My one year career in India Cements: A great learning experience with a human
touch
V Balasubramanian
When my long time good friend and ex ET colleague, Shri T E
Raghavasimhan presented me a Novel 2012 Diary with wonderful quotes, I noticed a thoughtful quote in the
beginning, “ In times of change, there is no incentive so great, and no
medicine so powerful as hope for a better tomorrow”. Immediately, I wrote in
that page, “ Wonderful for me”. That is what
precisely happened in my life.
One year down the line, I was to retire from my long innings
in journalism. I had no clue about my future after Mar 31, 2013. I had a warm
send off by my colleagues and friends. Reached home that day evening ( Sat). My
dear wife, Mrs G Malathy, working in SBI, who is always
a great source of strength for me, warmly received me and said, “ You have
worked a lot. Take care of your health and lead a peaceful life; Let us be
content with what we have and continue our simple life”. Indeed, a rare gesture in today’s world. That day night,
with tears rolling down my cheeks, I started recollecting my 30 year long
journey in journalism, the kind of stories I have broken, great interviews
done, my turbulent times in my job , good things I have done in my life, etc
etc.
Next Day, Sunday, we all visited temples and Sri Kanchi Mutt
to get blessings of our Gurus. I
started informing Corporate leaders, PR contacts and friends about my
retirement. All of them wished me all the best and said nice words about
me. Only one Great person, Sri N Srinivasan, MD, India
Cements immediately contacted me and invited me to join his organization. Like
other leading businessmen, I had known him for over 20 years and done a number
of stories capturing the growth journey
of his company.
I told him, Sir I have no big ambition in my life. Please,
just help me in engaging myself with some assignments. But to my pleasant surprise , as a very kind
hearted and generous person, NS appointed me as VP Corporate Communication . He asked me to continue the good work done by late Sri P Ramchander, who was editor, Compass Journal of India Cements. He was instrumental in reviving the journal after MD regained control over the company in 1989. Since then, Chander has made Himalayan contribution to the organisation and brought out several issues of Compass and special editions.
On
receiving the order from ICL, me and wife were touched and moved very much by the kind
gesture of MD. My joy knew no bounds and every one in my family felt happy for
me. I said God has always been kind to me in several ways and this time, His
incarnation came in the form of NS. I assured him my best effort to continue the good work of Sri Chander.
One thing, I must tell you all. Even before
the offer came from ICL, our son, Sree Kumar wrote in his school diary In the
parent column that I am working in India Cements. When I asked him how he knew
in advance, he simply said I know you will join CSK company. Oh God. So great feelng.
This day, April 17, 2013, I joined India Cements. It has
been a great, warm and refreshing change. Everyone, including top officials
warmly welcomed me into ICL family. I am getting their best support and guidance.
I am touched by their faith in me. I am
fruitfully engaging myself with works. There is absolute work life
balance. Lot of my friends liked my
shift and greeted me. It came as a
pleasant surprise to others, especially PR and corporate communication.
Perhaps, this is the first time, a Journalist has joined a traditional
industrial house in Chennai.
A month later, media trial of our company and MD began with
unfair coverage almost every day. I had
no clue how to manage the war like situation. I could only pray God for good
outcome and justice. Some friends started commenting and critcising me. I
remained cool doing my job.
I used the time to
redesign and launch our website,
redesign our in house journal, Compass, visiting our T S Narayanaswami college,
cement plants , meeting analysts, organizing events, quarterly press meets etc.
I also engaged myself in updating top
officials on economy and industry
developments. I also used my time
to reach out to the Tamil Media.When
Tamil Journalists showed interest in meeting MD, he readily agreed to meet them
and shared the developments in the cement industry.
My long time media friends who also know MD, are aware of
what is happening and the unfair treatment to our MD. I am sure the clouds will clear soon and
truth will prevail. I only tell my media
friends not to undermine and gloss over the great contribution of MD and
company to industrial development,
sports, cricket, community development, social welfare, education and
healthcare. They could visit our website as well as go through the latest
affidavit filed by MD before SC.
When so many
corporate houses have tumbled and struggled to stay afloat in the terrible economic
slow down and began downsizing their
business and manpower, here is an
organization, a dynamic kind hearted leader with
a committed team running the business well and taking care of thousands of people depending on him and the company. It is hard to find such a caring organisation and business leader. Day is not far off when they will realize the truth.
It is time for media,
print and mass, to look beyond sensational TRP driven news\bites and play a
constructive role in nation building by
joining hands with corporates, entrepreneurs, industry bodies in highlighting the burning issues facing our
economy and industries and creating more income and jobs. Luckily,It was good – golden times
for journos like me when our economy was just liberalized in 1991 and so many
industries\new gen entrepreneurs were blooming that we could capture their
success stories. I wish we get back to those exciting time so that a new future
heralds for media.
Best Wishes
Balu
