Fasten your belts and beat the global slowdown

“A crisis is a dangerous wind riding with opportunities,” reads a Chinese proverb. Scores of jobs being axed, U.S. banks filing bankruptcy, plummeted effect in stock markets and economies, dominate the media space day after day. A friend recently remarked fear in reading newspapers or watching television. No doubt, recession and meltdown has had its own impacts but nonetheless they do not signify that ‘All is Over’. Rather than worrying about mindboggling figures on global financial meltdown it does make a sense to look at the lighter part of it notwithstanding the chance to cultivate a culture of optimism and a smarter attitude.

If Ronald Wilson Reagan, former American president said “Recession is when a neighbor loses his job. Depression is when you lose yours,” as a part of his electoral campaign, it still holds well in today’s parlance. Just few days back, I happened to see someone so excited about the falling real estate prices and in another context witnessed a group celebrating, because some of their archrivals lost jobs, due to recent developments, in a reality show. When the programme’s anchor asked the reasoning the group proudly claimed that as long as they are not affected nothing really bothers them. True, crises of any magnitude do not have an impact as long as you are unaffected though the joy at the fate of other’s losing jobs is a frenzied feeling.

Some of the employees across sectors stretch beyond themselves to give beyond their best, delivering beyond expectations not taking leaves even in contingencies. They are under the constant fear of walking in a double edged knife. Equally worse are instances where professionals have vowed not to get married in the year 2009 for fear of losing jobs and ultimately lost their girlfriends!. Some others have started taking lessons on managing stress and pay cuts whether or not they are directly impacted by any of them. A measure of caution does make good for any activity that we undertake in life as long as the intention are ‘to be safe rather than sorry’. However these scenarios only advocate unwanted fear.

People who switched jobs for better pastures are taken by a surprise as trends have witnessed downward influences. Job-hopping ones considered as a fashion, are now things of the past. So, whether they cannot go on with a bad boss or with a low pay that is perceived inadequate or a job profile that is least challenging, they have no choice but to stick on to their present employer until there is normalcy. The larger picture looks good for companies, management and it is a fitting lesson to the so called ‘active job hunters’. The only bitter contention is that this has come up to them in the hard way. The moral is to “Be good even when times are good so that you don’t have to be extra good when times are bad”.

Not many would have forgotten the story of a church priest, who went on to become a rich businessman after he was asked to resign for not being a graduate or the story of the multi-millionaire, who acquired larger fortunes than Bill Gates after being denied an employment for not knowing to know how to send the E-mails. The protagonists in both cases saw opportunities behind the adversities and not the adversities itself. An advertisement in a popular Financial Daily, which calls for entries for their business fest, envisages the fact that this is the ideal time for new entrepreneurships, owing to the cheap input costs in terms of the four factors of production, land, labor, raw materials and capital.

Job-losses have increased the number of enrollments in postgraduate management courses and other academic programmes. It is really a good trend to observe considering the fact that, not many employed people usually have the conviction to learn and plan a lateral career development. Now that they are forced to do, the actions are only bound to get better as people will be looking at enhancing careers and not just as an alternative engagement in place of mainstream employment.

‘One man’s meat is the poison of the other man,’ aptly applies now as small and mid-sized companies have cashed on to recruit valuable resources who have been handed pink-slips by biggies at a much lower and affordable cost. Similarly, this trend has also explored several opportunities for certain businesses or professions that were so far not very popular. For instance, Counselors are in much demand and the services of NGO’s providing them are much sought out for.

All said and done it would not be possible to paint the whole picture without acknowledging the gloomy aspects. Global meltdown has definitely done more than enough damages. But, what one requires is all the courage to face odds, think beyond the usual and also have an urge to excel no matter the factors or external pressures that come by. The underlying message is clear; “Sharpen your axe day after day,” as mediocrity, underperformance and slack will not be tolerated anymore.

M.D.S.PRABU

Travellogue

Courtrallam
The spa of the south

Everybody's talking about Coutrallam now. The irrepressibly majestic waterfalls have put the tiny town on the international tourist map. This also happens to be the best time of the year to visit Courtallam – the temperature is just right and the roar of the waters, which are infused with rare herbs, cascading onto your body is guaranteed to chase your stress away.

Here is the Guide to the place known variously as Tamilnadu's Niagara and the Spa of the South!

Situated in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Coutrallam is a part of the Podhigai Hills of Tirunelveli district in Tamilnadu. This is one of the few waterfalls in the country where tourists are allowed to bathe. A cool breeze, a drizzle and the imposing range of Western Ghats greet you when you enter Coutrallam. The annual 'Saaral Vizha' marks the beginning of the tourist season.

The Must-See Waterfalls are:

1) Main Falls: This is the most popular and perennially crowded waterfall in the region. When water cascades down at its full strength, the stretch equals the width of 15 persons standing next to each other!

1) Main Falls: This is the most popular and perennially crowded waterfall in the region. When water cascades down at its full strength, the stretch equals the width of 15 persons standing next to each other!

2) Chittaruvi/ Forest Falls: Locals fondly call it the 'Bathroom Falls'. As the name signifies, you will find plenty of bathing rooms right beneath the falls, though only a few people can be accommodated at a time.

3) V.I.P/ Orchard Falls: Straight out of a beautiful dream – that is how picturesque the Orchard Falls are! But you require special permission from the tourism office to bathe here. Psst, several important personalities were denied the privilege.

4.) Five Falls:

Rated as one of the most popular falls, the temple nearby adds to the appeal. Water from the V.I.P Falls directly flows down here and gets diverted into five different falls and hence the name.

5.) Tiger Falls:

Untill 1950, water was flowing without restrictions here. But, thanks to the efforts of renowned industrialist Sri.Karimuthu
Thyagaraja Chettiar, the falls were made suitable for public bathing. He was the one who had constructed the tiger caves. It is believed that in those days, tigers use to rest in the caves at night.

6) Old Courtallam Falls:

Inaugurated by Shri K.Kamaraj in 1960 when he was the chief minister of the state, the Old Courtallam Falls has its own set of loyal fans.

7.)Shenbaga Devi Water Falls:

Named after the Shenbaga Devi Amman temple located nearby, water from the falls flows over a deep pool beneath. Dangerous rocks line in the floor of the pool. There have been several instances of deaths due to careless plunges. Still, even statistical displays of death tolls, haven’t stopped over-enthusiastic tourists from jumping in.



8.) Honey Falls:

Situated above Shenbagadevi Falls, you need to swim a few yards in a pool to bathe here. The falls are named after the cluster of bee hives above them.

9.) New Falls:

At an elevation of roughly 1000 ft, the New Falls are situated above 2 Kms from the Main Falls. The pristine waters and the sylvan landscape all around have ensured the popularity of the falls among tourists.

Apart from these, there are other waterfalls here which are in privately owned farmlands and gardens. Public transportation
is not available for all the waterfalls. You might have to trek.

A plethora of massage parlours dot Courtallam. For a taste of rustic boho, get a vigorous massage, bathe in the falls, have a spicy meal and sleep all the day exactly in that order.

Mythical Courtallam? Yes, that too!

When all the gods and goddesses converged at Mount Kailash to witness the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvathi, their combined weight was so heavy that the northern plate tilted. Lord Shiva summoned Maharishi Agasthya and asked him to proceed south of the Vindhyas to balance the weight. So immense was the Maharishi’s yogic powers that the north-south balance was quickly restored.

With his divine vision, Agastya witnessed the wedding right from Courtallam. There are many who still believe that he still lives in the jungles.

Another narrative has it that the deity at Courtrallanathar temple was initially that of Lord Bramha. It was later transformed into the deity of Lord Vishnu. In its current form, it is the deity of Lord Shiva. The Lord and his Consort are Parvathy are known here as Courtalla Naadhar and Kuzhalvaimozhi. Courtallam is also known as ‘Chitra Sabha’, one of the five celestial dancing halls in which Lord Natraja performed his divine dance.

References to the Courtallam temple are found in the literary compositions of the last Sangam era. Many miracles are attributed to the place. In the year 1949, a 12-year-old speech-impaired girl named Meenakshi suddenly found herself cured of the disability. Devotees believe that Mother Parvathy had cured the little girl. The fact that the news was published in London journal named ‘prediction’ in 1950 might make you want to reconsider the instinct to dismiss it as gossip.

The Europeans were the first to call it the ‘Spa of the South’. In memory of Lord Casa Major, a neighbouring village was named Kasimejapuram. You will also find many magnificent bungalows built by the English officers of the East India Company and the subsequent rulers. The British were also the ones who had constructed the arch through which water flows to the main falls.

Water conservation:

There are about 70 tanks to save the water from the falls for irrigation and drinking. Courtallam hills also boast of about 350 rare and exclusive herbs.

Accommodation and Food:

There are as many as seventy lodges, 100 hotels and 450 houses with paying guest/ cooking options to choose from. Book in advance, else you might not find a place to stay! Visitors often end up buying properties in the area to construct expansive retreat-style homes.

You might find the local cuisine very spicy. Fret not, because all the extra spice will prepare your body for the cold waters!



Prominent places of stay are:

1.) Isakki High View Resorts-04633283773
2.) Kurinji Villa – 04633 083267
3.) Dalavoi House – 04633 283027, 04633283447
4.) Hotel Tamilnadu – 04633 283003

Shopping…..

Don’t expect to do any exotic souvenir shopping in Courtallam. Still, you might want to buy fruits like mangosteen, custard apple and of course , the local spices. Chilli bajji is the most popular local snack. And don’t forget to treat yourself to the inimitable Tirunelveli Halwa!

Season:

June to August is the peak season for tourists, but the best time to visit is September. This is the month when Courtallam is not very crowded and you can enjoy your trip in leisure. It is not a good idea to visit Courtallam between October and December; the water would freeze your bones!

Other places of interest near Courtallam:

Kasi Viswanathar Temple: 5 Kms

Milk Falls at Ariyankavoo , Kerala : 30 kms

Upper Dam at Papanasam : 54 Kms

Nellaiappar Kovil at Tirunelvelli : 60Kms

Kanyakumari : 140 Kms

Transport:

Madurai Airport is 120 kilometers away while Trivandrum Airport is 160 Kilometers away from Courtallam.

My Article on compulsuory helmet wearing( published in ET Madras Plus (dated 24.05.2007))

RULE IMPACT
Hell-met yet?
Helmet sales don’t seem to have increased in the expected numbers even after the court ruling...
MDS Prabu The High Court of Madras issued an order some time ago, to the effect that wearing a helmet be made a mandatory practise amongst all two-wheeler riders across the state. First-time offenders will be fined with Rs100, while Rs300 will be charged for subsequent offences, states the new rule, which is to be implemented on June 1. And it isn’t just the riders, but also those who accompany them, who are required to wear helmets. This deadline however, is only for the two-wheeler riders in the city; those from other parts of the state have time until July 1 to comply. However, the sales scene now indicates that the court order might not have been taken seriously. Rajkumar, a sales manager with Pioneer Scooter Centre, a helmet showroom in the city, tells us that the oncoming rule has not really motivated riders to buy helmets. "I’ve not witnessed any tremendous sales increase as such. Possibly, many people are still not aware of the order. Some, I know, also expect that the court-imposed deadlines are bound to be postponed," he says. Is this expectation of postponement a result of the fact that nothing official in this country materialises immediately? "Yes," pat comes the reply.The Managing Partner of Rainbow Lining Industries Jaffer Ali, who sells automobile accessories and helmets in his store, says that there is very little increase in sales at his outlet. "People come with a lot of enquiries nowadays. But, the numbers which turn into actual sales are very few," he adds. "When there is no other option, customers will rush at the last minute and this will make things worse, because we may not be able to supply the model and colour demanded by each person," says Rajkumar. Jaffer suggests that the best way to induce awareness is through advertisements. "If some clippings based on the public awareness messages are shown, it will automatically induce people to buy helmets," he opines. "Customers should buy helmets that satisfy ISI. These helmets break only when they are hit while hurtling at a speed of 30-45km," he remarks, adding that it may cost a little extra but in the long run it saves lives. "Besides," adds Jaffer, "Wearing a helmet also protects the eyes from dust and pollution and keeps a person fresh, even though it may take sometime to get accustomed to." "Helmets that are manufactured as per ISI, not only protect your life but also take care of your health as the standards also provide specifications on other aspects like thermocol, ventilation and patterns that don’t obstruct the view," opines another dealer Samsudeen, Proprietor of Life Care Helmets. For Samsudeen however, the sales figures have risen. "For instance I would sell about 20 helmets per day but nowadays I am able to sell 23 helmets," he says. Many people have also set up shops to capitalise on this opportunity. "The saddest part is that even mechanics have put up stalls in their shops. Without proper experience, they will not be able to advise customers,” says Samsudeen. The price of a branded helmet ranges from Rs400 to Rs1,400 and there are expensive models also that cost upto Rs8,000. "There has been an increase in the sale of these expensive helmets as a result of this judgement," says Samsudeen citing that the ruling has had an effect on some people. Kumar Subramanian, an assistant consultant with TCS, and a two-wheeler rider, agrees that he is keen to buy helmet only because of the judgement. "Even though I am not comfortable wearing helmets, the move is appropriate due to the increase in vehicle population and traffic. I am sure that such a ruling will only aid in the safety of people," he feels. N Rammoorthy an engineer with TNEB is of the same opinion, agreeing that unless such rulings are imposed nobody will take that extra effort to ensure safety. How far this implementation proves to be effective is something we’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, ET M+ will keep you posted!

Got an appreciation letter for this piece(published in ET reality ((dated April 6, 2007)

KNOW YOUR BUILDER

Quality servicing and end-to-end solutions.

MDS Prabu

Gayathri Punjabi Mirza Director of KG Developers and Promoters talks on the fundamentals of real estate industry

She happens to be one of the few woman leaders in the field. And more importantly she heads one of the biggest firms. Gayathri Punjabi Mirza says she was always involved with the industry and proudly informs us that she did her bachelors and masters in Real Estate Finance from USA. KG Developers and Promoters is one of the oldest companies that has completed more than one hundred projects since its inception… and carrying its success story ahead is gayathri leading the path set by her founder father.

“We help the buyer in everything right from tenanting to resale and we cater to both commercial and residential properties,” she tells us stressing on the priority of providing high quality services. She has a high regard for buyers and notes that they are knowledgeable and well exposed. Gayathri points out that one of their USPs has been to offer facilities for future and growing needs. “As a matter of fact we make use of high quality raw materials and we utilise those that are at least 3 or 4 times higher in quality than the standard ones,” she quips.

“Instead of buildings that face roads we construct in such a way that they face the inner side. This is an international model and it has been highly appreciated by property enthusiasts,” says she and adds that in their projects many facilities like clubs, gyms and other amenities are an in-built feature. Today people do not have the time practically to go out for each activity and therefore it is these areas we address to make a difference.”

While discussing about the kind of service they offer she says that a lot of planning goes behind the scene and that they have always ensured transparency with the clients.” We maintain relationships even after the project is completed,” she tells us. On the kind of sectors the builder targets, Gayathri says that they cater both to commercial and residential properties. Explaining about the kind of services that they undertake in IT projects she says, “We offer all modern infrastructure and amenities to the full satisfaction of the clients. For instance our mega project in Perungudi the landscape, exteriors and entrance have been constructed on the basis of eco friendly standards. It even has an independent service building.”

She also explains about their forthcoming-gated community project, KG Green Meadows in Velachery, “It is the first of its kind in the city with 100 semi detached villas. We have provided for a healthy living environment with oxygen parlours, jogging track, sauna, steam, foot reflexology pathways, amphi theatre and swimming pool. We have also put up hydraulic unique plumbing system that avoids the use of overhead tanks above each villa”.




On the scope of real estate market she is extremely optimistic and says that disposable income among people and the willingness to buy homes will always remain. When asked about the moves she would suggest for the benefit of the industry she called for better infrastructure development and private public partnership.

She has an important piece of advice to buyers “Choose your buyer with discretion and pay proper attention when you choose a location”.

My Article on Tamil Cinema Comedy Trends (published in ET Madras Plus (dated April 13 2007))

COMIC CAPERS
All for laughs!
Movies are often remembered for their comedians. ET M + traces the evolution and relevance of comedy in Kollywood…
mds prabu Be it the vazhaipazham joke in Karakattakaran, Nagesh’s funny lament in Thiruvilaiyadal or Vivek and Vadivel’s timing in the movies of recent times, comedy has played an indomitable role in Tamil cinema. Laughter as they say is the best medicine; no wonder then that some films make it big at the box office and are remembered solely for their comic scenes! Writer, actor and director K Bhagyaraj says that comedy was an independent element in movies until very recently, "Comedians did not have a major connection with the story or even the hero or heroine. This did not just apply to Tamil films, but also to Indian cinema in other languages. However, that is no more the case. People like K Balachender and I like to weave comedy along with the main storyline." He says that most often, comedians would appear at the meeting place of the hero and heroine, and gradually occupy a significant place in the story. He also feels that a lot of times, the comic element is added only because it provides relief to the audience. Stressing that slapstick comedy will not stay long in the minds of viewers, he opines that situational comedy has greater impact. He remarks, "Parthiban and I have been able to bring comedy to the forefront, because we happen to write the script as well as direct the movie." Bhagyaraj adds "Comedy should also touch the heart and make judicious use of presence of mind." Present day comedy, he says, hasn’t changed much except for the improvements in technology. Says R Parthiban, actor and director, "The audience plays a major role in helping directors decide what comedy elements to use. When we discuss the storyline with four or five assistants, it becomes possible to understand the reaction of the audience and decide if a particular concept will be received well or not.” Veteran comedy actor YG Mahendran says, "The audience expects wholesome fun from comedians, but they manage to get away with any comments they pass." He also feels that comedy trends change once every 10 years, depending on the type and class of the film-going audience. In the present day comedy scenario, he comments that there are several top-class artistes but viewers are mostly subject to ordinary fare. However, film historian Randor Guy is of an entirely different view. "A lot of the humour in the 30s and 40s had social content but today, it is not the case," he points out. He believes that the best days of comedy in Tamil films are over. He says that the quality of humour has diminished because they have accepted vulgar and repetitive jokes. In reply to that, one of the most popular comedians of recent times, A Vivek says, "Making a comedy is a no joke and one has to work hard towards it. We are always under pressure to produce something new in every scene." He believes that in those days, humorists were trained in both body and mind. "However, today, comedians have a mix of situational and verbal comedy," he tells us. What is the one thing that sets today’s comic sense apart from that of the yesteryears? "Timing is one of the main differences between the old days and the present. We have to deliver everything at a very quick pace to grab the viewer’s attention." He says that a script is very important to the success of a comedy and so are other factors like the situation and performance of the artiste. "There is no magic formula for the success of a comedy. It has never been possible to predict the success or failure of a particular comedy scene," he laughs. The bottom line is that the audiences have an important role to play in deciding the success of a comedian or a comic scene, because they have benchmarks and have seen great comedians come and go over the years. He believes that comedies that point at the obvious will not succeed and if people try to play with only body language or wit, it will not serve any purpose. "Comedy should also touch the heart and make judicious use of presence of mind," he comments. Present day comedy, he says, hasn’t changed much except for the improvements in technology. Says R Parthiban, actor and director, "The audience plays a major role in helping directors decide what comedy elements to use. When we discuss the storyline with four or five assistants, it becomes possible to understand the reaction of the audience and decide if a particular concept will be received well or not. However, we make sure that the humour is subtle and does not spoil the other components of the movie." Humour has indeed occupied a significant place - be it old or new movies. Agrees veteran comedy actor YG Mahendran, "The audience expects wholesome fun from comedians, but they manage to get away with any comments they pass." He also feels that comedy trends change once every 10 years, depending on the type and class of the film-going audience. In the present day comedy scenario, he comments that there are several top-class artistes but viewers are mostly subject to ordinary fare. However, film historian Randor Guy is of an entirely different view. He tells us that comedy was a supreme concern during the 1930s and 40s. "A lot of the humour had social content but today, it is not the case," he points out. He believes that the best days of comedy in Tamil films are over. Blaming the taste of audiences, he says that the quality of humour has diminished because they have accepted vulgar and repetitive jokes. In reply to that, one of the most popular comedians of recent times, A Vivek says, "Making a comedy is a no joke and one has to work hard towards it. We are always under pressure to produce something new in every scene." He believes that even with modern technology, we cannot replicate the comedy of legends like Charlie Chaplin, because in those days humorists were trained in both body and mind. "However, today comedians perform because of inspiration, and it turns out to be their style once it succeeds. Present cinemas have a mix of situational and verbal comedy," he tells us. What is the one thing that sets today’s comic sense apart from that of the yesteryears? "Timing is one of the main differences between the old days and the present. We have to deliver everything at a very quick pace to grab the viewer’s attention." He says that a script is very important to the success of a comedy and so are other factors like the situation and performance of the artiste. "There is no magic formula for the success of a comedy. Every time I perform, I keep my fingers crossed because it has never been possible to predict the success or failure of a particular comedy scene," he laughs. The bottom line is that the audiences have an important role to play in deciding the success of a comedian or a comic scene, because they have benchmarks and have seen great comedians come and go over the years.

My article on Bus Buzz (published in ET Madras Plus (dated 22.3.2007))

BUS BUZZ
Orange and white, buses delight!
The new fleet of buses gives disciplined commuters a reason to rejoice while disappointing bus ’hangers’
M D S PrabhuThe Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) is all set to make the city colourful and chic! With the introduction of semi-low floor buses, automatic doors and prepaid tickets, travelling in an MTC will never be the same for a regular commuter. "The aim is to offer excellent commuting experiences at a reasonable price and still make profits," says R Balasubramanian, Managing Director - Metropolitan Transport Corporation, while adding that the idea sparked on an official tour with the Transport Secretary to Los Angels and Columbia. Proposals to introduce Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS) are also in the pipeline. "We have submitted the recommendations to TNRDC - Tamil Nadu Road Development Corporation - and if everything goes well we will have exclusive buses on the OMR," says Balasubramanian, "We have fifty white buses and have made arrangements for portable washing machines to clean them on a regular basis. "80% of the accidents are caused due to footboard travel, but the automatic doors will curb this menace. This bus will also have air suspension (air bellows instead of springs to support cushions) and two steps to facilitate ladies and elderly people to get in easily. The revenue model in this is great. Only our initial investments and capital costs are high but the returns in terms of revenues can be generated quickly… as early as within a month!" The buses have been manufactured at a cost of Rs13.5 lacs each. White-line buses will operate at Rs5 and Rs10 - fixed for particular distances. Orange liners will charge the same rates as yellow and blue liners. The white-liners will also ply chartered trips to various software and manufacturing companies at the IT corridor and Sriperumbudur from 6am to 8am in the mornings and 5pm to 6pm in the evenings. "During the rest of the day, they will travel within the city and their terminus will be Kelambakkam. Orange liners will ply like mofusil buses and their minimum one-time journey will be a distance of 50km," remarks an MTC official. And if your biggest worry is procuring tickets from unfriendly conductors, things are about to change! The new service will also have ticketing machines installed at various bus stations for prepaid tickets valid for the journey undertaken! So happy travelling!

My article on Corporate Trends (published in ET Madras Plus (dated 24.2.2007))

Corporate trends

Get Away, to work

ET M+ takes a look at the evolving corporate culture that seeks to keep its executives happy…
M D S PrabuGet a fix on this - a cool-looking dude lounges comfortably by an aqua pool, sipping something that looks tall, cool and refreshing. And he’s not on holiday! His laptop takes all his attention, yet his entire body-language screams `relaxed’! Welcome to the corporate world where employers are realizing the importance of rejuvenating their workforce, keeping them completely happy and energized. Jayanthi Vaidyanathan, Director, Human Resources, Covansys India, agrees, "Such offsite experiential learning exercises are becoming popular since it brings in personal growth as a result of direct experiences in a setting outside of the routine of everyday work. Apart from de-stressing, it helps the employees know one another better." She adds that off-site does not necessarily mean discussing business strategy. "It could just be spending time out together, connecting up, resulting in better teaming." Many corporates do not observe a fixed framework for such leisure/work trips - since the most important feature is time availability. R Ram Kumar, Director, Corporate Marketing and Communications, Cognizant, also endorses the concept. "We recently had our European leadership and business development strategy offsite program in Goa. This was attended by approximately 70 senior professionals from across our European and Indian operations," he informs ET M+. He opines that apart from strong networking, offsite working and get-togethers help in establishing a high degree of bonhomie and camaraderie. How else are offsite exercises beneficial? Drawing a direct relationship with productivity, Ram reveals that these exercises at Cognizant are a good mix of work and fun which help in relaxation and returning to work re-invigorated. "In the IT industry, a company’s success is primarily dependant on team work and team leadership; as such, offsite meetings help greatly in strengthening these key attributes," he points out. Jayanthi tells us that it has definitely helped in personal growth, bonding people together and energizing them which ultimately contribute to retention. Ravi Vishwanathan, Vice President of Tata Consultancy Services feels that offsite holidays give one fair time to brainstorm. "The primary objective is brainstorming in an atmosphere where one is free from the day-to-day office routine. Only when you are out of office cubicles are you tension-free." These exercises are always conducted on Saturdays or other holidays in TCS. "Ultimately the deliverables to the client matters and there should be no compromise on the time required for executing projects," says Ravi. "At Cognizant," reveals Ram, "These exercises are done business unit wise, location wise, and function wise involving employees across all levels in the organisation. These sessions are generally spread over two-three days. Usually, half the time is spent on discussing and strategizing on business. The remaining time is spent on team building activities and on having fun or partying. Besides, we also bring in external experts who moderate the sessions, and give presentations on strategically thought out leadership themes with case studies from across the industry." Jai Mundra who operates Events, an event management company, says that this is the norm now in many corporates. Preferred destinations, Jai tells us, include distantly located farm houses and other recreational sites. "They make a great impact both on the employer and employee. While it is a sense of renewal for the employee, the employer is able to have a check on attrition," says Jai. Udeep B, CEO of Mayajaal reveals, "We have companies coming in here all the time. With lots of leisure options in one spot here (movie, bowling, resorts), we are one of the preferred choices most of the time. Almost 30% of our revenue comes from entertaining such projects." So work, need no more be boring - it can be leisure too, if more corporates get into the act!

My article on Women Bar atttenders (published in ET Madras Plus (dated 17.2.2007))

WOO-MAN ATTENDERSCalling the ’Shots’Bartending has become a career option for women in the city.

ET M+ takes a look…MDS Prabu / Pratiba Raman

Women’s empowerment has surpassed all barriers, and the fairer sex has started stepping into domains that were predominantly considered ’a man’s forte’. Essaying challenging real-life roles - right from a homemaker to a corporate bigwig - the new-age woman has stepped into every sector, leaving no single field unexplored. And now, she’s beginning to prove herself in the field of bartending as well! Ami Shroff, a celebrity bartender, agrees with the increasing popularity of this profession among women in the city. Being a self-taught bartender, she says that she learnt the art while partying and moving around with friends. "I also learnt a lot from books and the Internet," she recalls, "I was inspired by the movie Cocktails." The film sparked her interest further and there was no looking back. "I worked with a friend of mine and our collective interest helped in learning and exploring more," she says, with an air of satisfaction. She adds further that the trend of "freelance bartending" is also catching up in the city. Though women bar enthusiasts are plenty, very few end up taking it up as a full-time profession. Adarsh Singh, a student of Beeman, a city-based bartending institute, says that women are generally preferred, as they interact well with customers. But, highlighting a negative point, Ami says that everything is not always hunky dory, as ego clashes with men do find their way into the workplace. Prasanna, Founder of Beeman, says that crash courses in bartending offered for women are in high demand. Many women undertake these courses and even attend a few private parties, he reveals. And even monetarily, the profession is quite lucrative, Ami says, as the starting salaries can range from Rs8,000 to Rs15,000 in good hotels. Celebrity bartenders earn huge sums running into several thousands for each individual party. In the case of the starters who freelance, a sum of upto a Rs1,000 per event is a given. Hard work and staying in tune with the trend will help one excel," she adds. She explains the two major categories of bartending - flare and mixology. Most bartenders agree that women make good mixologists. Mixology is all about different concoctions that make different innovative drinks. Flare is the art of blowing fire through the mouth, explains Ami as she demonstrates her flaring techniques. Sakunthala Roy, Director - Public relations, Taj Hotels, says that this trend further signifies the empowerment of women. "Many customers prefer women bartenders due to their pleasant nature. In fact, people love to be served by a lady bartender!" she enthuses. Prasanna notes that most homemakers and women in corporates take up the course so that they can host parties. Lavanya Iyer who has just completed the course says that innovative careers give women that much needed boost, as they are able to do something that was long dominated by men alone. Despite hailing from a conventional background, the encouragement from her parents has helped her set foot in bartending. It is well-known that this niche segment for most part remains fairly unexplored in Chennai, when compared to the other metros. But what makes it exciting is the fact that many believe this trend has tremendous growth potential in the city!