When my friend Anand gave me Desmond Morris book - ‘The Naked Ape - A Zoologist's Study of the Human Animal’, I simply couldn’t refuse. It would have been stupid to refuse Anand Khedkar, promising young Indian scientist whose appetite for books and filing patents thankfully remains insatiable.
This book catches your attention, raises eyebrows and remains timeless. Born in 1928, Desmond Morris has authored innumerable scientific papers and seven books. At a time when authors employ services of marketing agencies to stir controversies and spur sells, the Naked Ape created huge controversy because of its stimulating contents. It was first published in 1967 and since then, has been translated into several languages, sold more than 10 million copies and continues to remain a best seller.
The book is spread across 167 pages and divided into 8 chapters. The chapters are: Origin, Sex, Rearing, Exploration, Fighting, Feeding, Comfort and Animals. In the book, Desmond presents the study of man’s evolution and development of his modern day habits. By portraying human being as animal species and as an integral part of primate evolution, Morris traces our origin, commonalities and differences with various animals. The books highpoint lies in its simple, lucid narration and brilliant illustration of our primal imperatives seen through our modern day habits and ingenuity.
The first chapter ‘Origin’ presents man as a risen animal and despite our environment – moulding achievements; we still remain a very naked ape at heart. In the subsequent chapters the author showcases the modern naked ape’s behaviour.
The second chapter must be included in school curriculum. It’s on ‘Sex’ - insightful and not erotic. Ironically, this is the only subject where students are discouraged from doing any practicals or homework! Explaining the intricacies of process of attraction, pair bonding, the author innocuously elucidates the various physiological changes that take place before, during and after copulatory stages. The author finds voyeurism biologically abnormal but the media and the daily sitcoms defy it and are forever concerned with satisfying this demand.
Much of what we do as adult is based on imitative absorption during our childhood years. Crying, laughing, smiling and facial expressions play a larger role and this is subtly presented in the Chapter titled ‘Rearing’. The chapter on ‘Exploration’ brings out the battle between our neophilic and neophobic urges. (Isn’t that an oxymoron?) The former drives us on to new experiences while the latter holds us back. The author remarks that exploratory behaviour plays a role in the basic survival patterns of feeding, fighting, and mating.
The chapter on ‘Fighting’ illustrates aggressive urges using our background of animal origins. It throws light on the pattern of aggressive behaviour and intimidation tactics practiced by all. In the chapter ‘Feeding’, Morris highlights evolution in our food habits and unequivocally states, “human beings should return to our ancient primate feeding patterns.” Gourmet writers and caviar sellers would certainly cringe!
The topic on ‘Comfort’ features interesting insights on primate grooming not just as a cleaning pattern, but also in the social context and communication. The last chapter on ‘Animal’ identifies various categories of inter- specific relationships viz; prey, symbiont, competitor, parasite and predators. However unlike animals we continue to carry relationships much further. This chapter has a fascinating experiment that proves why younger children like big animals and why older children prefer smaller animals. We also get to know the reasons behind our acute and instinctive hatred for snakes and spiders and other reptiles.
Thanks Anand for recommending this masterpiece. The book truly succeeds in establishing linkages with ape. A must read for all regardless of educational qualifications….
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Raised on Radio !...
At a time when 24 hours water supply and maids weren’t available, the lady of the house would wake up to the sound of water gushing through the tap and so did my mother. In the next 90 minutes, she would complete the household chores and rush to work.
Interestingly one of her task included switching on the radio. The vacuum tube valves would take few minutes to glow and will be followed with faint hissing and loud static. With some fine tuning, the static disappeared and the soothing A.I.R.’s immortal signature tune, composed by Walter Kaufmann, trebled through the house awakening everybody and perhaps the entire nation. It was 5: 30 a.m. time for Dad to rush to the milk center.
The signature tune ends, Vande Mataram resonates from various radio sets and the lights in few homes across the colony become brighter. Soon an energetic voice greets listeners, “Su-prabhat” on Mumbai (Bombay) ‘B’ 558 htz i.e. 537.6 meter. On another frequency, an equally vibrant voice blurts, “Su – Prabhat, Medium wave, ek hazaar chawalis hertz par yanni do sau satyaassi dashmalam teen meter per yeh Vividh Bharti ki vigyapan prasaran sewa ka Mumbai Kendra hain…” Mumbai ‘A’ 1044 htz 287.3 Meter.
The announcement stops, Bhatki Sangeet (Devotional songs) follows and purifies the house. At 06:00 a.m. and few beeps later, an authorative voice intrudes, “This is All India Radio, the News ready by …..” This was the alarm for mom to catch the Virar local. At 7:00 a.m. ‘Bhoole Bisre Geet’ began and we slowly commenced our long walk to school. Around 7: 50 a.m. ‘Jharoka’ informed listeners with the day’s schedule. At 8 a.m., 'Sangeet Sarita' played songs based on classical raga and by now Dad would be on his way to office. In the evenings, ‘Hawa Mahal’ brought the entire family together.
The younger generation cannot comprehend our romance with radio and more so with Vividh Bharti. It governed our lives and played in the back ground in homes, salons, shops, gardens, buses, trains and even on streets and yet you could easily proceed with the daily chores without being disturbed.
The afternoons reverberated with soulful ‘Lok Sangeet’ (folk music). On Saturday late evenings, tune into A.I.R. 1017 kHz i.e. 294.9 meter to hear ABBA, Bob Dylan and latest western music. Throughout the day, Vivid Bharti played amazing programmes like ‘Aap Ki Farmaish’, ‘Ek Phankaar’ and ‘Manchahe Geet’. These programmes were unique, brought people closer from various parts of the country and introduced us to some unheard places - Majnu Ka Tila, Kala Peepal Mandi, and the famous Jhumri Talaiyya.
If the smart phones represents generation Y, then pocket transistors symbolised generations X. The pocket transistor allowed our ears to replace our eyes and increase our imagination. It became our devout companion in school where along with friends we would intently hear Jasdev Singh’s commentary, describing the artistic hockey and deft maneuvers of Surjit Singh and Zafar Iqbal. On other days Dicky Rutnagar, Suresh Saraiya, Anant Setalvad made everyone worship cricket. Even today, power-cuts provides an opportunity for sports aficionados to catch live commentary on their trusted radio. A sports journalist rightly said, “Cricket, Lata Mangeshkar and the transistor made India one nation.” Add Sachin Tendulkar and definitely Indians across the globe and several generations would unite.
Wednesday evening’s meant adjusting the spiral antenna to catch Radio Ceylon where the inimitable Ameen Sayani echoed through the static, “Aur Pehele Paidan pe yeh gaana” on ‘Binaca (later Cibaca) Geet Mala’. On Sunday afternoons, he quizzed the entire nation on Vividh Bharti through ‘Bournvita Quiz Contest’. This was followed by ‘Cricket with Vijay Merchant’. On weekdays, ‘Khel Samachar’ and A.F.S. (Bobby) Talyarkhan in ‘Take it from me’ would review various sporting events.
Several such programmes have remained etched in our memories. Diamond Comics sponsored programme and S Kumars Filmi Muqadamma added to the zing.‘Santogen Ki Mehfil’ featured interviews with various celebrities. ‘Vishesh Jaimala’ was graciously hosted by celebrities bringing ordinary civilians closer to hundreds of our brave Lance Nayaks.
Saroj Narayan and Barun Houlda through the daily 9:00 p.m. - NEWS brought the world into our homes. When Dad permitted us to stay up and enjoy ‘Chhaya Geet’, it indicated our arrival into adolescence. Chhaya Geet featured songs based on various themes, cleverly researched by the announcers, who narrated in measured tone. ‘Bela Ke Phool’ at 11:00 p.m. reminded of romantic encounters during the day and helped stay awake to complete our college term work. Sometimes after 11: 30 p.m., we desperately searched for short waves, cigarettes, tea and study material in that order. But at 00:10 a.m. we would be religiously back on Vividh Bharti, groggy eyed, listening to ‘Chitrapat Sangeet’ till 1:30 a.m.
Interestingly one of her task included switching on the radio. The vacuum tube valves would take few minutes to glow and will be followed with faint hissing and loud static. With some fine tuning, the static disappeared and the soothing A.I.R.’s immortal signature tune, composed by Walter Kaufmann, trebled through the house awakening everybody and perhaps the entire nation. It was 5: 30 a.m. time for Dad to rush to the milk center.
The signature tune ends, Vande Mataram resonates from various radio sets and the lights in few homes across the colony become brighter. Soon an energetic voice greets listeners, “Su-prabhat” on Mumbai (Bombay) ‘B’ 558 htz i.e. 537.6 meter. On another frequency, an equally vibrant voice blurts, “Su – Prabhat, Medium wave, ek hazaar chawalis hertz par yanni do sau satyaassi dashmalam teen meter per yeh Vividh Bharti ki vigyapan prasaran sewa ka Mumbai Kendra hain…” Mumbai ‘A’ 1044 htz 287.3 Meter.
The announcement stops, Bhatki Sangeet (Devotional songs) follows and purifies the house. At 06:00 a.m. and few beeps later, an authorative voice intrudes, “This is All India Radio, the News ready by …..” This was the alarm for mom to catch the Virar local. At 7:00 a.m. ‘Bhoole Bisre Geet’ began and we slowly commenced our long walk to school. Around 7: 50 a.m. ‘Jharoka’ informed listeners with the day’s schedule. At 8 a.m., 'Sangeet Sarita' played songs based on classical raga and by now Dad would be on his way to office. In the evenings, ‘Hawa Mahal’ brought the entire family together.
The younger generation cannot comprehend our romance with radio and more so with Vividh Bharti. It governed our lives and played in the back ground in homes, salons, shops, gardens, buses, trains and even on streets and yet you could easily proceed with the daily chores without being disturbed.
The afternoons reverberated with soulful ‘Lok Sangeet’ (folk music). On Saturday late evenings, tune into A.I.R. 1017 kHz i.e. 294.9 meter to hear ABBA, Bob Dylan and latest western music. Throughout the day, Vivid Bharti played amazing programmes like ‘Aap Ki Farmaish’, ‘Ek Phankaar’ and ‘Manchahe Geet’. These programmes were unique, brought people closer from various parts of the country and introduced us to some unheard places - Majnu Ka Tila, Kala Peepal Mandi, and the famous Jhumri Talaiyya.
If the smart phones represents generation Y, then pocket transistors symbolised generations X. The pocket transistor allowed our ears to replace our eyes and increase our imagination. It became our devout companion in school where along with friends we would intently hear Jasdev Singh’s commentary, describing the artistic hockey and deft maneuvers of Surjit Singh and Zafar Iqbal. On other days Dicky Rutnagar, Suresh Saraiya, Anant Setalvad made everyone worship cricket. Even today, power-cuts provides an opportunity for sports aficionados to catch live commentary on their trusted radio. A sports journalist rightly said, “Cricket, Lata Mangeshkar and the transistor made India one nation.” Add Sachin Tendulkar and definitely Indians across the globe and several generations would unite.
Wednesday evening’s meant adjusting the spiral antenna to catch Radio Ceylon where the inimitable Ameen Sayani echoed through the static, “Aur Pehele Paidan pe yeh gaana” on ‘Binaca (later Cibaca) Geet Mala’. On Sunday afternoons, he quizzed the entire nation on Vividh Bharti through ‘Bournvita Quiz Contest’. This was followed by ‘Cricket with Vijay Merchant’. On weekdays, ‘Khel Samachar’ and A.F.S. (Bobby) Talyarkhan in ‘Take it from me’ would review various sporting events.
Several such programmes have remained etched in our memories. Diamond Comics sponsored programme and S Kumars Filmi Muqadamma added to the zing.‘Santogen Ki Mehfil’ featured interviews with various celebrities. ‘Vishesh Jaimala’ was graciously hosted by celebrities bringing ordinary civilians closer to hundreds of our brave Lance Nayaks.
Saroj Narayan and Barun Houlda through the daily 9:00 p.m. - NEWS brought the world into our homes. When Dad permitted us to stay up and enjoy ‘Chhaya Geet’, it indicated our arrival into adolescence. Chhaya Geet featured songs based on various themes, cleverly researched by the announcers, who narrated in measured tone. ‘Bela Ke Phool’ at 11:00 p.m. reminded of romantic encounters during the day and helped stay awake to complete our college term work. Sometimes after 11: 30 p.m., we desperately searched for short waves, cigarettes, tea and study material in that order. But at 00:10 a.m. we would be religiously back on Vividh Bharti, groggy eyed, listening to ‘Chitrapat Sangeet’ till 1:30 a.m.
Mom has retired but not the radio. Vividh Bharti is still active and with it are several FM channels. These new channels are heard but unfortunately flicked every three minutes. This would never be the case with Vividh Bharti.
The success of Vividh Bharti did not merely lie in radio’s ability to be a medium of mass communication and education, but in its simplicity, its assorted programmes, and the amazing announcers who focused on good music instead of boring listeners with nonsensical chatter, announcing too many contests and advertisements. Let’s hope our FM channels take a leaf from Vividh Bharti and attempt to resurrect the magic of the old radio….
Until then let’s keep singing ‘Raised on Radio’…!
Until then let’s keep singing ‘Raised on Radio’…!
Radio, Radio
Were all raised on Radio, Radio
I love my Radio
Radio, Radio,Radio, Radio
……. sung by Journey
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Reverberations of Innocence !
Between the milk teeth and wisdom tooth, children are restless and creative but seldom mature and contentious. However Prathamesh, Rohit, Karthiki, Avanti, Aarya, Mugdha and Shalmali defy this belief. At a time when most children hop in mud, mischief, and play stations, these kids with their gleaming molars and magical chords, continue to cast a magical spell. For them, music is not just a craft but an eternal quest transformed into an adventure through ‘Marathi - Idea Sa Re Ga Ma Pa - Little Champs’.
In a country where music is an expression of culture and talent, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa continues to dominate, unraveling a beautiful symphony through talented singers, musicians, judges, anchor and loyal audience.
Much can be gleaned from the performances of these little champs. Rohit through instinctive performance and brilliant tempo seeks solace in fusion music. Rohit has the makings of a music composer and it is important that he pursue his passion, learns classical music and develops interest in maths, Denver and Dylan.
Prathamesh is versatile and with his cadence, devotion and rustic diligence brightens the difficult alaaps and taanas. Certainly he will be an all rounder who could sing various form of music - Khayal, Thumri, Bandish and non classical with amazing ease.
Mugdha and Karthiki are cute and indeed prodigious. By singing songs essentially composed for adults, Mugdha compels a different interpretation, renews interest in music and her abilities. Mugdha has a beautiful voice and receives immense adulation. As she matures, Mugdha will learn that music transcends boundaries whether linguistic or cultural and acts as a great catalyst of change.
Karthiki is bestowed with rich timbre and resonant tone. Her songs create a wonderful harmony of lyrics, music and spirituality. Despite having inheritance in music and brilliant sense of timing Karthiki limits herself to devotional songs. Karthiki’s voice promises to enliven classical songs, Sufi, Ghazzals and Thumris but then children prefer to sing what they hear most.
With melody, confidence and poise, Aarya’s gorgeous voice makes every word in the lyrics bloom. Her rendition is expressive (Bhaava) and enhances the aesthetic experiences (Rasa) of audience. Aarya’s singing promises to add a new dimension to the music of her generation (re-mixes) but that requires a brave composer to experiment.
Avanti is versatile and has distinctive incantation, rhythm and hereditary infectious smile. It is sad, she got eliminated but Avanti’s renditions revealed her innate courage to experiment and popularise songs lost with time. Her pitch (Sur) and fluency in languages promises to revive music of Runa Laila and Preeti Sagar.
Shalmali is gregarious, compassionate and has abundant talent. Her ability to mimic presents her inherent acting skills. With amazing energy, Shalmali feels the lyrics and renews interest in ‘Laavani’ and folk music. Her melodious rendition engulfed with gestures and expressions reminds you of your lost adolescence.
If the kids are notes (Saptak), the octave is completed by national award winner Pallavi Joshi, whose effervescence, intelligence, charisma and grace makes her the best anchor. Pallavi adoringly cajoles and motivates the participants, audience, musicians and even the judges. Although she is comfortable in English and Hindi, you cannot imagine Marathi Sa Re Ga Ma Pa without her. “Ekda Jordar Talyaa” (One more round of applause), immortalized by Pallavi irritates but should be broadcasted across stadiums to coerce sports fanatics to graciously applaud other teams.
A consonance exists between note and its octave, but to produce good music a consonant interval known as Shadja- Pancham Bhaava is essential. Often this becomes the basis of musical scale. The judges Avadhoot Gupte and Vaishali Samant add this interval through their spontaneous, encouraging, witty and candid assessment.
Unlike other reality shows, the judges here respect each others opinions, offer different perspectives and are indeed unconventional. Avadhoot speaks his mind and coins new phrases, while Vaishali with her tongue in cheek comments is precise and equally articulate. The judges and other eminent guests educate participants to learn the language of music in same way as they learn their mother tongue. The musicians are humble, magnificent and undoubtedly the main pillars of this programme.
Hopefully the success and failure of these champs will not be related to region, race and class but to their confidence and calibre. One thing is certain, the kids have melody, intonation, rhythm and harmony. They say success is a matter of being in the right place with the right product with the right name at the right time. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has helped discover new, innocent, vibrant voices and its time to search young musicians to accompany them!
In a country where music is an expression of culture and talent, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa continues to dominate, unraveling a beautiful symphony through talented singers, musicians, judges, anchor and loyal audience.
Much can be gleaned from the performances of these little champs. Rohit through instinctive performance and brilliant tempo seeks solace in fusion music. Rohit has the makings of a music composer and it is important that he pursue his passion, learns classical music and develops interest in maths, Denver and Dylan.
Prathamesh is versatile and with his cadence, devotion and rustic diligence brightens the difficult alaaps and taanas. Certainly he will be an all rounder who could sing various form of music - Khayal, Thumri, Bandish and non classical with amazing ease.
Mugdha and Karthiki are cute and indeed prodigious. By singing songs essentially composed for adults, Mugdha compels a different interpretation, renews interest in music and her abilities. Mugdha has a beautiful voice and receives immense adulation. As she matures, Mugdha will learn that music transcends boundaries whether linguistic or cultural and acts as a great catalyst of change.
Karthiki is bestowed with rich timbre and resonant tone. Her songs create a wonderful harmony of lyrics, music and spirituality. Despite having inheritance in music and brilliant sense of timing Karthiki limits herself to devotional songs. Karthiki’s voice promises to enliven classical songs, Sufi, Ghazzals and Thumris but then children prefer to sing what they hear most.
With melody, confidence and poise, Aarya’s gorgeous voice makes every word in the lyrics bloom. Her rendition is expressive (Bhaava) and enhances the aesthetic experiences (Rasa) of audience. Aarya’s singing promises to add a new dimension to the music of her generation (re-mixes) but that requires a brave composer to experiment.
Avanti is versatile and has distinctive incantation, rhythm and hereditary infectious smile. It is sad, she got eliminated but Avanti’s renditions revealed her innate courage to experiment and popularise songs lost with time. Her pitch (Sur) and fluency in languages promises to revive music of Runa Laila and Preeti Sagar.
Shalmali is gregarious, compassionate and has abundant talent. Her ability to mimic presents her inherent acting skills. With amazing energy, Shalmali feels the lyrics and renews interest in ‘Laavani’ and folk music. Her melodious rendition engulfed with gestures and expressions reminds you of your lost adolescence.
If the kids are notes (Saptak), the octave is completed by national award winner Pallavi Joshi, whose effervescence, intelligence, charisma and grace makes her the best anchor. Pallavi adoringly cajoles and motivates the participants, audience, musicians and even the judges. Although she is comfortable in English and Hindi, you cannot imagine Marathi Sa Re Ga Ma Pa without her. “Ekda Jordar Talyaa” (One more round of applause), immortalized by Pallavi irritates but should be broadcasted across stadiums to coerce sports fanatics to graciously applaud other teams.
A consonance exists between note and its octave, but to produce good music a consonant interval known as Shadja- Pancham Bhaava is essential. Often this becomes the basis of musical scale. The judges Avadhoot Gupte and Vaishali Samant add this interval through their spontaneous, encouraging, witty and candid assessment.
Unlike other reality shows, the judges here respect each others opinions, offer different perspectives and are indeed unconventional. Avadhoot speaks his mind and coins new phrases, while Vaishali with her tongue in cheek comments is precise and equally articulate. The judges and other eminent guests educate participants to learn the language of music in same way as they learn their mother tongue. The musicians are humble, magnificent and undoubtedly the main pillars of this programme.
Hopefully the success and failure of these champs will not be related to region, race and class but to their confidence and calibre. One thing is certain, the kids have melody, intonation, rhythm and harmony. They say success is a matter of being in the right place with the right product with the right name at the right time. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has helped discover new, innocent, vibrant voices and its time to search young musicians to accompany them!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Pharma Pains!...
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.
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.
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!
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