A book inspires and few memories

The Story of TATA by Peter Casey is the third book I read in 2023. First two books were more spiritual in nature and thus chose to read on business minds. It is a short 174 pager yet heavy read. Despite its title ‘1868 to 2021’, major narration is about Ratan Tata’s career also touching briefly upon his personal life. It’s totally worth reading about Ratan Tata’s Chairmanship as his era faced revolutionary changes and challenges ever. Tata Consultancy Services, Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Tetley are few examples to prove his mighty vision. 

The author has interviewed many Tata veterans to pen the book. Thus it journals about much unknown challenges and failures faced by Tata Sons and also how & why they under Ratan's leadership came through it all successful. We all know Ratan Tata as an inspiring leader and a perfect business man. From Peter's perspective we get to see a simple man who feared studies, loved freedom, a devoted son, a philanthropist, an individual who pays for haircut from his own vallet or even as one who drives his car to office.  

For me personally the book re-kindled few memories. Tata group is based in Mumbai and mention of places briefly took me back to care-free first job days.The book quotes 2008 terrorist attacks as a life changing incident for Ratan Tata. I could recall his public statements against the attack which also affected Taj Hotel, Mumbai. The speed at which the losses were mended and hotel reopened was truly inspiring.

Whilst working in Mumbai, I have witnessed aftermaths of 7/11 that hit the city in July 2006. During November 2008 attacks, I was in Chennai. Me and my roomies were in full attendance in front of television, watching CNN IBN(now CNN-Times18) airing the live footage of Taj and Nariman house commando operations. Velachery was flooded due to heavy rains and power was lost for more than 36 hours. When power was back, CNN was still airing the attacks but this time the news reader was reporting from the premises as they needed as many staff to be involved to broadcast 24 hours for many days. The media had then reported courageous acts of Taj crew. This book details how Taj and Tata trust under Ratan responded to it’s valorous staff.

The book also reminded how we chose the name Noel. I was in Trivandrum and was allocated for a pipeline project while expecting Noel. Trainings, browsing Economictimes.com & CNN-IBN, lunch/tea sessions with buddies was all I did those few months. Wrote few lines of code for an intranet site too. During weekends I enthusiastically watched Amir Khan’s debutant TV show ‘Satyamev Jayate’ season- 1.

2012 was a happening year not just for me but for Kerala and Tata group too. T.P. Chandrasekharan, founder and then leader of Revolutionary Marxist party and husband of Vadakara M.L.A(2023) K.K. Rema, was assassinated the same year. Kerala’s CPI(M) party was under fire as many of its leaders/members were interrogated or imprisoned. Kerala's media who was more focused on humans over wild animals, celebrated the news whereas myself and friends brainstormed the news over tea time. Meanwhile Ratan Tata was stepping down as Chairman. One among the possible candidates contesting towards the chair was Cyrus Mistry, then vice-chairman and winner. Even though this book doesn’t specify, I also remember reading Noel Tata, half brother of Ratan Tata as a possible candidate. 

Like all expecting mothers I was searching for a name and used to Google often. I observed the name Noel. Ringed Neeraj, who was in train, traveling either from or towards Chennai. I texted as he dint pick, “How about name Noel... Noel Neeraj”. In a short while and to my surprise, he called back excited and said he liked the name. The call got disconnected but he continued to text(SMS, pre-WhatsApp days).

Four years later in 2016, Cyrus Mistry was removed from Chairmanship by the Tata board. This event was first of its kind in the history of Tata. The book gives a detailed overview of the reasons. 

Initial intension was to write a review but I ended up writing few memories also. The reason, my thoughts are like a detached kite flown by winds. Thankfully mind is strongly tied to the roots and remain attached to it’s safe haven.

 

Long weekend memory

 One upon a time in Chennai...

It's summer here. Rising temperature always brings me memories of Chennai city. Those days, weekend trips to home was running away from soaring heat. If not travelling, we escaped to Spencer plaza or City center. Looking back, why did I wish to fast forward the best days of life! 

Having said that, I wish to share one weekend trip. One Diwali long weekend trip to home. Lazy me and Deepthi had no plans to travel. Mainly due to the hectic project(atleast the 'hectic work' is always with me). So it was a sudden decision and thus got tatkal tickets for 2 tier ac in Trivandrum mail. Excitement to travel home doubled with 1st time travel in 2 tier a/c. However inorder to balance the monthly budget, we boarded TCS bus from Nugambakkam RTSC office to Chennai central. Lots of questions of timely arrival at station in mind overruled by thoughts of savings. (Where did that saved money go, no idea. )

This was during the early months in Chennai. We witnessed what a long  weekend traffic looks like in a metro city. Bus was slower than snail. We 3, myself Deepthi and a beautiful friend (being a lazy Orkut user, brief friendships in the past are now just faces) brain stormed,  exchanged tensions. I lost all patience as bus reached Thousand lights. We got down near Marina beach and waited for an auto. Just 15 minutes left to catch the train.

Our luck came in the form of an auto driver. We explained the situation to him with little known Tamil. He comforted us and brilliantly planned rest of our journey. He risked and bypassed as many traffic signals as possible, explained why he couldn't bypass signal near Poius garden. Motivated and kept our hope's high. He said we will reach there 5 minutes before the green flag. Also said he will leave us at a stop closest to the Trivandrum mail platform. He kept his word, showed us which way to run as we reached 3 minutes before departure. That was the fastest plight I ever did in my lifetime, carrying back packs. Before that day I ran in primary school  on sports day. Deepthi was faster than me. At one point  felt I won't make it. But we did. Train started off a second after we jumped in. 

First travel in 2 tier a/c was dinner less and thirsty. But looking back it's an awesome memory. After all it was a victorious trip😄

Seventh year of adventure and counting for 100 or more

 

The story unfolds as we complete 7 years of adventure  on 15-June-2016.
 

Exactly one week before this big day was peacefully sleeping in our respective apartments when parents ringed up and announced the engagement date.

Me: "What..oh! I saw him one year back..hmm..as you wish Amma".

I starts thinking about Saree, accessories, parlour...

Neeraj: "What?????...I dont remember her..need a foto at any cost..".

His sleep less nights begin...

 

Over phone one week after this day.

 

Neeraj: "Do you cook?".

Me: "Yeah... I manage but do expect deep fried stuff at times."

Neeraj: "Will you be at peace with my mother?"

Me: "Well, that war exists since the days of Bible. No plans to rewrite history."

Me: "Do you have a bike? Will you take me for long drives?"

Neeraj: "I got one xxx model in which I learned biking 10 years back, need to check the condition."

Heartbroken me.

 

Started off without fake promises, expectations seldom met but strongly sailing against the odds as one mind, just one word Thank you God.
 

By the way get long drives any time I demand, mostly at peace with Amma and I'm a decent cook .

Unforgettable VIP landing in Chennai

Chennai where I spent good part of independent life. The city gave a handful of good memories to cherish for ever. Tastes of Saravana Bhavan and Karaikkudi, shopping experiance at T-Nagar, serenity of St.Thomas mount to mention a few, also my dear friends and roomies.  I can write thousands of pages on Chennai life but now intend to write on another memory.

My first visit to Chennai was in 2004 for attending an IT firm's test. I walked out of Chennai central railway station clutching tightly to Appa's arms. Unlike me Appa developed a passion for the city. He who likes to travel, narrated about first visit to Chennai on his way to Pune as a 8 year old boy. I recall observing twinkles in his eyes and sensed the happiness and enthusiasm of an 8 year old in his words.

Two years later I relocated from Mumbai to Chennai to work for the same firm which rejected me in 2004. This was my first independent and first air travel to the city. Flew in and out many times but first trip along with son Noel will remain unforgettable because it was 'highly highly and highly' unexpected. I was either on leave or on bench through out pregnancy period. I was forced to stay confined to bed due to preeclampsia. So I developed a bitter attitude towards everyone and everything around except baby niece Brownie and invited the same back from all except her. She, my only happiness then, thought there is a large drum kept inside 'Valiyamma'(me) on which she can beat on. Due to bitter surroundings, I made secret plans with my unborn baby. Told will fly to Chennai near Pappa as soon as we are ready to travel. I told how we can hang out in same places where Amma did with friends.

My doctor mentioned chances of a premature delivery and it happened within few days. To my amazement, amidst the shock of fluid break at night, felt a strange soothing calmness within. I was ready to face the days ahead. I quickly dialed up doctor to take advise, pacified and instructed  Appa Amma who was in complete shock. Somebody dialed Aathy and Senthil. I think they flew. Had to wear a calm mask to keep my loved ones at peace.

The word 'Infosys' triggered a magic wave in the labor ward of 'super specialty' hospital. The looks of contempt suddenly changed to respect and at least 10 staff appeared to attend a proud Infosion. I laughed within when a young nurse threatened me to sleep, thought gal you will realize only when you go through. The next day morning, went through series of discouraging meetings with doctors(They covered as many departments as possible including Cardiology) and checkups. All ensured I almost lost my baby. Rajamma aunty was a staff nurse and stood by as a source of comfort. For the first time in life saw brave Amma cry for me. However I was bold enough to converse with all doctors, clarify doubts and chose c-section. Reached theater by afternoon and I lied staring at the lamps, listening to machines and staff, lost in thoughts. I thought about other lucky mothers who after going through the pain got to see a beautiful little face and I may have none. Vexed of lying flat I turned around to a nurse to inquire if its over but she hesitated eye contact. The surgeon said, "Goodness, its moving in". Later understood my son was very hesitant to leave the comfort of womb. Soon heard a mewl and something lit up inside realizing there is a chance to meet the little human grownup within me. I pondered, "You are alive. What the monsters where lecturing in the morning about?". Doctor called "Sumila, its a boy" which I ignored. She called me again, "Sumila, its a boy". This time I faked a smile. I noticed the doctor's hand moving up in the air with a needle and was relieved the drama is ending. The nurse in post-op ward woke me up "Where are your relatives....blah blah". I gently reminded her on public address system. Neeraj who flew in from Chennai in the afternoon, chose to wear a grey shirt which I often told best suited him. I recall his sweet smiling face and even under the effects of anesthesia felt he looked handsome as always.

In 1.5 months time we had to air-lift Noel to CMC Vellore, the only hospital in entire south India which agreed to take the risk.  Asst HOD of ENT Department Dr. Ajoy Mathew and myself succeeded in convincing each other and came to terms over phone. This access was possible because my mother's Sunday school student Rev.Vinod Victor was in hospital Management committee. We preferred Air India, the thought came from nowhere. An unknown force was talking to me and Neeraj throughout the period. I hope all parents have this 'unknown company' and may be that's why medical field highly rely on parent's opinion. Hmm..the few kilometers from 'super speciality' hosipital to Trivandrum airport in their ambulance was far more expensive than 3 hour trip from Chennai to Vellore in another ambulance.

Thanks to Air-India who showed heights of sincerity at both the airports. The staff from ground to flight not only took good care of Noel but us too. Neeraj, the junior doctor who monitored Noel and male nurse who carried Noel entered flight from the road ambulance.  A beautiful and bold lady staff found me and Appa at the queue for baggage check. She helped to finish procedures quickly and also encouraged me telling how her sister's child was air lifted in similar manner and was saved. She also ensured a security team and ambulance is waiting in Chennai. The flight crew constantly checked on Noel and medical staff. As we landed in Chennai, the crew ensured all the other passengers including the executive class wait until we got out. A very sincere team was waiting at the flight door. The pilot introduced us as baby's relatives but the anxious team lead shouted "Where is the baby" but got his cool back as he saw me and ensured one of his team members accompany us. Noel had a VIP exit through express way while we 3 took the normal way. From distance I saw my son being carefully attended by group of strange men and could relate to a scene in some movie. They ensured Noel's safety till ambulance and waved us good luck.

My parents always had a ready to help attitude for others. Amma's social service is much talked about by kin and friends. I believe this as one reason why helping hands touched us everywhere on the plight to win Noel. Here I express gratitude to all those worked, helped, comforted, encouraged and prayed for us. I see you all in my son's smile.   

കാത്തിരുപ്പിന്ടെ കുട്ടുകാരി

എന്നെ അറിയുമോ? ഞാനാണ്‌ കാത്തിരുപ്പിന്റെ  കുട്ടുകാരി. ജീവിതത്തിന്റെ അല്ല യൗവനത്തിന്റെ നല്ലൊരു ഭാഗം കാത്തിരുപ്പിന്റെ അനുഭവമാണ്‌. നല്ലൊരു ഭാഗം എന്ന് പറയുമ്പോൾ കഴിഞ്ഞ പത്തു വർഷമെയാകുന്നുള്ളൂ. ഇപ്പോൾ മുപ്പതുകളിലെ പുലർവേളയിലാണ്  ഞാൻ. പത്തു വര്ഷങ്ങള്ക്ക് മുൻപു ഇരുപതുകളുടെ  പുലർവേളയിലും  ഞാൻ കാത്തിരുന്നു. ഇരുപതുകളുടെ അവസാനത്തിലും തുടർന്ന് ഇന്നും കാത്തിരിക്കുന്നു.

കാത്തിരിക്കാൻ നമ്മൾ പഠിക്കുന്നതെങ്ങേനെയാണ്? ഓഫീസിൽ നിന്നും മടങ്ങുന്ന അച്ഛൻഅമ്മമാരെ നോക്കി നിൽക്കുമ്പോൾ,  അതോ ചെറു അവധി കഴിഞ്ഞു ടീച്ചർ തരുന്ന മാർക്സ്ഷീറ്റ് കാണാനുള്ള തിടുക്കത്തിൽ, അതുമല്ലെഗിൽ വേനലവധിക്കാലത്തെ ഓർക്കുമ്പോൾ. ഇതിലെപ്പോഴോ കാത്തിരുപ്പിന്റെ നാമ്പ് പൊട്ടിമുളക്കുന്നു.

ആദ്യമായി കാത്തിരുന്നത് നല്ല ജോലി. കുട്ടികാലം മുതൽ കേട്ടു വളരുന്നതാണ്, പഠിക്കണം ജോലി സമ്പാദിക്കണം. കഴിയുന്നത്‌ പോലെ പഠിച്ചു, തരക്കേടില്ലാത്ത മാര്ക്ക് വാങ്ങി ജയിച്ചു. പിന്നെ ഒരു വര്ഷത്തെ കാത്തിരുപ്പ്. ഒരു വര്ഷമേ വേണ്ടി വന്നു എങ്കിലും യുഗങ്ങൾ കണക്കു തോന്നിയിരുന്നു. ഓടുവിൽ ജോലി ലഭിച്ചു. ആത്മാർഥമായി തന്നെ പണിയെടുത്തു,  എടുക്കുന്നു.

പിന്നെ കാത്തിരുന്നത് ഒരു നല്ല കുട്ടുകാരനെ. കുട്ടുകാരിയുടെ ആവശ്യകത ഒരിക്കലും തോന്നിയില്ല. കൂട്ടുകാരി എന്ന്  മനസ്സിൽ തോന്നുമ്പോൾ തെളിയാറുള്ള ചിത്രം  അന്നിയത്തിയുടെതാണ്, ആത്തിയുടെ. അവളെക്കാൾ ആത്മാർത്ഥത ഉള്ള ഒരു സുഹൃത്ത്‌ ഇന്നുവരെ ഉണ്ടായിട്ടില്ല ഉണ്ടാകുകയുമില്ല.

കൂടെ പഠിച്ചവരെ പിരിഞ്ഞു ജോലി വേണോ ഹയർ സ്റ്റഡിക്കു  പോണോ എന്ന് തിരിച്ചറിയാത്ത കാലം ആ വ്യക്തിയെ പരിചയപെട്ടു സുഹൃത്തുക്കളായി. ജോലി ലഭിച്ചു കഴിഞ്ഞ കാലഘട്ടത്തിൽ മറ്റാരൊക്കെയോ ആയി. മനസാഗ്രഹിച്ച സുഹൃത്ത്‌ ഇത് തന്നെ എന്ന് തോന്നി ,തോന്നിപ്പിച്ചു എന്നാതാണ് സത്യം. അന്നുമുതൽ പുതിയൊരു കാത്തിരുപ്പ്. എവിടെയും എത്താതെപോയൊരു കാത്തിരുപ്പ്‌. വിധി അനുവദിക്കാത്ത സുഹൃത്ത്ബന്ധം. മനസ്സിൻറെ ഏതോ കോണിൽ ഇന്നും ചിന്തിക്കുന്നു. ഒരിക്കൽ ഒന്ന് കാണണം, ദുരെ നിന്ന് ഒരേ ഒരു നോക്ക് മാത്രം...

വിവാഹം കഴിഞ്ഞപ്പോഴോ രണ്ടുപേരും രണ്ടു പട്ടണത്തിൽ. അപ്പോൾ തുടങ്ങി അടുത്ത കാത്തിരുപ്പ്. ഇ കാത്തിരുപ്പിന്റെ ഭാവം തികച്ചും വ്യത്യസ്മായിരുന്നു. കൂടെ എന്നും ഉണ്ടാവും എന്ന ഉറപ്പുണ്ടല്ലോ. എങ്കിലും ഒരിമിക്കണം എന്ന് മനസ് പിടച്ചുകൊണ്ടെയിരുന്നു. ഒരുമിച്ചപോളാണ് കുടുതൽ ആഗ്രഹങ്ങൾക്ക് ചിറകു മുളച്ചതു. ആ കാലഘട്ടവും വന്നെത്തി . ഒരു പോന്നമന മകനു വേണ്ടിയുള്ള ഒരമ്മയുടെ കാത്തിരുപ്പ്. വിധി അവിടെയും തോല്പിച്ചു. പിന്നെ വിശപ്പില്ലാത്ത ഉറക്കമില്ലാത്ത  കണ്ണീർ ച്ചുവയുള്ള കാത്തിരുപ്പ് വിധിയോടു പൊരുതുന്ന മകനെ ലഭിക്കാൻ.

അറിയാത്ത ഭാഷയുടെ, അറിയാത്ത മനുഷ്യരുടെ നടുവിൽ ഒരു കൂടുംകൂട്ടി എന്നിലെ ഭാര്യയും അമ്മയും ഇന്നും കാത്തിരിക്കുന്നു. അതും നടന്നു കഴിയുമ്പോൾ പിന്നെ കാത്തിരിപ്പുകൾക്ക് ഒരവധി ഉണ്ടാകട്ടേ മറ്റൊരു സുന്ദര വസന്തിന്റെ തുടക്കമായിരിക്കട്ടെ.

It was raining...

{Mazha, Rain is inevitable in my memory line because I belong to Kerala, Gods own country blessed with drizzles and greenery through out the year. I pray it remain the same for ever for the generations to come.}

It always rained on first day to school
New dress, new bag, new umbrella always
We started our lessons drenched and happy
Mother earth never failed to bless those days

It was raining on first day in college
Wet monkey friends stared as though asking
Are you going to be an engineer?
Mother earth recalled the dream left behind

It was raining when got first job
Mumbai welcomed with stories of chaos and loss
As though warning to be watchful
Does anybody really care in that age?

New friends, life lessons,
New aspirations, stronger mind
Monsoon touched a day early to bid bye
When time arrived to leave the great city

It was raining when I tied the knot
The drizzle of blessing touched me and my man
It heavily rained as empty-handed us came out of NICU
Mother earth cried out loud when I did inside

Life away from my soil
Had taught to enjoy odorless rain
But it ignites the old hope of faith
Mother earth will not allow me to fail

I wonder it also rained
When Amma Appa kissed me first
Mother Earth be kind enough to drizzle on me
Before they shut my casket of sleep

Beyond true love

My father carrying my son Noel or my first love carrying my current love. I was busy working in  Liege office, when Nandu shared this pic through whatsapp. Thanks to technology even though far from them I could be part of this light moment. The snap kindled mixed emotions in me and past ran through my mind as if in a movie screen. The same shoulders which carried me once, even though now weak due to old age is not reluctant to carry my baby son. I always feel lucky when I  hear my colleagues or relatives complain of raising kids. Appa, Amma voluntarily took up babysitting. 

Appa, born and brought up as a Christian pastor's son lives it up every moment. My grand mother had once told, he is best among her 7 children. Once admired as a son, brother, father, uncle, friend and now as a grand father, not much as a spouse- hehe! Wonder if world has a cent percent happy wife including myself, if yes she is a good actress(pondering if I'm one already. Fingers crossed for the moment Neeraj will read this). My aunt reiterates to me the day Aathy was born. She took her from nurse and brought to show Appa who was waiting outside. She, a mother of 2 boys, hesitantly told 'Sam, the second is also a girl'. 'Your father's face lite up with happiness and he thanked God for another girl' she added. Never felt my parents worry over the fact they have girls. I wonder when my friends complain how their parents differently treated them and brothers. I couldn't believe when one of my friends said her father wasn't ready to spent on education and relied on educational loans which she paid off later. Appa Amma happily and proudly told everyone daughters are their greatest investment.

One among best lessons I  got from Appa is golden rule of silence to save relationships. I have grown up seeing him zipping lips, remaining calm against provocations. While searching for a groom for me, first factor he will look at was family background and character. Educational qualification and job occurred only as secondary thoughts to him. He never bothered to ask income. Recollecting a conversation between me and him. Me: 'Appa, what is this so and so guy working as, where did he study'. Appa: 'Mole, you find out while talking to him but keep in mind peace is all you need for a happy life'.  Me: 'Appa I'm not asking for his income, but money is also required for peace' Appa: 'No mole, never rely on money. Its love and patience alone that brings in peace'. Appa, Amma mercilessly rejected all families who were looking for dowry, inquiring for my skin color and finally chose Neeraj. While browsing through groom's profiles at a marriage bureau, Neeraj's profile attracted them. The very next was that of Neeraj's twin brother Sooraj. When Amma suggested to choose, Appa preferred Neeraj. Neeraj came along with Pappa and Amma to visit us. I was impressed during the 'allowed' 15 minutes of private conversation. While returning, Pappa had a real tough time reversing his favorite Ambassador, which he seldom gave to anyone including his own sons. Appa was impressed by the way Neeraj patiently helped his father. Amma felt I shared a good chemistry with Neeraj. However it took another 1.5 years for both the families to decide that we are destined to each other. During initial days of  engagement when Neeraj told he was attracted to my eyes, hair and dark complexion, my happiness knew no bounds and I realized Appa's choice was right.

Appa Amma stood by me during toughest time of life. Two days before 2012 Christmas, myself and Neeraj was coming out of PICU of CMC Vellore hospital after listening to Dr. Abhor. Dr. Abhor  was in-charge due to PICU head Dr. Kala's leave. He declared 3 months old Noel as highly critical due to prolonged ICU stay induced infection. Noel was happy when I took over him from Neeraj in the morning, was smiling in my arms, but soon started showing suffocating symptoms and his monitor started alarming more frequently. Only junior doctors were around, it being Sunday. I had to work with a very cooperative nurse to find out treatment methods Kala Mam had tried and make the junior Doctor focus. I lost my cool by afternoon and asked Neeraj to rush back to PICU. Finally Dr. Abhor turned up and decided to ventilate Noel. Outside PICU I met Appa who was carrying a box full of medical equipment and medicines. Holding back tears, fears I asked him 'Appa, are these to keep Ambu alive?'. He strong man of faith responded calmly 'We will try our best'. Dr. Kala, Appa and Amma the 3 pillars who held us from falling into depression and helped successfully fight the battle for seven long months to win our first born.  Amma feels Noel came home due to their dedication and faith more than ours. Without their cooperation and Neeraj's sacrifice, I would have lost my job. Neeraj had to choose between promising career in Chennai, weak wife and premature new born son. He strongly stood by me against pressures from his and my kin to return to Chennai. During those difficult days once again I realized Appa's decision about Neeraj was gracefully right.

The enthusiasm Appa and Amma show towards their grand children is no less than what they had for me and Aathy. As a child and teenager I saw Appa wake up early and go for a morning walk cum buying milk trip. As a mother I see him doing the same for my son. During weekends when we loved to remain in bed, Appa will come to wake us up, make us pray and push us to play shuttlecock badminton. Same way he come searching for Noel who will be already awake and working on various ways to wake Neeraj up. Neeraj would have slept just 2 or 3 hours back after spending a sleepless playful night with Noel. Neeraj used to think he should wear a pardah or helmet to sleep so as to keep Noel away. Really he deserves an award for remaining awake after a hectic day in office. Noel is Pappa's boy when Neeraj is around and all the other times grand fathers boy. 

Thinking out loud in early thirties, God exists..true love exists. My family, my group of angels, this part of me is .......happiness.