Bring jobs back from India

Yesterday, I stopped on c-span TV channel while I was jumping from one channel to other. For those who don't know C_SPAN http://www.c-span.org, let me tell you that it's a channel dedicated for airing government debates in senate,seminars etc involving public policy. Its a kind of government's interface to connect with citizens. Prasar Bharti (Indian Public Boradcaster) should take steps and transform Rajya Sabha and LokSabha channels to cover more public debates out of parliament.

The live telecast of National Governors Association (http://youinnovate21.net on subject of Innovation and technology was going on. I started listening to Mr Randell's ( AT&T CEO) speech followed by Mr Schmidt's (Google CEO ) speech.
The presence of these two CEOs glued me to channel till end of council meeting.
Randell talked about challenges in broadband penetration and competitiveness of Telecom Industry while Schmidt talked about Transformation of Govt. Services using new and latest technologies.Mr Schmidt is a glib talker while Randell seem to be regulated like his industry is.

All the governors seemed to be concerned about growing importance of new technologies and were deeply interested in learning new ways to bring innovation in government services and change in society.

I was day dreaming of this becoming a reality in India where 99% politicians and 90% IAS officers can't even define innovation.

The speeches were followed by Q & A round.I was struck by question from Mr. John Baldaccid Governor of Maine.He talked about creating IT clusters in his state and asked about Industry's role in partnering Government . His question could have been straight forward but he added chauvinistic spice by mentioning IT clusters will help bring back jobs from India.

This is another example of how India has taken centre stage in Government policy formation on Job creation and losses. Ten years back, these Governors would not have known what and where India is. But today it is a different world.

This development is significant as it highlights the achievement of Indian IT Services Industry.
It very easy to blame Indians for all job loses and but hard to evaluate the core reason behind such development.

The Senators and unaware public in large forget the hard labour that Indians apply to deliver IT Services at low cost to make American economy competitive and robust. They forget the taxes that Indians and Indian companies pay to federal and State Government without availing any Social Security benefits.

Its sad that Indians' hard work for American companies doesn't get much deserved acknowledgement and appreciation

5 worst companies to work for

Here is an article which lists top 5 worst companies to work for.

http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/career/?p=159&tag=nl.e124

I am surprised to see Verizon in the list. New economy companies are hardly expected to be in such list but Verizon seems to be an exception.I am surprised not to see Walmart which is universally famous for inhuman conditions.

One thing noticeable is that 3 out 5 companies Home Depot,Best Buy,McDonalds all connect with customers directly.

How can they keep their customers happy with demoralised employees?

Fatima's Story

Recently came across this heart touching story. Read the below link:

http://harirhk.sulekha.com/blog/post/2007/06/pani-puri-funds-infosys-dreams.htm

India is land of hard struggle. In order to get simple things in life, one has to struggle hard.On one hand this makes people tough and strong to bear and live in this global world and on the other hand exposes the brutal reality of trials and tribulations that one has to go in our society.

Imagine how hard would have been for Salar to manage mind boggling Rs 60,000 for first two years of education. Credit is always for non needy.Poor is always hit hardest. Considering her background being a Muslim girl,married to a street hawker that too a at early age and living in non livable surroundings, achievement is unfathomable,incredible and superb.

Indeed, It must have been of proudest moment for fathima and Salar when she would have entered sprawling Infosys campus.

Hope, this struggle ends one day for millions of Indians

Infrastructure Bottlenecks

Twenty years back,"India-land of snake charmers", the idea used to popup in people's minds about India...

But now thankfully, if some knowledgeable American has to say something about India-It will be IT, Call centre and Poor Infrastructure.

I have been hearing Infrastructure debates since last 10 years.But sadly nothing substantial has happened.
Some Indians especially BJP leaders might take pride in Golden Triangle Highway Project, But truth is that all the things that have been done on Roads is drop in ocean.

Recently, I was listening to GE CEO's interview with Prannoy Roy. His message for Indian leaders was to focus only on Infrastructure for next 10 years. According to him, this measure alone is sufficient to bring revolution and sustain 10% GDP growth.

Infact in my personal conversations, I have found this is major lacunae that people identify India with.The chaos and mismanaged traffic, and not to mention crowded and poor roads that they see become a point of ridicule.

Indian community in US has a strong sense of appreciation for US Infrastructure and the same time they are grossly pessimistic about Indian infrastructure especially roads.

Urban, Metro Indian now relate Infrastructure with Roads.But what about Electricity,Ports,Airports,Railways?????

Still 6.5 lakh villages haven't experienced what electricity is even after 60 years of Independence.Poor electricity conditions exist in whole of India. Mass Transmission and Distribution losses, Inefficiency of State Electricity Boards are prime reasons for poor electricity infrastructure.

Urban elite especially in Metros have kind of forgotten how sad the story in rest of India.There has been same talks since post liberalisation about electricity sector but hardly anything has happened.....

Millions of Indians are still deprived of basic human needs.How can we grossly ignore plight of 1/6th of humanity?
Let's talk about Roads..."The most talked about topic among Indians in US as far as infrastructure is concerned"

The problem is India is we haven't made it as top priority in spite of recognising it as major bottleneck in her growth.

We are still talking about Golden Triangle which is in fact past now...I haven't travelled on GQ Highway hence, i will not talk about it. But what about 100s of National Highways and 1000 of state highways????
GQ fell into purview of Central Government, hence it was achievable by a central body like NHAI. But how will we expect upgrading of state highways into 4 to 6 lanes which come under purview of bankrupt state governments????

Indians are now touted as most talkative people in the world by looking at figures of time spent on cell phones..Same distinction can be achieved for Roads sector.The kind of economic factory bythat will get built Road and Travel Industry is unimaginable.

We constantly hear about Unemloyment rates in US and Europe.. But If I ask what is unemployment rate in India? Hardly any body would be able to answer.
Infrastructure is key to mass unskilled and skilled job creation.We can seriously kill all birds with single stone called as "Infrastructure".

How can w claim to be a super power in making if we are not willing to solve the gross problems??People always compare India and China.But infrastructure part, China has taken a big lead and where are we?

Take Airports,hardly India, with a Billion+ people have 35-50 airports with most of them below world standard except 4-5 airports which are kind of OK.
Hardly 20 million people travel by flights.We don't have enough airports and enough flights for all 1 million plus cities...

if you happen to be in Mumbai or Delhi Airports, you will find them to be shabbiest Airports in the world....What face do we show to foreign travellers??

what we people, who are neither into administration nor Infrasture sector can do???
I find, there is lack of solid concern about sorry state of affairs in India.
We should at least be conscious and concerned about problems and solutions,discuss, debate the issues.

Do you share same opinion??? Let me know your thoughts................

Ugly nexus

Amitabh Bachhan is slowly become synonymous with controversies....

He was one of the charismatic actors who had fair public image.
A year back, when He was admitted to Hospital, whole country's attention was focused on his health.

Here is an article which captures the ugly nexus between the Super Star and Politicians..

http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/jun/12nazar.htm

Can any one imagine, Amitabh with such great personality to be associated with petty politicians like Amar Singh and Mulayam Singh?????

A Comparison between USPS and India Post

I recently went to US Postal Service Office and was curios to see how US Post office is different than Indian Post offices and hence, was busy noting the differences....

Immediately I noticed, Big Building,Clean entrance and blue colors, symbolic of USPS.USPS has long legacy. In its 200 years of existence,USPS has evolved alot. See its history below::
USPS History

It's a Government organisation with financial and business autonomy. People call it semi governmental org.

Interactive website ,Online label,shipping and tracking functions,Stamp Vending machines placed in post offices and retails stores like Walmart ,Operations in lines of carriers like UPS and Fedex( while trying to retain distinction of a Government org), huge technological spend, strong linkages with mail stream companies like Pitney Bowes http://www.pb.com separate USPS from its Indian counterpart.

USPS has a monopoly on letters and cards delivery. Federal govt granted this exclusivity to reserve some business in which USPS doesn't face any competition, while cross subsidizing USPS's obligation to serve rural areas and hinterlands.

If you enter Indian Post Offices premises, you will immediately find decrepit Betel coloured walls.You will go inside and will see crowded counters.Crowd is obvious if you happen to be in India.

There were lot of people on that day on my Post office visit. Everybody was lined up in a disciplined manner.All the stationery was properly placed that can hardly be expected in India(because orderliness is not to be expected if you are in Indian Offices)

You can expect Indian Post offices humming with noise, with sad, tired,unfriendly and ungrateful looks on employees. I noticed that USPS staff was greeting everyone with a friendly smile and a customer friendly greeting, What Can I do for you Sir/Madam?

Has anyone ever received a greeting like this in Indian Post offices??

I tendered my envelope, paid fee and got a computerized receipt.If I would do same in India, I will get either a paper receipt with rounded black stamp or a dot matrix generated small receipt containing bare minimum information.

Americans disparage USPS for being a slow decision maker and bureaucratic. I think they haven't experienced what bureaucracy and slow decision making is.

Serious and strong measures are needed to modernise Indian Post offices offering best services to customers and to make a strong, vibrant, agile entity.

India Post is in desparate need of Business and Financial autonomy. The Indian Govt. should corportise Post office functions, infuse technology in systems and focus on customers.The deficit financing can still be achieved as it is being done today but commercial objectives should drive India Post to achieve world class standards.

One Billion people expect much more than what they have got from thousands of outlets of India Post.

How long do we need to wait to see the transformation??????????????????????????

Infy Management's Worries

I was going through Google Finance and came across this discussion. Here is the link

http://finance.google.com/group/google.finance.663089/browse_thread/thread/67e7beee64a647cb/2976e02191d13613#2976e02191d13613

Analysts are worried about rupee getting stronger which will put Infy management in diffcult position to meet its own revenue projections.Two months have passed in 2008 fiscal and Every body is waiting for 13th july when Infy will come out with Q1 results. This time if Infy revises its guidance southwards, then we can expect some big selling.If they are able to maintain the guidance(no body is expecting upward revision) for the year, it will be a big boost to sentiments in Markets.

But One thing is sure This year will be one of difficult years for Infy Mangement to maintain growth of 40% in event of stronger rupee,bigger employee base,rising salary pressure and fresh H1B debate.

Let's wait for 13Th July!!!!!!!!!

Basab Pradhan's views on H1B

Here are by Basab Pradhan's(Ex Infoscion) views on H1B visas. Interesting analysis by Basab and subsequent comment poolers.
H1B visa prog needs a revamp

Stolen Antiques from Mandsaur

Last week I came across the article (click the link to read the article) Antiques Scrutiny in US
on Antiques Scrutiny in US.

On April 17, 2006, a stolen Vishnu statue worth about $30,000 was turned over by ICE(Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to the Indian government. The 250-pound sandstone statue was taken from a temple in the city of Mandsaur(My home city) in the Madhya Pradesh state of India sometime in 2000,

I hail from the same city, from where this Vishnu statue was reportedly stolen. But sadly Neither do I nor many of residents of my city remember about this precious loss.

Similar to above story there are thousands of reports with regard to loss of statues and historical artifacts from our centuries old temples and monuments.

Our negligence, lack of care ,corrupt Government bodies and hot antique markets in US and Europe are primary reasons for it.

It was really painful for me to read the above story.Will we ever be able to preserve our rich ancient heritage????????

Sanjaya Malakar

Everybody knows who Sanjaya Malakar is. If you still don't know the link below can be of help.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanjaya_Malakar

I am not big fan of music but I followed him because of his name which kept reminding me of his Indian origins. Initially, I thought he is of Marathi origins because his last name ends with "kar" but, no He is not Marathi. He is son of Bengali father.

One of the important attribute which clearly attracted people's attention was his unique style.Be it, his famous hair style or way of talking .

You only gets recognized if you are able differentiate your self and not become part of crowd.One thing is sure, to achieve success, you have to believe in your strengths and be always what you are..............

Confused State

Young single people in their mid 20s go thru a kind of confusion regarding their relationship status.This becomes prominent when when their friends start getting committed and married....and This is how they share their opinions and thoughts...................



Person1:
Person2:
Hi Person1
u there???

Person1:
hey Person2
whats up

Person2:
Nothing much...
planning to sleep in some time from now


Person1:
great
?
so howz life

Person2:
pretty good

Person1:
cool
still single?
cant be

Person2:
gud question.....
I need to be cautious while facing facing questions from a Poet!!

Person1:
come on
i m no poet

Person2:
Ya I am married thats why chating with u on Friday night..............

Person1:
i understand :)

Person2:
how r things going at ur end??

Person1:
ye going good

Person2:
any plans in near future to leave bachelorhood

Person1:
well i m all for that but i need some1 called a girl to consider me...

Person2:
girls to shayron pe fida hoti hain... u will get one without efforts!!

Person1:
and that part is
no re
girls ko pata hota hai shayars sirf shayari se hi pyar karte hai :)
and i will have to wait until i succeed in breaking that myth

Person2:
i wud disagree with u... ek shyar se achha unhe koi nahi samajh paya hian...

Person1:
ha ha


Person1:
ok
same as xyz person

Person2:
ya infact same ac

Person1:
oh great
she too is here

Person2:
ya u r right.. ur databases are in sync

Person1:
ye m good in maintaing databases :)

Person2:
thats apparent:)

Person1:
databases r pretty handy tools, especially when it is 'relational'

Person2:
That too when history spans from previous company ......

Person1:
?
oh u mean pqr?

Person2:
ya u got it...

Person1:
how do u know

Person2:
need some query tuning...

Person1:
ah ha

Person2:
see I know abt u.....

Person1:
nice to know that
she must have told u

Person2:
whats nice abt she telling me?????

Person1:
i mean nice to know that u know abt me!

Person2:
hehehe........

Person1:
not she telling u :)

Person1:
he he
ye most them r happily married
all the girls r married at least, xcept a few

Person2:
girls ki baat alag hoti hain....

Person1:
ye

Person2:
they get married 4 yrs earlier tha guys...

Person1:
yes
usi me vaat lag jati hai :)

Person2:
ya!! But I mean girls are not right bechmark

Person1:
i know

Person2:
what abt guys from our batch?//

Person1:
well 70% are booked

Person2:
hmmmm...

Person1:
and if u too decide to get married within a year, it will make 80% :)

Person2:
so what r ur plans in this directiomn...
hehe.. and u then 90%

Person1:
i think i will be 100

Person2:
oh I see..........

Person1:
i will have to be 100 else i wud have start from 1
well whenever i look into that direction i see nothing...

Person2:
why are u waiting to be mr 100%. there is greater charm in being 75 or 80%

Person1:
well there is the problem my friend

Person2:
whats that?/

Person1:
mujhe lagta hai abhi mera waqt nahi aaya

Person2:
why do u feel so?

Person1:
coz m not seeing any signs :)

Person2:
what kind of signs?

Person1:
signs that direct u in that direction

Person2:
but what are these kind of signs??

Person1:
good Q. i donno the answer.
now u know i m confused

Person2:
whats making u confused in making decsions??

Person1:
m not making any
just being lazy under the xcuse of signs :)
well i dont want to confuse u more
so tell me abt ur progress in this direction

Person2:
hehe...

Person1:
i might take a clue

Person2:
take go ahead!!

Person1:
i m still a kid in heart's matters
so u did go ahead?

Person2:
Not really heartd filled with emotions are not really kids hearts
Nope dude Ur guess is wrong...

Person1:
how

Person2:
I am also like u...

Person1:
come on
set an example for me

Person2:
waiting for some time......
i wanted t tale lessons from u..............

Person1:
u must be kidding
be prepared to go missing in that case

Person2:
nope... kind of in same boat...

Person1:
well u will sail thru

Person2:
oh whats the basis for reposing confidence in me...
Infact I initially said that shayar has no probs...but ppl like us (without talents) have probs

Person1:
bcoz once u r in boat u either sail thru or sink. and u r not gonna sink. hence u will sail thru...
if u call it a talent, i wud love it. but at the same time u have what i dont have...
so it's relative

Person2:
what do I have hat u dont have??????????/
have

Person1:
can be anything that u might even dont know
we are unique in our own ways!

Person2:
infatct u also dont know the answer!!!!!!!!!
btw since we are in same boat we both will sail or sink!!

Person1:
thats right. bcoz i dont know ur uniq talents. only u do...
nope we wont sink

Person2:
he.........
do we really need this much of permutation of talents and khubainyan.......................

Person1:
no way

Person2:
I guess its pretty much staright forward game

Person1:
u got it


Person2:
chalo I will keep smth resreved to talk later....

Person1:
oh sure

Person2:
it was nice chatting with u

Person1:
it was pleasure

Unicef USA

Visit the following link for Unicef

Unicef USA

Unicef is donating 5$ on your behalf if you join.This seems to be one of unique ways to participate in Unicef's fund raising activity.

Moreover, They have tied up with ebay where you can sell stuff and all the proceeds of sellout will go to Unicef as charity.

Who is this Infoscion?????

Who is this Infoscion

Infosys Project Manager Dance

Washington DC

Washington Photos

Snow Fall in Minnesota

Snowfall in Minnesota

American Lunch

I have been having veggie American lunch for past 1 month or so since I came here in Minnesota.
Not much options are there for a vegetarian. But I am liking and now used to having a sandwich at Subway,Wendy or Quiznos along with differnt flavours of chips with a Pop(Amercian Name ) for softdrink. I generally I go with diet Pepsi or Coke....

I go along with my Managers and Seniors here, discuss some new topic everyday and come back and ofcourse I never forget to a have refill of Pop.

Once a week I happen to go to Taco bell(Mexican fast food joint). I like Burritos and chalupas for two reasons. First they are served warm(unlike sandwiches) and some what similar to having rajma with bit a salt and pepper wrapped in chappati roll.

Indians love having hot meals.. While American fast food lunches are generally cold and top of it you have chilled pop with ice... I could not fathom why inspite of living in such cold places, people are used to having cold lunches......while Indians living in hot country love to eat hot food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got one of answers that you love to eat hot food in hot regions as it helps you cool down as you perspire more!!!!

Any scientific or otherwise answers you can think of !!!!!!!!!!!

Are Indians Opinionated about Marraiges??

One of the person asked me recently that Are Indians opinionated about marriages??????

At the first thought I didn't have instant answer...some how tried to give some logic about our family traditions and marraige chemistry........

But do we have such image in outsiders eyes about our realtionships and marraiges???
I feel we(Indians) are still very much an exclusive group...and the we are more inward looking than outward which make people's scratch their heads to ask such queries!!!!!!

14th Feb

So The days of expression of love, day when you want to say to someone that somebody loves you and care for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was special day!!Everybody was excited about the day I would say ladies were more excited than Men(couple of ladies were beautifully dressed In Red)....
But for me(in spite of being youngest in office) it was sadly same day as any another day!!!


In India, people generally associate the day with youngsters, but over here in US its part of every body's life irrespective of whether you are Seniors,Middle aged,young or a school kid. everyone has a special meaning of the day!!!!!!

I was surprised to know that kids celebrate valentines day a schools. They distribute candies and cards to all other kids in class....They have some programs in schools as well.....

Probably Since celebrations of love start at tender age, the celebration of love continues through out life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Opposite American Ways

I wonder how things are so opposite in US than rest of world.
Let me enumerate few:
Americans call a Petrol Station as Gas Station.
Americans call a Curd as Yoghurt
The switch in On status means off here
Most parts of US are quite cold, still evrybody loves to drink Coke with Ice....
The Plug points are totally different...
people drive on right...
Keeping guns is legal in world most advanced legal system...

At the moment I cud think of these points....
Most of Americans origins are in Europe, But Here they created systems which are totally different and unique than their origins.........

Is it coincidence or some conscious strategy!!!!!!

Google search can also give errors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hard to believe, but Yes, search at times is not completed by Google!!!

Multitasking

It has been quite a long time since I scribbled something here....
It was very busy time for last -4 months....

I was wondering how could people multitasking so efficiently? I know some of my friends who regularly write blogs, or do something other than routine work...
People are dancing in stage shows,signing in competitions, writing and releasing books....

Is it because of their exteme willingness and desire to pursue something additional(some how I feel like not calling it as passion) or is it another way of utilizing their free time????

I don't have answers but would like hear from somebody who might have tried exploring answers to above questions!! Any body listening??????????????

Another View of Lord Pashupatinath's Idol

8 Faced Lord Pashupathinath

River Shivna flooding in this years unprecedented rains

Sofwtare Dev Life Cycle--Practically Explained

I just came across picture explaining harsh realities of Software development....
This was it....

A fictitious Interview

I just came across an interview excerpt which looked credible at the first look but later refuted by Mr Pai himself.....
These kinds of mendacious interviews put alot of presssure on company management and also act as great lobby tool for their propenents!!!!!

An fictitious Interview with Mr. Mohandas Pai

Infosys, a stalwart in its sphere is exponentially expanding its clutches on the entire globe. The so called company, known for its Omni potential caliber is striving for this stride with huge recruitments. But the compensation dream of the young blood is becoming its predicament. The company believes that the growth can be leveraged by only providing the clients with the best quality services, low cost force and the paramount industry standards. But the young hands want to talk in only money. Our correspondent Mr. V.R. Pillai talked to the leaders of this organization on this subject.
VRP: Today we are going to meet one of the most influential leaders of our country, Mr. Mohandas Pai, HR-Head, Infosys. We will discuss about the attrition and the retention of young blood in Infosys which is becoming a colossal concern towards its progress.
VRP: After the completion of 25 years in this so called IT industry, how do you foresee the Infosys’ future?
Pai: Our fundamentals are the atomic dogmas for a business growth. And that is the reason, we believe, have reached this acme in a quarter century. Our fundamentals are very rational and very strong. The founders, directors and the stakeholders are the perfect example of the present society. And so, we are fusing the same energy to our budding employees to take the responsibility to move forward with more stability.
VRP: But the history reveals that the Infosys believe in supreme client delight but not in even employee satisfaction. How do you look into this?
Pai: I’m sorry to say that your records are not as per our history. We agree that the attrition rate in Infosys is very high but it is very less compared to the average IT sector. We are providing them the world-class facilities here in a developing country so that they will never be deprived of certain amenities that they have only thought of. We also believe that the apposite growth of a human being depends upon the ethics, culture and the environment he/she works and lives. And I can proudly claim that our company is only some of those few such organizations which provide such facilities.
VRP: So, you mean your corporation doesn’t believe in higher compensations but providing a rational allowance in both physical currency and luxurious facilities. Is it so?
Pai: Our finance department, where I also served as CFO for certain years, looks into the current market demands and the potential needed for the company to leverage its growth. And I believe that the department is doing it work very well and hence, we are always ahead of the market compensation. And so, there is no question in under-valuation of our compensational reviews.
VRP: Ok…let me ask you a straight question. Why did you stop ESOPs in 2002?
Pai: Our Company is growing in an exponential degree and so, the number of employees. It is not possible for the company to provide such services to the employee in such situations.
VRP: But isn’t it a discrimination to the newer employees?
Pai: Let me clarify it in this way. The ESOPs provided earlier was like a gift to the employee whenever he or she completed certain years. And now, since the number of employees is increasingly becoming more and more, it is not possible for the company to do so. We are looking for an alternative to make them happy. Please take a notice that it was not our obligation to grant ESOPs but our endowment to the employees. There is no point of discrimination. This word is inappropriate in this moment.
VRP: OK let me also reframe the question. How will the company satisfy the newer employees?
Pai: Since the attrition rates are on zenith, our boards of directors are thinking of certain solutions for the same and have also agreed on certain keys.
VRP: If it is not against the company policy, can you please elucidate it?
Pai: The board of directors has agreed on re-instating the ESOPs for the senior employees so that they can be retained.
VRP: So how can it be helpful for the newer employees who make up your major chunk?
Pai: They will also be eligible for the same, if they will also complete certain years. So, if they will complete two years in the company, they will be eligible for certain shares and it will go more further as they will be with company for more years.
VRP: So, you mean that the more the years, the more the shares.
Pai: Exactly true.
VRP: OK let me ask another very interesting question. Infosys have already announced gift for its investors and stake holders by giving them dividend and bonus. What are you thinking for the 25th year gift for your employees?
Pai: That’s a secret. We give them surprises and they like surprises.
VRP: So, you are giving them some gift?
Pai: That is for sure. After all, they are the people who made us achieved the $2bn mark and silver jubilee. They are the main conquerors.
VRP: One just question, is it going to be laptop?
Pai: As I said, it’s a secret. And even the employees will also come to know it in the same day. But one thing I can promise you is that it will be a blast for them.
VRP: That will be definitely going to bring smile on many faces, I believe.
VRP: OK Thank you Mr. Pai. It’s very nice talking to you and knowing your strategies to retain the talent. So, we end up here in our discussion with Mr. Mohandas Pai, HR Head Infosys. Thank you very much to all.

Shakespeare Sarani

Kolkatta is full of interesting Streets names..

U can find streets named on famous Bengali personalities from past, one of the few cities in India where u can get to know names of many communist personalities, and ofcourse many English Names along with their changed names to satisfy politicians..

One of the name that I found intersting was Shakespeare Sarani.. What amused me was lyrical name, and uniqueness. U generally encounter xyz marg or xyz road in India. But "Sarani" is unique and quite popular in Kolkatta. The other interesting piece is that name of street based on writers name is testimony of Bengal's rich heritage of Art and Literature.

I recently had chance to visit Kolkatta(The confused city).

Saw this hilarious piece of written english....

The World is Flat

I have just finished the famous book "The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century" by Thomas Freidman. http://www.thomaslfriedman.com/worldisflat.htm
I was waiting for long time to read the tome on the best guide to Outsourcing and India in recent past and most importantly you can find "Infosys" word or reference to Infosys in every alternate page...Being an infoscion myself, that was the biggest driver to read.

There has never been such prolific writing on Outsourcing and globalization with so many references to Infosys.
By the way you can find the book in all Infosys Libraries. You will get recommendation for reading the same from most of Infosys Delivery Unit and IBU(Integrated Business Unit) heads.

I remember that I first decided to read it when my IBU's head recommended the same during his visit our development centre.

Thomas(Tom) begins the book with his Bangalore visit and discussions with Nandan Nilekani(http://www.infosys.com/about/nandan_nilekani.asp). This book is all about transition that globalization has created which is fueling the outsourcing trends, increasing penetration of new companies in developing countries and companies from developing countries into developed countries, all factors which are transforming world from round to flat putting every other employee and company face to face with each other to compete with each other.

He begins with how Indian IT companies, and BPOs, the outsourcing champions are transforming the way business is done. He goes on to establish how the trend is irreversible and enumerates number of examples how outsourcing in good for America as well as India, China, Russia and Eastern Europe. You can find the phrase "Indian, Chinese, Russians, Poles" umpteen times in 400 page book.

He substantiates his points with numerous discussions that he had with CEOs of Indian IT companies like Nandan, Jerry Rao of Mphasis, and Vivek Paul of Wipro etc... Indian academicians, Indian researches, Indian born Venture capitalists etc.. You will be surprised to find mention of so many Indians in Nonfiction book of a patriotic American.... You will be surprised why I am terming Tom as patriotic because in middle and end of book, he becomes a lecturer who teaches what Americans should do to be on the leading edge of technology curve. He vehemently castigates Americans for complacency that has set in last 10-15 years.

I was surprised not to read much on Infrastructure problems at Bangalore although he spent lot of time during his stay while he was making documentary for Discovery Channel.

Interesting portions of book include the 10 flatteners which caused Flattening of world, Praise for Indian IT industry from bottom of his heart, nice insight into Chinese Manufacturing and interesting piece of data on increasing American complacency and declining interest in society towards science and technology education.

I found an interesting story on "Inscouring" on UPS, www.ups.com a logistics giant which has mind boggling 270 planes for transporting goods and freight. The book becomes a bit boring in end when he discusses the UnFlat World in detail like Al Qaeda and America, corrupt monarchies of Arab states which have become hurdles in the biggest transformation after Industrial Revolution.

In Toto, a nice read if you are interested in Outsourcing trends, or you belong to IT Fraternity or just want to read some good stuff on story of World becoming flat.

1 Crore Salary figure

Shilpa Bajoria and the other 3 guys must on cloud nine after their unprecedented performance in Placements at ISB. How these guys must be feeling at this moment????? It’s hard to imagine what must be going through their minds during and after placements... I saw her and One of Prof's interview on India TV. Though Prof and Deputy Dean was not at all fluent in Hindi, This lady was speaking impeccable Hindi in her melodious voice (might have played a major role during placement interview).

Few Points on whole story:

The figure of $233000 was translated in 1 crore by all media channels and even ISB on their website(http://www.isb.edu/media/PressReleaseDetails.asp?ReleaseId=93&ItemId=98) This direct conversion of dollars in Rupees is not at all right because of difference in cost of living and difference in purchasing power parity.(You buy a sandwich for your lunch at 5$ doesn't mean that you are spending Rs200 for your lunch.). Media and definitely ISB should have refrained from quoting figures in Rupees.

The domestic avg is around 11 lakh rupees and growth of domestic salary was just 18%. This makes ISB still very much comparable with IIMs in spite of the avg work ex stands at 5.5 years at ISB versus avg 1 yr at IIM(A), But Nevertheless a great performance.

Placements @ ISB prove that they are able attract best talent and clearly they have set the fight with IIMS in clear Terms.

With Hullabaloo on Reservation is on, ISB is continuing to make strides and is busy setting itself as one of best Management Institutes in world which churns out Management graduates trained under context of developing economies.

Employers will hard to find the best combination of glocal knowledge at any other Institute than ISB.

Let's wait for year to see the trends becoming permanent.