Corruption!

Corruption is defined as "dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power , typically involving bribery" by The Oxford Dictionary (http://oxforddictionaries.com/view/entry/m_en_gb0181740#m_en_gb0181740)
Well my father has kept me thinking over the issue after he wrote his blog: Vartalap. I promised him I will come up with a rejoinder/reply & here I am.
Ever since I have grown up and the most of my generation have, we have seen the corruption in the country Evolving. Yes, Corruption like any other phenomenon has also evolved in our country. After 1991, our country started taking steps towards Globalization & our leaders also started "Globalizing" in their techniques. I will explain you how. Earlier, the scams involved in corruption in buying of Arms, Ammunitions, Government purchases of Wheats & Grains, Corruption for licenses etc. Those are still there but there are new forms cropping up as well. The later scams involved Stock Market, 2G spectrum sale, Adarsh & similar building scam, Satyam Scam, CWG scam etc. To sum up we are moving from Political Corruption to Corporate Corruption. I will leave this forum open to the public to decide which one is MORE dangerous. But let us assume they both are harmful to the "Public Health" in one way or another.
I am working for a PSU organization and I witness corruption at many levels. However, its not just the misuse of the power its also the negligence in the duty which leads to corruption. The answer is very simple. Our policies are made in the way that induces corruption. (Just a point of caution: I do not endorse to the view that policies in other countries are better; the scams & corruptions are apparent there as well but the effect to a "common man" is lesser)
Let me give you an example: Many of you might have heard of Oil company officials are corrupt. Why is that? The reason lies in the complex web of rules made by the ministry because of one word: SUBSIDY. Why would a Petrol Pump owner try & divert Kerosene in to Diesel if he doesn't get about 30 Rs per liter difference?
The examples are plenty. What a few years ago was sung as a success story is now a point of contempt for many. I am talking about Indian Telecom Revolution.
So what encourages corruption? Is the complexity of rules? Is it the greed? Is it the lack of discipline? Or is it the lack of governance?
My answer is the sum total of all of it. Why do we give bribe to the Traffic policemen for not wearing a seatbelt or helmet? Do you even know how many clearances one has to sought before starting a venture?

So what as a common man one has to do to stop the evil? Well, first of all I would say, start acting as a common man. In this country, we strive to be someone's someone! We just love to pull some strings to get our work done. We love to talk on the phone while driving!

Be the change you want to see! Lokpal, RTI may come & go, don't give those people chance to rule us. If we do what is right, in our own interest, the world will be a beautiful place to live.

Disclaimer: I do know above views are hypothetical & perhaps dreamy, but we are fighting a huge evil.

Back to Blogging

Well I'm back to my blog after a long time! Yes, it took me a while to pen down (or in this case, keyboard down) my thoughts. But here I am!
Was hearing one of the legendary song written by Anand Bakshi & sung by none other than Kishore Kumar: Gaadi Bula Rahi Hai from the movie Dost.
The lyrics goes like this:

Gaadi Bulaa Rahi Hai, Siti Bajaa Rahi Hai
Chalanaa Hi Zindagi Hai, Chalati Hi Jaa Rahi Hai

Dekho Vo Rel, BachchoN Kaa Khel, Sikho Sabak Javaanon
Sar Pe Hai Bojh, Sine Mein Aag, Lab Par dhuvaan Hai Jaano
Phir Bhi Ye Jaa Rahi Hai, Nagamen Sunaa Rahi Hai

Aage Tuufaan, Pichhe Barasaat, Uupar Gagan Mein Bijali
Soche Na Baat, din Ho Ke Raat, Siganal Huaa Ke Nikali
dekho Vo Aa Rahi Hai, dekho Vo Jaa Rahi Hai

Aate Hain Log, Jaate Hain Log, Paani Me Jaise Rele
Jaane Ke Baad, Aate Hain Yaad, Guzare Hue Vo Mele
Yaaden Banaa Rahi Hai, Yaaden Mitaa Rahi Hai

Gaadi Ko dekh, Kaisi Hai Nek, Achchhaa Buraa Na dekhe
Sab Hain Savaar, dushman Ke Yaar, Sabako Chali Ye Leke
Jinaa Sikhaa Rahi Hai, Maranaa Sikhaa Rahi Hai

Gaadi Kaa Naam, Naa Kar Badanaam, Patari Pe Rakh Ke Sar Ko
Himmat Na Haar, Kar Intazaar, Aa Laut JaaeN Ghar Ko
Ye Raat Jaa Rahi Hai, Vo Subah Aa Rahi Hai

Sun Ye Paigaam, Ye Hai SaNgraam, Jivan Nahin Hai Sapanaa
Dariyaa Ko Faand, PavaRt Ko Chir, Kaam Hai Ye Usakaa Apanaa
NiNden Udaa Rahi Hai, Jaago Jagaa Rahi Hai


The reason for sharing the lyrics is because the song has always touched me. The depth of poetry has left me mesmerized how much one can learn from a Train. I am sure Mumbai-kars are more familiar with the utility of it more than anyone else. But the song goes very deep in the meaning. It touches the very philosophy of the life. 


The song initially gives lesson to the youngsters who are afraid of taking responsibilities. The analogy is with the train's Burden (Bojh) on the head & Fire (Aag) in the belly. It talks how Passion can drive people and be inspirational for others (Nagmein Suna Rahi Hai)!


It than talks about the difficulties one faces in achieving goals. The persistent train overcomes all the difficulties by running round-the-clock towards its destination. In a way, this verse also says that difficulties pass as quickly as it comes (like Train!) if you work hard enough.


We make some friends, we lose some friends! The memories always remain in our heart of the time we had. Train also reminds us of the good time as it passes through the milestones. Just a side thought. I travel quite frequently in trains and I tell you, I keep remembering the good events in my life as I pass through the Green, Brown & some time Black (If it's the night) fields! The train running reminds you of the pace your life has ran at!


If one thing train doesn't do is that it doesn't discriminate. What a wonderful thought! I mean we see all kinds of people while we are in train. The Rich, The Poor, The Thieves, The thugs, The beggars, The politicians etc. Isn't it just like a one place where the sample from each part of the society has been taken! I'll leave this verse here only as it's too obvious to the central thought of the song! (Jeena Sikha rahi hai, Marna Sikha rahi hai)


But people misuse train. To commit suicide! Well, for the first time, Mr. Anand Bakshi is unhappy about something happening with the rail. People misuse train to end their lives while it merely does its job! He tries to give hope to people by saying: "Yeh raat ja rahi hai, Woh Subah aa rahi hai!" Need I say more?


Well at the end the song summarizes (though not there in some versions) by saying that life is an epic battle, not a dream! You have to cross the oceans, climb the mountains and do your work! Wake up friends, Cause its not a dream!


I know many of you might have heard the song. Some would have not pondered this long! But It's worth a thought! Isn't it?

Blessing in Disguise

For the third time in the last five minutes, Kunal checked the time in his watch. Wondering how slowly the time passes when you are waiting for someone, he started pondering over the incidents of the last few days. Seven days ago, if someone would have told him that he will be given such a big opportunity in his life, he would have laughed it off. The truth was that nobody thought he is any good at anything at all. Except for asking about the reviews about any new movies, or for getting downloaded any new songs for anyone. His father had told him a number of times that he was a good-for-nothing soul.

“Look at his age Preeti; it has already been three years since he finished his graduation. He hasn’t stuck with a job for more than two months. Forget about others’ offices he could not work at our own office as well.” His father blasted some months ago to his mother, when he stopped coming to his office all of a sudden.

But he did not answer him anything. In fact he did not answer anybody whenever he was being criticized. Sometimes he thought he is not answering himself as well. He wanted to answer every one of them that he wanted to do his things. But what were his things? The main problem was that he was yet to find an answer to it, till a week ago.

“I think the meeting went just fine. Then why is Mr. Mehra is taking so much of time?” He asked himself. He wanted to go rush in to his cabin and ask what the matter is. Then he resisted himself thinking it would not be a prudent thing to do.

“Mr. Kunal, Mr. Mehra will see you now. You can go inside his cabin”, said the receptionist bringing an end to his impatience. He, however, was stuck with a new emotion: anxiety. He could feel the butterflies in his stomach. Gathering himself he proceeded to Mr. Mehra’s cabin.

“May I come in sir?” He entered asking. “Please Kunal, do have a seat and please do me a favour, call me Akhilesh. This sir tag does not go with my age.”

“Thanks sir, err... Akhilesh!” said Kunal smiling nervously. He sat on the chair directed by Mr. Mehra, still unsure how to start the talking. When he could not come up with any idea, he just waited for Mr. Mehra to start.

Mr. Mehra studied the file in front of him carefully without saying or giving any expression. This made Kunal all the more nervous. It looked like Mr. Mehra is taking an eternity to come to the point.

Finally he looked up and said, “Kunal, it seems that you are too inexperienced for this whole work. In fact, your past jobs have shown that you are not able to retain for any longer than two months.”

Kunal dreaded this would come. He took a proud of himself on being able to do what he wants. But today, he hated it as he could sense the opportunity slipping away. He gathered all the courage he had and said, “But sir, I mean Akhilesh, you mentioned this is not a job. This is more of entrepreneurship.”

Mr. Mehra took a moment to consider what Kunal had said then spoke, “You are right, but you see, we need someone who can work for longer time. We want stability as well. You might not earn substantial in the earlier months. However, the income is sure to come with smart work in the following months.”

Kunal was dismayed at hearing this. He cleared his throat and said, “Akhilesh, all the jobs I have done is about selling some stupid things or answering some silly queries over the phone. In fact, I left my father’s business because I did not like to work on those noisy workshops as well. Speaking about your work; this is all I like. I like it to be working for myself, on the things I like. So please give me one chance, I promise I would not fail.”

Mr. Mehra replied with sympathy, “See here Kunal, I really appreciate your eagerness to work for us. But at the same time, I do have a board to convince. You see a lot is at stake.”

“Sir, if I could do it by any other means, it would be great for me.” Kunal was now pleading.

Mr. Mehra sank deeply in his chair thinking deeply and said, “Well there could be one way actually, but you will have to co-operate with me. If I can show some monetary security in the contract with you, I may be able to convince the board.”

“What kind of security, sir?”

“Well if you can deposit one lakh rupees as a refundable security deposit with us, I can convince the board about your case. This money won’t go anywhere and as soon as you finish one year of working with us, you can get the money back. This will also give you some motivation to work harder as stakes will be higher for you as well.” Mr. Mehra waited for Kunal’s reaction.

This made Kunal think as he was planning not to tell his father anything about it at all. He wanted to surprise them that he could do anything worth by showing the earnings he was to make. Judging by his response, Mr. Mehra pressed on,

“I can stretch up to this point only. Now onus is entirely on you. If you tell me I can proceed for the documentation.”

That night Kunal could not sleep at all. He kept juxtaposing the scenarios if he would ask his father for help or he would just forget all about the offer. At last, he came up with conclusion that there was nothing wrong in trying to ask father about the money. As he already did not have any reputation to lose. If his father says no, well, then also he would do the same thing if he would have done otherwise. Nothing at all!

He gathered courage and faced his father when he had returned from the morning walk.

“Dad, I need to talk with you. Can you spare some time?”

“Oh of course, his highness, I have all the time in the world for my Royal son! Tell me which girl you want to marry?” His father had gone very sarcastic with him in the past few days.

“At least listen to him Na, you never give him a chance.” His mother took his son’s side.

“How many more chances you need? Sahab-jada has already left five jobs if you don’t count our own business. Bolo beta, what you want now?” His father retorted bitterly.

“Please dad! Just for once listen to me. I know I have been irresponsible all the while and not been the best son. But I could not find the thing what I look to do. Finally I have something that I like to do but I need your support for that.” Kunal said with a hint of tears in his eyes.

“What kind of support? And what is that you intend to do anyway?” His father was softened a bit hoping that his son was up to something worthwhile.

“I have come across an IT company with which I can work on contract basis. I would be doing some of their basic online work and get paid according to the work I do.” Kunal waited for the reaction from his father. His father nodded so he continued; “Only hurdle is that they want a security deposit from me for one year. They want the deposit because I am inexperienced and they need people who stays longer with them.”

“I told you the habit of changing the jobs will be a hurdle for you one day. How much money they want anyway?” His father was so angry with him that he did not miss a single opportunity to sting him with his taunts.

Kunal replied in a small voice, “One lakh rupees.”

“One lakh rupees! What if you stop working for them in a year or they throw you out?” asked his father.

“Dad, I promise I would not leave them. And the work is such that I am really confident they will not throw me away. Please give me one chance. If I fail, I will return to your business the next day. I am also tired of not being able to find what to do!” Kunal said desperately.

His father was still a little sceptic but he said, “Thik hai beta! As such I have spent so much behind you, take this much more. But this is the last time I am doing something. Don’t come to me after this.”

Four Months Later-

“Kunal, come out of your room beta. There are two gentlemen looking for you.” Kunal’s mother shouted from the leaving room.

“Yes?” inquired Kunal on seeing some unfamiliar faces.

“Mr. Kunal Joshi? I am Zala and this is my colleague Dave from NASSCOM. You will have to accompany us to our office. You are required to be detained for an inquiry in cyber crime case” said one of the gentlemen with authority.

“What cyber crime? I am not involved in anything like that.” Kunal answered in a shaking voice.

“Mr. Kunal if you do not come with us now, we will have to come with the police with an arrest warrant. We are only taking you with us for investigation and it won’t take long.” The other officer tried to explain Kunal.

“Where are you taking my son?” Her mother asked fearing there is something wrong going on.

“Mom, do not worry about me. Let me see what it is all about. I will be back as soon as I can. Chalo, officers.” Kunal was a little worried but he assured his mother.

***

“So you are saying that you were working for some company which does not exist and that company was responsible for all the frauds, not you.” Officer Zala asked Kunal.

“Mr. Zala, I can also show the contract between the company and me. I cannot understand where Mr. Akhilesh Mehra is. He is out of station but He was to return three days back.” Kunal was trying to explain him once again.

“Kunal you might be telling the truth as we have seven to eight individuals like you accused for the same crime individually and all claiming to be working for the same company. But the matter is that no such company has ever been existed. Secondly, the work you do is from your own place, under your own name. This might be an organized fraud but that is not our job to check. We are here only to verify whether you were engaged in any cyber crime or not and it seems that you were. As far as the fraud is concerned, CBI would be looking after it.” Mr. Zala explained it at length to Kunal.

“But sir, I still do not know that I was doing any crime. I was merely doing my job and I was to get paid for it. In fact, I have not recovered the one lakh deposit that I had paid. I have lost my time, money and now I am being charged as well.” Kunal was almost broken to tears.

“I will be careful about it in my report. But till then you are advised not to leave this city. You are free to go home but you shall have to report your attendance to us on daily basis.” Mr. Dave spoke for the first time during the investigation.

Back at home Kunal was sobbing silently in his room when his father entered. He silently put his hand on his son’s shoulder saying, “Beta don’t worry I am talking to lawyers I know. You will be acquitted.”

“Dad, I am not worried about the case. I know about my innocence. What puzzles me is that for the first time in my life I was enjoying to work and now I can’t do that as well.”

“It pains me a lot that what I could not find in all these years, that fraud could find it in minutes; your interest. You are interested in doing something on your own in IT. Then be it. Don’t worry about investment. I will give you money and some of it we can taken loan. But you should do what you like my son.”  

And so, Kunal started his own business. Kunal and other accused people were acquitted as Mr. Akhilesh Fraud Mehra was caught from a city of south India. Kunal could never get his money back from him but he and his father were now at peace. This was a blessing in disguise.

***

A Perfect Bond

I was this close to her. I could really count the moles on her face. I could really blow away the stray pupil hair from her face. My hands were wrapped around her. Her eyes were closed; lips apart. I could not help but meeting mine with her. The street lights were shining like moonlight on us and at that moment I caught a tear rolling on her cheek.

"Please don't leave me, Arush!" said she. I smiled at her and pin her head to my chest and said, "Of course not. Only a fool can do that, and I am not. Actually I am crazy, about you!"

She blushed but faked anger, "At least change the line. It sounds like a seventy's hero is telling his soul mate."

"Exactly my point about your line earlier", I added jokingly. She punched my stomach in response. My fake pain was overlooked by her as she noticed the time in her wristwatch.

"Oh my God, it's nine already. I still have to pack my stuff and my flight leaves early in the morning. I think we should go." She said parting from me.

I sighed and reluctantly parted from her after giving a kiss on her cheek. She climbed behind me on my bike and we started for her home. We were debating what should be the name of our home once she finishes her post-graduation and we get married.

In fact, her father even asked me if we would like to get married before Anushka leaves for Delhi for her PG. I had to explain to him that I have just completed my MBA and I need at least two years to settle down in my career. By that time, she will also be finishing her PG. So we can get married as soon as she finishes her studies. But the worried father wanted to wed-lock her daughter sooner. So we got engaged the last month.

Our engagement day was a mixed day for Anushka. As her mother did not come at first for the function and when she did come, she was all too grumpy and ended up fighting with her ex-husband. Anushka's mother is divorced and re-married to a well-known IAS officer. Their affair was the talk of the town as Anushka's father was a business man and the courtroom had witnessed the fight for Anushka's custody. Anushka was about ten years old then.

Her background has made Anushka a humble and hard-working girl. She grew up too fast for her age but she was also very afraid of relationships. In fact, I was her first ever boy-friend when she was about twenty-two and that too after I knew her for almost four years. I was in love with her the moment I saw her. But I was too young to notice that I was in love. I had a couple of passing affairs when I was in college. The last one was particularly nasty when I was dumped by the girl (Jassica) because someone else had proposed her and he was more good-looking and wealthier than me. I was broken when this happened. Anushka was the only friend who supported me in that tough time and it was game-set-match for me.

However, things were not easy for me with Anushka as well. She was the best friend I ever had. I was her only friend. Still, she kept a distance from me. A wall stood between us regardless of how many hours a day I spent talking with her. I soon realized the reason for that wall. I started breaking into it. Exactly six months ago, more than a year after I proposed to her, she confessed her feelings to me. My mom already knew enough to conclude that I loved Anushka. She and my dad already approved my choice. Next month I got a call from her father asking to meet him.

"Arush, I hope you know what you are playing at. I don't want any messing around with my daughter." He said sipping the tea from his cup.

I was getting cold perspiration. "There is some misunderstanding in what you are saying uncle."

"So is my daughter lying? Or are you a coward to admit it?" He barked.

I was totally shocked hearing this. Anushka told her dad! I don't even know that. I gathered some courage and said, "Uncle, Anushka told you!"

"Yes she did, when I asked. Now tell me what your plans are."

"Uncle, I intend to marry her if you give the permission. Though I need some time to stabilize my career, I think I would be able to marry her in two years." Then I hastily added, "With your blessings, of course."

Suddenly he smiled at me and said, "You are a fine guy. I have nothing against you. I just want to make sure that you don't play with daughter's feelings."

"I suggest you to meet my parents, uncle; for they already know. They would be glad to meet you."

Later that evening when I met Anushka, she was all too ecstatic and hugged me in front of hundreds of watching people. "Thanks, Arush for being true to my trust."

"You should have told me. I was like getting a heart-attack there and then." I gently parted with her.

She smiled guiltily at me and said, "Well it was papa's idea. He approved of you immediately but asked me not to tell you. I bet he wanted to surprise you."

"Well he did. Anyways, let's hope he has no surprises for my parents." She punched me as I said this. I loved when she punched me because of fake anger. I keep on finding the reason so that I can keep on getting those punches.

Things moved so fast that before I could realize anything, I was engaged and my fiancée was going to Delhi to do her PG from NIFT. I was really worried what will I do for the next two years without her. But there was a consolation as I was also starting a new job, maybe I would be able to concentrate better.

***

There was something wrong with the day. First I woke up rather badly with some horrible dream. I already felt some head-ache and I realized I could be late for the office. When I was finally ready, my car's tire was flat. I had to catch an auto to the workplace. I was already a little late, missed my breakfast and as soon as I was logging on to my laptop, Samir calls me for an urgent meeting.

When I entered the meeting room, my boss (Head of BD), head of corporate communication and the head of HR. Me and Samir soon came to know the reason for the urgency. One of the major clients of our company is facing problem as its promoter has committed a great fraud. The news broke a few minutes ago. We were called in to prepare the details of the total business we are doing at present, we did in the past and the orders we had with them in the coming years. All the details they wanted within an hour. They also wanted all the teams to stop working for the projects of this client with immediate effect. My two team members had to be called back from the client-site because of that. Already feeling dizzy, I started working. I saw an email from Anushka popping up with "Sorry" as a subject line but ignored it as I had a lot to do.

After the lunch, when I was finally free for a while, I read the email. I nearly fainted reading it.

"Dear Arush,

I don't know whether I will ever be able to face you after what I did a week ago. After our farewell party, I went on the drive with Ajinkya. I do not know why I agreed to go with him but I guess he requested me and I was a bit bored and so I agreed. He pulled over the car after a while. We were talking mostly un-important stuff and suddenly we kissed each other. It was not one of the tender kiss of love. It was a passionate kiss of hunger. We went to all limits and so now I am not a virgin anymore. I am ashamed to tell you this.

I still love you, but I cannot expect anything from you. Even if you accept me with my fault, I will be drowned in self-pity forever. I request you to call of this wedding and do the justice to me.

Once yours,

Anushka."

I went out of the office, I wanted to do something. I saw the tea & cigarette shop. I smoked two cigarettes back-to-back, although I don't usually smoke.

"Hey AP, where were you man? MK is looking for you like mad. Come on let's go, we have a lot to do." Samir had emerged from somewhere. Rest of my day went too busy in the work. Finally when she called in the night, I told her I needed some time to digest & think about it. I also asked her not to take any decisions on my behalf.

***

"Why do I end up apologizing even when you were at fault?"

"Because you over-react", she said laughing smugly. "That is understandable because I rarely do what hurts you."

"You are so caring, that is why I chose you." I pulled her closer. She jerked away smiling and saying "Liar!"

***

She never had to apologize to me. Unlike me, I was always short of her standards by some means or the other. I used word "Sorry" at least once a day. She never had to say that. I complain that all the time. Now when she really said sorry, she does not want me to forgive her. She has not left any choice for me. It is like walking to you and saying, "Hey, I did something wrong so I am sorry, but don't forgive me & please leave me."

What if I don't want to leave her? What if I want to forgive her? Should not she leave this to me instead?

I called her and asked her if she had any feeling whatsoever for Ajinkya. She was sobbing while answering but denied it. I asked her to finish her last exam and come back wearing the ring. I told her that I have not decided anything yet but I cannot decide like this either. I need to talk to her.

Next week she came back from Delhi. I went to meet her at her home. When I saw her, she just hugged me and cried. She kept on crying for a while which felt like years to me. I still have that scent of her hairs in my mind when I think about that moment. I let go of her and sat with her.

No words were exchanged between us. Ajinkya was her past and was never discussed again. We got married after three months.

------------------------------

"All the characters, places and incidents in the story are the work of fiction and any resemblance with the real life is a sheer co-incidence."

-Manas Nanavaty

My Ecopreneurship

So the last post was all about describing the Ecopreneurship & my aspirations. Now question comes, Am I an Ecopreneur? Can I claim it? Is it only about business or is it really "a way of being"? Is adapting the next practices in day-to-day life or setting high standards also not Ecopreneurship?

So here is the thing that makes me think over the issues in a sustainable way. Another conclusion I can draw from this that an Ecopreneur is one who is engaged in problem solving approach. So when I talked about the approach yesterday, this is also a characteristic that is added. So a person with Innovative, Sustainable problem solving approach which takes care of people of the earth, respects the society and still a rational individual is what Ecopreneur is all about. Did Adam Smith in his time referred to Ecopreneur (He may not know the term then) when he talked about his famous "upper-hand". I do believe I have some of the qualities that an Ecopreneur has. Some people who know me well testifies me.

To list them some of my good friends have called me "a fundamentalists", another has called me "a person living in Black & White" and one has even complimented me by telling a "Righteous" person. Well it is definately their perceptions and pressures when they praise me. But yes I do believe in fundamentalism and even try to stick to the fundametalism established according to my discretion.

So after all what makes an Individual an Ecopreneur? As well, what is the impact of these rational, sensible and yet sustainable individual can make on this society? Well its just not about the emissions or environment any more. It talks a lot of other great deals. Harmony, Peace and World co-operations are in a way aftermath or goals of Ecopreneurship.

Confused? Think about it...

Aspiring to be an Ecopreneur

Ecopreneur? I dismissed this term as yet another jargon when I heard it for the first time. It took me a little while to look really into the matter. As per Mr. A. Bharadwaj (Executive, Larsen & Toubro Ltd.), It is a way of being! I then took it seriously and searched for the term in a little detail. But its more about understanding then really Googling it. In a way, we must search for it within ourselves more than anywhere else.

By definition, Ecopreneur is the portmanteau of the words "Ecology" and "Enterpreneur". To say, a person who puts People and Planet above the Profit.

It is the way a person thinks or prioritize his objectives in life. It has much to do with Sustainability of the business, of the environment and of the nature that drives this thought. It is very necessary to percolate this thought in a proper way when every Tom, Dick and Harry are talking about so-called "Green Ventures".

Some questions came accross my mind when I try and ponder over these lines. First of all, What really makes the Ecopreneur different from other businessmen? or How can one claim to be an Ecopreneur?

These questions have similar answers. Firstly, it is the approach and attitude that makes the difference. The profit motivation is of course required to do the business. But making the environment sustainability a qualifying requisite is the key. Business beyond compliance is desirable. Next is empathy for the Living beings around us. Its about creating an atmosphere of Co-operation and justice. For an ecopreneur the stakeholders are not just the shareholders and Value-chain members. It is the nature, community, country and the earth.

Well the question then comes, How to achieve it? Well, to this there is no particular answer. But one thing is for sure, Applying and developing the technology in a way that makes no harm to the future is must. It may seem a hypothetical talk to start with. But every Next Best Practice seems so while inception. For our future and present it is essential that we start believing in these dreams and strive to achieve it. 

Globalisation in Indian Chemical Industry

Abstract

Over the last eighteen years the Indian chemicals industry has moved from manufacturing principle chemicals in a highly regulated market to being a mature industry in a liberalized economy. Until 1991, with the domestic chemical industry enjoying protection in the form of differential import duties on raw materials and finished chemical products. Chemical manufacturing was largely controlled by licensing regulations.

The Indian chemical industry, 12th largest in production, is growing at an average rate of 12.5%. However, sector modernization of existing technology through foreign collaborations could further enhance growth.

The report researches the characteristics of the Indian chemical industry and the segments which, as a whole, make up this dynamic machinery of growth. The massive globalization and consolidation strides taken by the industry as explained in the report with the requirement of heavy capital investment that brings in more competition and the overall focus of the industry to meet the environmental challenge.

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Globalisation in Indian Chemical Industry: 1991-2008
Overview of the Indian Chemical Industry

Indian chemical Industry is approx USD 35 billion in FY 2007. This constitutes of approximately 3% contribution to the GDP. It contributes to about 13-14% of the total export and 8-9% of the total import (Quarterly Performance Analysis of Indian Chemical Industry, n.d.).

The Industry can be divided into three segments such as: Basic Chemicals, Speciality Chemicals and Knowledge Chemicals (Planning Commission of India, 2006, June). The Sector wise contribution is as shown in the chart below.

Figure 1-Contribution of various Segments
[Source: Indian Chemical Council]
Basic Chemicals

The basic chemical consists of Agro-chemicals, Organic and Inorganic Chemicals. The Indian basic chemicals account for almost USD 20 billion of revenue annually.

Speciality Chemicals

Speciality chemicals are fine chemicals, dyestuff and Intermediates. The speciality chemicals account for almost USD 9 Billion annually.

Knowledge Chemicals

The knowledge segment is mainly R&D related chemicals such as Pharmaceutical products. It is valued at approximately USD 6 Billion.

Key Players in the Indian Chemical Industry

Figure 2-Key Players of the Industry

[Source: Cygnus Business Consulting & Research, 2008]
SWOT Analysis
The SWOT analysis of the Industry vis-à-vis the Globalisation has been presented in the figure below. The main concerns of the Indian Chemical Industry are unfavourable Policy Framework and Poor Infrastructure in the country. The positive sides for the Industry are the opened up developed markets, Quality Human Resource and diversified manufacturing base.

Figure 3-SWOT Analysis of Chemical Industry
[Source: Authors]

Effects of Globalisation on Chemical Industry

The chemical industry has been traditionally been developed in protected environment. The globalisation posed several challenges to the Indian Chemical Industry. The Indian Chemical manufacturers were not globally competitive and hence they struggled to deliver quality as the import quality chemicals (KPMG, 2004). Another challenge Indian Industry faced is the environmental regulations forced by the policy makers due to the International pressure (Gopalkrishnan R., 2008).

Entry of Foreign Players like Dow Chemicals, Akzo Noble and BASF has made the Industry more competitive. As explained by Mr. P.N. Shah, GM, Larsen & Toubro Ltd., (Personal Communication, January 15, 2009) the foreign players use the world-class technology which gives both, Cost effective as well as better quality products.

The import duty has been reduced after opening the economy. This has made Indian producers suffer. Especially, the smaller players were affected adversely. The earlier years of 21st Century saw closing of many small scale players in India. This hinted Government of India to take up initiatives such as Cluster Development approach for the Development in India (Sachitanand, 2009).

Prof. R.N. Shukla (Personal Communication, January 16, 2009) stressed upon the point that Indian Chemical Industry faces the challenge of dumping which is also a result of Globalisation. This has made the import cheaper and local producers less competitive. This also resulted into shift of focus towards export markets for the Industry.

The Lower Capital and Labour cost make Indian Exports competitive. The stringent environmental regulation in USA and Europe, the exports market for dyestuff has opened up. Indian dyestuff industry has hence seen tremendous growth in the past few years. The rise of so many small scale export oriented manufacturers can be attributed to this fact.

An opportunity for Pharmaceutical Sector

Traditionally, chemical companies were organized along commodity and speciality chemical lines with some hybrid companies in between. The emergence of Life science has created new business opportunities. Many chemical companies have reinvented themselves as life science companies in at the start of 21st Century. The industry has also seen many companies changing character from commodity players to service providers working very closely with their customers to serve the final end user. In any case, the character of chemical industry has been different in the last decade. As Mr. Mukesh Ambani said at the India Chem 2006 “The challenge is the inflexible attitudes, concentration as core skills, assimilation of new skill sets and capabilities and working with customers in a partnership made. I believe that the chemical industry is at the doorsteps of a new technology revolution that will dwarf earlier information technology revolution, the world has seen.” He also noted that the chemical industry adapted physics in the 20th century. It will embrace biology in the 21st century (Ambani, 2000). Hence, the most exciting opportunity for the chemical industry has been in life sciences and notably biotechnology as well as molecular science. Chemical industry has the opportunity of using the biotechnology platform to bring about new products, energy efficient and pollution free processes and alternative bio routes to conventional products in the coming years.

The developed countries are facing problems like Declining R&D productivity, shrinking R&D pipeline, famous drugs losing patents, competitive pressure & scarcity of new breakthrough molecules. These factors present significant opportunities for low cost destinations like India. The cheaper and cost competitive talent pool of India has attracted the outsourcing of R&D sector for global pharmaceutical companies. This has led the inception of concept called Contract Research Organization (CRO). In fact shift of R&D base to India has been a growth driver for the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry.

Indian Players Acquiring Foreign Companies

It is not long since Indian Chemical players have started acquiring foreign companies from US. Aditya Birla group, GHCL and Atul Ltd have been front-runners in these acquisitions (Changing Face of Indian Business, 2007). GHCL acquiring London based firm Dan River Global and Aditya Birla Nuvo acquiring Egyptian player Alexandria Carbon Black Company S.A.E. are some of the examples of it.

Tainted Image of Indian Chemical Industry

In light of globalisation, Indian Chemical Industry has grown with the introduction of new products. However, this growth has also caused the environment pollution. Chemical Industry deals with a lot of products, by-products and effluents which are harmful for the environment. The emission of gases like NOx, SOx, Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide has also been a cause of concern. The presence of number of small players in the industry can be assigned as the reason for these effects. The small players cannot afford the best of practises in terms of manufacturing.

Globalisation has caused Indian players to benchmark the global manufacturing practises and adapt the latest technology. The resultant is better quality product due to efficient and cleaner production techniques. The advent of ‘Clean Technology’ can be attributed to the globalisation in the Indian Chemical Industry. However, these technologies has been restricted to larger players only as small scale units, due to financial constraints, cannot incur the capital costs required in the process said Prof. R.N. Shukla (Personal Communication, January 16, 2009).

Mr. Gopalkrishnan, VC, Tata Chemicals, attributed this to the fact that most of the chemical industry products are not directly consumer facing, but are used by other industries. “Since the effects of chemical innovations are often only indirect and the lay person is not aware of the industry’s contribution, it usually goes unnoticed.”

The new EU legislation like REACH (Registration Evaluation Authorization of Chemicals) will also enforce smaller exporters to increase their rigour in the environment safety. However, this would hurt the exporters in the Global competition if proper support by the government is not provided. The legislation would enforce smaller players to adapt clean technology, failing which the companies would lose orders to other countries like China.

Clean Development Mechanism: An Opportunity for Indian Chemical Industry

Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is put into practise under the Kyoto Protocol. Under this mechanism, firms of developing countries can claim the credits (Carbon Credits) for reduction in their emissions. The concept can give them an extra opportunity to earn revenues. The developed countries are under obligation of buying certain amount of Carbon Credits each year. By this mechanism, companies can take care of environment as well as increase the efficiency of their Bottom line (United Nations Industrial Development Organization [UNIDO], n.d.). For example, Reliance Industries ltd has done afforestation activity near their Jamnagar refinery. This creates a sink for the emissions by the refinery. Due to the activity, Reliance also earned Carbon Credit, which is the extra revenue for the company. Many Indian companies are holding Carbon Credits like this and it has been a good opportunity for the Indian players said Mr. P.N. Shah, GM, Larsen & Toubro Ltd., (Personal Communication, January 15, 2009).

Cluster development approach

We have looked into possible ways of improving the competitive strength and commercial viability of small-scale units in the changing context. While liberalisation is exposing these units increasingly to market competition, globalisation is intensifying the market competition. The only way for these units to withstand competition is to improve the productivity and quality, and to reduce the costs given higher qualities. This means substantial improvements in the various dimensions of technology, namely, Automation, organisation and information, which is known to be dependent primarily on the scale of operation (Bhavani, n.d.). The existing policies on small scale units created perverse incentives to remain small and operate in an isolated manner Bhavani (n.d.) also emphasizes that it is high time that policy measures be revamped so as to encourage the growth of small units through collective efforts.

Such collective efforts are cluster development of the industry. The Government of India along with United Nation and the World Bank has started such initiatives. Soft loans are given to a cluster of similar product industry by the World Bank by the accreditation of Government of India and United Nations. Additionally GIDC (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation) has also started Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) concept. A small player individually is not capable of maintaining an Effluent Treatment Plant but on collective basis, several players can jointly operate such plant. This results into cleaner environment and better productions (Industry Commissionaire, 2004).

Future Outlook

Indian Chemical Industry envisages being USD 100 billion in size by 2015 as per “Call to Rebrand Chemical Industry” (2008). While the Pharmaceutical sector has been relatively unaffected by the global slowdown, other factors are facing a challenge due to low demand as Prof. R.N. Shukla said (Personal Communication, January 16, 2009). To realise the vision, the key imparatives are suggested by KPMG. The authors have tried to analyse these parameters. The Knowledge Chemicals require aggressive growth strategies to grab the exciting business opportunity that has been put forward. It also requires high investment in Research and Development. The speciality chemicals must sought after colloberative strategies such as Cluster Development and institutional recreation. Significant focus on cost reduction in Basic Chemical segment is desired. All the segments also need to focus on Consolidation to leaverage on Economies of Scale.

Chemical Industry must also adhere to stringent Health and Safety regulation required by the foreign players for colloberation and trade. The infrastructure support from the government is also sought for the impetus to the industry. A massive brand revamp is also required for acheiving the vision of USD 100 billion turn over. Mr. Gopalkrishnan at the India Chem 2008 urged FICCI to treat entire industry as a brand and adapt product branding strategies of consumer products.

Figure 4- Key Imperatives for Chemical Industry

[Source: KPMG]

Conclusions

The chemical industry is facing some challenges as well as new business opportunities. The globalisation has increased India’s foreign trade and also forayed new avenues in Pharmaceutical industry. The growing numbers of expiring patents have increased the importance of Research and Development. While basic chemicals segment is facing a declining demand, it needs to focus on cost reduction tactics. The growing competition from China and implementation of REACH agreement are the challenges faced by the industry. The entrance of foreign players has witnessed technological advancement in the industry for the larger players. The smaller players have suffered due to lack of funds and hence collaborative strategies such as Cluster Development is required.

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