MD with Bouquet of Flowers which I presented him on becoming ICCChairman
Soon after our Company Vice Chairman and MD, N Srinivasan assumed charge as First Chairman of World Cricket body, International Cricket Council, senior Company officails organised a Felicitation function on 2.8.14 to Honour MD. I had the rare fortune of sharing my thoughts on MD on the occasion.
Respected MD, Directors, Spl Advisor, Bala Sir, my esteemed Colleagues, I am really touched and humbled for the rare opportunity given to me to speak about our MD.
He is an embodiment of achievements and difficult to list them in a short time. Indeed, he has come a long way in his historic journey from TNCA to ICC, the world’s most powerful cricket body. He is India’s Crowning Glory.
Even those Media which were unkind to him, have said" ICC is Srini, Srini is ICC and BCCI rules world of cricket, Srini to be King". Sir, You are always a King. I convey my best wishes to You and sincerely pray to Almighty for continuing your long years of service to the world of cricket.
I am fortunate to have known MD for over 24 years and as a Journalist I had written several articles on him and about India Cements. In fact, when I was working in Financial Express ( 1981-89), I was given the task of getting a HC order relating to MD's fight with the other promoters and I managed to get the order.
Later in the early Ninites, when I was in ET , Dhun Bldg, HQ of India Cements used to be my regular beat. My task in ET every day was to find out which company MD had acquired and break the story. I am grateful to you Sir for helping me in breaking a number of exclusive stories. Some of them would have caused him discomfort but he used to take them in his true sporting spirit.
As a Journalist, I had moved with a number of business leaders. MD is one of the few leaders I have come across in the conservative south who have the courage, conviction and tenacity to pursue and achieve big goals, and mastered the art of managing turbulent times. Above all, he is very humble and a kind hearted leader.
He has a knack of facing all odds and has been able to overcome setbacks and bounce back with ease. He once told me in an interview “ Balu, When you have to survive, you will find a way to survive pointing out that victory and defeat are two sides of the same coin.
In another interview, MD told me, “ Balu, We are fortunate to have an excellent team at all levels. I have people who will even even go and fetch Tiger milk ( Puli paal) for the company”.
After joining India Cements, I could see lots of such people working here and I am craving to be one among them.
In a nutshell, MD has been a low profile man doing a high profile job. He is a man of few words and man for all seasons.
I would like to conclude by recalling the apt words of famous Author, Keshavan Nair
“With courage you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity”. That is our MD. Thank your Sir.
