`Forbes` in India

Forbes, not a very unfamiliar name amongst Indians, even amongst those who never read a business paper or magazine. The name Forbes, makes every one of us remember its most popular, List of Richest people, published every year and couple of Indians, who always find a mention there. 

I was waiting to have the touch and feel of India Forbes, since the time I learnt that, Network 18(Parent of CNBC, CNN IBN, Awaaz), is partnering with Forbes LLC(Owner of Forbes Magazine) to bring the Indian version/edition of Forbes. And also was very curious about its approach, content, treatment and importance to India centric stories along with the best qualities of its world famous parent. 

Now the very first issue of “INDIA Forbes” is out and after having gone through each and every page of it for two days, I feel it can make a difference in the overcrowded Business News market in India, where more than ten players both in print and electronic are fighting for TRP/Readership. 

Forbes is not a kind of magazine, which always focuses on the issue/event, that happened last week or fortnight, which is the most common format of all other Business magazines. And “India Forbes” seems to be following the path of its parent, if the first issue is anything to go by. 

First issue is very rich in India centric contents. The cover page article on Lakshmi Mittal and his fight to save his Steel Empire from the onslaught of recession and host of other Industry related problems is a good piece to read. You can also see the other side of Vijay Mallya in this issue, the warrior Mallya fighting all odds to save his debt ridden empire. 

Rs.50 for a fortnightly issue, is bit high when compared to other competitors, but content wise seems to be fairly priced. Whether it succeeds in becoming, a widely read and respected magazine, or ends up as a great brand to showcase in ones house or office? I think, next few issues will clearly tell us that.

“Maggi” 25 not out!!

ಶಾಲೆಗೆ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲಿ, ದೂರದರ್ಶನದಲ್ಲಿ ಬರುತಿದ್ದ- “ಮಮ್ಮಿ ಭೂಕ್ ಲಗಿ ಹೈ” ಎಂದು ಕೂಗುತ್ತಾ ಬರುವ ಹುಡುಗನನ್ನು, “ಬಸ್ ದೊ ಮಿನಿಟ್” ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿ ಆಕರ್ಷಕವಾಗಿ ಕಾಣುತಿದ್ದ `ಮ್ಯಾಗಿ` ಮಾಡಿಕೊಡುತಿದ್ದ ಮಮ್ಮಿ- ಜಾಹೀರಾತು ಬಹಳವಾಗಿ ಆಕರ್ಷಿಸಿತ್ತು. ನಮ್ಮಮನಿಗೆ “ನಮ್ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲೂ ಇದನ್ನು ಮಾಡು” ಎಂದು ಪೀಡಿಸಿದರೆ, “ಅದೆಲ್ಲ ಆರೋಗ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯದಲ್ಲ” ಎಂಬ ಸಿದ್ದ ಉತ್ತರದ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಎರಡೇ ನಿಮಿಷದಲ್ಲಿ ತಯಾರಿಸಬಹುದಾದ ದೇಶಿ ಆಲ್ಟರ್ನೇಟಿವ್ “ರಾಗಿ ಹುರಿ ಹಿಟ್ಟು” ಸಿಗುತ್ತಿತ್ತು. ಆದರೂ ಮ್ಯಾಗಿ ಯ ಮೇಲಿನ ಆಕರ್ಷಣೆ ಕಮ್ಮಿಯಾಗಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ.

ಮೊದಲ ಬಾರಿ ಹೈ ಸ್ಕೂಲ್ ನಲ್ಲಿರುವಾಗ, ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾರು ಇಲ್ಲದ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲಿ, ಮ್ಯಾಗಿ ಮಾಡಲು ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಿಸಿ, ಹೇಗೆ ಮಾಡಬೇಕೆಂದು ತಿಳಿಯದೇ, ಪಾತ್ರೆಯಲ್ಲೇ ಅದು ಸೀದು ಹೋಗಿ, ಅಮ್ಮನ ಕೈಲಿ, ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ ಬೈಸಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದು ಇನ್ನೂ ಮನಸ್ಸಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಹಸಿರಾಗಿದೆ.

ಕಾಂಪಿಟೇಶನ್ ಇಲ್ಲದ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾರತದ Ready to eat food segment ಗೆ ಕಾಲಿಟ್ಟ Nestle ಯವರ ಮ್ಯಾಗಿ, ಇಂದಿಗೂ ಸಹ ಶೇಕಡ 90 ರಸ್ಟ್ಟು ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆ ಪಾಲನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿದೆ ಎಂದರೆ, ಒಂದು ಪ್ರಾಡಕ್ಟ್ ನ 25 ವರ್ಷದ ಪ್ರಯಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಡಿಮೆ ಸಾಧನೆಯೇನಲ್ಲ. ಇಂದು ಮ್ಯಾಗಿ ದೇಶದ FMCG ವಲಯದಲ್ಲಿನ ಒಂದು ಉತ್ತಮ ಹಾಗೂ ಪಾಪ್ಯುಲರ್ ಬ್ರ್ಯಾಂಡ್. ಪ್ರಾರಂಭ ವಾದಾಗಿನಿಂದ ಪ್ರತಿ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲೂ ಬದಲಾವಣೆ ಗಳಿಗೆ ತನ್ನನ್ನು ಅಳವಡಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತ, ಮ್ಯಾಗಿ ಸಾಗಿ ಬಂದಿದೆ. ಇದರ Noodles ನ ಸಫಲತೆಯಿಂದ, ಉತ್ತೇಜಿತರಾಗಿ Nestle ಯವರು ಇದೆ ಬ್ರ್ಯಾಂಡ್ ನ ಅಡಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಾರಂಭಿಸಿದ, ಸೂಪ್, ಸಾಸ್, ಹಾಗೂ ಕೋಕನಟ್ ಮಿಲ್ಕ್ ಗಳು, Noodles ನಷ್ತ್ಟು ಸಫಲವಾಗಲಿಲ್ಲ.

ತನ್ನ 25 ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಪ್ರಯಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ- ನಡುವಿನ ಕೆಲವು ವರ್ಷಗಳಲ್ಲಿ, `ಪ್ರೀತಿ ಜಿಂಟ` ಇದಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಜಾಹೀರಾತು ನೀಡಿದ್ದರೆಂಬುದನ್ನು, ಹೊರತು ಪಡಿಸಿದರೆ – ಯಾವುದೇ Celebrity ಯ ಸಹಾಯವಿಲ್ಲದೆ, ಕೇವಲ “Health bhi, Taste bhi” ಎಂಬ ಪಂಚ್ ಲೈನಿ ನೊಂದಿಗೆ, ಯಶಸ್ಸಿನ ಹಾದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದ ಏಕೈಕ ಬ್ರ್ಯಾಂಡ್ ಮ್ಯಾಗಿ.

ಮ್ಯಾಗಿಯ ಜಾಹಿರಾತುಗಳು ಮಕ್ಕಳನ್ನು ಕೇಂದ್ರೀಕೃತ ವಾಗಿರಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದರು ಸಹ, ಅನೇಕ Consumer research report ಗಳ ಪ್ರಕಾರ, ಇಂದು ಮ್ಯಾಗಿ ಕೇವಲ ಮಕ್ಕಳು ಬಯಸುವ, Impulsive buy (eg, chocolate, cold drink) ಆಗಿ ಉಳಿಯದೆ, ಮಧ್ಯಮ ಹಾಗೂ ಮೇಲ್ಮಧ್ಯಮ ವರ್ಗದವರ ತಿಂಗಳ ದಿನಸಿ ಪಟ್ಟಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ಥಾನ ಪಡೆದಿರುವ Essential buy ಆಗಿದೆ.

ಇವತ್ತಿಗೂ ಸಹ ಕೆಲವೊಮ್ಮೆ ಆಫೀಸ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಲಸ ಮುಗಿಸುವ ಹೊತ್ತಿಗೆ ,ಹೊಟೆಲ್ ಗಳೆಲ್ಲಾ ಮುಚ್ಚಿ, ಅರ್ಧ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ನಿದ್ರೆಗೆ ಶರಣಾಗಿ ರುವ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲೂ, ಮನೆಯ ಅಡುಗೆ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ನನಗಾಗಿ ಕಾದಿ ಕುಳಿತುರುವ, ಹಸಿರು ಪ್ಯಾಕೆಟ್ ನ Maggi Atta Noodles ಗೆ ಥ್ಯಾಂಕ್ಸ್ ಹೇಳಲು ಇದರ 25ನೇ ಬರ್ತ್‌ಡೇ ಒಂದು ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಸಂದರ್ಭ.

Why ANANTH still has an edge in Blore-South?

With the announcement of candidature of Krishna Byre Gowda, from INC, fierce contest to the prestigious Bangalore South has entered its final stage. Now it is crystal clear, fifth time aspirant Ananth Kumar, will be facing US educated, young and clean face of youth Congress, Krishna Byre Gowda. 

 

A close look at the results and the candidates who contested, from 1977 to 1996 shows us that, never at any point of time, any political party/ candidate showed interest in nurturing this constituency,(except for a brief period in 80s when Venkatagiri Gowda, contested multiple times from BJP and won in 1991). This constituency was always used as a ground to field educated and some times popular candidates, who seldom had interest in working for and nurturing the constituency.

 

Continuation of the same trend and attitude can be observed when we look at Capt. Gopinath choosing Blore south to test his luck and JD (s) bringing in Prof Radhakrishna. This attitude was also showed by, INC when reorganization of areas forming part of Constituency showed a different caste equation and Congress contemplated fielding retired and re-entered S M Krishna and finally deciding on Krishna Byre Gowda.

 

Ananth Kumar (four time winner 1996-98-99-2004)is the only candidate who has shown interest in nurturing the constituency with development projects and that’s probably the reason for his consecutive wins. May be Ananth, has not done exceptionally well when evaluated from the point of view of many of the  performance related parameters but still stands as the lone loyal and most reachable candidate, both to the elite and the common voters of the constituency.

 

Amnesia, pub attack in Mangalore, and Varun Gandhi’s hate speech are being used in the election campaign by candidates opposing Ananth, shows their lack of understanding and interest when it comes to the development of constituency per se. On a micro level, these two issues doesn’t have any relevance at all, for the voters of Bangalore south. Though termed as the constituency of elite and educated, but like any other ordinary voters of any other constituency, voters of Bangalore south are also, more interested in the quality of drinking water they get and issues like road, electricity, public library, Health centers, infrastructure and the approachability of the candidate representing them. Keeping this in mind, it would not be a surprise, if people of Bangalore south, prefer Ananth for the fifth time, rejecting all other migratory birds.

 

All said and done, this time its also not going to be a cake walk for Ananth, whose victory margin (in terms of the percentage of votes) has been decreasing since 1998 elections and also now he has a youthful, formidable candidate in the form of Krishna Byre Gowda. So this time it would make more sense for everybody, if candidates talk only about development and Bangalore South.

Will 2009 Elections also act as stimulus package for Indian Economy?

General Elections in India are like festivals, celebrated in every nook and corner of this vast geography. Heated discussion and debates start from the day Election commission notifies the dates(or even earlier some times) and continues till the day of swearing-in ceremony.

 

From, road side pan shops to the next door Kirana shops, Local newspapers to the National news channels, provide you the food for thought and discussion. Tea shops play perfect host to the heated discussion ranging from caste equations to the grape vine on the exact expense of the candidate of that particular area.

 

And this father of all Indian festivals, demands huge sum of money, one for conducting election itself and another for winning. For a moment lets forget that part which is required for conducting it, because this being legal and very much accounted for and the trickle down effect as well as the beneficiaries of this can also be easily traced.

 

`Conduct of Election Rules 1961`, fixes a maximum of Rs. 25 lakh per Parliamentary constituency as the permissible expense for a candidate (States like Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim have lower limits). Indian experience of 14 General elections, clearly shows that, actual amount spent is always more than ten to twelve times the limit prescribed. Absence of wave in favour of any political formulation makes, it more difficult for candidates to win and in turn increases the outgo of money.

 

Even the conservative calculation shows that Rs.3 to 4 crore is required for winning a parliamentary seat, and a quick back of the envelope calculation for 543 seats gives out an impressive amount of Rs.1629 to 2172 crores. An average of 2000 crore spent across India by parties/candidates can in real sense increase and give push to the prevailing sluggish demand situation in the economy.

 

If eight hundred to thousand people work for campaigning for a particular candidate in a constituency and on an average each constituency has got four candidates, then each constituency gives 30 to 40 days assured job for 3000 to 4000 people on a daily wage of not less than Rs 100. And assured 30 to 40 days job for 16 to 22 lakh youths at all India level. This sounds interesting right!!!!

 

Door to door campaign especially in rural areas demands extensive travelling on the part of candidates and his/her followers. keeping this in mind already many political parties/candidates have placed orders for SUVs, like Innova, Scorpio, Bolero, Honda CRV etc. This development has come as a ray of hope for many Automobile companies during these difficult times.

 

In a nutshell, Elections and the money spent creates positive effect at least from the demand side of the economy at this point of time and should be welcomed by one and all and can safely be termed as another Stimulus package to kick start the economy.

Recession, Sex and Condom

26th Feb`09 `s Economic Times carried an interesting piece of write up, which talks about the spurt in sale of Condoms in India, and tries to connect this development to the prevailing economic slow down. It compares the sales figures of leading manufacturers of Condoms in India, such as HLL Life care, JK Ansell, TTK Healthcare with the previous year`s sales.

 

A Clinical Psychologist, consulted for that write up says that normally, recession causes depression and it lessens the urge for sex. But Condom sales seems to have defied this logic and its rate of growth(sales) is also phenomenal compared, to US and Europe. Finally Clinical psychologist, observes that, boom in Condom sales can be attributed to anxiety of couples about having their first child or an additional child, as bringing up children these days involves considerable economic commitment.(If the writer had consulted the Head of `Moral police`, on this piece of write up, then he(Head of Moral Police brigade) would have attributed this development to the general tendency of our youth to ape the west and would have ordered his brigade to vandalize, all the shops selling condoms!!!!.)

 

 

Really smart piece of write up and good observation right? But it would have been much better, had that report given the geographical breakup of sales so that it can be compared with the economic prosperity, demography of that particular region. Another point which the author of the write up seems to have missed is the impact of “ Condom Awareness” campaign running in print and electronic media over last one year or so.

 

All said and done these kind of reports/write ups are not new to the readers of Business papers, who are accustomed to reading “Condom Sales increases” reports twice a year, One during Navaratri Celebrations in Gujarat (state specific statistics) and another, days before and after Valentines Day,(pan India statistics) but this time it is connected to economic slow down for a change.

 

 

ಪ್ರತಾಪ್ ಸಿಂಹ ರ “ಕುರುಡು ಕಾಂಚಾಣ..” ಹಾಗು ನನ್ನ ಒಂದೆರಡು ಮಾತುಗಳು.

ಶನಿವಾರದ (21/2/09) ವಿಜಯ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಕಟವಾದ ಪ್ರತಾಪ್  ಸಿಂಹರ “ಕುರುಡು ಕಾಂಚಾಣ..” ಓದಿದ ನಂತರ ಕೆಲ ವಿಚಾರಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ನನ್ನ ಒಂದೆರಡು ಮಾತು.

ಮಾನ್ಯರೇ,
ನಿಮ್ಮ ಈ write up ನ ಓದಿ ಕೆಳಗಿಟ್ಟ ನಂತರ ನನಗನಿಸಿದ್ದು “Playing to the gallery” ಅಂತ.
ಜನಸಾಮಾನ್ಯರಲ್ಲಿ, ಇರುವ IT ಹಾಗೂ IT ಯವರ ಬಗೆಗಿನ ಭಾವನೆಗಳನ್ನು, ಧೋರಣೆಗಳನ್ನು ಹಾಗೂ frustration ಗಳನ್ನು ಚಿತ್ರಿಸಿದ್ದೀರಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಸಮರ್ಥಿಸಿದ್ದೀರಿ.
ನಿಮ್ಮ ಬರಹದಿಂದ ನಿಮಗೆ IT ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಹಾಗೂ  over all economy ಯ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ clarity of thought ಹಾಗೂ ಪೂರ್ಣ ತಿಳುವಳಿಕೆ ಇಲ್ಲದಿರುವುದು ಎದ್ದು ಕಾಣುತ್ತದೆ.
 

IT ಕಂಪನಿಗಳು, Products ಮತ್ತು services:
ಯಾವುದೇ ಕಂಪನಿಯ IT ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದ ಖರ್ಚಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಶೇಕಡ 70 ರಿಂದ 75 ಭಾಗ ಹಣ ಖರ್ಚಾಗುವುದು ADM (Application, Development, Maintenance) ಗಾಗಿ. ಹಾಗಾಗಿ IT Services ಎನ್ನುವುದು, ಅತಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಉದ್ಯೋಗಗಳನ್ನು ಸೃಷ್ಟಿಸುವ ಹಾಗೂ ಆದಾಯ ತರುವ ವಿಭಾಗವಾಗಿದೆ. 90 ರ ದಶಕದಲ್ಲಿ, ಈ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಾರಂಭವಾಗ ಬಹುದಾದ, ಕ್ರಾಂತಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಅವಕಾಶಗಳನ್ನು ತಮ್ಮ ದೂರ ದೃಷ್ಟಿ ಇಂದ ಕೆಲವರು ಗ್ರಹಿಸಿದ್ದರಿಂದ ಇಂದು ಅನೇಕ World class IT  ಕಂಪನಿಗಳನ್ನು ಭಾರತದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಟ್ಟಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಾಯಿತು. ನಂತರ ಪ್ರಾರಂಭವಾದ BPO, KPO, ITO  ಕ್ರಾಂತಿಯೂ ಸಹ ಲಕ್ಷಾನುಗಟ್ಟಲೇ ಉದ್ಯೋಗಗಳನ್ನು ಸೃಷ್ಟಿಸಿತು. ಇದೆಲ್ಲದರ trickle down effect, over all economy ಯ ಮೇಲಾದ  ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಅರಿವು ನಿಮಗಾಗ ಬೇಕಿದ್ದರೆ, ಭಾರತದ $ 1 trillion GDP, breakup  Statistics ನ ನೋಡ ಬೇಕು.

ಪೇಟೆಂಟ್ ಹಾಗೂ ಭಾರತದ ಕಂಪನಿಗಳು:
ಭಾರತದ Software ಹಾಗೂ  Electronics ಕಂಪನಿಗಳ ಬಳಿ ಇರುವ ಪೇಟೆಂಟ್ ಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ನಿಮಗೆ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಈ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಚರ್ಚೆ ಬೇಡ. ಪೇಟೆಂಟ್ ಒಂದರಿಂದಲೇ mass employment generation ಸಾಧ್ಯವೇ ಎಂಬುದನ್ನ ಒಂದು ಸಣ್ಣ ಉದಾಹರಣೆ ಯ ಮೂಲಕ ಅರ್ಥ ಮಾಡಿ ಕೊಳ್ಳಲು, ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಿಸೋಣ. ಒಬ್ಬನು ಅಡಿಕೆ ಅಥವಾ ತೆಂಗಿನ ಸಿಪ್ಪೆ ಸುಲಿಯುವ ಒಂದು ಸಣ್ಣ ಯಂತ್ರ ವನ್ನು ಅಭಿವೃದ್ದಿ ಪಡಿಸಿ ಇದರ ಪೇಟೆಂಟ್ ಪಡೆಯುತ್ತಾನೆ , ಎಂದು ಉಹಿಸೋಣ(ನಾನು ಮಲೆ ನಾಡಿನವನಾದ್ದರಿಂದ ಈ ಉದಾಹರಣೆ ).ಇದರಿಂದಾಗಿ ಹೊಸ ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ ಬಂತು, ಜನರಿಗೆ ಅನುಕೂಲ ವಾಗಬಹುದು ಎಂಬುದು ಸರಿ. ಇದೆ ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನದ ಲೈಸೆನ್ಸ್ ಪಡೆದು ಮತ್ತೊಬ್ಬನು ಈ ಯಂತ್ರಗಳನ್ನು mas production ಮಾಡಿ, ಎಲ್ಲೆಲ್ಲಿ ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆ ಇದೆಯೋ ಅಲ್ಲಲ್ಲಿ ಇದನ್ನ ಮಾರುವುದು, ಹಾಗೂ ಕಾಲ ಕಾಲಕ್ಕೆ ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ after sales service  ಮಾಡುವುದು ಇದೆಯಲ್ಲಾ, ಇದು ಒಂದು ಬೃಹತ್ ಉದ್ಯಮ, ಹಾಗೂ ಇದು ಸಾವಿರಾರು ಜನರಿಗೆ ಉದ್ಯೋಗ ದೊರಕಿಸಿಕೊಡುತ್ತದೆ, ಮತ್ತು ಒಟ್ಟಾರೆ ಆರ್ಥಿಕತೆಯ ಬೆಳವಣಿಗೆಗೆ ಪೂರಕವಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಇದೇ ತರ್ಕವನ್ನು ಎಲ್ಲ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರಗಳಿಗೂ ಅನ್ವಯಿಸಬಹುದು.
90 ರ ದಶಕದಲ್ಲಿ ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನದ ಬೆಳವಣಿಗೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಮುಕ್ತ ಆರ್ಥಿಕತೆಯ ಲಾಭ ಪಡೆದು, ನಮ್ಮIT ನಾಯಕರುಗಳು, IT services ಕಡೆ ಒಲವು ತೋರಿದ್ದು, ಭಾರತದಂತಹ labour intensive economy ಯ ದೃಷ್ಟಿಯಿಂದ ಬಹಳ ಸರಿಯಾದ ಹಾಗೂ ಅತ್ಯುತ್ತಮ ಹೆಜ್ಜೆ.

ಇವತ್ತು ನಿಮ್ಮ ATM ಕಾರ್ಡು ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದರೇ, ಕುಳಿತಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ನೀವು ರೈಲ್ / ಬಸ್ / ಏರ್ / ಟಿಕೆಟ್ ಬುಕ್ ಮಾಡಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಾಗಿದ್ದರೆ,RTO/ Sub registrar ತಾಲೂಕು, ಅಂಚೆ ಕಛೇರಿಗಳು ಗಣಕಿಕೃತ ವಾಗಿ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಕೆಲಸ ಸುಗಮವಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ, ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾರಣರಾದ ಹಾಗೂ ಇದರ ಹಿಂದೆ ಹಗಲು ರಾತ್ರಿಯೆನ್ನದೇ ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡಿದ IT Techie ಗಳಿಗೆ ಮನಸಲ್ಲಾದರೂ Thanks ಹೇಳಬೇಕು.

ನಿಮಗೊಂದು ವಿಷಯ ಗೊತ್ತಾ?  ನೀವು ರಾತ್ರಿ ನೆಮ್ಮದಿಯಿಂದ ಮಲಗಿದ್ದಾಗ, ನಿಮ್ಮ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕು ಹಾಗೂ ಇನ್ಶುರೆನ್ಸ್ ಕಂಪನಿ ಗಳ IT Network  ನಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾವ ಹ್ಯಾಕರ್ ಹಾಗೂ ವೈರಸ್ ಆಗಲಿ ಪ್ರವೇಶ ಪಡೆದು ಬೆಳಗಾಗುವುದರೊಳಗೆ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಜೀವಮಾನದ ದುಡಿಮೆಯನ್ನು ಮಾಯಾ ಮಾಡ ಬಾರದೆಂದು, ಸಾವಿರಾರು IT Tester ಗಳು 24 ತಾಸು ಸರತಿಯಂತೆ patches update ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾ ಕಾಯುತ್ತಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ.(ಇಲ್ಲಿ ನಾನು ಕೆಲವೇ ಕೆಲವು ಉದಾಹರಣೆ ಗಳನ್ನು ಕೊಟ್ಟಿರುವುದು).ಬಸ್ಸಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕಂಡಕ್ಟರ್ ಹರಿದು ಕೊಡುವ ಸಣ್ಣ ಟಿಕೆಟ್ ನಿಂದ ಹಿಡಿದು,Defence ನ Advanced Radar ವರೆಗೆ IT Techie ಪರಿಶ್ರಮವಿದೆ.

ಟಾಟಾ ಹಾಗೂ ಬಿರ್ಲಾ ದಂತಹ ಕಂಪನಿ ಗಳು ಸಮಾಜ ಮುಖಿ ಯಾಗಿ ಕೆಲಸ ಪ್ರಾರಂಭ ಮಾಡಲು, ಅವುಗಳ ಸ್ಥಾಪನೆ ಯಾಗಿ, ಬಹಳಷ್ಟು ವರ್ಷಗಳೇ ಬೇಕಾಯಿತು. ಆದರೆ ಈ IT ಕಂಪನಿಗಳು ಪ್ರಾರಂಭವಾಗಿ ಕೆಲ ವರ್ಷಗಳಲ್ಲಿ, ಇವುಗಳು ಚ್ಯಾರಿಟೀಸ್ ಗೆ ತೊಡಗಿಸಿದ ಹಣ ನಿಜವಾಗಲೂ unprecented . ಇವತ್ತು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಅನೇಕ ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಶಾಲೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಕಂಪ್ಯೂಟರ್ ಹಾಗೂ ಗ್ರಂಥಾಲಯ ಗಳು ಇದ್ದರೆ , ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ನೀವು Infosys foundation ಹಾಗೂ Premji foundation ನಂತಹ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆ ಗಳಿಗೆ ಕೃತಜ್ಞತೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸ ಬೇಕು. 
 
ನೀವು ಬರೆದಿರುವಂತೆ, ಇವತ್ತಿನ ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಹಿಂಜರಿತ ಕೇವಲ IT ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರ ಹಾಗು, ಅಮೇರೀಕಾ ಕ್ಕೆ ಸೀಮಿತವಾದದ್ದಲ್ಲ. ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಹಿಂಜರಿತದಿಂದ ಜಗತ್ತಿನ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಂದು ದೇಶವೂ, ಹಾಗೂ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರವು ನರಳುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಇದರಿಂದಾಗಿ Automobile,Construction, Manufacturing, Media, Hospitality, Entertainment, Banking ಹಾಗೂ ಹೆಸರೇ ಇರದ ಇನ್ನಿತರ un organised sector ಗೆ ಸೇರಿದ ಉದ್ಯಮಗಳು ನರಳುತ್ತಿವೆ, ಹಾಗೂ ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ಸೇರಿದ ಕೆಲಸ ಕಳೆದು ಕೊಂಡವರ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ IT ಗಿಂತಾ ಅನೇಕ ಪಾಲು ಹೆಚ್ಚಿದೆ. ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ಆರ್ಥಿಕ ಹಿಂಜರಿತ ಯಾರಿಗೂ ಒಳ್ಳೆಯದಲ್ಲ. ಇದರಿಂದ ಕೆಲವರು ಕೆಲಸ ಕಳೆದು ಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಎಂದು sadistic pleasure ಅನುಭವಿಸುವುದು ಖಂಡಿತ ಕೀಳು ಮಟ್ಟದ್ದು.

Fiscal stimulus, Obama and Pranab way

Though not in all respects but at least in some, Obama and Pranab Mukharjee have things in common when it comes to duty on hand and the expectation of the wider public per se.

 

Obama is facing the daunting task of injecting life saving serum to the mighty economic superpower which is threatening to go to sleep. Pranab has also two major responsibilities, one same on the lines of Obama, though not of same magnitude and another to sow the seeds of `feel good` factor before the general elections.

 

And here comes the `Stimulus package` from both the sides. Obama has unveiled the whopping, one of the largest spending ever by government, stimulus package which is almost close to $1 trillion. And out of this almost 70% will be in the form of government spending and the remaining will take the form of tax relief.

 

As US being a spending driven economy the trickle down effect of this one trillion dollar(which is almost equal to India`s GDP) stimulus package will bring smile on the faces of many Asian and Emerging economies.

 

Above argument may be theoretically right. Tax cuts, no problem, will leave more money in the hands of public and make them to spend more and a minor boost to the economy. Proposed government spending, part of the stimulus package coupled with the tax cut, is a humongous amount even to the economy of US size.      Where will Mr. Obama get this money from? If it is borrowing, is it public or any thing else other than this? If government starts borrowing at this scale, what will happen to the Private borrowing? where the private enterprises get money from? Many economists have raised concerns on this aspect and the convincing answer is yet to arrive from the Capitol Hill.

 

And our own Indian version of the Stimulus package announced by FM Mukharjee, with the constitutional constraints in mind(elections round the corner, ruling regime should not make provisions and promises which could become burden on the future regime), rolls out more funds for the exisisting, Rural Job guarantee scheme, Bharat Nirman Scheme, more Subsidy on farm loans, cheap credit for exporters and major thrust on Infrastructure projects, with a view to bring back the slowing down demand. Finally this fiscal indiscipline has taken the revenue deficit to 4.4% of GDP , against the target of 1%. Again here also, larger borrowings will have cascading effects like increase in interest rates.

 

On a broader level, both of them have done the same things, in the similar scenario, and both of them have to answer the same question convincingly, and this is not irony.

 

 

 

 

Recession, Confusion and 2009 Election

Elections to the 15th Loka Sabha, is fast approaching in the backdrop of slowing global economic engine, with its cascading effect on India Inc. This time, unlike in the past, you need to take your magnifying glass out, to find out the political issues which may have repercussions on the outcome of polls. Recently concluded elections to the State Assemblies have thrown mixed signals, leaving both the leading National parties in a quandary.

 

As always, Ambitious Third front project is a non starter, waiting for the, last minute, final decision of the fence sitting parties to complete its formation. On the other hand Mayawati is showing all the signs and confidence of getting a bigger portion of UP pie and there by throwing her hat in to the ring for the coveted post of PM. Will she be the next PM in case of a fractured mandate or will she not? that’s an entirely interesting issue to debate.

 

Issue less BJP is trying to rake up the Ram Mandir issue again, if its Nagpur proceedings are any indications to go by. INC is also equally confused on the agenda and the Prime Ministerial candidate to project, but some how trying to do an OBAMA act by allowing Rahul Gandhi, to spearhead the entire campaign. Will it project
Rahul Gandhi as its PM candidate and have the courage to do so? Or is it still waiting for the right time? Communists and Mamata, post  NANO episode, are just trying to hold on to their numbers, so that they can play their cards, when time comes.

 

On a broader level, National parties are confused and clarity less, when it comes to Agenda for the 2009 election, except for Regional parties (Read Maya, Jaya, karunanidhi, Chandrababu and likes) who

are very clear and focused as to increase their tally so as to have greater bargaining power in future,.

 

Notable and worrying issue is the non clarity of thought and lack of plan of actions in the arsenal of political parties, vis a vis Global economic slowdown and its inevitable impact on India. Recent data by NSO and RBI are not too encouraging. A holistic and non political approach, to steer India out of this trying times is the need of the hour and that should, become the dominant Election issue for the parties aspiring to the throne in Delhi.

 

In the midst of Slowing down, GDP growth forecast, collateral damage to the Indian outsourcing Industry (from Automobile, garments to  IT/ITES) on account of Global slowdown and the concerns of deflation , manifestos of at least leading National parties are expected to have solid and clear Economic Agenda.

 

Most frightening thought at this point of time would be, In case of a fractured mandate, what would be the Economic Agenda Of the next coalition? Will it be driven by good economics or the partisan politics to suit the needs of allies? Answer may not be difficult, as `Good Economics is always Bad politics`

Kitchen inside Finance dept: (A)SATYAM saga

Now its open and out, what was earlier whispered within the glass walls of some Investment Banks and Research houses, since the day of aborted MAYTAS take over attempt by SATYAM.

 

Going by the Raju`s letter (which is now in the public domain ) and media reports fraud estimated is around 7000 crore. But the real magnitude can only be ascertained after a thorough due diligence by an independent authority.

 

`Window dressing` is the most popular word in the accounting fraternity. When companies tweak a number here and a number there to just make it little attractive and acceptable to the stakeholders, it is called as Window dressing. But the self confessed `Cooking the books` in this case has completely exposed the `kitchen` inside the Finance department to the full public view. When companies completely falsify the numbers and depict an entirely different picture to the outside world then it amounts to `cooking the books`.

 

Raju in his letter tries to give the feeling that MAYTAS take over bid (MAYTAS infra is promoted by Raju`s sons) was an attempt to fill up the fictitious assets with real ones.(on Satyam`s books) But any one with little common sense would understand that, it would have transferred those fictitious assets to the books of MAYTAS which is one and the same.

 

Raju`s letter which gives the feeling of a suicide note to the reader, props up many a questions.

 

·         What’s the exact cash balance in bank and will the fifty thousand plus employees get their next month salary?

·         What all those `celebrated` independent directors on Board were doing all these days?

·         Was the world famous `Auditor` was also hand in glove with the perpetrators of the fraud?

·         What is the future of the fourth largest Software exporter of India?

 

Finally Raju says in his letter “ It was like riding a tiger, not knowing how to get off without being eaten” . Did this `Cooking the books` saga result in any financial gains to the Raju and any other involved in this, only time and a thorough investigation will reveal.

 

 

ಕಳೆದೇ ಹೋದ ಹತ್ತು ದಿನಗಳು..

ಅಯ್ಯೋ  ಕಳೆದೇ  ಹೋಗಿಬಿಟ್ಟಿತು, ಹತ್ತು ದಿನಗಳುಸುಮಾರು ಒಂದು ತಿಂಗಳು ಹಿಂದಿನಿಂದ ಹೊಡೆದಾಡಿ,  ಸ್ಯಾಂಕ್ಶನ್ ಮಾಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದ ಹತ್ತು ದಿನಗಳ year end leave ಮುಗಿದೆ ಹೋಗಿದೆ. ೨೪ ಡಿಸೆಂಬರ್ ರಾತ್ರಿ  ತಯಾರಿಸಿದ್ದ ಒಂದು ವರೆ ಮೊಳ ಉದ್ದದ `to do list`  ನಲ್ಲಿ ಇನ್ನೂ ಅರ್ಧಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಹೆಚ್ಚು `to do` ಗಳು ಟಿಕ್ ಆಗದೇ ಉಳಿದಿದೆ. ಆದರೆ ಕ್ಯಾಲಂಡರ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಹತ್ತು ದಿನಗಳು ಟಿಕ್ ಆಗೋಗಿದೆ. ನಿಜವಾಗ್ಲೂಜಿಪುಣ ಅಂದ್ರೆ ಜಿಪುಣ ಕಾಲ..” ಶಿವಮೊಗ್ಗ ಕಡೆ ತಲೆ ಹಾಕಿ ಮೂರು ವರ್ಷಗಳು ಆಯ್ತು ಅನ್ನುವ record ಆಗಕ್ಕೆ ಬಿಡಬಾರದೆಂದು ಎಷ್ತ್ತೆ ಅಂದು ಕೊಂಡರೂ, ಆಗಲಿಲ್ಲ record ಆಗೇ ಹೋಯ್ತು.

ಹತ್ತು ದಿನಗಳ ಮಹತ್ಸಾಧನೆಯೆಂದರೆ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಐದು ದಿನಗಳನ್ನು ಮೈಸೂರಿನ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಳೆದದ್ದು. ನಂಜನಗೂಡು, ಕ್ಯಾಲಿಕಟ್ ಅಥವಾ ಹುಣಸೂರು ರಸ್ತೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಅರ್ಲೀ ಮಾರ್ನಿಂಗ್ ಲಾಂಗ್ ಡ್ರೈವ್ ಗಳು (with front windows open :-) ), ಹಾಗೂ ಕಣ್ತುಂಬಾ ಮಾಡಿದ ನಿದ್ದೆ, ಹೊಟ್ಟೆ ತುಂಬಾ ಮನೆಯ ಉಟ, ಸಂಜೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಶಾಸ್ತ್ರಕ್ಕೆ ಒಂದು ಬಾರಿ ಮೈಲ್ ಚೆಕ್ ಮಾಡಿದರೆ ಆಯ್ತು, ಇದೆ ಐದು ದಿನಗಳ ದಿನಚರಿ.

ಚಿಕ್ಕವನಿದ್ದಾಗ ಶಾಲೆಯಿಂದ ಬರ್ತಾ ಬೀದಿಲಿ ಕಂಡ ಕಂಡ, ನಾಯಿ ಮರಿಗಳನ್ನು ಎತ್ತಿ ಕೊಂಡು ಬರ್ತಿದ್ದ ನನ್ನ ಮೇಲೆ ಹರಿಹಾಯುತಿದ್ದ ನನ್ನಪ್ಪ, ಇಂದು ಪ್ರತಿ ದಿನಾ ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ ಹಾಲು ತರುವಾಗ ಬೀದಿಯ ಟಾಮಿಗೆ ಒಂದು ಬನ್ ಹಾಕ್ತಾರಲ್ಲ ಇದು ನಿಜವಾಗ್ಲೂ ಪವಾಡವೆ ಸರಿ!!!!

ಮೂವತ್ತು ವರ್ಷಕ್ಕೂ ಮೀರಿ ಕಾಲೇಜಿನಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಧ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಪಾ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದು ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣವಾಗಿ ಮರೆತು, ಮನೆಯ ಹಿತ್ತಿಲಿನಲ್ಲಿರೋ ಬೆರಳೆಣಿಕೆಯಷ್ಟ್ತು ತೆಂಗಿನ ಮರ ಹಾಗೂ ಬಾಳೆ ಗಿಡಗಳ, ಆರೈಕೆ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾ  full time ಕೃಷಿ ರಾಗಿರುವ ಅಪ್ಪ, VR ತೊಗೊಂಡ ಮೇಲೆ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣವಾಗಿ ಮಹಿಳಾ ಸಮಾಜ ಚಟುವಟಿಕೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ತೊಡಗಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿರುವ ಅಮ್ಮಇವರೆಲ್ಲರ ಪ್ರಪಂಚ ಎಷ್ಟ್ತೊದು ಆರಾಮವಾಗಿ ಟೆನ್ಶನ್ ಫ್ರೀ ಆಗಿ ಇದ್ಯಲ್ಲ ಅನ್ನುವ ಹೊಟ್ಟೆ ಉರಿ ಶುರುವಾಗಿ ಬಿಟ್ಟಿದೆ. ದಸರ ರಜ ಮುಗಿದ ಮೇಲೆ ಮತ್ತೆ ಸ್ಕೂಲ್ ಗೆ ಹೋಗಬೇಕೆನ್ನುವ , ಸಂಕಟ ಏನು ಅಂತ ಮಕ್ಕಳಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಗೊತ್ತು, ಅದೇ ತರಹದ್ದು ನನ್ನದು ಸಹಾ.

ಸೋಮವಾರದಿಂದ ಶುರುವಾಗುವ ಯುದ್ದಕ್ಕೆ ನಾನು ತಯಾರಿ ಮಾಡಿಕೊತಿದ್ದರೆ, “ಕಾಯಿ ಕೀಳೊ ಹೊತ್ತಿಗೆ ಮರಾನೂ ಕ್ಲೀನ್ ಮಾಡೋ ಅಂದಿದ್ದೆ, `ಹೂ ಬುದ್ದಿ` ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿ  ಕಳ್ಳನನ್ಮಗ ಹಾಗೆ ಇಳಿದಿದ್ದಾನೆಅಂತ ಅಪ್ಪ ಕೂಗಾಡಿಕೊಂಡು ಓಡಾಡುತಿದ್ರೆ, ಕೈಲೊಂದು `ಸುಧಾ` ಹಿಡ್ಕೊಂಡು ನರಸಿಂಹ ಸ್ವಾಮಿಯವರಹತ್ತು ವರ್ಷದ ಹಿಂದೆ…”ಕೇಳುತ್ತಾ ವೆಸ್ಟ್ ಬಾಲ್ಕನಿ ಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕೂತಿದ್ಡಾಳೆ ಅಮ್ಮ. ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ಒಂದೆರಡು ನಿಮಿಷ ಹಾಡನ್ನು ಕೇಳಿದ ನನಗೆ, ” ನನ್ನ ಕಾಲದ ಸಂಬಂಧ ಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಾಮಾಣಿಕತೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಸರಳತೆ ಇದ್ಯಾ? ಅಥವಾ ನನ್ನ ಅನುಭವಕ್ಕೆ ಬಂದವುಗಳು ಮಾತ್ರ ಬೇರೆಯ ತರಹದವೇ…” ಎಂಬ ಯೋಚನೆ ಹಾದು ಹೋಯ್ತು. ಯೋಚನೆ ಮಾಡಕ್ಕೆ ಟೈಮ್ ಇಲ್ಲ ಹಾಗೂ ಅದ್ರಿಂದ ಉಪಯೋಗನು ಇಲ್ಲ, I should get back now thats it…

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