Disaster or lack of discipline towards fulfilment of duties?

The recent AMRI disaster in Kolkata took a toll of almost close to 100 lives. AMRI is a renowned hospital in south Kolkata and had been operating for quite a number of years. Apparently, it was a modern state-of-the-art health care facility operated by professionals and managed by leading business houses of the city.

In short it belonged to the new-gen breed of hospitals, which patients and their family prefer over run of the mill government hospitals that do not appeal as much to the eyes, and in doing so, are ready to pay up a premium to the hospital.

In return the least expected from the hospital authorities is safe custody of their patients and to give priority to their patients over themselves while rendering services. However, in face of the disaster in the form of fire arising in the basement of the building, there was a complete collapse of the operations and governance of the hospital. Chaos and randomness rules those few critical hours when a structured and process-oriented decision making and actions could have at least saved a much larger number of patients.

Then started the blame game between the government authorities and the hospital authorities while relatives of patients stood stranded and dazed unable to fathom the loss in their lives.

When would this country rise up above the ordinary and be a safer country for its people? Repeatedly we seem to be committing the same mistakes. Poor governance (be it of a hospital or a blue-chip IT services company), lack of responsibilities defined  wherein the face of the organization seems to be completely paralyzed by such situations.

Confused and thoughtless re-branding of West Bengal

A state which has remained under the shackles of rigid communist outlook in a state of non-development and degradation for 34 years, was desperately trying to break free. It embraced the ideology of a party which had no prior experience of governance, simply to give a chance to 'paribartan'. 

When industries and corporations start afresh, after sustained periods of ordinary or sub-ordinary performance, they often do so by 're-branding' themselves which reflect their renewed intent towards achieving the vision set. This is done through re-naming (e.g.Infosys Technologies Ltd. to Infosys Ltd.) coupled with a new logo / brand image that speaks of its new strategic intent (e.g. Vodafone, Videocon, Tata .. the instances are countless).

But never before has such a dismal re-branding exercise been carried out as seen in the change of name from West Bengal to Poshchim Bongo. One of the key objectives for the state to re-brand itself was to rise up the ladder of the states, where it had been lying at the bottom for the last 64 years literally and in essence. The re-branding exercise was seen by many as a step towards new things to come, new aspirations to achieve and a new identity. Poschim Bongo has probably taken the hopes and aspirations of people far behind and has only achieved in climbing a few tired steps towards the top. 

The monsoon rains...

A soft wave of sudden breeze... a distant rumbling and then the patter of rain drops ... that's monsoon rains. Here, there, every where, the rain drops fall freely livening everything around, freshening the atmosphere all around ...

Along with the sweet rain drops, the glorious ragas rendered by Ustad Rashid Khan .. life's good !!

A resurgent Bengal changes color from red to green

West Bengal elections results were perhaps the most predictable over the last few decades. People across different strata of the society desired for 'paribartan' or change and Trinamool Congress storming into power was largely evident.

The red rule of the communists had crippled the 'once most progressive state' on every frontier - be it industry and commerce, public healthcare facilities, infrastructure, education and overall economic progress. The communists had for long rested on laurels and off late, they had not bothered to check whether the laurels had not eroded with the passage of time. Bengal saw a glimmer of hope with the 'bhadralok' of the left rule Mr. Buddhadeb Bhattacharya trying his bit to script a resurgence of the state. Over the last 10 years of the left rule, he attempted to improve the state of industrialization and economy but instead of receiving support from his own party and team, he drew flak from all corners.

With the TMC coming into power with the fire brand leader Ms Mamata Banerjee, Bengal has again been promised hope... Bengal today dreams of 'change'. While the new team spear headed by Ms Banerjee, Mr. Partha Chatterjee and Mr. Amit Mitra is going all guns to turnaround a state which has been neglected and orphaned so long, the vision, perseverance and patience needed to indeed lift the state to newer heights would need support from various quarters. The government alone cannot execute and complete this mission critical task.

As responsible citizens are we gearing up to make this city and the state world class? World class cities, nations and civilizations are not made of only infrastructure, dazzling buildings and monuments. It also comprises people who practice discipline, ethics in their day to day lives. People of Bengal need to stand up to the occasion and take up responsibility of doing so.

It is clearly not enough to say "what has the new government done for us? has it delivered?" but also to introspect "what we are doing to make this place a better". We sincerely hope to live up to expectations and see Bengal surge forward at a pace never seen before.

India's WC win reflects the Winner India of the next decade

India won the ICC World Cup 2011 post a thriller of a match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on 2nd April 2011, beating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets. An entire generation's dreams and wishes were fulfilled when Indian Captain M.S. Dhoni lofted the Sri Lankan bowler to a magnificent six to score the winning runs. 

The win is historic, coming after 28 years since Kapil Dev's team lifted the World Cup in 1983 at Lords, England. While the 1983 win initiated the dream for the young nation to emerge as a winner in the global economic scenario, the 2011 win reflected the ambitions and aspirations of a nation who time has come. 

In these 28 years, the face of the nation has been transformed. From a developing nation with policies on liberalization starting to get the thrust, it was fitting to see the architect of this transformation Dr. Manmohan Singh at the helm of affairs and enjoying the match from the stands. When India lifted the World Cup again in 2011, its a nation that is neighbor's envy and country men's pride. One of the fastest growing economies, it is set to be one of the top two countries to decide the world economy in times to come. 

In many ways, the Indian Cricket team displayed similar qualities to those being displayed by the nation as a whole in all spheres - be it industry, commerce, politics, education, science & technology, research & innovation. This is a nation full of courage, determination and focus to emerge as a winner under adverse conditions and take on the world with confidence. 

Indeed, M.S. Dhoni's men have truly captured the imagination of the current generation and generations to come and has shown the way to go. Go India Go !!    

There are gods and then there are others

They say its the teens and twenties that make a man and what the world makes of him and this is also a period of time when he is greatly influenced by the role models he looks up to and attempts to emulate. I would like to write on a few I have always looked up to and still do.

These personalities are drawn from different walks of life. They are the gods and then there are others...

Sachin Tendulkar

For the last 21 years, he has been a phenomenon to reckon. He has gone past tags such as best batsman in the world and transcended to a plane where no man has ever gone. Close to a hundred 100s, he is a legend who nobody may be able to surpass. The best aspect about him is that even todau when he takes guard, he brings with him the same amount of passion to the game, the same level of ethics and team spirit. Even today the country winning brings more joy than achieving personal milestones. 

A great human being and a fabulous ambassador of the game of cricket. 

Top qualities: focus, concentration, goal-oriented, self-belief, humility, fair play, passion

Mahendra Singh Dhoni 

When the cricketing fraternity was in turmoil with the 'cricketing greats' with illustrious profiles and reputations would often choke to produce results, there came a young man from the small town of Ranchi, whose appearance was in tune with his intentions. A strong man with broad shoulders capable of shouldering immense burden, flowing mane of hair with a fearless heart. He believed in keeping things simple and sticking to basics. He inculcated the value of playing with pride, for honor - to never give up without a fight and gradually the team comprising individual stalwarts formed orbits around this center of inspiration. 

The T20 World Cup, The ODI World Cup and India as the No. 1 Test Playing nation are a result of sublime leadership of this man who could channelize the talent to tangible outcomes. The Indian cricket team had never been short of talent. 

Top Qualities: leadership, maturity, approach, level-headed thinking, ability to remain calm & cool in pressure situations

Shah Rukh Khan

Another god gifted individual with tremendous levels of passion and energy which differentiates him from the rest. An actor par excellence, who has consistently been at the top for more than 21 years, he has transformed from an actor to an entertainer. His involvement in his projects, 200% commitment to do a improved job for his audience sets him apart. You can love him or you can hate him, but you can't deny that he has ruled and is set to rule.

Top Qualities: Passion, Energy, Belief in the cause, focus on providing 100% entertainment to his audience

A R Rahman

A musical whizkid who has broken the frontiers of excellence in creation of music. He experimented and innovated with music and changed the landscape of Indian film music and private albums. The confluence of western elements and Indian elements in his music introduced a new genre which is now followed by the likes of Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Pritam and others. A game changer who stormed into the industry with 'Roja', he has consistently provided musical gems to establish that he is an exceptionally talented musician. Today he is a global name to reckon with hollywood hits under his belt and an Oscar. 

Top Qualities: Creativity, Humilty, Simple and focused  

Sustain2Green - an innovative platform for sharing ideas and innovations for the next decade

Sustain2Green is a unique platform to bring forth interesting articles, thoughts, surveys & findings, news & updates about everything related to sustainability and greening initiatives across the globe. This could range from initiatives around core manufacturing, supply chain and logistics management, products, alternate energy solutions, infrastructure, governance, leadership, health, entertainment, sports and many more areas.

Today sustain2green is a rich repository of relevant content contributed by hundreds of authors drawn from various walks of life. The contributors include eminent thought leaders from the Industry, Academia, Consulting and Professional bodies who passionately believe in the cause - 'the need for sustainability and greening in all aspects of life'. The panel includes senior management executives, researchers, practitioners and thought leaders. The team has a vision to build a strong network of passionate believers in the cause,sustain2green is a forum with a ever growing number of followers keenly followed by leading search engines, print media houses and portal rating services.

We believe the journey is getting exciting everyday...

 

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The next decade...

While we have seen aggression and speed in the last decade, i see a panorama of sustainability, retention and striking balances in the next decade.The key drivers for India in the next decade would be the business and economic environment of the country defined by policy formulation and vision of the government

and leaders of this nation.

Affordable and penetrative education will further provide impetus in the form of a higher human resource index which would lead to value delivery in every aspect of life. One of the key challenges to increasing quality of life would be to tackle the problem of population density of the country especially in the metros and pockets of opportunities. The governments (at both central and state levels) need to work hard to create not 8 metros but at least 18 if not 80 to ensure a more rational spread of urban population and a equitable distribution of opportunities.

The nation needs to focus on basic needs such as healthcare. Can it be believed that even post 2010, and having achieved excellence in pockets most of the population in our country do not have access to basic healthcare infrastructure. It is important to ensure at least a basic and consistent healthcare experience to one and all. So while we have the Apollos of the world providing boutique healthcare experience for the affluent, within a radius of 100 Kms there are people who are given cheap alternates as treatment.

In the next decade I also dream of a nation devoid of corruption. How long.. how long would there be a strata of society shamelessly exploiting and accumulating wealth gained from others. While we have got rid of the British rule, we still have not fully matured into a democracy. I am told, democracy means 'of the people, by the people, for the people' !! Unfortunately we have still miles to go before we achieve any of the 3.

I am confident that the next decade would bring in bold technological advances. We will be in a state in 2020 which we cannot even comprehend today. The computing power will increase exponentially, the size of gadgets will become miniature and automation will touch all aspects of our life.

I would want to ponder more and reflect on what else could mark the next decade... (to be continued)

The last decade...

As we step into the next decade 2011 to 2020, I cannot help but feel nostalgic. I still seem to remember that cold night of 31st Dec 2000 in Indore sitting in my room .. visualizing my dreams .. for the first decade of the new millenium .. the magical year of 2k ..

What a decade it has been !! From a stabilizing largest democracy on this planet, we have taken large strides in almost all fields to become trailblazers in Asia and where the world has taken note of this young energetic talented nation.

This happened through a muti-pronged approahch starting with politics becoming more transparent, politicians and politcal parties becoming more accountable, the masses becoming more critical and aware of the duties of responsible citizenship.

The nation's thrust on education at all levels - primary and secondary schooling, streams in engineering and management, the government's investments in world class Institutes like the IITs, IIMs and the new trend of academia-industry alliance in the form of ivy league ISB has changed the educational footprint in the country. Gone are the days when every child coming out of school dreamt of choosing to be an engineer, a doctor, a chartered account or a lawyer to earn respect in society .. the social fabric is now promoting 'excellence' which can be achieved in any field of choice and not necessarily the old trodden path.

The country has invested heavily infrastructure to transform its urban and semi-urban landscape. The number of flyovers, expressways, metros transforming the way we travel to work everyday was unthought.

The Indian consumer has become all powerful. The choices offered to him today is unprecedented and often baffling. The emergence of modern retail on the lines of the classics of Wal-mart has changed the way people make their buying decisions. While hypermarkets and collosal shopping malls dot the metros today and the metropolitan consumeris spoilt for choices, the father of Indian retail Mr. Biyani has ensured that the young and old poulation in rural and semi-urban small towns are not left out of the party.The Big Bazars and the Food Bazars retail umpteem household categories at affordable prices and offer a never before existing value proposition.

India Inc. has also led from the front to capitalize the era of globalization and liberalization.Be it consolidating its own strategy and operations within the country or inorganic growth plans charted through aggressive and ambitious acquisition plans. Whether its the Tatas acquiring Jaguar / LL and Corus or the Mittals taking over Arcelor, these excellent business groups have not only built wealth for the organizations but brought back pride to the country.A special mention of the leading IT sector and services sector which has built a special reputation for India and its intellectual power. The country cannot but help salute the IT czars Narayanmurthys, Nilekanis of this country for putting the Indian map on the global landscape.

What a decade it has been!! The nation has changed, the people transformed, the dreams bigger and the spirit of innovation and enterprise has been sowed in the hearts of millions. Today as i sit in the heart of the nation and look back .. the last 10 years has changed so much for me .. the targets have moved, the scale of ambition and dreams have changed and in my heart i feel 10 years younger with more energy to realize more dreams for me and to contribute in my own way ..

How will the next decade be? This question excites me and I move into a pensive mood....

(to be continued)...