Author Archives: badri

About badri

As I approached 68 (2013), my son, Anand insisted that I had proven enough in my 45-year long career and it was time I took life a little easier; enjoy traveling (that I love) and social life. Yet, I somehow wanted to contribute positively and was exploring my options. My son-in-law, Navin suggested that I should write and share my experiences, “being a self-made man, you should tell the next generation how you overcame various obstacles to reach this position, in both, business and social circles.” He pointed out that while I was sharing my experiences with family and friends, as they approached me, a blog had the potential to take your voice to many, many more. He also insisted that I start mentoring youngsters who were new in their businesses. I was convinced. I offered my services pro bono, as part of a Guidance Program. Also, I started writing on this blog, bringing out figments from my memory as experiences that might be of value to the readers here. My daughter Meeta is sweet enough to spare her time to edit what I write. As a youngster, I thought one meal a day, one set of school uniform a year, a public place to study, lack of finance and basic shelter would keep me from achieving my dreams. To compensate, I started giving 110% of what was normally expected. Yes, 110% even in bad deeds! This worked. The very limitations started inspiring me in different phases of my life – meritorious results in studies; strength to shoulder family responsibilities; satisfied employers; establishing a successful business of my own; and in my adventure trips and other travel plans. Having done what I wanted to, I agreed it was time for me to expose myself! I felt, through this blog, I could and should share my expereinces. Hopefully, readers would find some bits useful and if not, they’d enjoy reading. Look forward to interact with you. Happy Reading, Badri Baldawa

Support, But Do Not Spoil

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Just like I was  looking for moral and financial support when I started my career, many youngsters need support from people who are established. I have been an active participant in trying to provide similar assistance and support, to the best of my means and limitations, for the last 20 years.  It is a pleasure to share a couple of experiences I learnt out of my experiences on matters of financial assistance.

Majority of the people who seek help come with genuine repayment plans and fulfill their commitments on time.  It is always a pleasure extending support to persons with such an attitude. If the loan is for commercial purposes, there is nothing wrong for the lender to have a fair return, as the objective of the loan was to earn money.

If the loan is for an essential nature, I consider providing assistance ‘free of interest’ as getting them out of the financial strain is an adequate satisfaction.  But the borrower should realise that the lender has given the help depriving himself of the earnings that he otherwise would earn on that amount.

However, I have experienced that this ‘interest free’ tag has a  negative effect.   In such cases, the borrower instead of being grateful for receiving concessions, unfortunately, feels that it was his ‘right’ to have received that assistance.  In certain cases it was taken for granted as a gift.  Besides the borrower conveniently takes the repayment of interest-free loan as a last priority, as it doesn’t cost him to delay the repayments.  In most of the cases, the borrower avoids talking to lender as he considers it is the duty of the lender to ask for money.  In some cases, because of the relationship in question, the lender does not talk about it, converting “good money” to “bad money”.

Who is responsible for this?  The borrower?  No. My experience says, it is the me the lender’s fault, for very many reasons.

  • First of all, the loan given was emotion-based and not merit based
  • Secondly,  I mis-judged the borrower, in his attitude
  • Thirdly, I reduced the value of money, by giving the loan interest free
  • Fourthly, if the loan was given for non-essential purposes, I helped the borrower in  investing the funds for non-productive purposes.

Thus I was the one who spoiled them.  I could have been wiser in taking the borrower in confidence by explaining that I value my relationship with him and wish to avoid misunderstandings in future citing Shakespeare, “neither a lender nor a borrower be.”

Had I said a firm “No” and avoided getting emotional, I could have saved them and their deterioration in quality of attitude.  Above all I could have retained my relations with them!

Written: Badri Baldawa

Edited: Meeta Kabra

Who Was She?

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I was driving alone from Abu Dhabi to Dubai on a Friday night in 1983-84.  It is a distance of 130 kms and a 1.5 hour drive.  At that time, the stretch of about 100 km from the outskirts of Abudhabi to Dubai World Trade Centre, was an isolated route.  The roads hardly had anything other than speeding cars plying at over 140km/hr.  It is a right-side-drive system in that part of the world.  That Friday night, I had a peculiar experience.

After about 20 kms from Abudhabi, I saw a lady standing on the roadside with her right thumb pointing up for a lift to Dubai.  She was wearing bangles made of white gold with shining studded diamonds.  Light from the headlights of the car reflected the brightness of the diamonds when she held her hand up for a lift.

She was wearing a white chudidar-kurta.  White – as white as you can imagine.  Shiny silk fabric. Silky white – neck to toe.  No part of the body were exposed except her hands.  I could not trace the face. I don’t remember it it was hollow at that time!

Normally, I would not give a lift to any one on that isolated route. But I don’t know why, I stopped the car to my right.  Though my car doors were auto-locked, she opened the door. It opened absolutely softly.  She sat in.  I continued driving.

She sat quietly. After a while I asked some question. She did not answer.  While I was still driving, I glanced towards her seat. She was wearing white socks, snow white, shiny sandles.

Funnily because I saw her legs resting on the neck support at the top of the seat next to me.  I quickly realised, it might not be really funny.  Where had her head gone?  It was at the bottom of the seat, with top of her bald head covered with a white scarf resting on the foot-carpet.

I glanced again, this time top to bottom of the seat.  It was clear to me she was sitting upside down.  Bald head, a long, long nose, eyes deep inside and chin projecting out!  There was certainly something seriously wrong!

I had the same thoughts you are having now.  I need to protect myself!

I had to take a pre-emptive step!  Who else could be better than Lord Hanuman in such situations?  In my mind, I started chanting Hanuman Chalisa. “Bhoot Pisacha nikata nahi ave, Mahavir jab naam sunave etc.”.  (If you chant Lord Hanuman’s name, ghosts will stay away.)

After a while, I glanced at her seat, though not at her.  She was still there.  I already had her company for about 50km.   No communication and it looked as if she was waiting for an opportunity to do something harmful.

I collected all my strength and started chanting again Hanuman Chalisa, this time loudly.  I kept repeating the loud chant.  After a while, the car stopped on the road side!  Waah Hanumanji!  I don’t remember having turned the steering nor did I remember applying the brakes.  But the car stopped decently, on the side of the road. She opened the door, got down, slowly walked away and after a couple of steps she disappeared.

Can someone tell me – Who Was She?

Written: Badri Baldawa
Edited: Meeta Kabra

 

 

Admirable PM – What A Vision !

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In a TV presentation, I learnt that our Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi had his Master’s degree in Political Science. Though I couldn’t confirm it from elsewhere, it was mentioned that Mr. Modi wanted to go to the US for further studies.  He had his passport ready.  But then changed his decision and finally did not go. The reason given was stunning.  It wasn’t visa or finance related. Then what was it?  Give me a minute; I will get back to it.

As the younger members in my family were growing older, obviously  their education and other requirements increased. To cope with the increased need for income, I decided take up a job overseas in 1977, till a majority of my responsibilities were fulfilled.

I was out of India for 9 years.  This gave me many advantages.  Besides the financial earnings, I got exposure to the world, gained confidence in negotiating international deals and made good friends.  This helped me a lot when I started my business later.

As my responsibilities reduced and my wife and I wanted our children to be brought up in the Indian culture, we decided to return to India.  As pointed out by our friends there, it was a challenge to come back and settle in India.

While staying abroad, I was completely disconnected and lost touch with my social circles and our community in India.  For my fellow Chartered Accountants and professional friends I became an outsider and on my return, I realised I was unaware of the latest changes and developments in India in professional matters.  Internet and websites did not exist then.

Given the choices between business, employment and professional practice as a Chartered Accountant, business was my first choice without doubt. I always had a burning desire to run my own business, experiment with business and watch the outcome.

My overseas exposure, no doubt, helped me gain a lot in business.  But then I had to pay a price.  I lost something important in life; to remain connected with my people.

Who knows, had Mr. Modi gone to the US, he would have lost touch with his people, with us.  The reasons Mr. Modi gave for canceling his plans to go overseas was along the following thought, “I decided not to go out as I wanted to be in contact and in touch with my people!”

He had his full attention right from the beginning for His People.  That has added to his energy now.  We are sure to grow.  Admirable foresightedness!  What a devotion to His People!

Author: Badri Baldawa

Edited: Meeta Kabra

 

Expanding Business? Take care !

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Expanding Business?  Take care

Expanding a medium size business needs to take care of certain tricky problems like expanding business vs infra-structure for increased activities and safety of capital already earned.    .

Any business is run to make money, of course, in a fair way.  Once a business starts earning money, the owner wants to make more money!  He realises soon that expansion or diversification of activities are the solutions. This invariably needs infrastructure which in turn needs further investment.

Expansion of activities also means a bigger uncertainty in revenues. Any unnecessary investments in infrastructure might eat up on the profits and liquidity, including that of the current business.  While, without taking business risks, it is close to impossible to expand business, an expansion without proper infrastructure is suicidal.  Therefore the owners have to adequately balance strategy between expansion of business and additional costs of larger infrastructure.

4-5 decades ago, our family business went through a similar balancing act or lack thereof.  The reasons stand good even today.  My dad owned iron ore and manganese mines.  He was as good at looking for and selecting remunerative mines as he was at obtaining Government permissions to operate those mines.  He started with a small mine of a few acres and expanded to 9 mining leases. From the records, I found out after his death that just two of them were as big as 1064 acres!  These could have been sources of unimaginable and unlimited revenues.

He was the lone manager of this enterprise.  Infrastructure for expansion was not planned.  We, all his sons, were still students.  Management was not adequate and therefore the controls on the resources were inadequate.  If controls are missing, the funds would go missing too!  The entire business turned out to be unremunerative whereas it should have earned multi-millions.  It was all due to inadequate infra-structure.

My son Anand, who earlier was in UK, took over operations of my business over a year ago. He wanted to expand and diversify the business.  His first thought was about infrastructure.  He spent almost a year in planning and building additional infrastructure for future activities and wisely limited it within affordable means.  We occasionally felt that the business could be managed without additional infrastructure, but learning from my dad’s experience, I was very happy to support him.

I have seen some not-very-large businesses that they were very successful when they were small, but failed miserably when they expanded.  On analysis, it was clear that the main reason for their failure was that only the value of fixed assets was taken as investments and funds for expansion were arranged accordingly. The need for working capital for day-to-day activities and transition costs were ignored.  This is extremely important and is a significant amount in most businesses.

A businessman I know, failed to notice another significant problem. “When one heads towards the top at top speed, he had to ensure that he doesn’t drop down”. At whatever height one is, it is a human tendency to assume that the peak is yet to come.  But one cannot judge when one is at his peak. Therefore, to be safe, at every stage of climbing, one should secure themselves from a fall.

How do we secure that?  Simple, set aside a good percentage of earnings for a rainy day, a saving for safety from failures.  Do not put entire capital at risk. For any reason, if expansion investment is lost, at least you are left with a base capital to survive for future.

These are some of the lessons learnt while analysing the reasons for failures of some of the prosperous businesses while undertaking expanded activities.

Take care!

Written: Badri Baldawa

Edited: Meeta Kabra

 

 

Boarding A Train – An Adventure !

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Boarding a train in 1960s and 70s was not less than an adventure.

There was no reservation system. Seating was on first come, first serve basis like it was in aircrafts until two decades ago.

Boarding a train in peak season had to be well planned, particularly if you were travelling in a group. The entire group, young and old, would put all their experience and thinking caps on. There’d be discussions, debates, extrapolations to finally arrive at a location on the platform where the probability of getting comfortable seats was higher.

Those who were not so smart, the elderly, ladies and children were given charge of the baggage. The plan was to peep through the windows on the train’s arrival and at a lightning speed place a baggage or a handkerchief at an empty spot, vacated by the passenger getting down at that station. Next, you’d crawl inside through the window and occupy whatever seat was available. In case the window seat is not vacant, request the window passenger to place some belonging of yours on the closest vacant seat.

Once inside the compartment, while some members got busy conquering more seats, others would get the baggage in.  The boss-like ladies and the elderly members of the group were given first preference to sit.  Ah, what an exercise!  One could see the triumph on their faces!

During absolute top peak season, one was considered lucky if he found a place to sit in front of the washrooms the entire night of travel.  One would put his head on whatever support available; it could be his own knees, a suitcase placed in front, or the neighbour’s shoulders.

If not crowded, you could spread your legs on the bench and sleep.  On the upper side in the compartment, there were racks to hold luggage. Those who were more courageous would dump the baggage and sleep on the racks.

There could be a one-by-two system too. On the racks, either you sleep by turn or two people could sleep together with heads in opposite directions!

With all the art and technique you possess, sometimes you still wouldn’t find a seat. Then, it’s time to use your diplomacy!  Depends how good you are!  Do it in three stages.  First, through the window or door, somehow manage to enter inside the compartment and get a place to stand.  Next, pass on a nice smile to the person already sitting followed by some friendly talk.  Finally, encroach by requesting him to give away a part of his seat.  Mission successful! People would be generous probably because that was the way he got his seat at the earlier station!

Author: Badri Baldawa

Editor: Meeta Kabra

What Next – A Dilemma

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On certain occasions in life you are at a dilemma – do I satisfy my desires or take overall responsibilities.  At such points, it is essential to curb our feelings for the larger good. To do what I really want to do would surely give me pleasure. But the pleasure I would get in fulfilling the desires of the entire family would be incomparable.  If I have an opportunity to get ‘incomparable pleasure’, why should I get satisfied with just ‘pleasure’?

In 1965, I appeared for B.Com exams and was contemplating what was best for me to do thereafter.  I had to decide whether to join business or go for a job or pursue further studies. The ground reality was that we were ten brothers and four sisters.  Except one sister who was married, the others were younger to me.  They needed to be educated, married and ultimately settle in their career. There was always a financial crunch at home – even for essential day to day needs.  We desperately needed regular income in the family.

I always wanted to run my own business and I had the confidence that I had acumen for it. It could then be debated – why did I not join dad’s mining business?  The mining business was not giving returns.  To make it profitable, processes needed to be mechanised for which an investment of Rs.15-20 crores was needed.  We did not have adequate sources nor securities to get the large funds to run the mining business.

The maximum financial help I was offered was enough to set up a grocery shop – a very common business occupation at that time. Though business could give better earnings, there was no guarantee of any fixed minimum returns.  A single wrong decision in business could ruin the dreams of the entire family.  It was too big a risk for me to take.  I had to play a safer game.  Therefore to ensure that all the family members are taken care of, I decided against setting up a business.

The other option was to study further which would result in a further financial burden. The family would continue to struggle for at least 3-4 additional years.

Employment gives regular assured income.  It was better to go for assured income by doing a job.  At any later time, as and when I saw the family settling down, I could take the risk of fulfilling my dream of experimenting with my own business. Under the circumstances, I was convinced that doing a job would be the thing to do.  It was a compromise and of course, not a very happy situation to be in. I was still in dilemma

Just then, the results of my final B.Com were declared.  I had secured the top rank in the University.  After getting the results, I went home, took my mother’s blessings and headed to the office room.  I missed my dad.  He was away on one of his trips to the mines. By this time, a few of our family, friends and neighbours who had heard of my results had already collected in the office with a garland to honour me. One common question was,  “Badri, what do you want to do next?”  True, I now had to take a final decision.

I was blessed with a surprise.  My dad had unexpectedly returned from his trip and entered the office, full of well-wishers.  He was not aware of my results.  He heard it from the people already collected there.  I could read his face.  He was a proud father. As if the garland was waiting for my dad.  He picked it up and garlanded me.  What an honour!

The same question was asked again, “what next?” I was still confused.  Before I could answer, dad answered.  “With such bright results, what other option would he prefer other than to take the family responsibility after me.”  I was happy that dad had come to my rescue and took a decision for me.

Dad looked at me and continued “Beta, you study as much as you want.  No limits.  Leave it to me, I will handle the affairs at home. You don’t have to worry about the expenses.   I have energy and strength to take care of all of that. If you study now, you can take care of the family tomorrow!”  I was lucky to have such a dad!

A very sensitive occasion for me.  My dilemma was no more.  I got what I ultimately wanted.  Study further.  I thought for a while, I could continue study now and still earn later with higher status and earnings.  But if I went for a steady income now, it would be very difficult to go for studies later on.

It therefore was decided that I would go for further studies as long as dad had energy.This was the opportunity to show my worth in studies and then take up the challenge of supporting the entire family.  It also reminded me: in business I might earn, but it would be temporary because there can always be losses. But if I acquire knowledge, it would be my permanent asset and I would never lose it. That asset would help me later, whether I go for employment or business.

Vidya Dhanam Sarwa Dhana Pradhanam.

Author: Badri Baldawa

Editor: Meeta Kabra

The “Soonya” state of Mind at Ganges

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1 April 2014.  I was at theof River Ganges, at Rishikesh, Vaan Prastha Ghat.

People from various philosophies visit this place.  Rush of believers flood for Ganga Snaan (a dip in the Holy Ganges). After my Yoga class in the morning from 6.30 to 8.00am, I had my breakfast and came down to the ghat for a dip.

Nice, clean water.   Chilling, cold, freshly diluted ice. The current was strong.  It was difficult to stand even on the bank as you feel that you would drown with the strong flow. Heavy iron chains are provided at this bank so that one can hold the chain tight and take a dip in the river.  Still you are afraid that you will drown.

Normally, I dip myself 3 or 5 times in the Ganges.  But I recollected an interesting experience my niece Nirmala (Naru) narrated.  She went for her bath at Rishikesh, Geeta Bhavan #1 ghat.  Close to her was a lady from Eastern Europe taking her dips too.  As is her habit, Naru started talking to the European lady in English.  The lady replied in Hindi and told Naru ‘Dubki poora lena.  Shir aur shir ke hairs bhi bhigana”  (Take the dip properly, your head and hair should go in too). Naru was surprised with her reply in Hindi and said: “Kaan meh problem.” (I have a problem in my ears).  The lady said ‘haan kaan meh paani jata.’ (Yes, the water does go in the ears.)

After 5 dips Naru stopped.  The lady said, “Nahin Nahin, gyarah dubki lena.’  (No-no, you should dip yourself 11 times). When Naru said it was enough for her, the lady insisted, “nahin, nahin 11 lena.  Mai count karegi .”  (no-no, 11 times. I will count.) She forced Naru to continue and started counting dips “six raam raam, “seven raam raam” and continued till 11 dips were completed.

Today, I was afraid that I had come alone. I double checked to see that I am  safe.  I held the chain with as strong a grip as possible.  I had my first dip, second and third.  Normally I feel satisfied, rather I feel tired and complete at 3 dips. But then I recollected the instance Naru had narrated. I took 11 dips!

I do not know whether there is any logic behind this count of 11, but the last 5-6 dips gave me a thrill and pleasure which I have never experienced before. I didn’t know if there was anything surviving or existing in this universe. It was absolute “Soonya” (zero) state of mind.  Nothing but energy flowed in.

It is amazing how devoted foreigners are to learn, understand our traditions and implement them.  Some of them study our traditions and philosophy deep enough, that they are qualified to teach us our own traditions and learning from our scriptures.

Thereafter every time I was in for river bath, after The Float, I took 11 dips and enjoyed getting  in “Soonya” state of mind.

Author: Badri Baldawa

Edited: Meeta Kabra

Ganges – the Positive Energy

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April 2014 takes me to the Ghat (banks) of River Ganga at Rishikesh.

As I was changing my clothes at the steps of the Parmarth Niketan Ghat, after bathing in the Ganges, I noticed a foreign couple stepping in on the Ghat. The guy was well built. His lady friend was sitting on the steps while he went forward for a dip in the Ganges.

I thought of warning him about the strong current and that it might not be safest to enter without holding a chain. As he was about to enter his back was towards me. I saw his fair-coloured back full of tattoos. A prominent one amongst them was a large “OM”. I don’t know why, the large tattoo on his back made me feel that there was no need to warn him, as somehow that made him mature enough to understand it. Instead, I chose to watch him enter the river without holding onto the chain. Mentally, I started working out what would be the best way to save him, just in case he is pulled by the current.

He entered the river and its strong flow of water. He balanced well for a few steps into the river. He stood facing East, the direction from which the Ganges was flowing towards him. He bent forward, put his feet back and in a matter of seconds took a sleeping position. He went under the water level a couple of times, each time for a minute or two. His head was towards the East.

Clean, clear transparent water was flowing over his head, back, hips, and legs; flowing away from his feet. I had been observing over the last few days, the different ways in which people took a dip in the super-cold Ganges. However, the feelings was different as I saw this man takes his dips.

After the dip, the guy walked up to sit next to his companion. I could not resist and disturbed him.

The first obvious question was, “Where are you from?” He said “I belong to the entire world. I have no permanent home to say this is where I come from and this is where I live.” For the last seven years he had traveled between Russia, Nepal and India, most of which he had spent in Nepal and India. Though he liked Nepal, he liked India the most and would prefer and love to stay in India.” To me, it looked like he was born in one of the countries from the Soviet Union. I would call him Russian for easy identification.

Just at that time, someone, a simple Indian with his family, who was also keenly watching this foreigner with an “OM” tattoo, interrupted.

He asked the foreigner, “Excuse me. Can I ask you where did you get this Om tattoo?” The foreigner replied, “It is irrelevant, where I got it done. What is relevant is the presence of Om vibrations on my back all the time”.

The Indian said his interest was to know whether it is a temporary marked OM or etched permanently. He said “Nothing is permanent in the world, but this ‘Om’ is. This will be with me as long as my body lives. Om will stay as long as my body stays in this universe.”

The Indian said “I have some expertise and knowledge in Tattoos. I cannot believe how artistic and beautiful this one is. Origin of Om is in India, but such quality tattooing in my opinion cannot be done anywhere in India. If at all it has been done in India, I would be interested to know where”.

The visitor replied, “One of my friends in Russia is a tattoo artist and we were together for some time. He had tattooed in Russia.” He further explained, “In their early literature, Russians had reference of Om in their meditation. Om is also well-accepted and respected in Russia. There are many similarities in the Russian and Indian cultures.”

The discussions then developed to how the Russians know so well about “OM” whereas it is supposed to have originated and developed from India. The Russian said “OM” is equally well-known in Russian countries as per their scriptures (equivalent to the vedas).

They went on to discuss that long time back, India and Russia did not have a border between them. Only later, politics separated them. Hence most of the culture and traditions between India and Russia are the same. It is because the cultures, attitudes, feelings and thinking are similar that Indians and Russians are so fond of each other.

I remembered my early years when India, under Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi as the Prime Ministers, was very close to Russia. During war against Pakistan and China, while super power USA supported the latter, the other super power Russia supported India. That Russia might enter the game to support India kept USA away from joining Pakistan and China.

As these thoughts crossed my mind, I asked the Russian what I really wanted to ask, “I really get worried and unstable when I enter the strong water current of the river. How come you could manage so easily and reach a comfortable position.” He said it was easy. The water had a high current flow but was not very deep. He bent forward so that he could hold some stones. Once he got that hold, it was all easy. He said he lied down for a purpose. I asked him “purpose?”. What could be the purpose except that people go down to take a dip in anticipation of washing their sins and going towards Moksha. His answer was surprising.

He said, “The flow of water is nothing but energy. More so with River Ganga. Amongst water flows, it is a proven fact that River Ganges has the highest flow of energy. So when I lie down in the water with head towards the inflow of water current, the energy is passing through the top of my head, through the face, neck, shoulders, arms, back, spine, legs and finally through my feet. By the time water passes through the feet, the entire body is purified; the negatives drain out and new positive energy flows in the body. This is the energy which gives ‘life’ to the body which otherwise is just a skeleton.”

Author: Badri Baldawa
Editor:  Meeta Kabra

Mother’s Ring Speaks

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75 years ago, my mother got married.  She got a stone studded ring as a wedding gift from dad.  Both the families were well-reputed and reasonably placed economically at that time.  But luck has its own agenda and things changed. My parents wanted me to study but ran short of funds. Around 1963, they pledged the ring, for a loan of Rs. 450 against it, at a rate of 3% monthly interest cumulative. That’s how I could complete my education. I wasn’t aware of this loan. I accidentally found the pawnbroker’s note a couple of years later.

I completed my education in 1968 and got a job at a handsome salary of Rs.720 per month. Over a period of 5-6 years, the loan with compounded interest accrued to Rs.2,200. A new ring like that one could then be purchased for about Rs.1,100.  My parents must’ve even forgotten the matter by this time.  Anyway, financially it did not make sense to release the ring from the clutches of the moneylender.  However, from my accrued initial savings, I got the ring released, as it was invaluable for mom.  When I surprised mom with the ring, she could not believe it, tears rolled down and she sobbed for quite a while, probably for the unexpected surprise of getting back an invaluable item of sentimental value.

I lost my mother on Akshaya Trithiya, 24 April 2012, exactly two years ago.  When her ornaments were distributed to her children, I preferred to retain just that stone studded ring my dad had given to mom at their wedding.

I was holding that ring today. The Ring started speaking. What the Ring said could hold true for anyone.

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“Parents try their best to bring their children up, within affordable means and facilities available to them. They disciplined, gave pleasure, taught culture according to what they thought was best for you, from their point of view.  It was all selfless and nothing was expected in return.”

The Ring continued to speak:  “Forget not, you are holding your present status mainly due to the support of your parents, for which they pledged their wedding ring and even mangalsutra.  They preferred to remain hungry to ensure that you are fed.

To value the care they had taken, wasn’t it your duty to have spent some more time with them to share and talk about things of their interest? Did you not deprive them of the respect and facilities they deserved, forgetting that they sacrificed all their life for your development?”

The ring was true. I lost my father early in my life.  While my mother was alive, every day, I thought I would shortly be free; retire from my business and spend some time with her.

Occasionally, I probably considered that spending time with parents was unproductive, boring, waste of time and even disgusting.  Sometimes, I probably thought the parents were rigid and argued on matters irrelevant to the present environment.  Why did I get these types of feelings about the people, who spent their whole life to bring me up, educate me and support me in building my career?

They were the ones who were next to me whenever I was ill; they were the ones who sacrificed their desires, just to ensure that my desires get fulfilled.

I probably failed to understand that as my parents were advancing in age, their level of energy and enthusiasm would reduce and they might not catch up with new lifestyle.  I probably failed to give credit that they were more mature, better experienced and have higher understanding, without which they could not have guided me all through my life. I probably failed to appreciate that they had right to feel proud for whatever they have gone through to shoulder the family responsibilities so far. Silly, that I confused that as their ego. I probably had forgotten that they had already proven themselves while I still had to prove myself.

What a wrong notion I carried that I am extra smart.  In fact, my parents sacrificed everything for me and still they honoured and appreciated me for whatever little I did.  Alas, when my turn came to serve and honour them, I missed the golden opportunity to avail the win-win situation. Had I done that I would have lost nothing.  I repent today.

Oh, my dear Mother’s Ring.  Thank you for speaking out.  Let me see whether I can at least express gratefulness to the living elders “for whatever they have done” and show them that “I care for you and your feelings”.

Author: Badri Baldawa

Editor: Meeta Kabra

Don’t Mix Business With Social Pressures :

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Pre-independence my family was in the tobacco business in Bellary, mainly dependent on consumption by army. Post independence, the soldiers were moving out of town. This reduced the demand for tobacco products drastically. Our neighbours produced a competing brand. Now, though the demand had plummeted, fearing that we may lose the labour force to the competitors, our family continued production at full capacity – suicidal. Obviously, stocks started piling up.  Hoping that suddenly better days would come, excess stocks were stored in a warehouse located just behind the manufacturing unit.

Bellary is well known to have only two seasons a year – hot and very hot.  Normally it doesn’t rain much in Bellary and ‘heavy rains’ were not heard of.  However, on one of those days around 1955, there were very heavy rains, so much so that the roof of the warehouse collapsed.  Tobacco products become unusable once they are wet.  The entire stock became worthless.  There was no known storm insurance concept at that time.  It was a heavy loss and the family could not bear this loss. At the same time, our business partner expressed his inability to bear his share of the loss and backed out.

That rainy night was the biggest setback to the family.  Imagine, just one incident, changed the entire fate of the family. The family, which was considered one of the richest in that locality was on the verge of collapse.

If we analyse the reasons for this collapse, there were a few management blunders.  The most obvious one – though demand had dropped permanently, production continued at same pace.  The production continued just for the fear that the competitor would take away workers.  On top of all, the most damaging reason was the feeling that if production drops and we let go of labour, society will look down upon us, a fear of loss of face.

If the social pressure had not  influenced the business, the history of the family status would have be different.

In a “guidance program for the youth” where I am a mentor, I have observed that even in today’s  independent and forward-thinking age, young entrepreneurs are trapped with similar problems.  In one specific case, though the profit margins were good,  expansion was being made to impress customers and competitors.  Collection of outstanding was ignored, stating “that delay in payment is okay, as long as I get business”.  They somehow considered that demanding the payments was unsocial from the people of high status. These so called high status guys took full advantage and effected the payments at their own will and wish.

On scrutiny, it came to light that though the customers were very happy with the socially-rich vendor, it led the business to cash starvation so much so that the business was at the brink of closure.   After studying the figures, I had to advise the owners, about 8 months ago, that for the sake of survival, they had to come out of this “social complex”.   Luckily they heeded to the advice.  On their path to recovery, they had to offer hefty discounts to get outstanding dues. Certain debts turned bad and led to legal recourse.   They closed all their unprofitable wings, stopped dealing with the late pay masters and concentrated on the healthy portion of business.  Though it was a painful process, atleast they survived.  They are now about to turn the corner, within 6-8 months.    However, had they continued with the “Social ego” problem, they would have definitely closed down by now.

Whenever we have problems, we start getting influenced by what the society would think. After I qualified as a Chartered Accountant, when I was in the Middle East, I had the opportunity to study the reasons for many loss-making businesses internatioanally and suggest corrective measures.

I observed, particularly in cases of businesses owned by high profile owners, that though they knew where they were making losses, they were not willing to take action. And in most cases, the reason was for fear of society.

The business normally have activities which give decent profits as well as loss-making activities.  Profits generated by certain activities are eaten up by by loss-making activities.

In one of my assignments, I had to face a severe ego problem.  They were very hesitant to close down the loss-making units just because when the owner would be in his social circles the next time, someone would say “oh, you have closed down so-and-so business”.  They sound sympathizing but are actually sarcastic. This was a case of ego clashing with business decision.

I then had to argue: “One, are they going to come forward and help you if you start going down the drain. Two, how hurt would you be in the social circle, if you had to close down the business completely, which is likely to happen if you continue to lose this way.  Three, those who are real businessmen, would appreciate your decision as an aware and sensible one. Please ignore society on this matter and do what is best for you”.  He ultimately listened, his business survived.

For the sake of our own survival, let fear of society not influence business principles.

Author: Badri Baldawa                                                                     Editor: Meeta Kabra