Never a dull moment

  Pongal - a turning point I took up this assignment this day thirteen years ago. This snap was exactly ten months later launching services in Cuddalore. Lost most of my hair in this phase but gained far more in compensation. I felt butterflies in my stomach for several months after joining the organisation. I have never run a far flung "out of sight" organisation, leave alone setting up one from scratch. It all worked well. We formed a good team which is the essence of any good operation. The mojo I gained with this experience has sustained me since.

I was exhausted “academically” when I finished BE Hons in Guindy in 1982. I was keen to work. First job turned out to be boring though the team was young. My dad had a four break while at school and completed his schooling late. He stood first in school in SSLC. He went to Madras and secured a job in railways. He was keen I should study further. But I was not. I was clear I was not made to be an engineer. I made an attempt to secure admission to par- time MBA in a leading college but failed. Our boss was from IIT Madras and IIMC. He used to ask me now and then, ” Is this all you want to do ?” In 1984, my colleague Balan secured admission to IIMC. Balan went away to IIMC little realising that he would prove an inspiration. I told my dad I would make full hearted maiden attempt at CAT 1985. My motivation ? More than getting out of the humdrum job, I wanted to do something which would do him proud and that something should not be easy for others to achieve. Result? If somebody was to pick...