New website:www.indiaecotourismnow.com

A new website www.indiaecotourismnow.com is now under construction. The site will deal with ecotourism aspect of India. A Bhubaneswar based NGO CPSW is planning to work for the development of ecotourism of Orissa by bringing a more numbers of tourists to this costal Indan state.This blogger is developing the website. I am fully commmtted to make it a success. I am using Joomla 1.5.8 to develop the website www.indiaecotourismnow.com to enable the back office staff of the NGO too manage the conttent on regular basis- say daily.

How I sold toys to adults?

 

 I was given an assignment by Rural and Urban Producers Association (Orupa) to sell different handicrafts by direct marketing in Bhubaneswar colonies. I went to IDBI staff colony in one Sunday and knock at the door to give presentation to one family. A 50 + year person came and shouted at me as I have disturbed him on Sunday. I kept mum till he gets cool. Then he wanted to throw me out of the colony. I wanted his 2 minutes to give him a presentation. He was getting angry. I told just 2 minute. Anyhow he looked at me probably to give me an opportunity and told “Always salesman. You salesman do not want us to take rest.”. I told him, “Sir, I have lot of handicraft toys made by Orissa craftspeople. These are toys. ORUPA is an association of craftspeople and it try to sell for them as craftsperson are not able to sell on their own. Crafts person are well financially. Their product can be sold if I am able to sell these toys in your colony.” The IDBI officer came closer towards me and pulled me forcibly to his house by catching my right hand. I was prepared to be veteran by this man. But he gave me a chair and asked his wife to give me a glass of milk. He then started to choose a good numbers of toys from my stocks. I was uncertain about the end. But to my surprise, not only he purchased a lot toys, but also , took me to each of the 60 house colony and acted as my promoter there.

 

 

It was a profitable day for me. in second part of the day, I was having an appointment to sell a Pipili appliqué , a local patch work from Orissa to an advertisement professional. His brother in law had sent me. I was sure to sell. I had cycled for around 10 KM to meet him as I was sure of my sale. The adman was really a noble heart and treated me in a very dignified way. I gave him my appliqué. He got impressed with it and asked me how to pay. I was quite happy. He took the appliqué and entered inside his house. I was waiting for around an hour. But he did not return. I sent message that I am getting late. So he should pay me. After sometime his sister came and returned me the appliqué saying that, “ We do not it.” I was surprised with the sequence. But in the absence of the man, whom will I try to sell?

 

 

The both cases were still fresh in my mind when I met advisor of Orupa who was also marketing Professor. I asked him what is reason behind the both deal- a success and a failure? He suggested me to go back and ask to the customer only. I took appointment and return to the both to quiz about the reason behind their purchase and refusal. “I wanted to buy your product when I came to know that social cause lies behind this sale. I want to development of Orissa’s craft. So I changed my attitude and purchased your toys and promoted your product later in my colony. It satisfied my soul.”, told the IDBI officer when I asked him about the reason of his decision to buy from me. Like him, the Adman also had a story. “I like your appliqué and wanted to hang it in my bed room. But my wife did not like the appliqué and its colour. As I had created hope in you to buy the product, I felt bad to return it. I sent it through my sister. Buying a bedroom décor item is joint decision of husband and wife. Had I bought it, I would have brought disagreement between us-husband and wife.”

 

 

I returned back to my Professor with the reason. Thereafter, I do not sell a product. Rather, I try to deliver solution to other’s need.

DaicchiRanbaxi merger architect Viren Mehta

Daicchi HQ and Ranbaxi HQ ( on top )

I was going to IDEMI, Chunabhatti in Mumbai where I learns software programming. On the newsstand in Sion railway station I saw Businessworld magazine with a feature on “the man behind the Ranbaxi deal.” .The crazy as I was, took it read. The hero of the deal is Viren Mehta, an US based acquisition and merger specialist and founder of Mehta Partners LLC.

 

In addition to BW, I also later in night  , browsed net to know more on the man who could make the biggest Pharma company selling in post –independent India.  Varun is a specialist in Pharma and bio-technology industry sector. He is the managing member of and managing member of Mehta Partners, LLC which offers investment, strategic and financial advice in Pharma sector since 1998.

 

 

Dr. Mehta was a partner of Mehta and Isaly from July 1989 to December 1997. He was also a part of the strategic planning team of the International Division of Merck. Dr. Mehta obtained his Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Southern California and his M.B.A in International Finance and Marketing from UCLA.

A Gujurati by birth with business in his blood, Viren was involved in a deal of Sun Pharma in its acquisition of Detroit based Caraco group. He was also involved with deals of Zudus. The story about Ranbaxi deal has been well-discussed everywhere. Malvinder Singh was looking for partnership opportunity while the Daicchi’s CEO Takashi Shoda could convince him for a bout out.

 

German Daicchi had keen interest in India. It had hired D Vijendran, an old Ranbaxi hand, to set up a   

 

Ranbaxi’s Malvinder with Daichhi CEO subsidiary of Daicchi had keen interest in India. It had hired D Vijendran, an old Ranbaxi hand, to set up a subsidiary of the global Pharma major. At this juncture, he proposed to buy the company in stead of floating a partnership. The already rich Malvinder Singh of Ranbaxi family has now added Rs 5000 Crore + to his sleeve. Time will tell how he is exploring the huge with his added capital. But the role played by low profile high action man Viren Mehta will be remembered by all beyond Pharma domain. He dreams to create a handful of major Indian companies out of the Indian pharma landscape. I wish him all successes.

 I wish to see Businessworld flashing another cover story on his merger advisory success soon!

 

 

Bhubaneswar or Powai, home is mithai

 

I had read so many things about domestic help, but, never had any experienced with them. Being part of a communist circle for a long time, I had learnt not to be very comfortable to hire domestic help. But today is first day when I have hired two homeostatic help- one for washing clothes weekly once and the other is preparing foods daily.

I have been staying alone in Mumbai for at least 3 years out of 4 years I am in the city. My family stays in my native place located near Bhubaneswar. I have a full time job as PR manager of an e-commerce group in Mumbai. I stay near IITBombay, my former employer and travel to Worli , my current work place. I went out early and return late-never before 9.30 PM. Then I need time to work till midnight and do not get time for any other things. Food was last thing in my list of priority.

 

My both domestic helps have done their first day work in a commendable way. They have saved a lot my time. They both taught me on how much I can be productive !

 

First time in life in Mumbai, I felt, today, really a place called “my home” . Nobody waits for me in night, back home, to tell me to return early. Some times, I shall get down from bus at IITBombay main gate and walk into Hostel-12 to spend night in my friend’s room instead of going to my residence. There was no binding reason to go to residence as friend’s room is also quite good . Anyway, today I got down from bus and tried to remember whether I need to buy any vegetable?? Today onwards, I can not avoid to come back to my residence as food and other things will be kept for me. This will be spoiled if I do not return.  In addition to my office work, my family matter back at Orissa, now I have another responsibility: my Mumbai home. After a long time, it has got reason to be sweeter.

 

Long back, I had read a line: east or west, home is best. My Mumbai home was shelter for me. But now it is turning be a sweet home.

In green matter, Pratibha steps first

 

Recently I found news stories that Germany has reported as “greenest country’’ by a report by British Petroleum. Germanyturning to be Green is really an interesting story for others those are taking pleas that industrialization is creating obstructers from them on their path to green. The country slashed its energy consumption by 5.6 percent ( China, USA and India only 2.4 per cent ) . It cut in nuclear energy with use falling 16 % on 2006 level. It increase its coal consumption while it decrease oil and gas use very well. As issues such as energy security, energy trade and alternative energy are now a volatile subject for discussion, Germany’s effort to meet carbon dioxide reduction targets is a big push for green movement.

 

With this news, I also heard India’s first woman president Pratibha Patil is going green. Her team is in a process to impalement “project Roshni” to make President’s estate an eco-friendly township. India’s first woman president is going to be world first President in making her estate green, energy efficient and plastic free.

 

Green is need….a need of hour!

 

According repots available with different agencies and NGOs, due to global warming the sea level is rising. Like every part of the world, Mumbai’s future is also at problem. Juhu, Backbay, Mahalaxmi and Worli are the location which might be submerged is the rise in sea level( 1.2mm @ yearly) continues.

 

Sea is swelling. Time will tell which direction things will take us . But news of a developed country like German turning Green and country’s President taking steps to start greenyatra from her estate is definitely good news.

 

Let us also start to act at our own level to make a difference !  

 

Traffic management plan needs to be approved before

 

Like everyday, on my way back from office, I was coming in a BEST bus from Vikhroli station to IITBombay main gate today. The bus halted on the way near Gandhinagar over bridge due to traffic problem.

 

‘After two three years, roads will be wider. We will have wide road.” a visibly tried conductor told standing near the front entrance of the bus.

“You are thinking that bus number will not be increased!”, countered the driver. Both driver and conductor seem above 40 and must be with the BEST for above 15 years. Conductor was silent. But an old man seating on the reserved seat for aged people shouted back,” Where will they get so much oil to run so many vehicles?’

 

I was a frustrated passenger who travels daily on this road through traffic problems. I came closure to the front gate to participate in the discussion which is by the people

 those are veteran road operator. I asked the old man about situation in his time.

 

The old man started speaking, “ I am of 80 years. I have seen Mumbai with smaller roads. People were earning Rs 7 /- per month. It was such great money.” I was keen to know about the road traffic situation then. But the man continues to speak on economic situation. I was  not ready to listen. The bus driver found opportunity to carry bus a little ahead in this traffic jamm.

 

“Vehicle should run on water, not oil.” another passenger posted his comment from backside. Like me he was also probably interested to see the debate to continue.

 

The traffic problem was acute. There was no hope of bus moving ahead immediately. I thought to get down and walk as my residence was not so far.

 

“See traffic problem of the city has direct relation with economy of the city.” the old man posted to me as he saw I am getting down. “Any economic plan should be forced to include handling traffic problems it will incur. The plan may be of Government, private or even at an individual level. You will set up a small hotel. Your activity will also add to traffic of the city. You need to have some steps from the beginning to contribute for the solutions.” the old man continued to talk.

 

‘Then traffic management has been an independent sector and it has to be looked into like pollution while issuing any license.” he quickly concluded.

 

I got down finally from the bus.

 

 

 

 

Mobile media will create opportunity for non-cricket sports

The mobile communication revolution is on in India. …..with it, the awareness for sports are also is increasing. Cricket has been the king as it is a revenue generator. But time has come where any information related to sports is able to reach mass with the help of mobile.

Cricket is an international fever and it is “darling” of all sports. But no doubt that it is not the only sports that can create interest. Hockey, football, Kho, badminton etc can play a dominant role provided it can reach at a greater mass. Sponsorship and advertisement is two main things for promotion of sports. The popularity of Internet and availability of cheap broadband has now brought all sports closer to people.

In India, a country with over 65 % population from rural India, mobile is about to be the communication medium.  Hence it is opening opportunities for all sports. There will be time when people and corporates will look beyond cricket

Acceptace to Alternate Sexuality will be Decided by Circumstancess

What are the challenges that society faces in accepting the concept of alternate sexuality? How can we address them? – This is the theme I need to discuss here. But it it too much accepted in west? A lot discussion has been on this subject. But it is still a stigma in society.

 India is a gender sensitive country. It is male chauvinistic. But it has history where it has identified role of other gender – female and hinjada  .I am remembering of overhearing discussion of a social activist couple in Bhubaneswar. Both are well known as social activist. Wife told: women are finding justice. Society is treating woman as goddess or slave. I also liked the statement and carry the impression for sometime with me.

There was a marriage proposal of one my relative. The proposal was from sister of the woman activist to the brother of one of my family member. The boy was backed out of the proposal. I have remembered the woman activist asking me to intervene in the proposal. She told me that her party was willing to give dowry.  Still I feel disturbed when I remember this. I have regards for everybody and know that the activist was forced to support dowry under circumstances.

Our society is a slave of circumstances. Reason-ability is circumstances based here. Acceptance of alternative sexuality will be circumstances based only.

 

 

Scanning old newspapers -1: Money manager gets more money !

I have started to search my old newspaper and periodical place to see whether there is something which has something for me! I came ac cross a back issue of Business India ( 5th November 2006) . It was a special issue on India’s highest paid executives. As per Business India’s report in 2006, I am mentioning the salary of few corporate captains.

Mumkesh Ambani of Reliance: 2342 Lacs (Annual        )

Brijmohan Munjal of Hero Honda: 1477.75 Lacs (Annual)

Pawan Munjal of Hero Honda : 1477.75 Lacs (Annual)

Miki Yamamoto of Hero Honda:  1231Llacs(Annual)

Takao Eguchi of Hero Honda: 1231 Lacs (Annual)

AJ Agarwal of Mercator Lines : 975.40 Lacs ( Annual)

HK Mittal of Mercator Lines : 971.24 Lacs(Annual)

Dr YK Hamid of Cipla  :750 Lacs ( Annual)

MK Hamied of Cipla : 700.00 Lacs (Annual)

Amar Lula of Cipla : 700 Lacs (Annual)

I am not updated with the latest salaries of these people or other corporates .But I have a story behind it why I took this salary special of an old magazine. Few days back I was in Hostel 8 of IITBombay in my friend’s room. I met a bright engineer who was there waiting to appear for back paper. He is a mechanical engineer. He has decided to join a company in Pune at a very less salary around Rs 20,000/- . He was telling me that his friends have started their job with Rs 9 Lacs annual salary.

I was a little curious to know what made this difference in salary. I asked him where your friends are joining. He told they are joining in investment banking companies. I was asking him again. He told probably you are surprised to know that IITBombay is contributing largest investment banker. He clarified they are recruited by investment banks as management trainee. They will be trained by the bank in finance and investment.

He then it is investment bank and management job is paying a good salary. He told that very few good engineers and technocrats are remaining in technocrats or engineer in later part of their career. They are all becoming manager. Managers are being paid well. He again clarified the manager who is managing money is better paid than manager of other field.

I am working in an e-commerce portal. We sell mobile phone jammer. My colleague Rahul told me his meeting with a person in Hotel Taj in Colaba in Mumbai two years back. I am exactly quoting Rahul: “He stays in a international hotel( which is costliest in India)  as he is not finding a house of his choice in Mumbai. He needed a mobile phone booster to find a good connectivity. I do not know what he is doing. But he speaks over mobile phone. He always counts everything in crore. He says give him this “much crore” , take from him this “much crore” ? kitane crore profit hua, kitane crore loss hua ?  “

I asked Rahul Bhai what do you think about his profession. He said, ” I think share market .”

I am not even having a slight doubt about Rahul Bhai’s answer. I can only add to it that he must be an investment banker. My 65 old year mother whom I count as my “road light” of my life says in Oriya ,” paisa pakhaku  ku paisa aasse. (money comes to money). I can add to her saying,” Money manager gets more money.”.

 

Need of hour: latest technology

It was 1994 when I was working for SAMBAD, an  Oriya daily newspaper from Bhubaneswar after leaving Oriya newspaper Kurukshetra , a newspaper taht was publishing from Rourkela. As a new staff, I met Gourhari Das , its assistant editor and a known writer Oriya writer. My work was to work with him as a member of his team. With Kurukshetra , I was doing everything. I was in charge of its edition. It was a small paper. But Sambad is a large paper. We call Gaurahari Das as ‘Gour Bhai’. He said on my first day: “Work less, but work for quality work.  ” I got time to take breath. I worked for quality during whole of my Sambad days.

I have seen in all international media, they work for quality. They bring technology as it delvers quality. They bring top brains as professional delvers quality. All tie up, collaboration and joint ventures in India is bringing quality.

Indian media can go a long way if quality will be its mantra.  Indian broadcasting industry needs to be upgraded on two front – technology and journalistic training.  We need latest technology that world is using. I have seen many still using Adobe Premier to edit their news in news organisation. 

We can not fight with arrow and bow with an army that uses fighter plane.  Indian broadcast industry needs latest technologies. I have worked with OTV as its reporter. We were using 1 ccd camera to do story. I was working with it in 2002. Then I was working with two Oriya news programme ORISSA TODAY and Ajir Khabar. Both were on DD. Situation was horrible in DD. The preview was a time we were being tortured by its machineries. Horrible situation in DD Bhubaneswar. It in now   improving.

How will situation improve if we will not have latest technologies