MMA-KAS Business Mandate (Apr 2024)

EDITOR

Gp Capt R Vijayakumar ﴾Retd﴿, VSM

READERSHIP OUTREACH

Gp Capt Dr R Venkataraman ﴾Retd﴿

Sundar R

Vakeeswari M

DESIGN

D Rajaram, Tayub Refai

Action‐Packed Days Ahead!

The General Election to the 18th Lok Sabha will span seven phases over forty-four days There is a growing call for "One Nation, One Poll," aimed at reducing the time and cost involved in electioneering. Simultaneous elections and related questions are at the forefront of this extensive process, which is not only the largest such exercise globally, but also potentially the most expensive election, surpassing even that of the United States.

While India boasts a vibrant democracy and rich diversity, a sincere introspection is warranted Digital natives will cast their votes for the first time, amidst a backdrop of heightened political and other tensions in various aspects of their lives Although youth comprise a significant portion of the voting population in India, they are seldom an organized political force. This election will not only decide the fate of political stalwarts but also serve as a referendum on the introduction of new values into Indian politics

India's democracy has been spectacular and garnered universal admiration for its robust framework so far. Our

focus should be on strengthening rather than weakening its foundations It is our collective duty to actively participate and exercise our right to vote

Recognizing the Power of Women!

The MMA Women Managers convention, on the theme "Level Up," was a resounding success The convention received an overwhelming response from women across India, with

 Women epitomize versatility, excelling in every field they venture into. The national gender shift is evident. Even during this year's Republic Day celebrations, the nation witnessed an all‐women tri‐services contingent marching for the first time...

Gp Capt R Vijayakumar (Retd), VSM

registrations closing well before the scheduled date We extend our heartfelt thanks for the tremendous support

The inaugural session of the Convention featured addresses by two remarkable women achievers: Hon'ble Mrs. Justice S. Srimathy Sundaram, Madras High Court, and Ms. Nirmala Lakshman, Chairperson of The Hindu Group

Women epitomize versatility, excelling in every field they venture into. The national gender shift is evident. Even during this year's Republic Day celebrations, the nation witnessed an all-women tri-services contingent marching for the first time, showcasing the power of women Sqn Ldr Mohana Singh, the first female combat fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force (IAF), shared her insights with the delegates during the Convention

I am delighted to present the power of women as the cover story and showcase outstanding articles featuring insights shared by women achievers in this issue, offering you both reading material and inspiration

Click to read/watch the video

Ad Wars: Fostering a Healthy Competition

In the March issue, I shared my views on the concept of authenticity in advertising The ongoing "Ad War" raises the question: are advertisements targeting consumers with purpose and authenticity, or are they becoming increasingly reckless and surreal? Join us for an insightful discussion featuring Ms. Manisha Kapoor, CEO and Secretary-General of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), along with other distinguished panellists at 6:00 pm on April 30th, 2024, at MMA to gain thought-provoking insights

Click to view the invite

Do block your dairy to attend the event in person or watch it live through MMA's social channels.

Leadership Lessons from Cricket

Cricket is not just a sport; it serves as an allegory of life

itself The lessons we learn from playing or watching the game can be applied to our everyday lives, influencing both our personal growth and professional endeavours In this context, MMA organized a discussion on "Beyond the Boundary –Lessons from Cricket for Leadership Success " The discussion shed light on numerous takeaways from cricket, as shared by esteemed cricketers. One particularly takeaway for me was the realization that leading by example is only effective when coupled with a proactive effort to assemble a team willing to embrace the exemplary mindset The question of "who" rather than "how" emerged as the paramount consideration.

I am delighted to present the transcript of the discussion in this issue for your reading pleasure

Please delve into the insights and be inspired Alternatively, click the video to watch.

Keep watching cricket and stay inspired!

Manufacturing on a roll!!

The fiscal year concluded on a positive note for India's economy, as evidenced by the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for the manufacturing sector March 2024 saw it reach a sixteen-year high of 59 1 The substantial margin by which it surpassed the 50 mark indicates a significant boom in factory orders. It is heartening to observe that other indicators, such as the surging GST intake and freight figures, paint a similarly optimistic picture While India's overall economic growth rate has been commendable, we still anticipate clear indicators of a manufacturing upsurge that would elevate this sector's share of GDP In this issue, I am pleased to present a related article titled "In Search of an Ideal MSME: A Holistic Management Approach." We consider the MSME sector as the backbone of manufacturing and job creation in India Please continue reading to gain clarity on the issues surrounding the MSME sector.

Click to read the article or watch the video.

Water Crisis

It is alarming to learn that the majority of reservoirs in the Southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana are currently filled to only 25% of their capacity or even less This situation is particularly concerning as summer approaches. Acute water scarcity has become a harsh reality for many Indian cities

As we confront this serious issue, there is an urgent need for concerted action across all sectors While we may seek guidance from international bodies and governments on how to address this pressing agenda, we must also acknowledge our individual responsibility in formulating initiatives that promote the conservation of this essential resource.

In this regard, MMA organized a discussion on the theme "Chennai Rains: Helpless, Hapless, or Hopeless?" I am pleased to present an article on this discussion in this issue, which offers thought-provoking insights.

Click to read and watch the video.

Sustainability at the Core of India's Growth Story

There is no denying that sustainability must be at the forefront of India's journey towards growth. As we confront environmental and social challenges at this pivotal moment, there is an urgent call for a new brand of leadership that can leave a lasting impact. While the government has already begun focusing on crafting a robust policy framework and implementing sustainability initiatives, it is imperative for the private sector to also step up and reinvent its business models. This call for action has become even more pertinent in light of the recent sustainability directive from the European Union (EU) It is indeed an exciting time to be in India and actively contribute to its growth narrative As we chart the course for what promises to be India's century, deliberate and sustained efforts to embed sustainability into the fabric of business operations will be crucial in shaping

the future of the country In this context, MMA is hosting a unique discussion on "Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG is Not Enough" on 5th April 2024, at 6:00 pm We invite you to save the date and join us for this inspiring conversation.

Celebrating Happiness: Is India Really Unhappy?

The World Happiness Report for 2024 has been released, but it may not offer the definitive perspective on happiness. For instance, Palestine, despite enduring years of conflict and relying on foreign aid for survival, is ranked at 103, while Pakistan, facing political and economic turmoil, is ranked 108 both higher than India. Constructing an index of happiness, which inherently revolves around a state of mind, is susceptible to the typical limitations of subjectivity and inherent biases. Nevertheless, we should take pride in where we stand. Happiness is a complex and multifaceted concept, and while rankings offer some insight, they don't capture the full spectrum of human experience and perception As a diverse and resilient nation, India has its own unique journey towards happiness, one that cannot be solely defined by rankings

Let us continue to celebrate the joys and triumphs of our lives, cherishing the moments that bring us happiness, regardless of where we may stand on a global happiness index After all, happiness is not just a destination but a journey a journey we are happy to embark on, wherever it may lead.

As always, we would be happy to hear your views, comments and suggestions

Regards,

Women bring a unique blend of empathetic leadership and strategic vision

Hon'ble Justice S. Srimathy, Madras High Court

Iam a first­generation lawyer. The legal profession is dominated by men A lawyer’s day typically begins with case preparation in the morning, followed by court appearances, meetings with litigants, and late­night brief preparations Family life often takes a backseat This scenario applies to male lawyers as well Consequently, lawyers may not always be available for their family members. Hence, the family plays a crucial role in the success of a woman lawyer; they are her support system

The annual MMA Women Managers' Convention is a celebration of the spirit of women; and the many diverse roles women play This year, MMA celebrated International Women’s Day with a conference on the theme “Level Up!”

Lawyers often immerse themselves deeply in their cases, sometimes to the extent of treating them as personal battles. Consequently, they may become exhausted and mentally drained It is imperative for their families to help them recharge and maintain mental stability. Therefore, family support serves as the primary foundation for any woman lawyer’s advancement.

Attaining prominence in a male­dominated profession poses challenges for women. They often need to exert double or triple the effort to stand out. There is a prevalent misconception that women lawyers are primarily suited for family law matters To challenge this stereotype, I avoided family disputes and focused on other legal domains such as municipal law, electricity law, income tax law, and customs and excise. Choosing the right specialization is crucial.

The legal profession is unique in that the outcome of a case is uncertain and largely dependent on the judge. However, lawyers possess a tenacious spirit, leading them to pursue appeals in higher courts until they secure favourable

 ...silence is an opportunity to learn a lesson and then proceed, like a river that fills pits on the way and flows past small stones but deviates if it faces huge boulders.

judgments. They are not afraid to challenge judges' decisions. Because of this courage, boldness and standing for a cause, the lawyers are the first set of people to raise their voice against societal issues. Hence, their role in a democracy is both essential and significant. In our freedom fight, most of the persons who led the fight were lawyers. Hence the collective voice or teamwork is another tool for level up

As lawyers have limited mobility and devote their time 24x7 to their profession with passion, the impact obviously is

on the health. Women, in particular, tend to overlook health symptoms, leading to various issues. Physical well­being is closely intertwined with mental health Our Bhartiya yoga explains it as Panch Kosh, which means the Five Bodies of Consciousness: Annamaya or the physical body; Pranamaya or the lifeforce; Manonmaya or the emotional force; Vignanamaya or wisdom and Anandhamaya or bliss Therefore, maintaining physical and mental health is paramount for any level up. There is a famous saying in Tamil that means that you can paint only if there is a wall

While aiming for any higher level, you may come across setbacks, obstacles and challenges. You may be stuck in the middle of the pipeline and your destiny will be out of reach. In such situations, take a break Tell yourself that silence is an opportunity to learn a lesson and then proceed, like a river that fills pits on the way and flows past small stones but deviates if it faces huge boulders.

While handling cases, I have come across some women who have lost track of their goal An MCA student had an aspiration to achieve great heights in the computer field but

 At the societal level, attention must be directed towards three things: bridging rural‐urban disparities, promoting eco‐friendly practices, and combating issues like drug abuse.

after marriage, she lost track of her goal and wasted 15 years of her prime life Whenever marriage is not working, take a decision at the earliest. Nowadays, it is sad to see that spouses are fighting to hurt and to take revenge on each other. In that process, both waste their energy. When we are angry, the body temperature increases and we get acidity, ulcer and other complications. Save your energy to bounce back with a bang, rather than wasting it on unnecessary issues. All these are for personal life

At the societal level, attention must be directed towards three things: bridging rural­urban disparities, promoting ecofriendly practices, and combating issues like drug abuse. Each individual has a role to play, starting from the family unit

We have a long list of women achievers from Velu Nachiyar to Vijayalakshmi Pandit; from Indira Gandhi to Draupadi Murmu; from Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi, the first Indian woman allopathic doctor to Roshni Sharma, the first women bike rider from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. The latest on the list is Pragya who has been offered admission in the master's degree in law by six foreign universities, with scholarship She comes from a very humble background Her father is employed as a cook in a residence of a judge.

To sum up, women bring a unique blend of empathetic leadership and strategic vision; fostering inclusive workplaces where diverse voices are heard and valued, ultimately driving innovation and organizational success. However, achieving such success requires several factors: a supportive family,

specialized expertise in our respective fields, collective voice, conflict resolution, and preserving our energy. Prioritizing good physical and mental health remains paramount throughout this journey Levelling up for women can be harder…

Ms Nirmala Lakshman, Chairperson, The Hindu Group

Ibelieve that the international women's day should not be just one day of token celebration of all the wonderful things that women do. Every day should be women's day. Despite progress in technology and things like AI and global connectivity, it's quite tragic that there has not been much progress in the participation of our women in the workforce and the appreciation of the value of their work.

We feel that women who are privileged with education and other opportunities have fewer obstacles. But in my case, I had to deal with a host of adversarial situations before I could make any headway in my own professional life. I came through challenging scenarios over many decades because of a certain stubbornness. That stubbornness will take you a long way. Persistence and standing your ground can help you move forward in the work that you do, not just in your houses but also in your offices and wherever you work

One must have faith in one ’ s capabilities. Despite overwhelming situations, it's important to stand your ground to get progress and breakthroughs You must level up yourself with your own qualifications and standards Men should also level up to meet your expectations. Don't be caught in the

are not good numbers.

 Levelling up for women also implies a special organizational effort to upskill women in areas like new technology, which will foster productivity for companies.

cliche of breaking the glass ceiling Look beyond the glass ceiling and reach the sky, rather than being limited by any glass ceiling.

A recent Deloitte survey of 5000 women globally points out some top concerns for women in the workplace In India, 59% of the women surveyed felt concerned about women's rights. It means that women are much more aware of their rights than they were earlier. 59% did not feel confident enough that their rights were not impinged upon 59% of women were afraid of the lack of financial security, and 57% were worried about their mental and physical health. These

Equality for women has been guaranteed by the Constitution We also have a fairly robust legal system But on the whole, the situation is worrying Leveling up is not just for women, but for organizations too. They have to level up and look out for the well­being of women who work in their offices, eliminating issues like sexual harassment and gender bias that are very much in existence in many corporates and offices across the country. While there is no outward discrimination in HR policies, sexism often exists in subtler ways We come across gender bias expressed in conversations There's a lack of sensitivity in addressing the domestic situation of women such as childcare, the type of work they can do and the hours that they need to spend on their work

There may also exist a stereotype regarding successful women. They are often subjected to criticism compared to men occupying similar positions. As Margaret Atwood, the writer, aptly observed, while a powerful man is often viewed as a natural leader, a powerful woman is frequently seen as an anomaly. It is imperative to hold people accountable for

perpetuating such attitudes Gender policies and HR departments within organizations must actively address these subtle biases and strive to eliminate them. By doing so, workplaces can create a more inclusive environment where women feel valued and respected.

Levelling up for women also implies a special organizational effort to upskill women in areas like new technology, which will foster productivity for companies Organizations must proactively address the specific challenges women face, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and providing the necessary tools and resources for their advancement Men should also level up to see women in a more positive light and change their own attitudes towards gender. Levelling up for women can be harder, given her own and society's expectations. Having said this, I urge that every woman manager must level up to her own expectations. Challenging gender stereotyping in the workplace enhances belief in yourself and your capabilities. Push back against any resistance to your agenda and your growth be it at home or in the office Never be apologetic or

timid Stand your ground When you see unfair and unjust practices around you, speak out the truth. It's never easy, but it's all about recognizing who you are. Make sure that people recognize the sacrifices and hard work that you put into every situation.

Level up with your peers and make sure your peers understand what needs to be done, at the right place, at the right time It's also important to see opportunities in the workplace as a chance to continuously learn and enhance your skills and capabilities. Never be afraid to learn new things and don’t be afraid to point out the things which you don't understand Women often feel overawed by technology There is nothing wrong in asking a few questions. Forge ahead by learning new things.

At every micro level, you must be confident that you are levelling up and changing life for yourself and for people around you. Form coalitions and networks among yourselves, so that you can grow to greater heights. No society will be vibrant, unless women are equal partners alongside men. 

Things have changed drastically today

Dr Ponni M Concessao

Iwould like to wish each and every woman a very Happy International Women's Week. Women like you sent Chandrayaan to the moon successfully You are capable of just about anything and the sky is your limit. Things have changed drastically today, as society has now recognized the greatness of women’s contribution and how it helps in developing our society and making our country great. Yet, much needs to be done. A country's GDP is dependent on the increasing participation of women in the workforce Women are roughly 50% of India’s population but only 28% women

In the session on the theme, ‘The Rules of Leadership,’ award‐winning architect Dr. Ponni M. Concessao and Sqn Ldr Mohana Singh Jitarwal, the IAF’s First Woman Combat Fighter Pilot spoke Ms Meera Nair, Independent Director at DBS Bank moderated a panel discussion with the speakers

work in the offices. The real brain power of India still languishes at home Let me tell my story I was the first woman undergraduate student of the prestigious National Institute of Technology in Trichy. I was the lone girl among 1000 boys. Just imagine the challenges I would have faced

In NIT Trichy, I made lifelong friends My husband was my senior from NIT Trichy. I studied from the best of professors who encouraged me to study abroad. I studied at Cornell University and Harvard University and worked in the best of architectural practices in the United States, where I learned two important lessons. One is the importance of gender equity to increase the GDP of a country and two, the nuances of global business. It is very important to think global, but act local.

After nearly a decade, I returned home to India with my husband Oscar to build an award-winning architectural practice, and more importantly, to be a nation builder. My alma mater, Cornell University USA

has given me the title of the woman who shattered glass ceilings in India, especially in the building construction industry. I have had the distinction of being the first woman architect in Asia to build the tallest and largest Secretariat in Hyderabad

Generate Revenue and Earn Respect

I have continuously taken the challenges head on. Fighting these challenges has made me a stronger and successful person I believe in demolishing social conditioning, and I encourage every other woman to do

 The scale of what you do, doesn't matter. But sustaining what you do in a continuous timeframe is what makes you a success.

so. A few decades from now, the younger generation sitting here, will be successful professionals, business women, industrialists, social workers and homemakers. It will be this powerhouse of women that will make India the next superpower on the world stage If you are a successful revenue generator, any society will respect you and support you, and so will any man, starting from the men in your family.

As Indian women, we are lucky to have the central and state governments support all our ventures This is a rare moment in Indian history. If India is where she is right now in the galaxy of successful nations, it's not because of just intelligent governance, but also the tireless efforts of women workforce that have changed the economic landscape of India. The scale of what you do, doesn't matter. But sustaining what you do in a continuous timeframe is what makes you a success My mantra of success is: God and Country. I believe in 3Ds: Discipline, Dedication and Devotion to goals.

We completed last year the Telangana secretariat, which has 12,000 lakh square feet We finished it in two years. It was built along sustainable lines and rated gold by the IGBC. It is the only Secretariat in India to do so. We also completed the building for the Gaganyaan Space Center which is in ISRO, Sriharikota. I was very lucky to work with the Prime Minister's Office on this. We have done the Kalaignar Museum in Tiruvarur which has a Convention Center, Library and Museum Our work on the International Convention Center on ECR is in progress. We are also doing one of the largest office spaces ever in South India with 30 lakh square feet Our IT parks are all LEED or IGBC rated I am an eclectic designer and I swing from total neoclassical to modern and I think that it is important for an architect to be so. We also have an international practice We do all kinds of typologies and I enjoy doing it, shifting gears along the way. We've been lucky to win more than 190 awards.

Cracking the IAF selection and beyond

I'm a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force I have put in eight years of service in the IAF. I have 850 hours of incident and accident-free flying, which is a big achievement In my tenure, I have flown different sorts of platforms including Pilatas PC7 which is the training aircraft; Hawk Mark 132 and MiG 21 Bison. Probably,

soon I'll be in the Tejas cockpit as well

I hail from Rajasthan and I am married to a wonderful man, Mr. Mohit Rajput, who is a businessman. Being the third-generation member of my family to have served in the military, I'm very thrilled to carry on the family legacy When you hear the word fighter pilot, the image that comes to your mind maybe the Thunderbirds racing on the runway or a Rockstar, like in Top Gun Maverick, flying high performance jets, drinking beer on the weekend and driving for more and more speed. But the truth is, while the life of a fighter pilot might seem very adventurous and full of fun, a lot of planning and preparation gets into being one Hollywood has certainly not helped us because there is a lot more to being a fighter pilot than just sporting cool sunglasses or wearing jackets full of patches Being a fighter pilot is an attitude

In the IAF, we have different selection boards pan India. If you pass a written exam, you will go for a service selection board wherein you have different tests and interviews Once you clear that, there is medical and then there is a merit list. If you are lucky enough, you will end up where I am today. When I first went to the Dehradun selection board, I got screened out in the

 As luck would have it, after four written attempts, three interviews and two different selection boards, years later, I was standing at the doors of the Air Force Academy to be a pilot.

Squadron Leader Mohana Singh

very first round I did not understand the nuances of it However, my grandfather who had taken me all the way from Delhi to Dehradun was quite disheartened. At that time, I never understood his disappointment However, that attempt helped me to get a knack of working for this goal.

The day I got screened out, I made a promise to myself that if I ever get selected in the Airforce, it will be from the Dehradun selection board As luck would have it, after four written attempts, three interviews and two different selection boards, years later, I was standing at the doors of the Air Force Academy to be a pilot

The training was obviously tough. They train us to be a good soldier first, and then an aviator. For the first initial six months, we have combined training, which includes physical conditioning and general knowledge about the services related subjects Then we start the very first stage of what's going to be our bread and

butter of our life, namely the ‘flying ’

I remember the first time I had gone on leave after the first six months of training at the academy, during which I had lost 16 kgs. As I was standing in front of my house, my mother failed to recognize me because all she could see was my teeth The first day I was in the aircraft hangar, I came across a quote by Leonardo da Vinci: ‘When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward For there you have been, and there you will always long to return.’ That is the addiction you get to flying.

I understood the meaning of this quote obviously a few weeks later, when I flew my first sortie, which was exhilarating. After those first six months of flying, we undergo trifurcation wherein the board decides on allocating us to the fighter fleet or the transports or the helicopters To be a fighter pilot, you're supposed to be in the first 75% of the merit list and you should have the trait wherein you don't need anybody else to judge

your decisions, so you can be put inside a cockpit of a machine worth hundreds of crores Along came the decision to open the fighter stream to women in 2016.

I believe I was at the right time, at the right place and ended up being here

It seemed difficult initially to consider a non-gender biased environment in this fraternity, wherein no pilot had ever shared a cockpit with a woman counterpart. We had our fair share of skepticism about what we would likely face But we were totally proved wrong and it was heartening to see how the fleet embraced equality in its true sense. Our colleagues and our seniors, just like our mean m

All that matte competence. We hauled up when

It has been a day at a time, b

Perseverance and discipline are my two pillars I owe a lot to these pillars and they have kept me up, even in the toughest of the situations, where I thought, I would not be able to make it.

The job of armed forces personnel is indeed demanding, mostly because there's a lot of duty and you don't get time for your family. There are a lot of transfers from one place to another. It requires you to be in the best of physical and mental state to perform the duty. Being a fighter pilot, you have to take decisions in split seconds. You're all alone in the cockpit and you have to be skilled enough to execute it

someone for what I have my family, for their faith port. When I chose to take led, IAF-the organization ssible for me to follow my

Panel Discussion

Dr Ponni: When I was in Church Park, doing eighth standard at 13 or 14 years old, I had a roadmap in my mind. I simply wanted to be a nation builder. I wanted to pick a profession that I would excel in. My dad was a civil engineer in the Indian railways and I had an affinity towards architecture So I chose architecture

You may have aspirations; plans and grand ideas of what life has for you. But as you get into them, you may hit roadblocks For example, in NIT Trichy, I went to pay my fees But they told me that they don't take girls. It was such a terrible thing for me, because I

rejected all other admissions and went to NIT Trichy My mom was planning to marry me off when I was just 16 or 17 years old. So this was a do or die situation. I insisted on meeting the principal and marched into his huge chambers He was a fabulous guy but an intimidating one. He refused to admit me. I said that a government college is duty bound to give me education and the Constitution talks of equal opportunities for both men and women That includes education He didn't like it at all and shouted me down. I didn't care. I threatened to take legal action. I was just 16 years old but had a great resolve At last, he was very kind and took me in. He became my friend and mentor.

Meera Nair: Dr. Ponni, how did you manage your social conditioning and break the glass ceiling? What advice do you have for the younger generation?

There will be roadblocks, but there's always a way around it You have to build a resolve to get to where you want to go. I wanted to study abroad because I was going to be a nation builder and I benchmarked the best of democracies and I found that US was the go-to country. Luckily, from NIT Trichy, 90% of the students go abroad. Cornell was also not easy. I was the first Indian woman in my department for a long time

We have casteism in India We have similar flaws in international arena also. There is a bit of racism and gender bias. Don't think that the US is a fabulous place and that you can just about do everything You have issues there We are all human beings We are supposed to fight them out. When somebody in your family tells you that because you're a girl, you're only supposed to get married and have a family, just say no

If you have a roadmap in your head, if you have a plan, just go ahead. The world has changed today. People are more pro-women and the men are out there to support us. Do not believe in social conditioning Never listen to someone who says no. Think positive. I think that's what helped me.

Mohana, tell us how your routine day looks like. How do you manage your work life balance? Who supports you?

Sqn. Ldr. Mohana: The starting of my day depends upon the sunrise. We get into the canopy when it's dark and get out to go back home when it's dark We never get to see the sun. Once we cribbed about our routine and the commanding officer said, “Buddy, I can't change the time the sun rises and sets ” It is tedious It all depends on the mission, the planning and the schedule A fighter pilot is not just supposed to do flying. We have to prepare for the missions and do secondary jobs as well There'll be a lot of other responsibilities on us and we have to do them There is no spare time for us

There are no weekends, something that my husband complains a lot about There are planned leaves; however, they don't go as planned.

Being a part of IAF, the organization makes sure that we are trained to handle that amount of stress and groomed in a manner where we are nice and able to handle the personal and work life balance ratio. But not withstanding that, an understanding partner and an understanding family is of utmost importance My husband understands my demands. He is not demanding though. I give a fair share of credit to him and to my family for making my career work out well

As a woman architect, how did you handle the Secretariat Project?

Dr Ponni: It was really fantastic experience for me. But I can tell you that the Telangana State Secretariat was only a midsized project for us. The largest project we have done is 40 lakh square feet and this was just 12 lakh square feet The complexity of the project was in executing it in the middle of COVID and in dealing with a government setup. The government is a very good institution, but not very kind to women, especially in building construction They're so used to dealing with men It helps to have a male partner around

I was very lucky to have a very understanding chief minister and one who empowered women. He supported me throughout The department was hostile though We worked with Shapoorji Pallonji, one of the greatest construction firms, but they were not used to dealing with women. Of course, these things do happen. ISRO is great government institution to deal with I made it a point to drive that it was my design. If you have a great client, like the former AP Chief Minister, things can fall in place

During COVID, our labourers ran away The material was not available as we sourced many materials from China or Europe or elsewhere. That taught me a very important lesson about making in India. You have to think global, but act local Always depend on local materials and local labour. I found that in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, there is a lot of gender equity that happens in government and local communities I'm sure things will get a lot better over a period of time

Your cockpit is air conditioned but I read that it can get extremely warm. How do you manage your fitness?

Sql. Ldr. Mohana Singh: We do fly in an airconditioned cockpit. The AC works only once if you're above two kilometers of height Till the time you reach two kilometers, you would have already sweated out a bucket. The health is very important for a fighter pilot.

You're supposed to have a medical category called A1G1- that is the highest category of fitness in air as well as on ground. Even if you have the slightest of cold or broken a nail, or you're depressed, then you must not enter the cockpit That is a rule that we abide by It is important that you need to be in the right state to sit inside the cockpit. Once you are inside that cockpit and close the canopy, the world outside is shut out

To maintain the fitness level, everyone has their personal preferences. Some do yoga and some go to gym. We generally maintain our weight. Every year, we have our medical examinations, based on which they decide our category and if we are fit to fly or not While joining IAF, I convinced my parents by saying that in case anything goes wrong, at least, I have an ejection seat So they agreed to let me join the IAF 

How important is our body? If you want to realise this, I urge you to stand up and take just one step forward For this to happen, 200 muscles must work in unison We all need to be cognizant of our bodies This great machine our body is an amazing gift of God. If we don't use it properly, we will lose it.

Many women have too many priorities, except themselves Generations after generations, we are conditioned to put ourselves last. Your body and mind are important to you. We must keep our body flexible and mind sharp. We must make time for ourselves It doesn't happen on its own Dementia is increasing 300% in India every year, because we are so busy running after something that we forget to be in the here and now.

Let me ask you some questions to reflect upon Are you happy in this moment? Do you even know what will make you happy in this moment? No course in school or college or anywhere teaches you this. Who am I? What are my drivers?

If I'm angry at somebody today, is it because I had a fight with my spouse or does that person really deserve my anger? Do

At three, Ms Preethi Srinivasan started swimming and at eight, she was playing cricket, with the seniors She not just excelled in her studies She became a national level swimmer and a state level cricketer. A spinal cord injury at the age of 18 left her paralysed below her neck Today, she is an inspiration to many people. In a chat with Ms Mridula Ramesh, in the concluding session of the MMA Women Managers’ Convention 2024, Ms Preethi Srinivasan shared her incredible story of thriving in the toughest of situations

we even think about it? Why do we do the things we do? Why do we choose the courses we do? Do I want that promotion just because everybody else wants it? Do I want to be the project head, because something in me wants me to be that project head or just because everybody else wants it?

I feel I have been exceptionally blessed to be given the role in the life that I have been given Because many of the things that confuse you and challenge you in your life don't challenge me at all. My path in life has been made crystal clear for me. The mind I have is like a diamond. It's been cut and cut and cut, until there are no questions in my mind at all It's silent and still. I don't have to question or doubt myself.

Break Out of Comfort Zone

We don’t want to be a beginner for the rest of our life We want to be having the highest level of difficulty and yet succeed. That's how we grow up in sports. I started swimming at the age of three and playing cricket at the age of four. At the age of eight, I was already playing in the level of the senior squad. It's a record that still stands. But when it comes to life,

we do not want to leave the comfort zone and choose to fight for something that is bigger than us.

We condition our children also in the same way. At least, let the next generation of kids grow up and do what they love to do If women want to play cricket, allow them to play If they want to run, let them run. Let them be themselves, breathing for themselves. What are your goals in life? What is the ultimate purpose of your existence? My heart is brimming with joy, contentment and bliss I am in the here and now. I have nothing to lose. In my life, I got the chance to fulfill my highest purpose. God gave me the gift to answer my highest dream Do any of you have this highest dream to say, ‘If I do this in my life, I'm done and there's nothing more I want.’

Be a Blank Slate

When I was a child, my mother would ask me to go and sit in the prayer room for a few minutes before I went to school. The only recurring prayer I had was to become a blank slate How could a six­year­old know what it was to become a

blank slate, I don't know But I wanted to be a blank slate I would see during the puja that all my debits and credits getting wiped away. That was my dream. If I keep on writing on the slate, then how do I become a blank slate? We all keep on writing on the slate go to this school, go to that college, marry this guy, have kids, let them go to this school… and it repeats.

What's the purpose of existence? My purpose was to become a blank slate. Today, in this existence, nothing is written on my slate I'm not the doer of anything I'm a slave and a servant of the Divine. I have been given a purpose to be the face and voice of those invisibles, who are physically challenged and who are being left to die My purpose is to somehow give them a life of dignity and purpose. That's all. This is not a single thing I want. Not a single ambition do I have on this planet.

Soulfree—One of a Kind Startup

Our organisation ‘Soulfree’ at Tiruvannamalai completed 10 years last year. According to Economic Times, only 11% of startups live beyond five years and 8% beyond 10 years Ours

 I literally know that this moment could be my last. So, I don't have the luxury of procrastinating. Something is driving me every moment to make the most of this living.

is a startup which is not profitable, a charitable organization. Added to that, the CEO or the founder is a quadriplegic. Now you can do the math It is a wonder that our organisation has thrived and supports around 3000 families of people, living below the line of poverty and facing a lifetime of paralysis ahead of them from spinal cord injury, which has no cure. We want to ensure that every person with spinal cord injury gets to live a life of meaning and purpose. It is also my greater purpose to ensure that nobody dies fearing life and that everybody has a chance at a life of dignity. That is why, I request all the women here to at least try to employ one woman with disability.

A Battering Ram

Only 6% of girls with disability go to school The schools are not accessible and there are no accessible bathrooms for the physically challenged. I was in the top two percentile of the American student population and I could have gone to Princeton or Yale or maybe even Harvard But when I wanted to join a course and study in India, I was discouraged, because there are no lifts or ramps in our educational institutions. But I kept fighting Beyond the bachelor's degree, I also completed a master's and I became the first woman with a 90% disability to ever gain admission into the Ph.D. program of any of the IITs in their history. So, I feel sometimes I'm like a battering ram I go and hit my head against closed doors But now that

door is open for others I want many women to come in

I think about all the things that I cannot do. I cannot sit, I cannot stand. If you keep my favorite pizza in front of me, I can't pick it up. My mother takes care of me. When she had to be in hospital, I had to starve for 4 days, because there was nobody else to do the most basic things for me. This is the kind of helplessness and vulnerability that women who are having significant impairments, face There's nowhere to go if our family does not support us When things are so difficult on a day­to­day basis, I realise that life is not about all the things you cannot do, but what you choose to do with what you can do and the impact you can create I can say that with my broken body, I serve 3000 families. What is the impact that you have?

Honestly speaking, I can sit and watch Netflix or something like that But it doesn't drive me at all I want to go and do well; be more and be everything that I can be in this moment. I always say that the goddess Maya is the hardest working goddess on the planet. She cushions us and lets us live with our illusion

I literally know that this moment could be my last. So, I don't have the luxury of procrastinating. Something is driving me every moment to make the most of this living. I keep challenging people I have lost everything that you might not even think about in your worst nightmare. And yet, sometimes, I feel I'm the happiest person in every room. What do I have to lose? I just want to spread the world with love, laughter and light

For my parents, I'm the only child. Till the first 18 years of my life, I did not see even the shadow of failure. But after what happened to me (the spinal cord injury), I went through a long phase of feeling sorry for myself I kept on asking, “Why me?” All my life, I worked so hard, training six to seven hours a day to fine­tune this Olympic level fit body. Now, I can't even move my little finger What kind of justice is that?

Then my father comforted me He said, “We're all done in just this body. Everybody's body will go, if not today, five years from today or 20 years from today. So why don't you see this as a gift that you've been given? Try to go within I think that you've been given this great opportunity.” I really believe that my father was my guru. My mother is 72 years old. It is an incarceration for her because at 72 years old, she's still my primary caregiver and I can’t give her a retirement I can't imagine my life without her. She is my best friend. My parents have always been for me.

In the 12 years of my schooling, I went to nine different schools in three different continents It was tough being the new girl in many schools but my parents were always my grounding factor. They were always there for me­ when I was

in the US and fighting racism or in the bed fighting myself

They gave up everything so that I can live with dignity. My father quit his work. We went back to our spiritual roots. The greatest gift they ever gave me was that they never once said, “Look what you've done You've not only destroyed your life; you've destroyed our lives along with it.” They never blamed me but gave unconditional love, though I had hurt them When they came to do physiotherapy, I would shout at them and say, ‘Don't come near me ’ Because of their patience and their love and continued care, I am here in front of you. I would request all of you to spare a day in your life, come and visit our organisation ‘Soulfree’ in Tiruvannamalai I promise that you will have a very different experience. 

Dr Sharad Sarin: Based on our study of several MSMEs over many years, we have categorised them into 5 groups:

1 We call the first category the stillborn baby These are babies that need incubation. Unfortunately, incubators were not available in India many years ago. So many MSMEs died.

2 The second category is born­sick baby These are the biggest drain on our country The Hindustan Engineering Corporation in Ranchi was established in 1958 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. It was his pet project but till date, they have not been able to revive it HEC is an example of this category

3 The third category is healthy babies, remaining small To grow from small to big companies, a lot of effort is needed. There are many transparency and accountability issues. It's very difficult to manage a team and then a family

4 The fourth category is healthy babies aspiring to become successful. We have many such examples, including companies in Jamshedpur. This is the best of the five.

5 Then comes the fifth category, which is also

Authors Dr Sharad Sarin, Retd Senior Faculty, XLRI, and Mr G M Kapur, Management Consultant, in conversation with Mr Hariharan S Ramamoorthy, Managing Director, Srimukha Group; and Mr S Ravi, Director, Buildcraft Interior Pvt Ltd ,

 MSMEs must focus on the growth vector, where they can grow and become better. Sustenance and creating sustainable differential advantages are the keys.

~ Dr Sharad Sarin

something bad: Healthy babies facing failed aspirations and accidental death They didn't want to fail, but something happened. Entrepreneurs may have appealing ideas but if there are no takers in the market, they can’t be developed.

We have many role models to succeed in business. JRD Tata, for instance Till date, Tatas are dedicated to the society

Their sole purpose of business is society. Mr. Narayana Murthy, Azim Premji are also role models who guide us. Mr. Narayan Murthy used to teach computers in IIM Ahmedabad

He got admission in IIT, but his father did not have money to

 There have been significant changes in laws, guiding principles, and accounting practices.

~ Mr S Ravi

support his education there.

Mr Narayan Murthy carried his team and that is one big reason for the success of Infosys Their camaraderie was clear from day one and they were clear that they would make money only through honest means. Mr Murthy had just 10,000 rupees in his pocket. Now look at his wealth. Sudha Murthy wrote a postcard to JRD Tata that they were not hiring women mechanical engineers. It is a mystery how that post reached him. Tata questioned his team, and she joined Tata Motors. That is history. These are inspiring stories and case studies.

MSMEs must focus on the growth vector, where they can grow and become better. Sustenance and creating sustainable differential advantages are the keys Every organization requires direction from time to time and ideas to grow. In this, there are two modes: expansion and diversification. Our view is that, as far as possible, stay in your own business. Don't try to diversify unless your business has run out of steam, where you have no opportunities. Perhaps expansion would be a better route, but otherwise, avoid diversification, especially mindless diversification

Mr S Ravi: The term MSME originally meant micro, small, and medium enterprises. There have been significant changes in laws, guiding principles, and accounting practices. Recently, the micro and small have been differentiated from the medium category

When the MSME Act was introduced, in the Samadhaan scheme, we could go online and file a case if there were outstanding dues Initially, for six to nine months, we were able to recover our money However, within a year or so, they modified it such that you could only file a case, only if the

outstanding value was one crore or more I understand that this needs constant review and upgrade, but there are certain aspects, where I think, it fails to serve the purpose of the MSMEs The value of the rupee has been depreciating over the decades. Therefore, those overseeing it need to adopt different perspectives at different points in time.

Mr Hariharan S Ramamoorthy: MSMEs are the backbone of our economy However, is the government truly recognising their importance? I believe there are significant gaps Almost 90% of MSMEs in the country fall within categories 1, 2, 3, and 5 of the babies listed out by Prof Sarin. Rarely, we have companies in category 4, which is, healthy babies aspiring to become successful.

One reason for this is that conglomerates like the Tatas or Ambanis have extensive backup, background, and support systems While rare exceptions exist like Mr Narayan Murthy, who started small and grew, most MSMEs in India require substantial support.

Empower the Micros

Over the past decade, with the current government, considerable efforts have been made. I represent an all­India volunteer organization called Laghu Udyog Bharati, which works extensively with MSMEs Despite these efforts, can we truly compare an MSME in India with one in Korea or Japan? Recently, a Korean company we engaged with for technical discussions, considered themselves an SME, though they have a turnover of about 950 crores It speaks of the kind of forward­thinking approach of countries like Korea. While we shouldn't blindly copy and replicate their strategies, we must adapt and innovate in our own Indian way

With 95% of MSMEs in the micro sector, 3% in the small, and less than 2% in the medium sector, our focus should be on empowering the micro sector. By strengthening this sector, we can drive significant growth across the country

 Relying solely on trading rather than manufacturing domestically is not sustainable in the long run. There is a pressing need for government support for the manufacturing sector.

~ Mr Hariharan S Ramamoorthy

The Challenges

However, there are challenges, including stringent laws such as the Basel II norms and NPA norms, which make it difficult for businesses to recover from even minor setbacks. If payment to banks is pending for 90 days, it is treated as NPA. Section 43H mandates MSMEs to make payments to vendors within 15 to 45 days, while the current payment cycle often extends to 90­120 days These issues require careful consideration

Despite challenges, there is immense growth potential for MSMEs in the country, especially with initiatives like the China plus one policy The next decade holds promising opportunities, and we must capitalize on them, aiming for substantial growth and development If not to become Ambanis, but at least trying to move in their direction.

PLA Needed for MSME

Another concerning trend is the decline in manufacturing within MSMEs. Over the past 10 to 15 years, the percentage of manufacturing companies among MSMEs has decreased by more than 30 to 40%. This is alarming, as it may lead to increased reliance on imports from countries like China or Korea. Relying solely on trading rather than manufacturing

 What we lack in our country today is effective implementation, rather than innovative ideas. Additionally, there's a significant gap in how micro‐enterprises respond to government policies.

~ Dr Sarin

domestically is not sustainable in the long run There is a pressing need for government support for the manufacturing sector.

For instance, while the government has been providing incentives through schemes like the PLA scheme, these benefits are primarily directed towards large corporations and not MSMEs. It's crucial for the government to extend such schemes to MSMEs as well, as it would provide a significant boost to productivity in this sector

We have suggested to the government for the introduction of a new category called 'shishu,' for companies with a turnover of 40 lakhs per annum 90% of MSMEs fall within this category Additionally, we have proposed the implementation of ‘Small Factories Act.’ Under this act, companies with fewer than 40 employees should be exempted from ESI and PF obligations, although insurance coverage should still be mandatory. Imposing all draconian laws on small companies is impractical and burdensome. Our laws must suit our current business models. It's essential to tailor regulations to the needs and capabilities of small businesses to promote growth and sustainability.

Dr Sarin: If we analyse the growth trajectory of Maruti

around 1983, we can observe that they cultivated a robust network of sub­suppliers. Such extensive networking will be imperative on a large scale for the growth of MSMEs. Additionally, we are of the firm belief that certain laws are stifling the growth of MSMEs. What we truly need is an enabling environment that fosters growth and innovation.

Mr Hariharan: Our organization Laghu Udyog Bharati welcomed Section 43H and advocated for its implementation There's unanimous agreement on this because micro and small industries are severely affected by delays in payments from medium and large corporates. However, the issue lies not with the act itself but with its implementation Immediate compliance is simply not feasible.

We've had discussions with the Honourable Finance Minister, proposing a phased implementation approach. We suggested starting with big corporates and government bodies, then moving to medium enterprises, followed by small ones. Micro­enterprises should be given a grace period, perhaps one year. The government has taken our suggestions seriously.

What we lack in our country today is effective implementation, rather than innovative ideas. Additionally, there's a significant gap in how micro­enterprises respond to government policies. For instance, initiatives like the ONDC and GeM Portal, designed to be game­changers, are primarily for micro and small industries. Regrettably, not many MSMEs, especially from South India, are utilizing these platforms. This highlights a gap between the North and the South When the government is making substantial efforts, MSMEs need to step up and take advantage of these opportunities.

Presently, the Ready Made Garment (RMG) segment is being dominated by Bangladesh, causing severe impact for our MSME members in Tirupur Many of them are experiencing a complete loss of business due to competition from Bangladesh.

 Undoubtedly, challenges abound, and no business journey is without hurdles. There are always governmental issues. However, I believe today's government is more industry‐friendly and receptive, rather than merely paying lip service.

~ Prof. G M Kapur

Prof. G M Kapur: Prof. Sarin and I pondered on ways to prevent the failure of MSMEs Hence, we conducted a study on failed industries. It's crucial for every entrepreneur to not fear failure. You've likely heard of Kanwal Rekhi, the founder of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), who prefers to support failed entrepreneurs According to him, they have valuable experience in running an enterprise and learning from past mistakes. So, don't fear failure.

Today, micro­industries are benefiting from microfinance, enabling their survival Previously, banks were reluctant to cater to this category. I recall State Bank of India's differential interest rate scheme (DIR), offering a 4% rate for microfinance around 50 years ago However, the government wasn't actively promoting it then Additionally, borrowers were less committed to repaying loans. Contrastingly, today's microfinance recipients are running more efficient businesses, although on a smaller scale, and promptly repay loans

The Prime Minister once remarked that a business can include even one that makes pakoras. Many viewed his statement facetiously. But the fact is, a company named Wow

Momos in Calcutta started from a small shop and they are a 2300 crore company.

Undoubtedly, challenges abound, and no business journey is without hurdles. There are always governmental issues. However, I believe today's government is more industryfriendly and receptive, rather than merely paying lip service. It's essential to acknowledge the steps taken by the government to address these challenges

Talent acquisition, retention, and development within MSMEs pose significant challenges. However, if you have growth plans and are willing to share the benefits with employees, you can attract and retain talent effectively This is my perspective

Dr. Sarin: Two driving forces in the world of MSMEs are technology and globalization. Technology, in all its forms, is immensely relevant Regardless of size, all MSMEs need to excel in both technology and management I recall Asian Paints, which was among the earliest adopters of technology in India back in 1947. Their early adoption has contributed significantly to their unrivalled position in the market today The key lesson here is not to shy away from implementing technology.

Mr Ravi: What would you rate as the critical factors for the success of MSMEs?

Mr Hariharan: To thrive as an MSME, having some level of uniqueness in your product is essential. Engaging in a cost war is unsustainable in the long run. Adaptability is another crucial aspect In the automotive industry, there was initially resistance to the idea of transitioning from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles (EVs). However, EVs now represent a significant opportunity. While we might have earned 50 or 70 rupees per part with IC engines, the potential with EVs could be 300 or 400 rupees. But are we adequately prepared for this shift? MSMEs need to be technologyoriented to seize such opportunities 

Mr. N Sathiya Moorthy: Apart from the rains in Chennai, this time we experienced heavy rainfall in the southern districts, which was unexpected Tuticorin district, in particular, received very heavy rainfall. It is notable that people in Tuticorin typically do not welcome rains due to their reliance on salt and brick kiln industries, as rainfall can adversely affect their business

Regarding the recurring issue of floods in Chennai, it is regrettable to observe that even after numerous decades of experiencing heavy rains, floods, and cyclones, we as citizens have not adequately learned our lessons There is a tendency to shift blame onto whichever government is in power and to lament the lack of essential supplies such as milk, provisions, and electricity during periods of heavy rainfall.

Traditionally, every October first, I would stock essential items in my household, including matches and candles, in preparation for the rainy season. Despite knowing the history of floods in certain regions, individuals continue to purchase land and apartments in flood­prone areas While it is true that the government sanctions such construction, we cannot solely

Mr. S R Ramanan, Former Director of the Cyclone Warning Centre in Chennai; Dr. S Janakarajan, President of the South Asia Consortium for Interdisciplinary Water Resources Studies ﴾SaciWATERs﴿ based in Hyderabad; and Mr. T Kanthimathinathan, an expert on Water Resources, shared their insights on the water scenario in Tamilnad

rely on the government to manage all aspects of rescue and relief operations. In hindsight, it may be acknowledged that the government could have handled the recent flood situation slightly better. However, citizens also bear a social responsibility in such situations.

Mr. S R Ramanan: Let me begin with the northeast monsoon For rain or low pressure to form, winds from different hemispheres must merge. From the southern hemisphere, the easterlies cross the equator and become westerly, constituting the southwest monsoon. These winds interact with the easterlies of the northern hemisphere, leading to circulation. A single circle denotes low pressure; two, depression; three, deep depression; and four, cyclone. The convergence of air masses from different hemispheres creates low pressure, marked by the Intertropical Convergence Zone.

North of this zone, winds originate from the east, while south of it, winds come from the west. During the northeast monsoon, low pressure typically forms in the South China Sea, crossing the Malay Peninsula into the Bay of Bengal,

intensifying into a cyclonic storm or, sometimes, a lowpressure system affecting our region. However, this year, such occurrences were absent Despite Cyclone Michaung's presence, no significant low­pressure systems developed. This made the monsoon season unique. The formation of a trough, another source of rainfall, also did not occur this year, unlike in 2007 when it brought widespread rain to Tamil Nadu

The Upper Air Circulation

So, how did Tamil Nadu receive rainfall? Initially, air masses from various water bodies Cape Comorin, Gulf of Mannar, and Bay of Bengal converged over South Tamil Nadu, bringing significant rainfall. Occasionally, upper air troughs bring rain primarily to coastal areas, but this too was absent this year Instead, easterly and south easterly winds dominated. An upper air circulation over the southwest bay, as mentioned in the official weather bulletins, contributed to rain along the coast But the interior districts did not get adequate rains.

The formation of Cyclone Michaung, which approached Chennai, resulted in torrential rains. It did not cross Tamil

Nadu but passed near Andhra Pradesh, wreaking havoc there. The upper air, steering atmospheric disturbances, came from the southeasterly direction, a rare occurrence

Following the mid­tropospheric cyclone, characterized by its upper­level nature at a height of 1.5 kilometers, coastal Tamil Nadu experienced strong winds reaching speeds of up to 20 nautical miles per hour in certain areas, equivalent to 36 kilometers per hour. This led to copious rainfall across Tamil Nadu. Convergence of air masses facilitated the influx of moisture into south coastal Tamil Nadu, extending to the southern interior regions

Cloud formations reached heights of 14 to 15 kilometers, indicative of the mid­tropospheric cyclone, which remains invisible at the surface. It is noteworthy that while the southeast monsoon is typically observed in states like Gujarat, its occurrence in our region is indeed a rarity. While rainfall was abundant in southern and northernmost districts, many regions experienced normal or below­normal rainfall North interior Tamil Nadu faced particularly adverse conditions, resulting in agricultural challenges, especially in districts like

 Our weather forecasts rely on global models, which are typically more reliable in extra‐tropical regions than in tropical areas.

Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri, heavily reliant on southwest monsoon rainfall

Weather Prediction Models

Our weather forecasts rely on global models, which are typically more reliable in extra­tropical regions than in tropical areas. While forecasting in the tropics remains challenging, significant advancements have been made. Even in advanced countries like the United States, for tornadoes in tropical areas like Florida, they provide only a 40­minute advance notice, highlighting the difficulty of prediction in such regions.

These models excel in forecasting weather phenomena in the northern part of the United States, where weather systems are influenced by fronts when cold air meets warm air, creating dynamic weather patterns. Winds predominantly blow unidirectionally from west to east in these regions, making predictions relatively straightforward However, applying such models to forecast weather movements from, for instance, London to Paris is vastly different from forecasting weather across the entirety of India, particularly in tropical regions.

Despite the challenges, significant advancements have been made in global weather modelling. Institutions like the European Center provide forecasts for the entire world, while America utilizes the Global Forecast System (GFS) model for global predictions. India also leverages the GFS model, which is freely accessible and operational in various centers such as New Delhi and Pune Additionally, both global and regional

models are employed to enhance forecasting accuracy

Reflecting on past events, in 2006, Bombay experienced significant rainfall, with Santa Cruz recording 93.5 centimeters. It underscores the importance of ensuring unhindered water flow to mitigate flooding risks States like Kerala and cities like Mumbai have made preparedness for heavy rains. So implementing measures to manage water flow effectively and minimising the impact of inundation or flooding is a very important process of flood mitigation

Dr S Janakarajan: We've witnessed numerous floods over the years, and the intensity of their impact appears to be increasing annually Take, for example, the 2015 flood, widely regarded as one of the worst in 47 years The increasing severity of floods prompts many to attribute it to climate change.

A crucial factor contributing to this trend is rapid urbanization Urban expansion occurs at an alarming rate, often without careful planning. It's important to recognize the intrinsic link between land and water, as they are closely interconnected With unchecked urban growth, compounded by rapid industrialization, we're witnessing the loss of land, agricultural areas, and crucial hydrological pathways.

Need for Integrated Planning

The encroachment upon these hydrological pathways worsens the situation. Areas previously unaffected by floods are now experiencing inundation due to this interference. It's essential for all of us to acknowledge our collective responsibility in this regard. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive planning and concerted efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization on hydrological systems

When water flows uncontrollably, we label it as a flood; however, when it stagnates in an area, we term it inundation. Poor urban planning and a narrow focus solely on development can have catastrophic consequences Such

 Master Plans must undergo thorough review, with a specific focus on declaring ecological hotspots. Furthermore, these plans should be integrated with drainage master plans to ensure effective water management.

approaches can result in severe floods and ecological degradation, exerting immense pressure on both present and future economies It's crucial to prioritize urban land use planning. Mere enactment of laws isn't sufficient; stringent enforcement is required.

Despite having our first master plan and nearing completion of the second master plan by 2026, with plans for a third, it's disheartening to note that we haven't adequately learned from past experiences. We seem to repeat the same mistakes without applying the lessons gathered from previous plans. This lack of progress affects our ability to effectively address the challenges posed by urbanization and mitigate the risks of future floods and environmental degradation.

Every master plan should include the delineation of ecological hotspots such as streams, floodplains, water bodies, and wetlands both inland and coastal. Developmental activities must be strictly prohibited in these areas to preserve their ecological integrity Unfortunately, this crucial aspect has often been overlooked in past plans, leading to adverse consequences. It remains uncertain whether this will be addressed in the upcoming third master plan.

Failure to protect critical ecological zones has resulted in dire outcomes, as witnessed in the Ennore region, where extensive encroachment on coastal wetlands has led to

flooding, extending even to north Chennai The Pallikaranai marshland, which historically spanned 54 square kilometers, has been reduced to a mere 10% of its original size due to encroachment The marshland serves as a vital flood buffer, but its loss has contributed to the worsening flood situation in the area.

An integrated approach is urgently needed, one that considers land management, water management, flood management, and drought management comprehensively. Efforts must focus on conserving water at its source and protecting both upstream and downstream watersheds. Only through such holistic measures can we effectively address the challenges posed by urbanization and mitigate the impacts of flooding and environmental degradation.

Way Forward

Master Plans must undergo thorough review, with a specific focus on declaring ecological hotspots. Furthermore, these plans should be integrated with drainage master plans to ensure effective water management Ad­hoc construction of stormwater drains must be strictly prohibited, and layout approvals should only be granted after considering the drainage master plan

Efforts to conserve water at its source are paramount, as they offer numerous benefits including flood mitigation, enhancing climate resilience, and facilitating the development of climate­smart cities This can be achieved through initiatives such as tank restoration, desilting, deepening, and increasing capacity.

Implementing Nature­Based Solutions (NBS) within urban areas and the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) is essential This includes the creation of water detention ponds, constructed wetlands, temple tanks, green parks, urban forests, green roofs, and mangroves. Additionally, there must be a concerted effort to protect natural wetlands, both inland and coastal, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

Mr T Kanthimathinathan: The focus of urban planners often leans heavily towards development without due consideration for water flow management. Many areas in Chennai, such as Mambalam, Nungambakkam, and Nandambakkam, were once lakes Most errors happened because of flawed land use policy. Many agricultural lands got converted to other uses. I had personally overseen 20,000 cusecs of water release from Chembarambakkam lake, when I was in office At that time, there was no flooding, simply because the floodplains were intact.

However, encroachments on floodplains have become increasingly common. Take for example, the Housing Board in Kotturpuram It is a government construction on the floodplains. Areas like Manapakkam and Nandambakkam were also floodplains. These are expensive areas but when there is flooding, water levels rise up to window lintel levels in these areas

considerations took a backseat.

Unlike states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, which benefit from the Deccan Plateau terrain conducive to reservoir construction, Tamil Nadu predominantly consists of plains, limiting such opportunities. Hence, our ancestors constructed over 45 minor irrigation tanks, which are now neglected and often filled. The development of areas like Lake View Road, Valluvar Kottam, Nungambakkam, Mogappair, and Padi happened in this manner only

‘Out of the Boat’ Solutions

It is important to implement a master drainage plan before embarking on any urban development initiatives. However, many lands necessary for water flow are owned by private individuals, who have obtained approvals and puttas for development. These floodplains were historically designated as agricultural lands even during British rule, aimed at boosting productivity Post­independence, importance was given first to green revolution and subsequently to housing drives. However, waterway

As we have neglected waterbodies and other flood prevention measures, now we have to defend ourselves against future floods For this, it's crucial to have reliable flood alert and early warning system, along with an effective response mechanism. The government has undertaken various mitigation measures, no doubt But we can place more emphasis on converting water bodies into navigation canals. When there is a flood, our people find it difficult even to get onto a boat as they are not used to boat travel. If we can, for instance, convert Buckingham Canal into a navigation canal, it could offer cheap and eco­friendly travel from Thiruvanmiyur to Mahabalipuram. When we can construct metro rail systems, we can also look at navigation canals Implementing water­based transportation systems akin to those in Kerala, could offer viable solutions for daily commute from Velachery to Sholinganallur in boats. 

Mr Giridhar: When it comes to cricket, authentic leadership happens on the field Cricket has become a phenomenon in India. BCCI is probably the biggest corporate in India. We have 500 million cricket lovers in this country, which is more than the population of most other countries. Besides what's happening on the field, there is so much action that happens outside too like spotting, developing and nurturing talent and use of technology and data analytics. The line of fast bowlers that we see now is largely due to the efforts of MRF Pace Foundation, which was started a few decades ago Sekhar has been involved with this foundation since its inception

Mr T A Sekhar: I joined the MRF Pace Foundation in 1988 as a coach. I had never been a coach before that. The Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee was the head coach and he is an authority on fast bowling When he took up the challenge of training fast bowlers in India, there was a lot of criticism in the Indian press that

Mr. V J Raghunath and Mr. S Giridhar, both authors of the book "Mid‐Wicket Tales" and representing the Azim Premji Foundation, were engaged in a conversation with Mr T A Sekhar, Former Indian Cricketer, and Mr. S Ramakrishnan, Sports Analytics & CEO, SportsMechanics.

Dennis Lillee had never played in India They wondered how he could coach the Indian fast bowlers in India The foundation was a great initiative by MRF. In 87, the late Ravi Memmen of MRF thought that Kapil Dev being our lone fast bowler, India needed good fast bowlers to bowl along with Kapil. His ultimate vision was that India should have a bench strength of eight to ten fast bowlers and that India should always tour abroad with four or five fast bowlers, of which minimum three fast bowlers should be from MRF. It became a reality from 95- 96 onwards.

Dennis Lillee is a living Encyclopaedia on fast bowling He rewrote the fast bowling technique for the English coaching manual in the mid-90s. He was the best fast bowling coach I have seen in my career. The first fast bowler to play for India from MRF was Vivek Razdan who was picked for the Pakistan tour On his debut series, in his second match, he got five wickets. Unfortunately, he didn't play much after that due to

some reasons. After that, a regular stream of fast bowlers started coming out from MRF- Venkatesh Prasad, Javagal Srinath, Zaheer Khan, Irfan Pathan, Munaf Patel, Sreesanth, R P Singh and so on. Srinath was not a regular trainee of the pace foundation. He was doing engineering and he used to come only when there was a break in his college curriculum India today is more recognized for fast bowling than its spinners and that is largely due to the contribution of the MRF Pace Foundation

Mr Giridhar: Indian team has embraced change very well. It was not just Ganguly in the leadership role, but there was a group of leaders -Kumble, Dravid and Tendulkar They listened to others It's critical to have a leadership team that embraces change Today, sports analytics plays a very important part of life.

Nowadays, when Indian team goes abroad, they boldly say that every pitch is like home ground and they take the pitch out of the equation It is because we have

an assembly line of many fast bowlers. Sometimes a Kapil Dev comes despite the system and bowlers like Sreesanth come because of the system

The Perth match of 2007 with Kumble leading India was one of our greatest wins. How Kumble and his team made that happen is a case study in itself. Similarly, Brisbane 2021 is one of our greatest test wins Rahane displayed great leadership. Another interesting aspect of Indian team is that there has been a smooth transition from one captain to the other – from Ganguly to Dravid to Kumble to Dhoni to Kohli and to Rohit

Mr Ramakrishnan: Without T A Sekhar, I wouldn't have been where I am today. In 2009, I was a cricketer, aspiring to play for the country I played for the junior state team and then, much against my wishes, got into banking. I joined Indian bank in the sports quota and played for Indian Bank for 13 years and then stopped playing At 34, I was married and had two daughters

My neighbour started a payment gateway and he asked

me if I could join them as a marketing manager I didn't like the banking environment which is not designed for high performance. So I resigned and joined the IT industry in 2000. After a month, the dot.com bubble burst happened and the payment gateway project was shelved I was at the crossroads, having left the public sector job and lost my private sector job.

Converging Sports & Tech

Henceforth, I decided to work on integrating sports and technology. In the initial stages, I looked at video motion analysis and then went on to introduce visual based coaching in India That's where T A Sekhar gave me an opportunity to work with the MRF Pace Foundation. I worked with Dennis Lillee and Sekhar and showed them what can be done. Initially, Lillee was sceptical of using software and technology in coaching but after I started producing results, he became a big fan of my work, which greatly augmented his coaching.

From 2001 to 2003, I did a lot of analysis. We tried to sell licenses of the software but couldn't So I started providing services in sports and that really picked up. The coaches were happy doing their job as we could augment their coaching through feedback There was an explosion of data We captured that and provided to the athletes as feedback.

Overcoming Resistance in Indian Team

Whereas in Indian cricket, they didn't accept us They made sarcastic remarks and tried to put me down, questioning the level of cricket I played. I told them that I have a great deal of respect for their skills and that I have a skill set which is different from theirs The confidence of working with Dennis Lillee and Sekhar helped me.

Indian Cricket coach John Wright asked me to make

 From 2001 to 2003, I did a lot of analysis. We tried to sell licenses of the software but couldn't. So I started providing services in sports and that really picked up.

~ Mr Ramakrishnan

a presentation to the coaches on visual based coaching. Legends like Kirmani, Roger Binny, Kiran More and Prasanna were there Originally, it was planned as a 45minute session But then, everybody liked the session and John Wright asked me to continue for the entire day. At the end of the presentation, he asked me to join the Indian team for a salary of 30K per month No Indian would refuse the offer-though the money was less, I could rub shoulders with the greats in the dressing room I was on board straightaway

French Fries and Samosas

When I joined the team, I asked Rahul Dravid about the kind of team meetings that happened He said, “We all assemble in the coach's room French fries and samosas will be ordered. There will be an informal discussion for 5 minutes. We will say that the next day’s game is an important one and then disperse ” I was surprised because even for the club games, we used to prepare better and here when national team met, the preparation was so informal.

We went to Australia It was my first tour with the Indian team Sourav Ganguly was the captain I asked Sourav how they prepare for the game. He said, “We all have played against each other and we will pass on the knowledge to the youngsters ” “Is there any data collector?” I asked and he said, “Nobody has done it so

 There was a time when the Indian team warm up used to be just five minutes. On fitness, we have learnt a lot from Australia, England and South Africa.

~ Mr T A Sekhar

far.” I asked him if he knows anyone in ESPN and if he can get me the tapes of the Ashes series where Australia was beaten by England Sourav came to Australia, armed with 25 VHS tapes I took them and spent my first week in Australia, fully locked in my room. I didn't see the outside of Australia. I was working inside my room, digitizing those 25 VHS tapes and mining for information For the first time in the history of Indian cricket, competitive intelligence was provided in a visual manner.

Strategies from Data Analytics

While I was working with Sekhar and Lillee, I learned a lot about the nuances and biomechanics of fast bowling But at the level of the Indian team, it's strategy and gameplay, that will help the team to win. Wright told me, “Ramki, if I change somebody's technique, nobody's going to extend my contract It will be extended only if I win the series, for which I must focus on gameplay and strategy.”

To derive strategies from data, I started collecting the data. The only way I could satisfy John Wright was to have a back-end data centre, recording all the videos We were the first ones to have an exclusive back-end data centre. India is a hub of technology and we make the world follow what we do. The whole world is looking at what we are doing We get great support from all the people- coaches, selectors and players We broke the myth that only Indian cricketers who played the game at the highest level can contribute to the team. We came up with a different concept of using data and analytics in coaching.

Mr Raghunath: Besides the action and technique in fast bowling, now they spend a lot of time on players’ fitness and diet and also ensure that fast bowlers don't get injured

Mr Sekhar: There was a time when the Indian team warm up used to be just five minutes. On fitness, we have learnt a lot from Australia, England and South

 Can there be a comparison between a cricket player’s career and a corporate career?

Not really because, in a corporate career, when you fail, only a few people are aware of it.

~ Mr Giridhar

Africa

Every player knows the importance of warm up warm, down, what exercises one should do and how to recover from injuries. Diet is a critical part of fitness. Balanced and proper diet helps in reducing muscle injuries Tennis players like Djokovic or Nadal have personal dieticians and they also have a personal trainer. They spend a part of their earnings on coaching. Modern day sportspersons recover faster from injuries and see to it that their longevity in the field is enhanced. At the same time, they enjoy the performance on the field.

Mr Giridhar: Players must constantly reflect on their performance to improve themselves Every good school teacher is a reflective practitioner. They help the children to be a better learner today than yesterday. Virat Kohli is a great leader In 2014, he couldn't score runs off Anderson Then he reflected on his game, made infinitely important adjustments and in 2018, he was probably one of the finest batsmen of the seasons He is very particular about fitness and diet Thanks to

leaders like him, the concept of fitness has percolated to Under-19 level too. A leader inspires when neededsometimes, being there in the front and sometimes, right at the back

Former England captain Mike Brearley was a very average batsman but he was one of the greatest ever cricket captains. He was able to make sure that the gestalt happened- that the whole was greater than the sum of the parts He could differentiate his handling of Willis and Ian Botham. Indian fielding coach R. Sridhar once said that one has to deal with Bumrah differently from the way one deals with Mohammed Shami You have to wind up Shami, so that he becomes a terror on the ground. With Bumrah, you have to be careful because he's very sensitive.

Mr Ramakrishnan: Different captains have different leadership styles For instance, Sourav Ganguly was a fantastic and a very strong leader. He had a command over the players, because he fought for the players’

rights and privileges and got them John Wright and Ganguly were the chief architects of high performance of the Indian team. They laid down the foundation for the cricket team to turn around. They followed work ethics There was no north- south divide or senior players -junior players divide. Everybody was equal. The senior players went out of the way to make sure the juniors talked and share their opinions in tam meetings Players came prepared for team meetings, with questions to be asked. Dhoni follows a very different leadership style. Both strongly believe that nothing is impossible

In Australia, everybody including the former players and media try to wear down the Indians mentally. They used to put us on the Perth pitch, with the bounciest wicket, beat you in three days’ time and then, orchestrate their win Normally, it is a 93-day tour The players are 93 days away from their homes, their food and their culture. On the contrary, when Australians come to India, they play the test series, take a break, go to Singapore, relax and then come back for the T20 ODI series. But these days, India fights every session closely.

Mr Giridhar: Leaders must have innate courage and try innovative approaches

I recall in the 92 World Cup, Martin Crowe opened the batting with Greatbatch, who had never opened before that. Also, Deepak Patel, the spinner, opened the bowling for them Ranatunga of Sri Lanka was also a very shrewd captain.

Mr Ramakrishnan: Fear of failure worries most players. When they fail, they come and watch their videos I tell them, “Everybody analyses failure Come and see the videos where you have achieved success; when you scored a century.” When they watch them fail, their anxiety levels are very high Everybody wants to

reaffirm that everything is right with them Learning from success is more important than learning from failures.

I recall that Sehwag scored a triple century in Pakistan and he dedicated it to me. When he was not scoring runs in Test cricket, I analysed his videos and noticed a change in his stance. I just brought it to his awareness. He corrected it and went on to score 300 runs Though he dedicated it to me, that performance would not have happened without Sachin at the other end. Partnerships change the course of cricket.

Mr Giridhar: Cricket is a game that consists of players with diverse skills and backgrounds They come from different cultural backgrounds Particularly, IPL has helped in players adapting to these diversities with foreign players playing in all the teams.

Can there be a comparison between a cricket player’s career and a corporate career? Not really because, in a corporate career, when you fail, only a few people are aware of it. But in a game of cricket, when you fail, lakhs of people watch you The pressure of playing is far higher than working in a corporate You may get adulation and money while playing cricket but you can play only till you are 33 or 34. Some of them who are articulate enough, go to the media and some of them get into coaching, but that is a very small population. Imagine that out of 140 crore people, only 20 get to play test cricket for the nation One failure with the bat or ball, you can be consigned to the reserves. So there can be no comparison, at least for an Indian cricketer, with any other corporate profession. In the corporate, you have annual appraisals whereas Indian cricketers get daily appraisals done by 140 crore Indians. 