The key to success has always been availability of information. He who knows has a head start over the ignorant. It is interesting to see the changes internet has brought about in the way business is done. But some of these changes are frightening to say the least. The corporate sector is in a dilemma as they are unable to conclude how old is old. The focus is on the age of the CEO. Mark Elliot Zuckerberg the fonder CEO of Face book and whole of 27 years old, seems to have redefined the characteristics of the Company helmsman.
Here is an anecdote to illustrate my point.
While I was in NDA in 1988, we played a lot of golf amongst the four clubs in Pune (Pune, RSI, CME and NDA). Among the many tournaments held annually, a regular annual event was one between Western India Golf Addicts Association and the four Pune clubs. The four ball was two youngsters and two addicts. In one of the tournaments I was paired with the younger of the two addicts. The older of the two addicts spoke very little and hit each of his shots to a max distance of 60 meters. He hit dead straight and completed each hole in about 8 -10 strokes. The match was always between the youngsters of the opposing pairings. I struck up a conversation with my partner who was the younger of the two oldies. He told me that the old man playing with us was about 90 years of age but still worked as Chairman and MD of New India Assurance Company. In the course of the conversation I told him about my job with computers in NDA. That is when he said who he was. He was Fakir Chand Kohli (often referred to as the ‘father of the Indian software industry’) who was then pioneering TCS, the largest Indian Software Company then and now. He would have been about 65 years old then and was the Director General of TCS – that was the designation of the MD of TCS then which was changed to the normal range of designations before FCK stepped down as chairman TCS in 2000.
Now we hear that CEOs in the Tata Group companies are getting younger. This is something unimaginable a decade or so ago. We now have CEOs between the ages of 35 and 45. India has more than 50% of its population below the age of 25 and more than 65% hovers below the age of 35. It is expected that, in 2020, the average age of an Indian will be 29 years, compared to 37 for China and 48 for Japan. With the average age of the top management reducing, there will be earlier burnt outs and widespread despondency.
With Uncle Google and his friends around we may have to revisit the adage that ‘one grows wiser with age’. Another point is that we may have to build more golf courses.
The Indian Nation is an enigma. The history of a Nation is fundamental to its evolution as a large society and as a coherent polity. Freedom too can thus be classified into two parts. They are freedom of thought and action. In the part I had published earlier the point discussed was freedom of thought, faith or religion as you may want to interpret the spiritual world. Culture and beliefs are also shaped by the faith and practices adopted by the evolving society in its progress.
Politics and warfare were never seriously discussed in the very ancient and ancient Indian scriptures. There are no details of intelligent strategies and intricate tactics of the epic battles of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Sketchy narrations of maneuvers do exist; but they are couched in deceit and divine interventions leaving a lot to the readers’ imagination and interpretations. Neither do the scriptures dwell on intricacies of Governance. The first formal treatise on governance and warfare was compiled by the great Chanakya in his arthashastra as late as 2nd century BC. Let me explain this a bit more.
India in whatever geographical form never ever was ruled democratically until a couple of decades or so ago.Yes, until about twenty years or so ago. What is now India consisted of several Kingdoms. Then the conquerors, Lodhis, Mughals, the British et al, ruled over India for centuries till August 15, 1947. Our Nation became a sovereign state on that day. Since time immemorial Indians never had a stake in Governance until the General elections to the first Lok Sabha since independence which was held between 25 October 1951 and 21 February 1952. Since then for about half a century in effect it was a one party / dynastic rule, much like the Chinese structure of politics today – all orders coming from ‘high command’. Besides, I have some arithmetic for you-
(A representative example)
- Total eligible voters in India - 100
- Registered voters - 70
- Those who exercise their franchise - 49
(On an average 70% of registered voters)
-Winning votes - 18
(on an average 35% of votes cast)
So in our democracy we are ruled by those who represent (in effect) 18-20% of the electorate - so much for our democratically elected Government(s). I am not even mentioning ‘politics’ here.
India as a free state
Indians had not really tasted freedom of action. So when at midnight on a spring day, we were ‘given’ our ‘freedom’, many of us probably did not know what to make of it and thought that whatever we were not supposed to do till then we could do thereafter. We started flouting all rules and thought that was freedom…we continue to do so till this day. This aspect can start a never ending discussion on the direct responsibility of a citizen in Governance. I will let it rest.
Many of us Indians (I use this term to address us and do not at all mean to compare us with some other Nationals) still do not know what freedom means and wait to be told what to do – like orders that have to come from the high command - and probably also supervised (violate the red lights if the police is not watching!!!!). This is true with everybody in the hierarchy and expanse of the society. In this sense as a democracy we started to evolve only in the past couple of decades when the doors to our economy and polity were once again thrown open to the world at large – but this time as a democracy…we have to be patient to evolve.
Let me tell you a theory I have been nursing for long. Here are my three definitions for you.
-Rich : Regular income is of no consequence for luxury living.
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-Middle Class: Lives comfortably and sometimes (on a scale ranging from always to occasionally) have disposable incomes for luxuries.
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-Poor : Struggle to make both ends meet.
Today the poor are at the bottom of the pyramid (do not confuse this pyramid with the Pyramids in economics or the Defence Forces) and looks like this (top to bottom).
Today: Rich 10% :: Middle Class 20% :: Poor 70%
Where we want to reach to become a mature democracy and a developed really free Nation is this (top to bottom).
Target: Poor 10% :: Rich 20% :: Middle Class 70%
In Passing…
Why do we always tend to compare a 235 year old democracy (USA) with a 20 year old democracy (India)? Let us be what we are and evolve in our own way – to become stronger and richer. We are a young polity grappling with a system of Governance (democracy) which is totally alien to our history and cultural traditions. Shall we say that when the wisdom in our ancient scriptures permeates the evolving politics of the day we would have arrived?
Milkha Singh almost got us an Olympic medal in 1960 (half a century ago!!!). His son Jeev is a professional golfer playing regularly on the European tour and occasionally in the USPGA and earning millions. I wonder whether in that we have more than what meets the eye. The Olympic medals are another story for another day.
The word Hindu may have its origin in the river Indus which was once known by the name Sindhu. Several millennia ago the Persians, it is said, called those east of this river Hindus and the land Hindustan. As an extension what these people practiced by way of faith came to be known as Hinduism. Whether Hinduism is a religion is a moot point. The dictionary meaning of religion is ‘belief in God or Gods and follow a set of defined practices’. Another more encompassing definition is “Religion is a collection of cultural and belief systems, that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and moral values.Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to explain the origin of life or the universe. They tend to derive morality, ethics, religious laws or a preferred lifestyle from their ideas about the cosmos and human nature”.
In effect Gods are created by man as a refuge from the unknown, by mentally transforming forces of nature. Most of ‘Hindu’ popular gods of today have their origin in the Rig-Veda. It would be interesting to trace their origins. Briefly here is how Goddess Saraswati evolved. The Vedic name of Saraswati is Vac. The Vedic goddess Vac (speech) transformed into Saraswati the Puranic goddess of learning, wisdom, culture and intellect; please note in those days learning and transfer of knowledge was by word of mouth. The Vedas were also known as shrutis (that which is heard in a particular form). All learning was by word of mouth – through vac or saraswai. Thus, saraswati the Goddess of learning came to be. All Hindu Gods have evolved in a similar way – all of them represent a force of Nature (creation, preservation…..) or aspiration of man (wealth). Even the Dravidian Gods evolved from worship of natural phenomenon like the Sun, wind et al. Somewhere along the way the Aryan and Dravidian Gods tended to merge into one family so to speak.
Hinduism as christened by Persians, in my opinion, encompasses much more than what is defined by religion. So, I say that Hinduism did not actually evolve as a religion. It is more of a philosophy or way of life. I say this simply because it does not say one has to do this or follow that to be a good Hindu. Unlike other major religions there is no single rallying point. Please note these “Gods” being referred are deities and do not refer to the Supreme. Hindu scriptures also talk of advaita – meaning God (Supreme, Truth …) and self are one and the same. The concept of “Aham Brahma Asmi” (“I am Brahman” or plainly “I am the Supreme”) though much debated is widely accepted. The Upanishads make it clear self realization (in which ever way) is essential to realize the Supreme. Indian philosophy teaches that man is essentially divine. But there is no single path to follow in search of this Truth.
The modern prominent religions of today have come about as a result of reactions. All modern religions came into being for noble causes. They were / are subsequently misused by vested interests to dominate society.
Culture and beliefs are also spoken in the same breath as religion, but that may not be right. Consider this. A belief is a state of mind where an individual holds a proposition or premise to be true. As such a belief need not necessarily be true or false. A ritual is a set of actions performed mainly for its symbolic value. Tradition is a combination of beliefs and rituals. Culture is a set of values which in the Indian sense is to be tolerant, accommodating, open-minded, deeply but not ostensibly spiritual and concerned with the common human welfare. This is how our country has achieved a common culture, despite a staggering pluralistic society, where we find a convergence of beliefs and culture based on societal practices of those who came to India over millennia and made it their home. Religion pulls at this convergence generating tensions.
Where are we today with all these religions and Gods?
Hurting religious sentiment is a misnomer. Psychologically sentiment is an abnormal condition. While there can be a condition of religious sentiment, being abnormal it can not be hurt but only aggravated. Sentimentality is an emotional state disproportionate to the situation, and thus replaces extreme and generally unthinking feeling for normal ethical and intellectual judgment
Being critical of religion and religious practices is a must for an evolving society to free itself from archaic practices of the medieval era. Instead of shying away, discussions on religions and methods should be encouraged in a thinking (wo)man.
A discussion need not be derogatory of individuals or groups. It is after prolonged discussions and consideration of differing opinions the Pope has now allowed the use of condoms – under certain circumstances. The change is a result of objecting to a belief in the first instance.
In India I am afraid there are no public debates on religion because the politicians are afraid; the government is afraid; the media is afraid; the people are afraid; those that are not afraid are dissuaded by those who are afraid. Of course there are also those with vested interests who want to perpetuate ignorance. They are into exploitation and take shelter behind ‘religious sentiments’. The result is the proliferation of intelligence violations and militant extremism. Religion and beliefs have to be discussed. We do not have a right to debate the practices of an individual where only (s)he is involved. We definitely have a right to discuss what is practiced in public – because it affects society at large.
Let us not be afraid to debate.
Theses are but a few thoughts…..In regard to religion and India, we do have a problem in our country – we are scared to discuss religion…and thus inadvertently we encourage exploitation of the people through misplaced religious activities by vested interests……
“The gardener has gone on a month’s leave”. I stole a glance at the Lady of the House (LOH) and quickly returned to page three of the newspaper. I made out the LOH was concerned. The equilibrium in our life is being disturbed. The absent gardener will necessitate alternate arrangements to care for all those plants nurtured so lovingly at various cantonments of the country in pots and finally finding a permanent place in our garden. “Can you send some one from the office?” I knew this was coming. The LOH could not send some one from whatever she was involved in. If the maid is given this additional task she will neglect an equivalent chunk from her lot. Everyone is not as efficient as Kapil Sibal. The assistant maid has her own duties and will not take on the duties of the maid, a la the Ex MOS for Railways, Mukul Roy who refused to visit an accident site as he was not the minister himself.
The duties of the drivers were non negotiable, being a specialized job entailing holding of statutory authorization by way of driving licenses. The washer man could be given the job. But there is a chance he may use soap water destroying the plants and adversely affecting the environment. Giving the job to the security team is fraught with danger as the house could be burgled while these sentinels played in the garden. These days one can’t rely on the neighbours (or their staff) to do anything for you as they have their own agenda diametrically opposite of ours. They may use the opportunity to destroy our plants.
We could induct a new temporary gardener. Being temporary he is likely to be careless and most of the time could be on his mobile phone looking for permanent placements. All these thoughts passed my mind in a flash and before I was asked “Are you listening?” I said “Ok, I will play only half the course every day and tend the garden for the next month”
Phew!!! It is much easier to reshuffle the cabinet in a coalition government these days!!!!!
It was four years ago, on an evening at the dinner table, my architect daughter announced “I am quitting my job”. I aborted my attempt to shove the piece of chapatti with a scoop of rajma into my mouth to ask “why”? On arrival from Baroda with a degree in architecture, she had homed on to this oldest and biggest architecture firm in Bangalore and managed to get in there after several levels of interviews. My surprise was obvious. She replied “there is a lot of politics in the office”. I realised having heard that phrase before on various occasions. The conversation ended abruptly. I had to believe my daughter knew what she was doing.
‘Politics’ has become a word which has been used and misused rightly and wrongly, so much so that even by choice we are unable to keep it away from our daily travails. The great Greek thinker Aristotle who has been credited with initiating this word in Greek, which was later adopted by the English language, would surely be sitting up in his grave. For it was he who nilly willy defined Politics (from Greekπολιτικός, "of, for, or relating to citizens"), as a process by which groups of people make collective decisions for a larger group or society.
Though the term is traditionally used in relation to running Government or state affairs, over passage of time the word has been used in all places where decisions are taken on behalf of a group by those in power (as Aristotle had defined) – but in the process it has attained an implied shade of gray. When it is said that there is a ‘lot of politics’ in decisions on promotions the implicit message conveyed is one of foul play. We exhort our peers to keep politics out of some matters and at times warn them against playing politics! Playing is not the same as practicing politics as the latter ostensibly conveys clean politics, whatever that means. Concerned authorities may also indulge in politics to get things done through the back door. Is politics, in this century, taken on a meaning of ‘self serving’ or ‘vested interests’? He who talks a lot and conveys very little, we say, is fit to be a politician because such a person is thought to harbour a hidden agenda. In this the twenty-first century a politician is a professional, who deftly practices his trade for gains, where heredity is a primary qualification to become one. But then in one sense of politics, is each one of us a ‘politician’ of sort?
Mahatma Gandhi says “Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is.” With politics intricately wedded to religion with greed (for money, power) always lurking in the shadows, is the whole drama continually unfolding on the National scene a case of ‘Pati, Patni aur Woh’? A combination of even any two of the trio has potential to produce dangerous sparks or fire works as the case may be.
Ha! All too confusing this and dangerous too, just as in the case of exposed PPW situation.
