The pharma industry looks stable but remains confounded with several challenges. It takes 8-10 years and about US $ 800 million – US $ 1000 million for developing new drug. Investor expectations, regulatory barriers and patent expiration have its own impact. Governments around are demanding extensive clinical trials, reduction in health care expenses and this affects investments in product development. Moreover the emergence of low cost providers and pressures of demand have surged attrition and advent of generic drugs. Indeed the pharmaceutical industry is a high risk and high return industry and grappling with innumerable challenges. But HR can play a stellar role in reducing this pain.
The current valuations would increase consolidation, acquisition and provide necessary impetus to sales and R&D. Establishments of global delivery and shared service centers reduces cost and provides instant access to global talent. The business processes in local subsidiaries are firmly entrenched and properly aligned with parent companies but outsourcing requires more fillip. To ease integration and enhance employer branding, HR has to focus on developing strong corporate culture.
Instead of pursuing higher education, students join high paying BPO’s. The shortage of skills in R&D, biotech, regulatory services, patents, formulation and delivery calls for establishing academic alliances and continuous training. To hire researchers, companies must institute best in class practice, redesign compensation for fresh post graduates and importantly equip laboratories with latest technology. Pharma Companies have unique specialization and therefore HR must facilitate regular interactions between line managers and placement consultants to reduce communication barriers in selection process. Hiring people from different domain and industries, especially in sales and support functions will spur creativity.
Leaders are known for their technical accomplishments and rose through ranks. Leadership development coupled with challenging assignments and mandatory job rotation for high potential /performers after 18- 24 months would groom people for business leadership and increase loyalty. Technical professionals display greater loyalty and affiliation to external technical communities or groups. They require independence, hate being controlled and detest administrative tasks. Leaders have to lead with caution and compassion. HR along with senior leaders must create small-company environment, encourage informal teams, promote flexible working, reduce hierarchies and introduce broad banding to reduce attrition.
Automation encourages knowledge management, stifles bureaucracy and eases communication. Investments in latest IT and project management software improves productivity, control, quality, security, risk and compliance in R&D projects.
Sales decisions should be decentralized and strategies must evolve from zonal offices. This promotes ownership, accountability and speedy execution. R&D has to be part of business decision-making and sales events. Apparently Pharma relies on seller centric marketing tools rather than buyer centric communication. In rural areas, franchising would pave way for local marketing agencies. To be an effective business partner, HR must increase its interaction with these agencies.
OTC (Over the Counter) drugs would enhance branding, maximizes revenues but success depends on local field force, innovative marketing campaigns and emulating best practices from retail and FMCG. Compliance regulations impede sales force from entertaining doctors. Undoubtedly performance metrics and training has to focus on compliance and consultative selling - encouraging field force to study consumer behaviour and increase awareness about drugs.
With changes in strategies, job descriptions often end up having shelf life. Companies can effectively manage expectations by retaining designations and making changes in job descriptions. HR and Line managers must increase transparency, provide realistic preview of job and share employment policies so as to allow candidates to take informed decision. Fancy designations do motivate, but technical staff likes to be addressed as Doctors / Principal Scientist and need access to senior leadership. HR and line managers have to regularly review business targets and incentive plans.
To conclude, in knowledge economy, investment in ideas are critical than economies of scale and therefore unconventional HR practice becomes a decisive differentiator.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
CA Alumni - The Joy of Homecoming !
Many of us must have felt a sudden spring and bounce in our feet as we rushed through those never ending stairs that promised to lead us back into past. Going past the small crowd of regular patrons at the Bowling Company in Mumbai, we entered a large hall exclusively reserved for the occasion. Suddenly the eyes glazed over and the mind went into perma frost. Little did we realize that we would be creating history and we did, by being part of the inaugural CA India Alumni meeting.
The mood in the city is still somber and clarion calls for solidarity and reunion are prominently heard from all quarters of life. Amidst this background, an invitation of an alumni gathering seemed appropriate and perhaps the best possible way to reunite. The reunion gave us another opportunity to pay homage to those innocent people and brave martyrs who lost their lives due to terrorism in Mumbai. More importantly it helped us to reach out to touch and connect with people, to empathize, inspire, encourage and in the process also have some fun.
Often events organized out of instincts rather than reason turn out to be better. This was evident when Ninad and Chintan along with the current staff of CA took the initiative to organize a family meeting of CA Alumni. By all accounts, the maiden CA India alumni reunion was a total success. A lot of former colleagues were able to come, and the atmosphere was abuzz with communication. The evening was wonderful with good music and few alumni had their family in attendance.
We had to literally coerce Rufina to hit the dance floor and thankfully she didn’t disappoint. It’s always a delight to watch Rufina and the effervescent Sheela on the dance floor. Satish, Sujay and Mahesh have considerably improved but found the music changing too often. Several former employees Ram Sambasivan, Ashish Arora, Rupinder Sandhu Anand, Rishi Gaind, Sanjay Hasija, Milind Kharkar, Anjali Joneja Amar, Sudesh Prabhu, Chirag Pathak, Prashant Shetty, Prajit Nair took the opportunity to relive their experiences. Manas spoke and for a change he didn’t snipe, picked and teased.
We had a terrific evening. The organization was on the spot, the dinner was amazing and the power point slides featuring old photos of alumni and current staff were absolutely brilliant. I doubt how many really got a chance to see all the photos. Everyone was busy with individual networking over fantastic cocktails. It was nice to come across people who became alumni when CA was known as Computer Associates. The alumni meet must have provided them with a wonderful opportunity to make new acquaintances and enjoy a few in-depth conversations with current staff. Learning about what former colleagues are doing in their careers and personal lives surely made everyone happy and proud.
The homecoming drew participants from as far away as Delhi and Lucknow. Yes Sanjay and Rajendra Pandey made it and we terribly missed folks from other regions within India and even our global colleagues. Undoubtedly getting together will be extremely fruitful in terms of networking and sharing business experience. Certainly the most important thing of all was rekindling friendships and reliving the camaraderie that we once shared at CA.
Earlier in his short welcome speech, Ninad Karpe Managing Director narrated the last lines of the immortal Eagles song - Hotel California, “You can check-out any time you like, But you can never leave!” Well indeed, physically we may not be part of CA but in spirit we are!
On behalf of our fellow alumni, we would like to thank CA staff for the efforts they put into making this event a great experience for all. So when you get the invitation for the next alumni meeting, don’t hesitate; just sign up – it's definitely worth it!
The mood in the city is still somber and clarion calls for solidarity and reunion are prominently heard from all quarters of life. Amidst this background, an invitation of an alumni gathering seemed appropriate and perhaps the best possible way to reunite. The reunion gave us another opportunity to pay homage to those innocent people and brave martyrs who lost their lives due to terrorism in Mumbai. More importantly it helped us to reach out to touch and connect with people, to empathize, inspire, encourage and in the process also have some fun.
Often events organized out of instincts rather than reason turn out to be better. This was evident when Ninad and Chintan along with the current staff of CA took the initiative to organize a family meeting of CA Alumni. By all accounts, the maiden CA India alumni reunion was a total success. A lot of former colleagues were able to come, and the atmosphere was abuzz with communication. The evening was wonderful with good music and few alumni had their family in attendance.
We had to literally coerce Rufina to hit the dance floor and thankfully she didn’t disappoint. It’s always a delight to watch Rufina and the effervescent Sheela on the dance floor. Satish, Sujay and Mahesh have considerably improved but found the music changing too often. Several former employees Ram Sambasivan, Ashish Arora, Rupinder Sandhu Anand, Rishi Gaind, Sanjay Hasija, Milind Kharkar, Anjali Joneja Amar, Sudesh Prabhu, Chirag Pathak, Prashant Shetty, Prajit Nair took the opportunity to relive their experiences. Manas spoke and for a change he didn’t snipe, picked and teased.
We had a terrific evening. The organization was on the spot, the dinner was amazing and the power point slides featuring old photos of alumni and current staff were absolutely brilliant. I doubt how many really got a chance to see all the photos. Everyone was busy with individual networking over fantastic cocktails. It was nice to come across people who became alumni when CA was known as Computer Associates. The alumni meet must have provided them with a wonderful opportunity to make new acquaintances and enjoy a few in-depth conversations with current staff. Learning about what former colleagues are doing in their careers and personal lives surely made everyone happy and proud.
The homecoming drew participants from as far away as Delhi and Lucknow. Yes Sanjay and Rajendra Pandey made it and we terribly missed folks from other regions within India and even our global colleagues. Undoubtedly getting together will be extremely fruitful in terms of networking and sharing business experience. Certainly the most important thing of all was rekindling friendships and reliving the camaraderie that we once shared at CA.
Earlier in his short welcome speech, Ninad Karpe Managing Director narrated the last lines of the immortal Eagles song - Hotel California, “You can check-out any time you like, But you can never leave!” Well indeed, physically we may not be part of CA but in spirit we are!
On behalf of our fellow alumni, we would like to thank CA staff for the efforts they put into making this event a great experience for all. So when you get the invitation for the next alumni meeting, don’t hesitate; just sign up – it's definitely worth it!
Rock On !
Rock music is construed as youth movement and Farhan Akthar in the film Rock On brilliantly casts ‘Magik’ making people from all generation to be absorbed in this movement.
Rock music did try to change society but often failed. Something similar happens in the first half of the movie where the band members passionately strive to popularize their music but falter. The film highlights the triumphs and tribulations of a rock band ‘Magik’ comprising of Aditya Shroff (Farhan) vocals, Lead Guitarist Joe Mascarenhas (Arjun Rampal), Key board – Rob Nancy (Luke Kenny) and Kedar Zhaveri alias ‘K.D’- Killer Drummer - (Purab Kohli). Their musical journey involves some compromises but eventually their dreams are fulfilled
Aditya’s wife Sakshi (Prachi Desai) and her friend Devika (Koel Puri) beautifully weave the narrative. Prachi seems to love the camera; her expressions brilliantly convey her loneliness and the marital enigma. Debbie (Sahana Goswami) as Joe’s wife is a revelation and presents a young fashion stylist, a fisherwoman, a hassled wife and mother of a 7 year old with amazing dexterity.
The screenplay and editing is exceptional. By moving between now and then, the director portrays the splitting and reunion of the band. The ‘Magik’ lies in Abhishek Kapoor’s story and his attention to detail when it comes to direction. Aditya’s spectacles and his behaviour with the security guard delicately create change. The usage of cobwebs hiding the blue and bright colours, the actors make up, their attire and their subdued mannerisms immaculately strengthens the plot.
Farhan, Caralisa Monteiro and Raman Mahadevan’s soulful rendition of Javed Akhtar’s lyrics accompanied with Shankar, Ehsaan, and Loy’s feet tapping music are elegantly supported by some intense performance. Cinematographer Jason West ensures the camera follows the band and stops when they stop, thereby giving you an experience of attending a live concert.
Farhan innocuously and with amazing ease leaps in his role, as a wannabe rock singer and successful investment banker. Arjun’s guitar, and his somber mood successfully presents a failed musician but more importantly bring out his acting skills. The camaraderie between Joe and his son Andrew is seen to be believed as it cleverly highlights Joe’s hesitation in coming to terms with his past.
Come to think of, there is always a carefree K.D. somewhere amongst our friends. Purab’s performance clinks like cymbals adding much required humour and mischief. His effervescence is infectious as he longingly hugs his friends and philanders around. Together with Rob, they painstakingly reunite the band. Luke Kenny as Rob rocks, first, by speaking in chaste Hindi and by playing a stifled soul working as assistant music composer.
A film that refreshes some memories, urging you to search for some Woodstock videos. Wish all bands would someday re-unite, till then let the music of Rock On allow you to hit the road full throttle. …
Rock music did try to change society but often failed. Something similar happens in the first half of the movie where the band members passionately strive to popularize their music but falter. The film highlights the triumphs and tribulations of a rock band ‘Magik’ comprising of Aditya Shroff (Farhan) vocals, Lead Guitarist Joe Mascarenhas (Arjun Rampal), Key board – Rob Nancy (Luke Kenny) and Kedar Zhaveri alias ‘K.D’- Killer Drummer - (Purab Kohli). Their musical journey involves some compromises but eventually their dreams are fulfilled
Aditya’s wife Sakshi (Prachi Desai) and her friend Devika (Koel Puri) beautifully weave the narrative. Prachi seems to love the camera; her expressions brilliantly convey her loneliness and the marital enigma. Debbie (Sahana Goswami) as Joe’s wife is a revelation and presents a young fashion stylist, a fisherwoman, a hassled wife and mother of a 7 year old with amazing dexterity.
The screenplay and editing is exceptional. By moving between now and then, the director portrays the splitting and reunion of the band. The ‘Magik’ lies in Abhishek Kapoor’s story and his attention to detail when it comes to direction. Aditya’s spectacles and his behaviour with the security guard delicately create change. The usage of cobwebs hiding the blue and bright colours, the actors make up, their attire and their subdued mannerisms immaculately strengthens the plot.
Farhan, Caralisa Monteiro and Raman Mahadevan’s soulful rendition of Javed Akhtar’s lyrics accompanied with Shankar, Ehsaan, and Loy’s feet tapping music are elegantly supported by some intense performance. Cinematographer Jason West ensures the camera follows the band and stops when they stop, thereby giving you an experience of attending a live concert.
Farhan innocuously and with amazing ease leaps in his role, as a wannabe rock singer and successful investment banker. Arjun’s guitar, and his somber mood successfully presents a failed musician but more importantly bring out his acting skills. The camaraderie between Joe and his son Andrew is seen to be believed as it cleverly highlights Joe’s hesitation in coming to terms with his past.
Come to think of, there is always a carefree K.D. somewhere amongst our friends. Purab’s performance clinks like cymbals adding much required humour and mischief. His effervescence is infectious as he longingly hugs his friends and philanders around. Together with Rob, they painstakingly reunite the band. Luke Kenny as Rob rocks, first, by speaking in chaste Hindi and by playing a stifled soul working as assistant music composer.
A film that refreshes some memories, urging you to search for some Woodstock videos. Wish all bands would someday re-unite, till then let the music of Rock On allow you to hit the road full throttle. …
Ricky Ponting - The Modern Gladiator!
The nets were over but a young lad, stayed to watch an Indian prodigy play in his maiden tour to Australia. After 19 years, Tendulkar is still creating records, few could surpass and surprisingly the same lad who stayed back destined to break some of them.
Seldom have we witnessed such immensely talented prodigies playing at the same time. Incidentally both debuted at very young age but their performances and approach are absolutely contradictory. While families in India continue to discover Tendulkar in their child, Ricky Thomas Ponting remains an enigma whose superlative batting is eclipsed by controversies. This is where the comparison between these two legends ends.
Ponting started playing at age 7 and by 15 was one of the promising students at the cricket academy in Adelaide. While Tendulkar idolized Gavaskar and Sir Vivian Richards, Ponting enjoyed watching his childhood heroes Kim Hughes and David Boon. Both Boon and Ponting debuted for Tasmania when they were 17 and have played over 100 tests. Both were selected for Australia almost at the similar ages – Boon - 23 and Ponting- 21. While Boon was a prolific opener, Mark Waugh epitomized elegance, Border and Steve patient run accumulators, Ponting with his stylish batting and fielding appears an amalgamation of these legends; and yet he is distinctly different.
Scoring a brilliant 96 on debut against Sri Lanka in 1995-96, Ponting went on to play in only six test matches. At Leeds in 1997, he scored his maiden century against England and since then never looked back. The hallmark of good batsman is his ability to consistently score runs and Ponting is the only cricketer to have twice scored more than 1500 runs in Test matches in a calendar year. 102 V/s West Indies at Jaipur, and Ponting became the youngest centurion in one day international. Unlike Boon, Ponting’s record in the Indian subcontinent is alarmingly dismal but his overall performance in 125 tests, with 36 test centuries, 41 fifties, 4 double centuries and scoring more than 10000 runs clearly reflects his abilities. Playing in more than 300 one day matches with 26 centuries, 64 fifties at an average of over 40, he has the ability to dominate the game. While Ishant Sharma provides us our quantum of solace, the memories of Ponting’s 140 in 2003 World Cup final, still haunt us.
Known as ‘Punter’, for betting on horse and greyhound races, Ponting’s off field behaviour had him inebriated while on tour and once got him involved in a bar fight. On field, he has been fined for dissent on more than one occasion. Ponting appears arrogant, but who can forget his enthusiasm to run and advise his young tormentor and team mate Ishant during the maiden IPL tournament.
Ponting has a good solid defense but his strength lies in batting aggressively and treating bowlers with utter disdain. Strangely Ponting continues to shuffle against pace in the initial overs and too often commits early to spinners. However, this clink in his technique has not precluded from relentlessly clobbering the best bowlers across the park. With amazing foot work, timing and strength, the opposition ends up seeing the Kookaburra logo smiling from Ponting’s bat. His off and cover drives are simply unbelievable. Ponting’s pulls, hooks, deft cuts and back foot drives are a delight for eyes while his running between the wickets makes even the sharpest fielders look lethargic.
Like batting, Ponting’s fielding is equally brilliant. Standing in covers or in slip, Ponting has excellent reflex and hits the stumps with amazing regularity. Ponting occasionally bowls and has captured the prized scalp of Michael Vaughan.
What distinguishes leaders from laggards, and perhaps greatness from mediocrity, is the ability to imagine what could be. While Taylor and Waugh were conventional but innovative leaders, Ponting’s leadership contradicts his imaginative batting. Ponting’s captaincy in recent series has been deplorable with poor team selection, dismal over rates and for being extremely over cautious. In 2005 Ponting charged the English team for not playing in proper spirit and ironically in 2007, Ponting faced similar but severe criticism from Kumble. On both occasions, the Australian media called for Ponting’s removal from captaincy. Unfortunately the increased sledging by Ponting’s team continues to bring more chagrin to Australian media and public.
It would be worthwhile if Ponting relinquishes captaincy so as to regain his focus on batting. Perhaps it would also help to redefine his image. Having said that the responsibilities of captaincy seem to fuel his belligerence but more often it has subdued Ponting’s penchant for a brawl, ensuring the world didn’t loose a talented player. The question remains – for how long?
Despite these challenges, Ponting leads his team with grit, determination and has accomplished tremendous records. After taking over from Steve Waugh, Ponting defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 on their soil and regained the Ashes with an unprecedented 5-0 victory. Like Waugh, Ponting has also achieved 16 consecutive Test victories as captain. Under his leadership, Australia has not lost a single game in World Cup and won the World Cup twice. But perhaps his greatest challenge lies in building a new Australian side and to win the world cup for third time.
Hopefully people will acknowledge Ponting as a prolific batsman next to the gentle colossal Sachin Tendulkar and the majestic Brain Lara. But unfortunately history will remember Ponting as a gladiator who never learnt to view cricket as gentleman’s game. But aren’t the soft spoken more admired than the outspoken!
Seldom have we witnessed such immensely talented prodigies playing at the same time. Incidentally both debuted at very young age but their performances and approach are absolutely contradictory. While families in India continue to discover Tendulkar in their child, Ricky Thomas Ponting remains an enigma whose superlative batting is eclipsed by controversies. This is where the comparison between these two legends ends.
Ponting started playing at age 7 and by 15 was one of the promising students at the cricket academy in Adelaide. While Tendulkar idolized Gavaskar and Sir Vivian Richards, Ponting enjoyed watching his childhood heroes Kim Hughes and David Boon. Both Boon and Ponting debuted for Tasmania when they were 17 and have played over 100 tests. Both were selected for Australia almost at the similar ages – Boon - 23 and Ponting- 21. While Boon was a prolific opener, Mark Waugh epitomized elegance, Border and Steve patient run accumulators, Ponting with his stylish batting and fielding appears an amalgamation of these legends; and yet he is distinctly different.
Scoring a brilliant 96 on debut against Sri Lanka in 1995-96, Ponting went on to play in only six test matches. At Leeds in 1997, he scored his maiden century against England and since then never looked back. The hallmark of good batsman is his ability to consistently score runs and Ponting is the only cricketer to have twice scored more than 1500 runs in Test matches in a calendar year. 102 V/s West Indies at Jaipur, and Ponting became the youngest centurion in one day international. Unlike Boon, Ponting’s record in the Indian subcontinent is alarmingly dismal but his overall performance in 125 tests, with 36 test centuries, 41 fifties, 4 double centuries and scoring more than 10000 runs clearly reflects his abilities. Playing in more than 300 one day matches with 26 centuries, 64 fifties at an average of over 40, he has the ability to dominate the game. While Ishant Sharma provides us our quantum of solace, the memories of Ponting’s 140 in 2003 World Cup final, still haunt us.
Known as ‘Punter’, for betting on horse and greyhound races, Ponting’s off field behaviour had him inebriated while on tour and once got him involved in a bar fight. On field, he has been fined for dissent on more than one occasion. Ponting appears arrogant, but who can forget his enthusiasm to run and advise his young tormentor and team mate Ishant during the maiden IPL tournament.
Ponting has a good solid defense but his strength lies in batting aggressively and treating bowlers with utter disdain. Strangely Ponting continues to shuffle against pace in the initial overs and too often commits early to spinners. However, this clink in his technique has not precluded from relentlessly clobbering the best bowlers across the park. With amazing foot work, timing and strength, the opposition ends up seeing the Kookaburra logo smiling from Ponting’s bat. His off and cover drives are simply unbelievable. Ponting’s pulls, hooks, deft cuts and back foot drives are a delight for eyes while his running between the wickets makes even the sharpest fielders look lethargic.
Like batting, Ponting’s fielding is equally brilliant. Standing in covers or in slip, Ponting has excellent reflex and hits the stumps with amazing regularity. Ponting occasionally bowls and has captured the prized scalp of Michael Vaughan.
What distinguishes leaders from laggards, and perhaps greatness from mediocrity, is the ability to imagine what could be. While Taylor and Waugh were conventional but innovative leaders, Ponting’s leadership contradicts his imaginative batting. Ponting’s captaincy in recent series has been deplorable with poor team selection, dismal over rates and for being extremely over cautious. In 2005 Ponting charged the English team for not playing in proper spirit and ironically in 2007, Ponting faced similar but severe criticism from Kumble. On both occasions, the Australian media called for Ponting’s removal from captaincy. Unfortunately the increased sledging by Ponting’s team continues to bring more chagrin to Australian media and public.
It would be worthwhile if Ponting relinquishes captaincy so as to regain his focus on batting. Perhaps it would also help to redefine his image. Having said that the responsibilities of captaincy seem to fuel his belligerence but more often it has subdued Ponting’s penchant for a brawl, ensuring the world didn’t loose a talented player. The question remains – for how long?
Despite these challenges, Ponting leads his team with grit, determination and has accomplished tremendous records. After taking over from Steve Waugh, Ponting defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 on their soil and regained the Ashes with an unprecedented 5-0 victory. Like Waugh, Ponting has also achieved 16 consecutive Test victories as captain. Under his leadership, Australia has not lost a single game in World Cup and won the World Cup twice. But perhaps his greatest challenge lies in building a new Australian side and to win the world cup for third time.
Hopefully people will acknowledge Ponting as a prolific batsman next to the gentle colossal Sachin Tendulkar and the majestic Brain Lara. But unfortunately history will remember Ponting as a gladiator who never learnt to view cricket as gentleman’s game. But aren’t the soft spoken more admired than the outspoken!
Mumbai's Tryst with Insanity!
Another explosion and I thought the operations were over. I hit the bed, only to wake up by a loud honking. It was 7 a.m. and the battle wasn’t over yet. I was in state of stunned disbelief and before I could realize, there were noises reverberating from the lane below.
Meanwhile on the ground opposite my building, there were several decorated horse carriages surrounded by 50-60 cars. A crowd of over 300 people, dressed in fineries followed these carriages, while groups of men, women and children danced in front. At Taj, people were still trapped and helplessly waiting till eternity but below, the procession blocked buses, autos and residents from moving.
The battle at Taj intensified and so did the music. Soon our commandos killed the dreaded terrorists and the channels beamed the final journey of our national heroes. Unlike the procession below, people at the funeral marched slowly, silently with the bugle playing in the background. The mood was somber; the screen reflected multiple emotions – shock, denial, sadness, despair, frustration, and outrage. The officers and people around were shattered and humiliated. With lump in throat, we paid respect to our valiant martyrs. An ex- police officer summed up everything, “Karkare did not become a victim to the terrorist, but a victim of the system.”
The sea breeze had yet to take the stench away but young girls, like some princess were engrossed in throwing rice and clothes from the carriages. The procession seemed never ending and further aggravated my anger, disgust, and resentment. Like politicians, everybody in the carriages was playing brinkmanship. Against the hazy light, doctors struggled with X- ray reports, while people in the carriages blatantly flaunted wealth and held designer necklaces against steel dishes. Across the city, there were funerals but in the lane below, infuriating scenes of happiness and revelry.
The terrorist managed to inflict maximum damage to maximum city, but the crowd below was equally determined to have maximum celebrations. Every community has a right to celebrate but the scenes below appeared diabolically ugly. While the electronic media shocked with their sensationalism and insensitivity, the procession and politicians continue to prolong our tryst with insanity. Hopefully the procession was an aberration, unless it was organised to belie the terrorist’s objectives and perhaps to remind life in Mumbai doesn’t stand still. If indeed such celebrations manifest our resilience and the so called spirit, then we definitely must be numb and accustomed to devastations. Come to think of, we have even forgotten to grieve honestly, display compassion, observe restrain, and be sensitive.
Terrorism will continue to damage democracy, disrupt normal life and instill fear. It’s time to introspect whether our resilience emanates out of compulsions to earn our livelihood or due to our abominable insularity and growing indifference towards our countrymen. Let’s hope and pray that our resilience and resolve truly arises out of courage and because we are a tolerant society! The question is for how long?...
Meanwhile on the ground opposite my building, there were several decorated horse carriages surrounded by 50-60 cars. A crowd of over 300 people, dressed in fineries followed these carriages, while groups of men, women and children danced in front. At Taj, people were still trapped and helplessly waiting till eternity but below, the procession blocked buses, autos and residents from moving.
The battle at Taj intensified and so did the music. Soon our commandos killed the dreaded terrorists and the channels beamed the final journey of our national heroes. Unlike the procession below, people at the funeral marched slowly, silently with the bugle playing in the background. The mood was somber; the screen reflected multiple emotions – shock, denial, sadness, despair, frustration, and outrage. The officers and people around were shattered and humiliated. With lump in throat, we paid respect to our valiant martyrs. An ex- police officer summed up everything, “Karkare did not become a victim to the terrorist, but a victim of the system.”
The sea breeze had yet to take the stench away but young girls, like some princess were engrossed in throwing rice and clothes from the carriages. The procession seemed never ending and further aggravated my anger, disgust, and resentment. Like politicians, everybody in the carriages was playing brinkmanship. Against the hazy light, doctors struggled with X- ray reports, while people in the carriages blatantly flaunted wealth and held designer necklaces against steel dishes. Across the city, there were funerals but in the lane below, infuriating scenes of happiness and revelry.
The terrorist managed to inflict maximum damage to maximum city, but the crowd below was equally determined to have maximum celebrations. Every community has a right to celebrate but the scenes below appeared diabolically ugly. While the electronic media shocked with their sensationalism and insensitivity, the procession and politicians continue to prolong our tryst with insanity. Hopefully the procession was an aberration, unless it was organised to belie the terrorist’s objectives and perhaps to remind life in Mumbai doesn’t stand still. If indeed such celebrations manifest our resilience and the so called spirit, then we definitely must be numb and accustomed to devastations. Come to think of, we have even forgotten to grieve honestly, display compassion, observe restrain, and be sensitive.
Terrorism will continue to damage democracy, disrupt normal life and instill fear. It’s time to introspect whether our resilience emanates out of compulsions to earn our livelihood or due to our abominable insularity and growing indifference towards our countrymen. Let’s hope and pray that our resilience and resolve truly arises out of courage and because we are a tolerant society! The question is for how long?...
Beyond A Boundary - Book Review
If the Renaissance art characterized the use of perspective, gave birth to classical themes, and renewed hope in culture, then C.L.R. James introspective memoirs, ‘Beyond a Boundary’ unravels, “Cricket as an art!”.
Through insightful essays, this book addresses not just a sport but a whole culture to ask the question, “What do they know of cricket, who only cricket know?” It incisively presents the glorious game, its aesthetics, and its growing influence on the social and political climate in West Indies and England, before and after the war.
Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad in 1901, James over riding passion for cricket was developed not only by playing but because,“ his family cottage was opposite to the recreation ground, or because we were in a British colony and being active people, gravitated naturally towards sport.” He reminisce the role cricket played in his family's history, his neighbourhood and his meetings with early West Indian players. The author’s relentless pursuit to collect clippings and read about his favourite cricketers; W.G.Grace, Victor Trumper and Ranjitsinhji vividly reminds us of our childhood.
The language is little discomforting for larger audience but it reflects James vim and verve for the game. The essays embellished with Anglo- Saxon empiricism stops from being vaguely theatrical. No wonder, it is daunting to review this extraordinary volume in few words!
West Indies made their debut in 1928 and for next three decades were led by white people. James along with Learie Constantine was instrumental in appointing Frank Worrell as the first black captain of the West Indies. Through the prism of cricket and literature, James mirrors its effects on colonialism and the establishment of national culture. James elaborates, “How the clash of race, caste and class did not retard but stimulate West Indian cricket.” Didn’t the Pentagular tournament in undivided India accentuate the development of cricket in the sub-continent?
The essays bring to prominence some hidden aspects of players and the nuances of cricket. “A batsman who was in perfect control by those amazing doubling- jointed wrists and arms is present with Bradman, Sobers, George Headley and a few others.” This is how James brilliantly paints the thrill and ingenuity of Wilton St. Hill, who smoked his cigarette until he had to play the ball. He dedicates an entire section to his friend Learie Constantine. “Constantine was of a royal ancestry in cricket, but in ordinary life, though not a pauper, he was no prince. This contrast explains not all, but much.” Introducing Constantine as a cricketer, a politician and a good human being, these essays highlights the important stages in development of West Indian cricket and simultaneously throws light on league cricket, his own move to England and his involvement with West Indian politics.
I read over dozen times this particular essay and each reading simply heightened my joy. A quick search on ‘Wikipedia’ pops up this statement, “His rate of scoring centuries, 1 every 4 innings is bettered only by Bradman”. Perhaps Dravid would identify himself with the following quote, “I would be putting on my pads and sometimes before I was finished I would hear that the first wicket had gone.” This is what George Headley also known as Black Bradman, carried on his shoulder for nearly ten years. The author uses statistics to present Headley, a natural cricketer and describes the cardinal qualities of the super batsman, “He saw the ball early, He was quick on his feet and he was quick with his bat”. James further adds, “Between 1930 and 1938 Bradman had with him in England Ponsford, Woodfull, McCabe, Kippax, Brown, and Hassett. All scored heavily. In 1933 and 1939 West Indian batsmen scored runs at various times, but George had nobody who could be depended upon.” Ironically such comparisons seem to escape some of our correspondents today.
By writing four essays, James succinctly highlights Dr. W.G. Grace’s role in the development of modern cricket and the Victorian culture. Talking strongly about W.G.’s batting figures, “remarkable as they are, lose all their true significance unless they are seen in close relation with the history of cricket itself and the social history of England. Unless you do this you fall head foremost into the trap of making comparisons with Bradman. Bradman piled up centuries. W.G. built a social organization.”
Enjoying Gary Sobers batting in Australia, James infers, “West Indian cricket has arrived at maturity because of two factors: The rise in financial position of the coloured middle class and the high fees paid to players by the English leagues.” However he is disheartened to observe, modern cricketers sinking into a ‘welfare state of mind’. “The prevailing attitude of the players of 1890-1914 was daring, adventure, creation. The prevailing attitude of 1957 can be summed up in one word - security.” Unfortunately this attitude is still prevalent across the world, engulfing not just the players and the officials, but even the brave curators and sponsors.
Today, West Indian cricket is in a downward spiral to mediocrity and irrelevance, and few wins do not reflect its flamboyance nor its prowess. It’s time West Indian cricket rose like a Phoenix and resurrect C.L.R’s ‘romantics’. Until then, enjoy ‘Beyond a Boundary’ for it delightfully weaves the game in a social context, along with its illustrious proponents and their magnum opus.
The book distinctly reveals James as literati, a Trotsky revolutionary, an iconoclastic commentator, and a die-hard sports lover. Undoubtedly, an immortal masterpiece deserving exclusive space in your personal library and a compulsory read for cricket aficionados and even non-cricket lovers from every generation.
Through insightful essays, this book addresses not just a sport but a whole culture to ask the question, “What do they know of cricket, who only cricket know?” It incisively presents the glorious game, its aesthetics, and its growing influence on the social and political climate in West Indies and England, before and after the war.
Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad in 1901, James over riding passion for cricket was developed not only by playing but because,“ his family cottage was opposite to the recreation ground, or because we were in a British colony and being active people, gravitated naturally towards sport.” He reminisce the role cricket played in his family's history, his neighbourhood and his meetings with early West Indian players. The author’s relentless pursuit to collect clippings and read about his favourite cricketers; W.G.Grace, Victor Trumper and Ranjitsinhji vividly reminds us of our childhood.
The language is little discomforting for larger audience but it reflects James vim and verve for the game. The essays embellished with Anglo- Saxon empiricism stops from being vaguely theatrical. No wonder, it is daunting to review this extraordinary volume in few words!
West Indies made their debut in 1928 and for next three decades were led by white people. James along with Learie Constantine was instrumental in appointing Frank Worrell as the first black captain of the West Indies. Through the prism of cricket and literature, James mirrors its effects on colonialism and the establishment of national culture. James elaborates, “How the clash of race, caste and class did not retard but stimulate West Indian cricket.” Didn’t the Pentagular tournament in undivided India accentuate the development of cricket in the sub-continent?
The essays bring to prominence some hidden aspects of players and the nuances of cricket. “A batsman who was in perfect control by those amazing doubling- jointed wrists and arms is present with Bradman, Sobers, George Headley and a few others.” This is how James brilliantly paints the thrill and ingenuity of Wilton St. Hill, who smoked his cigarette until he had to play the ball. He dedicates an entire section to his friend Learie Constantine. “Constantine was of a royal ancestry in cricket, but in ordinary life, though not a pauper, he was no prince. This contrast explains not all, but much.” Introducing Constantine as a cricketer, a politician and a good human being, these essays highlights the important stages in development of West Indian cricket and simultaneously throws light on league cricket, his own move to England and his involvement with West Indian politics.
I read over dozen times this particular essay and each reading simply heightened my joy. A quick search on ‘Wikipedia’ pops up this statement, “His rate of scoring centuries, 1 every 4 innings is bettered only by Bradman”. Perhaps Dravid would identify himself with the following quote, “I would be putting on my pads and sometimes before I was finished I would hear that the first wicket had gone.” This is what George Headley also known as Black Bradman, carried on his shoulder for nearly ten years. The author uses statistics to present Headley, a natural cricketer and describes the cardinal qualities of the super batsman, “He saw the ball early, He was quick on his feet and he was quick with his bat”. James further adds, “Between 1930 and 1938 Bradman had with him in England Ponsford, Woodfull, McCabe, Kippax, Brown, and Hassett. All scored heavily. In 1933 and 1939 West Indian batsmen scored runs at various times, but George had nobody who could be depended upon.” Ironically such comparisons seem to escape some of our correspondents today.
By writing four essays, James succinctly highlights Dr. W.G. Grace’s role in the development of modern cricket and the Victorian culture. Talking strongly about W.G.’s batting figures, “remarkable as they are, lose all their true significance unless they are seen in close relation with the history of cricket itself and the social history of England. Unless you do this you fall head foremost into the trap of making comparisons with Bradman. Bradman piled up centuries. W.G. built a social organization.”
Enjoying Gary Sobers batting in Australia, James infers, “West Indian cricket has arrived at maturity because of two factors: The rise in financial position of the coloured middle class and the high fees paid to players by the English leagues.” However he is disheartened to observe, modern cricketers sinking into a ‘welfare state of mind’. “The prevailing attitude of the players of 1890-1914 was daring, adventure, creation. The prevailing attitude of 1957 can be summed up in one word - security.” Unfortunately this attitude is still prevalent across the world, engulfing not just the players and the officials, but even the brave curators and sponsors.
Today, West Indian cricket is in a downward spiral to mediocrity and irrelevance, and few wins do not reflect its flamboyance nor its prowess. It’s time West Indian cricket rose like a Phoenix and resurrect C.L.R’s ‘romantics’. Until then, enjoy ‘Beyond a Boundary’ for it delightfully weaves the game in a social context, along with its illustrious proponents and their magnum opus.
The book distinctly reveals James as literati, a Trotsky revolutionary, an iconoclastic commentator, and a die-hard sports lover. Undoubtedly, an immortal masterpiece deserving exclusive space in your personal library and a compulsory read for cricket aficionados and even non-cricket lovers from every generation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)