Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Sunday, September 14, 2014
MD, NS Sir is always Great and a King
Pix Captions: Compass Page being Presented by me to MD at the Function
MD with Bouquet of Flowers which I presented him on becoming ICCChairman
N Srinivasan , ICC Chairman is Crowning Glory for India
V Balasubramanian
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.
Following is my address:
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.
----------------Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Udaiyalur Kalyanaraman contact details
Dear Friends,
I am sharing contact details of Shri Udaiyalur Kalyanaraman, a leading Bhagavathar and expert in Nama Sankirthanam:
Shri Udaiylaur K. Kalyanaraman, Chennai 87, Phone 044-24866990, Mobile 94444 62526,E mail: udaikalyan@gmail.com
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Thursday, April 17, 2014
My exciting career in India Cements
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
Friday, April 4, 2014
My School days Experience
Hilarious incidents in my school days
The Bear hug I gave to my teacher
V Balasubramanian
I would like to recount some interesting incidents in my school days. One hilarious incident, which is still fresh in my memory and makes me laugh every time I think about it, took place when I was in the primary class at the school in my village ( Vilangudi) near Kumbakonam. One day, as the teacher was taking class, suddenly there was a commotion outside and people were talking in hush and hush tone about the entry of a stranger for lifting away children ( It is called Pillai pidippavan in Tamil). Soon, kids started running here and there in panic.
Sitting on the front row, I ran towards my teacher and hugged him crying loudly. In the din that followed, the poor teacher could do little to comfort the rattled children. The class room looked like a battle field and I was in no mood to give up my “ bear hug”to my teacher. Finally, it happened to be the visit of a medical staff to administer injection to students for prevention of malaria and other viral fever. Looking at the plight of scared kids, he dropped his plan bringing a big relief to all of us.
The other funny incident took place when I was studying 8th standard at the school in Neyveli township. I have the habit of imitating like others from my childhood and fellow students used to enjoy that. I used to play the role of MGR in in the film Kudiirunda Koil and my friend, Ramanathan the role of Villain, Nambiar. I used to yell at him and we both would roll on the floor much to the amusement of class mates.
On another day, during Lunch time, playing the role of our class teacher cum head master, B Y Sundarajan. I was seriously adopting his body language and teaching them. Suddenly, there was a total silence. I saw, our HM watching my actions through the window. He quietly entered the class and asked me to continue my action. I obeyed him thinking he was going to pat on my back. Instead, he gave me a big thrash and asked me to concentrate on studies.
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Sunday, January 26, 2014
Loss of a Great Mother, Great Soul, Mrs Jayalakshmi Narayanaswami, Mother of Sri N Srinivasan, VC & MD, The India Cements Ltd
V Balasubramanian
Mrs Jayalakshmi Narayanaswami no more, India has lost a Great Mother and an eminent Social worker
-------------------------------------------------------------
If India is celebrated for its rich tradition and culture, it is equally known for the virtues of our mother hood.
Mother is so dear to our hearts and She is a great source of inspiration and support in our lives. The most felt loss in our life is when our Mother leaves the World to touch the Lotus Feet of Almighty.
India has produced a number of Great Mothers. Among them is Mrs. Jayalakshmi
Narayanaswami, wife of late Sri T. S
Narayanaswami, a well-known pioneer industrialist of Tamil Nadu and founder of
The India Cements Ltd.
When she expired during the early hours on January 23rd,
2014, it came a big invaluable loss to her family as well as to thousands of families and the society at large.
Mrs Narayanaswami ( 91 years) leaves behind her two sons, Mr N Srinivasan and Mr N
Ramachandran, two daughters, Mrs Sudha Rajan and Mrs Uma Shivkumar, daughter in laws, Mrs Chitra Srinivasan, Mrs Surekha Ramachandran, Son In Laws, Mr Rajan and G Shiv Kumar besides grand children and
great Grand children.
Her two proud sons are well known industrialists. Mr N Srinivasan is Vice-Chairman & MD, The India Cements Ltd and President, BCCI and TNCA. Mr N Ramachandran is President, World Squash Federation.
It really touched my hearts and all those present on the occasion to witness the Two Sons doing the last rites at their Home and later at Besant Nagar Crematorium in Chennai on 24.1.2014 giving a tearful homage to their mother. I had no words to Console our MD, his brother and family members.
With tears rolling down my cheeks,I joined all those present on the occasion silently praying for the Great Soul to rest in peace and seek her Blessings to Guide all of us in all walks of life.
Mrs Jayalakshmi Narayanaswami was an eminent
social worker and actively supported numerous social welfare and philanthropic
activities without being much in the limelight.
She was Chairperson, Seva Samajam Children’s
Home at Pallipattu, Taramani in Chennai and Guild of
Service-Central.
Mrs Naranayaswami was drawn into social and public welfare
causes through the efforts and persuasion of Mrs. Murugappa Chettiar,who was
the chairperson of Children’s home and other welfare organisations.
The Home
began its “tryst with Destiny” in 1950. It owes a great deal to its founder,
Mrs Mary Clubwala Jhadav. It has grown hugely in stature and reputation as an
organisation devoted to the rehabilitation, education and upliftment of hundreds
of destitute children, who have no place to go.
Mrs Narayanaswami was associated with the Seva Samajam for over
35 years. She joined the home as secretary working her way up steadily to
become its Chairperson.
She was a big guiding force behind many welfare activities
involving the care and development of mentally retarded, physically handicapped
and destitute children undertaken by Guild of Service-Central and the Seva
Samajam Children’s Home.
She also was the President of the Tamil Nadu branch of National
Council of Women in India, which runs an Old Age home in Greenways Road,
Chennai.
-----
Friday, August 9, 2013
P Ramachander, A Great Wall of Compass
9.8.2013
V Balasubramanian
P Ramchander, A Great Wall of Compass
Today is the 69th Birth Day of late Mr P Ramchander, who was editor, Compass, the in-house journal of India Cements Ltd. We visited his house in Mylapore and paid our respect to the Great Soul.
I had known Chander during my long innings in Journalism and benefitted a lot from his foresight and knowledge about the economy, cement industry and the organisation. But, I never imagined that one day I will be playing his role as Editor, Compass, in India Cements.
In the last three months of my working, I could see the immense contributions made by Chander to ICL and its educational institution, TS Narayanaswmi College of Arts and Science. Compass issues published by him in the last two decades have resourceful and relevant articles on economy, management, India Cements and thoughts shared by its VC and MD, Sri N Srinivasan.
Everyone in the organisation whom I interact, speaks high of Chander's human qualities.
Chander, You are not in our midst
today, but the legend of the wall will stand for generations to come. ICL family is always proud of your achievements and contributions. We always live in your memory.
On this occasion, I thought of sharing with my friends the Tribute on Chander, published in Compass, May 2013. My esteemed colleage, Mr G Vishwanath, Chief Manager, Co-ordiantion, India Cements, has richly contributed to writing this Tribute due to his long association with his affectionate Chander.
Vishwanath tells me the famous quote admired by Chander is " Mortal men, Immortal deeds". Chander lived truly to these words close to his heart.
--------
Tribute in Compass, May 2013 issue
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep
-Robert Frost (Passage to
India)
When the management under Vice-Chairman & MD, Mr N. Srinivasan, decided to revive the
in-house magazine in early nineties, the
natural choice was P. Ramchander, who was the catalyst for the resurrection of
THE COMPASS.
Chennai born P.Ramchander
had his initial education and upbringing in Simla and Delhi. Chander, the
banker turned journalist, was the driving force behind the publication of THE COMPASS with his
abundant passion and spirit.
Held in high esteem by the
core management team and other
colleagues, his advice and guidance was constantly sought after by individuals
from all walks of life. As a skilled Wordsmith, he was able to communicate
effectively ICL’s philosophy, its mission and accomplishments to all
stakeholders and the society at large.
Chander was also deeply involved in the
educational activities of T S N College of Arts and Science and significantly
contributed to its development over the years.
His biggest contribution was
capturing and profiling the entire
growth story of ICL since inception in 1946 through the the Golden Jubilee issue of Compass published in 1996
and through the Birth Centenrary
special issue of its Founder,
Sri T S Narayanaswmi, published in November 2011.
Chander’s swan song was the
Special issue of Compass published in January 2013 when the postal department
released commemorative postage stamp in honour of ICL founder.
He constantly maintained
that every issue of Compass contained
rich content, covering economic developments
and activities of the
administration. He also ensured that it carried useful articles for
professionals which in turn helped Compass in winning several awards.
He was a key motivating factor for managers and work
force. He had always acknowledged Mr N. Srinivasan as a key driving
force for his “ second innings” in life.
Chander was indeed a
renaissance man. He did not confine his interests only to journalism, but was a
cricket aficionado. Over the past five and a half decades, he followed the
willow game vividly during his School and College days. He was an avid listener of cricket commentary
and a voracious reader of cricket chronicles. He authored several books which included
the masterpiece- Mortal Men Immortal Deeds, Covering the Golden Era of the
1950s with s special mention of the 3 Legendary Ws of West Indian Cricket team-
Walcott, Weekes and Worell. He also had literary leanings towards “Gleanings”
and successfully compiled ‘Memorable Works of Prose & Poetry, His
Masterstroke.
Mr.N.Srinivasan, in his
foreward to the book “THE DAYS GONE BY”
appreciated Chander’s laudable effort to bring out a book on Test
cricket journey from 1932 to 2007.
He
said, “The author, an extremely knowledgeable cricket aficionado, deserves
accolades for his laudable effort in bringing out this `Magnum Opus’, which
covers a truly vast canvas, tracing as it does – India’s chequered and
unforgettable Test cricket journey from 1932 to 2007. I commend the book to cricket lovers, young
and old, and am sure that they will enjoy reading this fascinating account of
India’s test cricket odyssey”.
Adieu
Chander, ICL Family is proud of your achievements. You are not in our midst
today, but the legend of the wall will stand for generations to come.
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