Thursday, March 8, 2007
On Victoria's Secret: SV
This evening, I have to report on a speech titled ‘Aligning Organisations to be World Class’ being delivered by the managing director of one of Sri Lanka’s largest companies. It should be interesting because the company, MAS Holdings, is an amazing success story. They supply a sizeable chunk to Victoria’s Secret, and have some amazing HR practices. They also, like Titan, are aspiring to be a US$ 1 billion company by 2009-10.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Sporting Action in SL: GT
In terms of atmosphere at sporting venues, I think Windies and Sri Lanka have much in common. There is a lot of music and dancing in the stands, for example – and some picturesque stadiums in the smaller towns... I managed to catch a rugby international here (between China and Sri Lanka) – and was absolutely blown away by the crowd. There was music and beer and such a fantastic sense of camaraderie that it felt like one was at a party or something!
On Phuket BAM: AS1
I will certainly come to Phuket if I am invited, provided I get a session of about 30 minutes to make a presentation on any subject of my choice! (I promise to make it an informative and entertaining session.) Otherwise, I'd prefer to stay out - I would look like a freeloader, having been on leave for most of the year!
“Peace Will Bring Tremendous Benefits”
Encourages APRC to end conflict; Opportunity cost of war is 2 to 3%
Seeks greater role for private sector, and level playing field
Diversify: Excessive reliance on apparel exports is a mistake
US Ambassador Robert O Blake, Jr strongly believes that Sri Lanka is “poised on the cusp of development” and now has a unique opportunity to achieve peace. He encouraged the All Party Representatives Committee to come up with a strong and credible proposal that would end the conflict that has plagued the country for so long. He made these comments in an address to the Sri Lanka America Society this week.
“Peace will bring tremendous economic benefits to Sri Lanka... Every citizen has a stake in peace,” Blake said. Pointing out that the opportunity cost of the war is 2 to 3% of GDP, he said, “The peace dividend is at least that much, even more in the North and East.”
Blake enumerated some of the advantages that Sri Lanka is in a wonderful position to capitalize on: economic growth of 6-7% and a well-educated population. He spoke in glowing terms of the strong private sector that is the engine of growth for the economy. Another advantage is that Colombo boats of being South Asia’s number one port in terms of cargo handled. The biggest advantage of all, according to Blake, is the opportunity in India, with its middle class of 300 million people.
However, for Sri Lanka to attract more US business, it would need to get its house in order. “Ensure that existing investors are able to make a good profit, and have a good story to tell,” he said. This is important because good profits encourage existing companies to make additional investments. Besides, potential new investors often consult ones already established here, on the prospects of profitability.
Prefacing his comments on existing irritants, Blake said, “As ambassador, my role is to reflect the views of the US business community and address the problems they face.” The public sector plays a very large, dominant and often inefficient role in many economic spheres. A greater role for the private sector would help improve efficiency, reduce prices and enhance service, he opined.
“I saw that first hand when we went to Nuwara Eliya. We came back by train last night. It was a truly beautiful train ride, but you could tell it was a public sector train: It was two hours late… There was no service on the train.”
Blake looked askance at the government’s tendency to prioritise tax revenues over economic development. Giving an example, he said that for every Rs 100 of apples exported from the US, the different taxes in Sri Lanka come to Rs 75 – and the cost of apples almost doubles!
Bemoaning the lack of transparency, Blake said, “I’ve heard complaints from some businesses about the government’s procurement process… There should be a level playing field for everybody.” Inadequate enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) is another problem for US businesses operating in Sri Lanka, he said. The garment industry is dependent on protections granted to high-end labels. He also pointed out that IT-intensive sectors tend to grow best in countries with a strong IPR regime.
While indicating that Sri Lanka would do well to maintain its market share in apparel, Blake cautioned against relying primarily on apparel and garment exports. “Think about diversifying and building up other industries”, he said. Presenting a case in favour of business process outsourcing, he pointed out that India did not have adequate trained labour to sustain its growth rates.
“Think strategically,” Blake urged. “People are very focused on current political issues… But do some strategic planning on how Sri Lanka should position itself…”
Seeks greater role for private sector, and level playing field
Diversify: Excessive reliance on apparel exports is a mistake
US Ambassador Robert O Blake, Jr strongly believes that Sri Lanka is “poised on the cusp of development” and now has a unique opportunity to achieve peace. He encouraged the All Party Representatives Committee to come up with a strong and credible proposal that would end the conflict that has plagued the country for so long. He made these comments in an address to the Sri Lanka America Society this week.
“Peace will bring tremendous economic benefits to Sri Lanka... Every citizen has a stake in peace,” Blake said. Pointing out that the opportunity cost of the war is 2 to 3% of GDP, he said, “The peace dividend is at least that much, even more in the North and East.”
Blake enumerated some of the advantages that Sri Lanka is in a wonderful position to capitalize on: economic growth of 6-7% and a well-educated population. He spoke in glowing terms of the strong private sector that is the engine of growth for the economy. Another advantage is that Colombo boats of being South Asia’s number one port in terms of cargo handled. The biggest advantage of all, according to Blake, is the opportunity in India, with its middle class of 300 million people.
However, for Sri Lanka to attract more US business, it would need to get its house in order. “Ensure that existing investors are able to make a good profit, and have a good story to tell,” he said. This is important because good profits encourage existing companies to make additional investments. Besides, potential new investors often consult ones already established here, on the prospects of profitability.
Prefacing his comments on existing irritants, Blake said, “As ambassador, my role is to reflect the views of the US business community and address the problems they face.” The public sector plays a very large, dominant and often inefficient role in many economic spheres. A greater role for the private sector would help improve efficiency, reduce prices and enhance service, he opined.
“I saw that first hand when we went to Nuwara Eliya. We came back by train last night. It was a truly beautiful train ride, but you could tell it was a public sector train: It was two hours late… There was no service on the train.”
Blake looked askance at the government’s tendency to prioritise tax revenues over economic development. Giving an example, he said that for every Rs 100 of apples exported from the US, the different taxes in Sri Lanka come to Rs 75 – and the cost of apples almost doubles!
Bemoaning the lack of transparency, Blake said, “I’ve heard complaints from some businesses about the government’s procurement process… There should be a level playing field for everybody.” Inadequate enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) is another problem for US businesses operating in Sri Lanka, he said. The garment industry is dependent on protections granted to high-end labels. He also pointed out that IT-intensive sectors tend to grow best in countries with a strong IPR regime.
While indicating that Sri Lanka would do well to maintain its market share in apparel, Blake cautioned against relying primarily on apparel and garment exports. “Think about diversifying and building up other industries”, he said. Presenting a case in favour of business process outsourcing, he pointed out that India did not have adequate trained labour to sustain its growth rates.
“Think strategically,” Blake urged. “People are very focused on current political issues… But do some strategic planning on how Sri Lanka should position itself…”
Monday, March 5, 2007
To Shivraj V Patil (MHA)
March 5th 2007
Dear Shri Patil,
Case Reference: COL/ VISA/ 407/ 3/ MISC/ 2007 dated February 19th 2007
Subject: Grant of Employment Visa to Joseph Antony Gerard Motha
Introduction/ Credentials: My parents originally hail from Tamil Nadu, and were Indian citizens. I hold a Sri Lankan passport because I was born in Colombo. In 1973, when I was just ten years old, I migrated to India with my parents. I have been residing in India ever since – initially as a student and later as an employee. I have been living in India continuously since 1982.
During the intervening period (1982 to 2006), I have unfailingly applied - every year, to the appropriate authorities, for permission to remain in India. This has been granted, never refused. I also bear allegiance to The Constitution of India, having taken an oath to that effect before the District Magistrate of Bangalore.
I have been employed with Titan Industries Ltd (‘Titan’, a TATA enterprise) over the past fifteen years. My employers vouch for my commendable character and conduct. I am currently designated as ‘Group Manager'. Before joining Titan, I had obtained a letter from the Reserve Bank of India that allows me to take up employment in India.
My education and experience make me ideally suited for life in India. I graduated from Bangalore University and am also a graduate of the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India. Besides, I have also earned a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management from XLRI Jamshedpur. All these are recognized Indian qualifications.
Change of Purpose & Ratification: When I arrived in India in 1982, I was a student but entered on a tourist visa that mentions ‘Change of Purpose Not Allowed’. The Additional District Magistrate, Bangalore District - the appropriate authority in those days – had approved an application for permission for me to stay in India for a further period of one year. Since this was based on proof that I was a bona fide student, it was implied that my Tourist visa had thus been changed to a Student visa.
At that time, I was still a teenager pursuing my degree in Bangalore, and these matters were being handled by my parents. This “violation” occurred nearly a quarter of a century ago, probably due to ignorance (and was later ratified by the Government of India).
Subsequently, the Commissioner/ Superintendent of Police & Foreigners’ Registration Officers – CoP&FRO - of Jamshedpur and Bangalore have issued Residential Permits permitting me to remain in India, as a Student initially and as an Employee thereafter. (The CoP&FRO is now the appropriate authority, the primary point of contact for foreigners desiring to extend their stay in India.) Some of these Residential Permits have even been issued based on specific approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi (MHA). Whenever applying for permission to extend my stay in India, I have stated the reasons accurately and completely.
Hence, it is apparent - based on MHA letter No. 18020/1166/2003 – FVII dated 07-10-2003 - that these changes have been explicitly ratified by the Government of India. This has subsequently been confirmed by the Government of India’s letter No. 18020/1161/2003-F-VII dated 21-06-2006, whereby I was permitted to stay in India upto June 3rd 2006 on Ex-Post-Facto basis.
Background to Current Problem: I arrived in Sri Lanka on April 16th 2006, on the way back from Bangkok, where I had gone to attend a conference of Titan’s business associates. With my background, I assumed that obtaining a visa to continue employment in India would not be a difficult proposition. Accordingly, on April 21st 2006, I applied to the High Commission of India in Colombo (HCI) for a 12-month Multiple-Entry Employment visa. I also attended a visa interview on May 3rd 2006.
The HCI referred my application to the MHA for a decision but, for some inexplicable reason, the referral letter was biased - neither completely accurate nor comprehensive. Consequently, after more than three months of waiting, I was informed that the MHA had turned down my application for a visa to enter India! Due to the perceived unfairness of this decision, I submitted an appeal, as advised, addressed to the High Commissioner.
The HCI wrote to the MHA again, stating the factual position and requesting the MHA to reconsider its decision. (Letter Nos: COL/ VISA/ 407/ 1/ 2006 dated August 2006, COL/ VISA/ 407/ 2/ 2006 dated December 20th 2006 and COL/ VISA/ 407/ 2007 dated February 8th 2007). These letters and intermittent reminders have not yet received a response from the MHA.
Current Status & Appeal: This delay in granting me a visa has already caused tremendous inconvenience and financial loss to me and to my employers. Besides, the emotional anguish to my family is incalculable. My wife and two children (aged 14 and 12, both born in Bangalore and now schooling there) are in India while I have been stranded in Sri Lanka since April 2006.
This delay has been causing grief and distress to an innocent family for over ten months now. I humbly request your intervention to ensure that a quick and permanent solution is found to this problem.
Yours Sincerely,
Joseph Antony Gerard Motha.
Dear Shri Patil,
Case Reference: COL/ VISA/ 407/ 3/ MISC/ 2007 dated February 19th 2007
Subject: Grant of Employment Visa to Joseph Antony Gerard Motha
Introduction/ Credentials: My parents originally hail from Tamil Nadu, and were Indian citizens. I hold a Sri Lankan passport because I was born in Colombo. In 1973, when I was just ten years old, I migrated to India with my parents. I have been residing in India ever since – initially as a student and later as an employee. I have been living in India continuously since 1982.
During the intervening period (1982 to 2006), I have unfailingly applied - every year, to the appropriate authorities, for permission to remain in India. This has been granted, never refused. I also bear allegiance to The Constitution of India, having taken an oath to that effect before the District Magistrate of Bangalore.
I have been employed with Titan Industries Ltd (‘Titan’, a TATA enterprise) over the past fifteen years. My employers vouch for my commendable character and conduct. I am currently designated as ‘Group Manager'. Before joining Titan, I had obtained a letter from the Reserve Bank of India that allows me to take up employment in India.
My education and experience make me ideally suited for life in India. I graduated from Bangalore University and am also a graduate of the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India. Besides, I have also earned a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management from XLRI Jamshedpur. All these are recognized Indian qualifications.
Change of Purpose & Ratification: When I arrived in India in 1982, I was a student but entered on a tourist visa that mentions ‘Change of Purpose Not Allowed’. The Additional District Magistrate, Bangalore District - the appropriate authority in those days – had approved an application for permission for me to stay in India for a further period of one year. Since this was based on proof that I was a bona fide student, it was implied that my Tourist visa had thus been changed to a Student visa.
At that time, I was still a teenager pursuing my degree in Bangalore, and these matters were being handled by my parents. This “violation” occurred nearly a quarter of a century ago, probably due to ignorance (and was later ratified by the Government of India).
Subsequently, the Commissioner/ Superintendent of Police & Foreigners’ Registration Officers – CoP&FRO - of Jamshedpur and Bangalore have issued Residential Permits permitting me to remain in India, as a Student initially and as an Employee thereafter. (The CoP&FRO is now the appropriate authority, the primary point of contact for foreigners desiring to extend their stay in India.) Some of these Residential Permits have even been issued based on specific approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi (MHA). Whenever applying for permission to extend my stay in India, I have stated the reasons accurately and completely.
Hence, it is apparent - based on MHA letter No. 18020/1166/2003 – FVII dated 07-10-2003 - that these changes have been explicitly ratified by the Government of India. This has subsequently been confirmed by the Government of India’s letter No. 18020/1161/2003-F-VII dated 21-06-2006, whereby I was permitted to stay in India upto June 3rd 2006 on Ex-Post-Facto basis.
Background to Current Problem: I arrived in Sri Lanka on April 16th 2006, on the way back from Bangkok, where I had gone to attend a conference of Titan’s business associates. With my background, I assumed that obtaining a visa to continue employment in India would not be a difficult proposition. Accordingly, on April 21st 2006, I applied to the High Commission of India in Colombo (HCI) for a 12-month Multiple-Entry Employment visa. I also attended a visa interview on May 3rd 2006.
The HCI referred my application to the MHA for a decision but, for some inexplicable reason, the referral letter was biased - neither completely accurate nor comprehensive. Consequently, after more than three months of waiting, I was informed that the MHA had turned down my application for a visa to enter India! Due to the perceived unfairness of this decision, I submitted an appeal, as advised, addressed to the High Commissioner.
The HCI wrote to the MHA again, stating the factual position and requesting the MHA to reconsider its decision. (Letter Nos: COL/ VISA/ 407/ 1/ 2006 dated August 2006, COL/ VISA/ 407/ 2/ 2006 dated December 20th 2006 and COL/ VISA/ 407/ 2007 dated February 8th 2007). These letters and intermittent reminders have not yet received a response from the MHA.
Current Status & Appeal: This delay in granting me a visa has already caused tremendous inconvenience and financial loss to me and to my employers. Besides, the emotional anguish to my family is incalculable. My wife and two children (aged 14 and 12, both born in Bangalore and now schooling there) are in India while I have been stranded in Sri Lanka since April 2006.
This delay has been causing grief and distress to an innocent family for over ten months now. I humbly request your intervention to ensure that a quick and permanent solution is found to this problem.
Yours Sincerely,
Joseph Antony Gerard Motha.
"Small Enough, Your Excellency?"
It appears that US Ambassador Robert O Blake, Jr is trying to play down his high-profile, accessible image. At a lecture recently, he prefaced the Question-and-Answer session with the uncharacteristic request that his comments be kept off the record.
“If any of the members of the press would like to write something,” Blake said, “you’re free to send me an e-mail saying that you’d like to use a quote. But I’d rather not have large, flashy headlines.”
This came close on the heels of a public difference of opinion between Blake and the government. The previous day, The Sunday Times had quoted Blake as asserting, “I do not believe the LTTE intended to target diplomats and UN officials” when it shelled Weber ground. The government responded, saying that it had enough evidence to prove that the Tigers had deliberately targeted the diplomats.
Earlier, Prakash R Mirchandani, President – Sri Lanka America Society (SLAS), was ostensibly unaware that the press would be present. He appeared inclined to evict the presspersons present from Blake’s talk, but wiser counsel prevailed. It was a classic example of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing. Tita Nathanielsz, Co-Chairperson of SLAS, had specifically invited – nay, requested – that a journalist and cameraman be assigned for the talk to be addressed by Blake.
The final denouement was that Mirchandani, in a gesture that reeked of condescension, permitted the press invitees to remain after obtaining Blake’s conditional consent. Whether the initial volte-face was at the behest of the US Ambassador remains a matter of conjecture.
“If any of the members of the press would like to write something,” Blake said, “you’re free to send me an e-mail saying that you’d like to use a quote. But I’d rather not have large, flashy headlines.”
This came close on the heels of a public difference of opinion between Blake and the government. The previous day, The Sunday Times had quoted Blake as asserting, “I do not believe the LTTE intended to target diplomats and UN officials” when it shelled Weber ground. The government responded, saying that it had enough evidence to prove that the Tigers had deliberately targeted the diplomats.
Earlier, Prakash R Mirchandani, President – Sri Lanka America Society (SLAS), was ostensibly unaware that the press would be present. He appeared inclined to evict the presspersons present from Blake’s talk, but wiser counsel prevailed. It was a classic example of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing. Tita Nathanielsz, Co-Chairperson of SLAS, had specifically invited – nay, requested – that a journalist and cameraman be assigned for the talk to be addressed by Blake.
The final denouement was that Mirchandani, in a gesture that reeked of condescension, permitted the press invitees to remain after obtaining Blake’s conditional consent. Whether the initial volte-face was at the behest of the US Ambassador remains a matter of conjecture.
The Second Coming
Professional and personal aspirations for the New Year 2007
Strands of sticky red tape criss-cross my body and pin me down. Immobile, I can only sigh as little bureaucratic babus walk all over me. I feel like Gulliver, tied to the ground in Lilliput. I have been in this position for over nine months now!
Things have not been that bad, though. Not many people get to enjoy a spell of retirement in the middle of their careers. I daresay that I’ve gained on the swings what I’ve lost on the roundabouts. In the opening sentence of A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens aptly sums up what 2006 was like for me, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”. Yes, it has also given me the opportunity to look back at life and re-assess my priorities and aspirations. So, here goes…
1. A Passage Back to India
My first aspiration would be to return home to India. To gain perspective, you need to look at our country from the outside. On doing so, you cannot help but echo the poet Iqbal’s words, immortalized by Rakesh Sharma, “Saare Jahan Se Achcha”. It’s not just a cliché, it’s true…
I’ve explored opportunities in other lands. None can match the combination that India offers: culture, education, living standards, growth potential, security and racial harmony. All these have made India a destination of choice. The economic boom has resulted in a new-found respect for India and Indians. Tata Steel’s successful bid for Corus and Mittal Steel’s offer for Arcelor are symptomatic of our growing footprint.
The inadequate infrastructure and frustrating gubernatorial delays are mere road humps that decelerate the pace of progress.
2. A View to another Skill
I’ve never been fiercely ambitious. Career-wise, the pinnacle of my ambition was to be CFO of Titan or a company like it. With the company having identified my potential to move across functions, I can now aspire to be COO of a division like Tanishq. For this, I need to develop skills beyond my functional domain. I aspire to become a ‘Jack of all trades, master of one more’ this year.
Which skill? Maybe Marketing, in which I specialised at XLRI..? Or perhaps I could use the written word to churn out some great press releases, as a Public Relations person. Or use my people skills to transform the face of Human Resource management in Titan. Or my business sense, to get into a broader role where I can influence the results of the company. (The choice of an appropriate function would also depend on what Titan expects from me.)
In addition to using this new skill to further the company’s interests, I intend to prioritise my tasks better and to spend more time on the important few that could make a greater impact.
3. Sharpening the Saw
There’s a colleague who, whenever Titan’s financial results are declared, forwards the mail to me with a cryptic message, “Now look what you’ve done!” That is a flattering comment, no doubt, but unfair to the thousands of others who have contributed.
In some way, it shows that my perceived core competencies are Finance and – perhaps - common sense. The latter is like a muscle that develops on being exercised, which I have been doing. But I have miles to go before I can be world class in the evolving field of Finance. I need to keep ‘sharpening the saw’ (as Covey put it) to ensure that my competitive advantage is maintained. I intend to do this by enrolling for an appropriate course and interacting with peers in other organisations.
4. Let’s Get Physical
Having quit smoking recently, I believe that I have given myself a new lease of life. I aspire to stay off cigarettes and train for the Bangalore Ultra that is scheduled for December 16th, 2007. I intend to complete the 50 Kilometre distance in 5 hours, which would place me among the top finishers in the Veterans category.
I believe that my targeted timing is eminently achievable because I have completed a half-marathon in a shade over 2 hours. Starting a training regimen and sticking to it (while staying off nicotine) would be the keys to success.
5. One Life, Just Live It
I am firmly convinced that, as Titanians, we work for one of the best employers in India. But we may not always appreciate that fact – and the work that keeps us busy.
Beyond work, I aspire to spend more time with my family. To appreciate and encourage my children. To give more of myself to others. To appreciate life itself. To use my senses. (Have you felt the texture of leaves lately? Watched squirrels chasing each other round a tree? Watched butterflies fluttering by? Listened to birdsong in the morning? Smelt earth after the rain? Hugged a tree? Communed with nature? Try it, it soothes the soul.)
I aspire to acknowledge the presence of God and to sensitise others to His presence - by whatever name they choose to call Him. To seek His intervention to ensure that our mortal efforts yield divine results... I aspire to reach out to the underprivileged. I aspire, as Emerson put it, “to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition”.
Colombo.
Strands of sticky red tape criss-cross my body and pin me down. Immobile, I can only sigh as little bureaucratic babus walk all over me. I feel like Gulliver, tied to the ground in Lilliput. I have been in this position for over nine months now!
Things have not been that bad, though. Not many people get to enjoy a spell of retirement in the middle of their careers. I daresay that I’ve gained on the swings what I’ve lost on the roundabouts. In the opening sentence of A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens aptly sums up what 2006 was like for me, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”. Yes, it has also given me the opportunity to look back at life and re-assess my priorities and aspirations. So, here goes…
1. A Passage Back to India
My first aspiration would be to return home to India. To gain perspective, you need to look at our country from the outside. On doing so, you cannot help but echo the poet Iqbal’s words, immortalized by Rakesh Sharma, “Saare Jahan Se Achcha”. It’s not just a cliché, it’s true…
I’ve explored opportunities in other lands. None can match the combination that India offers: culture, education, living standards, growth potential, security and racial harmony. All these have made India a destination of choice. The economic boom has resulted in a new-found respect for India and Indians. Tata Steel’s successful bid for Corus and Mittal Steel’s offer for Arcelor are symptomatic of our growing footprint.
The inadequate infrastructure and frustrating gubernatorial delays are mere road humps that decelerate the pace of progress.
2. A View to another Skill
I’ve never been fiercely ambitious. Career-wise, the pinnacle of my ambition was to be CFO of Titan or a company like it. With the company having identified my potential to move across functions, I can now aspire to be COO of a division like Tanishq. For this, I need to develop skills beyond my functional domain. I aspire to become a ‘Jack of all trades, master of one more’ this year.
Which skill? Maybe Marketing, in which I specialised at XLRI..? Or perhaps I could use the written word to churn out some great press releases, as a Public Relations person. Or use my people skills to transform the face of Human Resource management in Titan. Or my business sense, to get into a broader role where I can influence the results of the company. (The choice of an appropriate function would also depend on what Titan expects from me.)
In addition to using this new skill to further the company’s interests, I intend to prioritise my tasks better and to spend more time on the important few that could make a greater impact.
3. Sharpening the Saw
There’s a colleague who, whenever Titan’s financial results are declared, forwards the mail to me with a cryptic message, “Now look what you’ve done!” That is a flattering comment, no doubt, but unfair to the thousands of others who have contributed.
In some way, it shows that my perceived core competencies are Finance and – perhaps - common sense. The latter is like a muscle that develops on being exercised, which I have been doing. But I have miles to go before I can be world class in the evolving field of Finance. I need to keep ‘sharpening the saw’ (as Covey put it) to ensure that my competitive advantage is maintained. I intend to do this by enrolling for an appropriate course and interacting with peers in other organisations.
4. Let’s Get Physical
Having quit smoking recently, I believe that I have given myself a new lease of life. I aspire to stay off cigarettes and train for the Bangalore Ultra that is scheduled for December 16th, 2007. I intend to complete the 50 Kilometre distance in 5 hours, which would place me among the top finishers in the Veterans category.
I believe that my targeted timing is eminently achievable because I have completed a half-marathon in a shade over 2 hours. Starting a training regimen and sticking to it (while staying off nicotine) would be the keys to success.
5. One Life, Just Live It
I am firmly convinced that, as Titanians, we work for one of the best employers in India. But we may not always appreciate that fact – and the work that keeps us busy.
Beyond work, I aspire to spend more time with my family. To appreciate and encourage my children. To give more of myself to others. To appreciate life itself. To use my senses. (Have you felt the texture of leaves lately? Watched squirrels chasing each other round a tree? Watched butterflies fluttering by? Listened to birdsong in the morning? Smelt earth after the rain? Hugged a tree? Communed with nature? Try it, it soothes the soul.)
I aspire to acknowledge the presence of God and to sensitise others to His presence - by whatever name they choose to call Him. To seek His intervention to ensure that our mortal efforts yield divine results... I aspire to reach out to the underprivileged. I aspire, as Emerson put it, “to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition”.
Colombo.
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