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Thursday, 10 October 2024

Goodbye Mr Ratan Tata

 Today, while we mourn the loss of a remarkable man we also celebrate a life that left an indelible mark on millions, transcending boundaries of industry, nation, and humanity.

Mr. Ratan Tata, a name synonymous with integrity, vision, and compassion, has left us—but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Ratan Tata was not merely an industrialist; he was a visionary leader who reshaped India's corporate landscape. Under his stewardship, the Tata Group grew from a national conglomerate into a global powerhouse, with operations spanning over six continents & 100 countries. But numbers and accolades tell only a fraction of the story.
What truly set him apart was his unwavering commitment to doing business with a heart- he truly was a man in a million. He believed that a company’s true value lay not just in spread sheets & profits, but in its impact on people’s lives. He built schools, hospitals, and institutions that have touched countless souls, and his philanthropic initiatives are woven into the fabric of Indian society.
A man of few words but profound actions, Mr. Tata led by example. His humility, despite his towering achievements, endeared him to people from all walks of life. Whether it was the creation of the world’s most affordable car, the Tata Nano, or his generous support to disaster relief efforts, Ratan Tata’s mission was always clear: to serve humanity while remaining low key.
In an age where many prioritize personal gain, he reminded us that wealth and power come with duty & responsibility. Even in the face of adversity, he remained calm, focused, and compassionate—a true statesman of industry and society.
One of the most well-known and touching anecdotes about Ratan Tata is his personal involvement with the families affected by the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. After the tragic events in November 2008, when terrorists attacked multiple locations in Mumbai, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which is owned by the Tata Group, Ratan Tata went far beyond what most corporate leaders would have done.
Instead of merely focusing on the financial losses or repairing the hotel, Mr. Tata personally visited the families of all the victims, including not only the guests and high-ranking employees but also the vendors, security personnel, and even small-time workers like flower sellers who had been affected by the tragedy. He ensured that all these individuals were taken care of, both financially and emotionally.
But beyond the boardrooms and business headlines, Ratan Tata was a deeply loving & compassionate soul. His quiet acts of charity, his care for his employees, and his dedication to causes that uplift the underserved, showed the depth of his empathy. He gave voice to those who had none and always extended a helping hand to those in need. He was a leader who understood that real power lies in making life better for others.
Today, the world bids goodbye to a legend. But even as people, and especially his family and loved ones, grieve, we must remember that Ratan Tata's life was a gift to the world. His principles, his kindness, and his vision for a better world will continue to light our path.
“His life was gentle; and the elements
So mixed in him, that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world, THIS WAS A MAN!”
― William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar
Rest in peace, Mr. Tata. You may have left this world, but you will always live on in our hearts and in the legacy, you leave behind.
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Saturday, 5 October 2024

My first job

 Not many of you would know that before I went into teaching    , I worked for about 2 years at Geep Flashlight Industry  ALLAHABAD CIVIL LINES  NOSTALGIC MEMORIES

I was in the Administration department working directly in the office of the Additional General Manager NH Naqui.

I had been extremely fortunate to be recommended by Miss Daphne Clarkson who was the PA of the Chairman M R Shervani.

I must say that I owe a lot of what I know about all forms of Leadership and Management to that job. 

I was in my early twenties- very skinny and I probably looked 16.

However Mr Naqui was an extremely strict man and I was told no one lasted in his office as he was demanding , he worked late hours, came in on weekends and holidays and was merciless in his dealings.

Now I survived two years so that says something !

There was a young lady working alongside me Philomena McGowan ( Medley) and the two of us managed Mr Naqui and his office .

My work was varied in nature- from looking after his correspondence with various departments and senior managers in the company to arranging for his meetings with  officials in various departments in Allahabad. 

That would be Income Tax of which he was a retired commissioner , the Nagar Mahapalika, the Telephone department, the Commissioner's office, various police departments , a few banks and innumerable other offices.

Then there was the lower courts where i would go to hand over and collect important  confidential documents and that was quite a challenging assignment for umpteen reasons.

There were  also a lot of his personal files and correspondence with companies in  which he had shares etc.

The work was exacting , tiring but challenging and exciting. 

He shouted and screamed at times and I learned to take it in from one ear and let it out from the other. I got thick skinned to his  sniggers and sarcastic remarks . He was impatient and yelled at all and sundry . Rumour had it that he was feared wide and far.

However I found him to be good hearted and not as bad as people made him out to be.

I learnt the art of good correspondence . I learnt the importance of sticking to dates and times and or overall organization of meetings and trips - he was often travelling . 

I learnt how to file and produce documents when asked for and so much more.

There were no computers back then so I became rather adept at typing. 

My telephone skills were great too.

Within the short span of two years I was promoted from a Jr Admin Asst to an Assistant. That usually took 4 to 5 years ! 

My salary was a princely Rupees 475. I went to work by cycle.

I also had to visit the various offices as mentioned. I had the opportunity to present people with Torches and cells ! Also calendars and diaries. 

I got the job done and he liked it.

Above all I had a private office which I shared with his secretary , a phone on my desk and a peon too! What more could I ask for. 

I look back to those wonder years with pride.

The skills I learnt have stood me in good stead over the years. 

God bless you Mr Naqui. RIP.

Friday, 27 September 2024

Indiscipline in schools

 Early morning reflections


Arrogance in Schools: The Consequences of Indiscipline and Entitlement

In many modern schools today , there is a frighteningly  unsettling trend toward fostering arrogance, entitlement, and indiscipline among students. This problem is being exacerbated by a growing emphasis on a casual approach , uncalled for leniency and overprotectiveness, often in the name of promoting freedom or self-expression. While it’s crucial for schools to provide love, kindness, and support to nurture students, it is equally important to keep them grounded in reality and teach them the true value of humility, respect, accountability and responsibility.

Entitled and undisciplined students tend to grow into adults with similar traits, contributing to a culture where selfishness and arrogance flourish. This cycle must be interrupted in schools, as the classroom is a powerful environment for shaping character. It is a delicate balance: children should feel valued, encouraged, loved and safe, but they should not feel that their actions carry no consequences or that school rules are mere suggestions to be flouted at will . It is imperative that parents play their part as well 

Some schools today adopt overly permissive approaches under the guise of modern educational philosophies. 

While it’s true that Victorian-era discipline, with its harsh punishments and rigid authority, is outdated, this doesn’t mean discipline itself should be abandoned. 

On the contrary, a structured and respectful form of discipline—let’s call it instructional discipline—is vital. It sets clear expectations and boundaries, guiding students toward responsible  and accountable behavior while still allowing room for creativity and individuality.

Discipline, when applied consistently and fairly, helps students understand the importance of accountability and consequences. It ensures that freedom is paired with responsibility. 

Without this fine balance, students often  develop an inflated sense of entitlement, believing they are owed things without effort, or that they are exempt from the rules that govern others.

In short, schools must strike a balance between nurturing and disciplining students. 

By doing so, they foster not only kind, well-rounded individuals but also responsible, humble citizens. If we allow discipline to slip in favor of trendy philosophies, we risk producing adults who are not only entitled but also disconnected from the responsibilities of a respectful and harmonious society.

As psychologist Dr. Jordan Peterson wisely said, “If you think tough men are dangerous, wait until you see what weak men are capable of.” Strong discipline creates strong character, and that is something the world desperately needs.