My exciting career in India Cements

17.4.2014

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

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 8^th 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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Loss of a Great Mother, Great Soul, Mrs Jayalakshmi Narayanaswami, Mother of Sri N Srinivasan, VC & MD, The India Cements Ltd

26.1.2014
V Balasubramanian

Mrs Jayalakshmi Narayanaswami no more,  India has  lost a Great Mother and  an eminent Social worker

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 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 23^rd, 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.

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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.

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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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17.6.2013
Long  Live R J Sridharan's Glory

RJS, a Veteran TU leader in the Banking industry

V Balasubramanian

When I had the honour  of  participating in the  function  organised for relaunching  the Two Roses magazine of All India Bank employees Association (Aibea) and All India bank officers' association (Aiboa) on Feb 14, 2013, I never imagined that I will be paying floral tributes to my great friend and Aiboa Chairman, Comrade R J Sridharan,who expired in Chennai on June 15, 2013.

RJS was a veteran trade union leader in the banking industry and a reservoir of knowledge. I have known him from my early days in business journalism. I came into contact with him in 1981 when I was in FE and when RJS along with senior leaders had founded Aiboa. It was to challenge the dominence of Aicoboo and later Aiboc in the industry representing officers. RJS had to  struggle a lot and wage a grim battle with bankers and rival unions  to get into the negotiating table.

RJS was instrumental in getting pension as a third benefit for the lakhs of bankmen ( as available to those in SBI). He spent sleepless nights to structure the formula and convince the bankers and Government. He was also one of the architects in the formation  of united forum for bank employees and officers.

In my FE and ET days, RJS helped in writing several reports and exclusives on wage revision for bank employees and officers, moratorium on old generation private sector banks like Nedungadi Bank, Bank of Thanjavur, Bank of Tamil Nadu, Bank of Cochin and their merger with public sector banks etc. A soft spoken and friendly person, RJS was very articulate while taking queries from media.


 RJS was also an excellent guide and trainer and established a residential training centre, named after late Com Tarakeswar, at Mamallapuram near Chennai. During his life, despite his ill-health and heart problem, RJS worked for the well being of unorganised workers. He had big plans for expanding his training programme for imparting skills to this section of workers.

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Rejoicing my School days in Vilangudi Village

My humble contribution to my village school

V Balasubramanian

I hail from a small village called Vilangudi or Kabithavanam near Kumbakonam. It is always my pleasure visiting my village and the primary school I studied. Recently, as a I token of my love and affection for the school and the kids, I donated one Ahuja public address system. The school HM, Thiru Muruganandam appreciated my timely and useful gesture. My brother, V Radhakrishnan also donated one ceiling fan for the school. We were honored by the HM and his fellow teacher. It was a pleasant refreshing experience for us while addressing the children and interacting with them. I have found them talented and sharp. There is a greater joy in giving what we can that too to our native place. It is my pleasure to share the pix taken on the occasion with my brohters and friends.

ET Balu: From Cauvery Delta to Car Capital Chennai

2.3.2013

DELTA LAND TO DETROIT CHENNAI: My Fascinating Journey as a Journalist

V Balasubramanian

I hail  from a small village near temple city, Kumbakonam. Born in a large family of five sons and three daughters plus relatives, I have  fascinating stories to share about my childhood, youth and professional life. I enjoyed the excellent affection,  patronage of my parents, elders, in laws, friends  and my beloved wife, G Malathy. God has been very kind to me in leading a meaningful life.

In my three decades of my career in business Journalism in FE and ET,  I had the rare fortune of interacting with different people and writing articles on different subjects. The people I have met include Chief Ministers, politicians, trade union leaders, captains of industry, professionals, experts. Entrepreneurs, achievers and thought leaders. I also had the wonderful opportunity to meet students and young Indians, who are the Becon lights of our Mother India. I thought of recounting some of my interesting experiences.

Pix I: I am greeting Venu on his taking over CII president
Pix 2: I am with Venu at CII autoserve; Also seen is  my good friend, R Dinesh

TVS Venu's style of answer by singing a song

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Venu Srinivasan,CMD, TVS Motor and Sundaram-Clayton (SCL) is one of the leading captains of industry I admire and  have known for long. I used to break lot of exclusives about TVS group. Venu is media friendly, but he will avoid confirming or denying any news break. Before Suzuki’s exit from TVS in the two wheeler business,  they had an uneasy relationship. Whenever I asked him about it, Venu would say, “ It is like a husband-wife partnership. You can’t be asking when did the husband stop beating wife”.

Again,  In early 2000, I along with my ex colleague D Govardan broke the news of SCL recasting its business and hiving off its break’s division into a separate entity and allowing its US partner, Wabco to hold majority stake. It stirred  a big debate inside the company as to who would have leaked the development to ET. I was approached by two or three people to confidentially share with them the sources. I had politely declined their request. The  recast process was dragging for years with pending approval from the US.  I used to come out with regular follow up stories. Whenever I asked Venu about the deal, he would smilingly sing the song, “ Sondham eppodhum thodar Kadhaithan, Mudivey Illadathu ( Relationship is always enduring and it has no end). Finally, the recast came through with SCL exiting break business in favour of Wabco. In turn, Wabco exited SCL.

 In Dec, 2012, I broke the news of Venu and his brother, Gopal Srinivasan parting ways smoothly by de-merging the businesses that came under Sundaram-Clayton and its subsidiaries. It again stirred a big debate in TVS group and in corporate circles. It went on page 1 in ET all editions and won appreciation from ET senior editors.

It is my pleasure to share more such exciting experiences in the coming days.