got an Window seat, like a small kid desperate to get to window to see things around.. I seated down finally just above aircraft's wings, and noticed fuel loading by a cabin crew. Person next to me was a White skin 40 years old man, I wasn’t sure if he was French or a German person, we hardly communicated. Switched Off my cell phone, tightened seat belt and Aircraft started 20mins late. For Initial half an hour, Aircraft traversed over mountains and green regions or our country. After an Hour I could only see clouds through my window. I never ever flew at such a great height, like it was this time. I could able to see the plane wings and their movements while aircraft's direction was changing. It was an amazing view of the clouds, it was like an ocean of clouds, u can’t see the dead end, until sun and ocean meet at extreme, ahhhhhh many a times words can’t express the deepness of a view.

I tried even to get asleep into the plane itself, but wasn’t able to sleep. After surfing over movies and different channels on the entertainment desk, I just somehow choose "The Day After Tomorrow" for the rest 6 hour journey Within few hours of the journey I started feeling cold and preferred to take over the blanket provided by Air India Flight Crew member, looking outside the view was the same, we were flying above clouds, and I noticed Ice formation had started over the wings. I noticed temperature on the entertainment desk, I was shocked, and a strong fear somehow built across my body after looking at temperature and height. WTF -58 degrees, 48000 altitudes, ground At the end of the movie, I realized a major mistake in choosing the wrong movie, it was also about the Global warming, where People actually Died of Freezing. I was scared, as Europe is even one of coldest regions across globe, so my worry had a strong reason for it.

I started my journey at 2.30PM IST from Delhi and was an 8 hour journey up to Frankfurt, and reached Frankfurt at 6.30PM CET, seems like I re-lived 4 hours again. lol... A time zone difference. After getting down at airport, what I could see was, everything in German and very few airport authority people nearby me, I could sense most of things done must be automatic which doesn’t need human intervention as Germany is known for its Innovation and Creative Developments.  Although I had a jacket with me, but was in casual t-shirt just wanted to feel the city's winter. It was not so easy to come out up to the Exit point, as pictures only helped me to get to Exit, as the language written was not into my dictionary. With no time I found a lady who was holding a name plate which had my name onto it. She took me to the extreme of airport, where the Cab had been parked, I was still in t-shirt and a casual outfit, I felt cold and temperature below 5degrees, my nerves got colder, but somehow liked it, as it refreshed me, and I started loving the cold breeze around. I saw many people smoking out desperately as they come out of Airport. Major Difference was, all people around me were unknown, and all had a really white skin, unlike Asians.

Windows closed, Cab started, slow English music into it, the Lady drove onto dark highways, except the city name where I had to go, I had nothing with me. No contact numbers, no internet, nothing... I was all dependent onto that lady. Onto highway everything written was in German, I couldn’t understand at all, but what I understood was, highway ethics were strictly followed. I loved their driving sense; it was a fantastic, best part lanes were based on vehicle speed. So whenever she wanted to accelerate ahead, she had to move to left and to right for accelerating down.

After an hour journey into cab, we reached to some city where I could manage to see buildings and food courts around, Alen had to look to exact building where I needed to get in, I had no idea who will receive me to the apartment except I just knew the name of the persons who travelled from Bangalore. For next 10mins outside the cab, until Alen could manage to find the building, I found it difficult to roam around anymore coz of temperature ... If it would have taken some more time to find the building I would have Frozen, My body reached to its max resistance it could take on. My hands, Ears, Face started refusing to be naked anymore. But as soon as we got the correct Building, Bangalore Guy there took me inside in no time and I felt thanked and happy after coming inside the building. Alen left in few minutes, I met my project team mates there, the room allotted was small, fair and descent. We all had a room on different floor, mine was onto top floor.

Same day 9.30PM, there was sheer silence on my floor, Floor Lights are even automatic, they shut down after 5 minutes, so if you want to be on stairs or on floor outside flat u need to press the button again to switch it ON, and those buttons were not unlike a switch with ON and OFF, those are like ring bells, press it and light will switch on for 5 minutes max. In my room I can hear my breath, I can sense if any1 even comes onto my floor. I don’t know if I like or hate such deep silence around me... Need to live into it for at least few months, fingers crossed…