Noted management guru Coimbatore Krishnarao Prahalad who died in San Diego after a brief illness late Friday, was among the best known global thinkers on the subject and author of several bestsellers.
Forever a believer that India will grow into an economic power that the world will go on to eventually admire, Prahalad's vision on these lines were reflected in his best-seller "The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid: Eradicating Poverty Through Profit".
A member of India's National Council on Skill Development, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Prahalad was conferred the Padma Bhushan and the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman last year for his accomplishments - among the numerous other global honours.
A die-hard capitalist, his theories form the genesis and practices of many global corporations, including several in India. He himself had started his career in the corporate world with Union Carbide, before moving on to academics.
What appeased him to Indian policymakers, civil society, think tanks and the corporate houses was his vision for his country of birth.
"In today's changed global scenario, where established institutions are in disrepair, there is an excellent opportunity for India to shape the new world order," he said in a recent lecture in New Delhi.
"But for that we need to innovate, address issues such as poverty, income inequality and corruption," he said.
Several of his admirers held that should there have been a Nobel prize for management and public administration, Prahalad would have be a sure winner.
"A brilliant teacher at the University of Michigan, he may well be the most influential thinker on business strategy," Business Week magazine said in an article on him.
In fact, the company he founded was mainly based on his vision and road ahead towards people's empowerment. It was named Praja Inc - which in Sanskrit translates into a kingdom's subjects, common people or citizens.
"CK was one of the foremost lateral thinkers of our times," said ICICI Bank chairman K.V. Kamath, who was instrumental in roping in Prahalad for outlining India's vision for skills development.
"He had this uncanny knack of looking into the future as far as business and life around us was concerned," Kamath added.
After a degree in Physics from the University of Madras, Prahalad went on to get a master's from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and then went to Havard for doctoral degree in business administration.
He then taught at his alma mater at Ahmedabad and then went to the US as the Paul and Ruth McCracken Distinguished University Professor of Strategy at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan.
He has also consulted with a host of global companies as AT&T, Cargill, Citicorp, Kodak, Oracle, Philips, Quantum, Revlon, Steelcase and Unilever and served on the boards several others.
Yet, teaching remained his main passion for this revered guru who was born to a family of nine children. He is survived by his wife Gayatri and two children - Murali Krishna and Deepa.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Sale Event at Coimbatore
“We clothes and things” announces a sale. Apart from discounts on apparels and footwear there will be a 25 per cent discount on sarees. The sale is on till April 24. For details call: 0422- 4200919
Date: April 17 to 24
Venue: 79/2 KC Arcade, TV Samy Road (East)
R S Puram
Date: April 17 to 24
Venue: 79/2 KC Arcade, TV Samy Road (East)
R S Puram
Summer Computer classes at PSG Polytechnic College
The Continuing Education Cell of PSG Polytechnic College is conducting summer computer classes.
According to a release, the classes include C Programming, summer computer camp for kids, Plus-One computer science, Plus-Two computer science, MS Office and Internet, CNC Programming and Maintenance, Linux Administration, PLC Programming, computer maintenance and repairs, and computer networking for beginners.
Certificates for the above programmes will be issued by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
For details, contact 0422-2595425.
According to a release, the classes include C Programming, summer computer camp for kids, Plus-One computer science, Plus-Two computer science, MS Office and Internet, CNC Programming and Maintenance, Linux Administration, PLC Programming, computer maintenance and repairs, and computer networking for beginners.
Certificates for the above programmes will be issued by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
For details, contact 0422-2595425.
Franklin Electric plans for Coimbatore
Franklin Electric, the U.S.-based manufacturer of submersible motors and water and fuel pumps, is studying the capabilities and capacities in Coimbatore for business cooperation.
The company's consultant for India, Anil Keswani, said Franklin was in its inception stage in India. It was in the process of formally launching its Indian operations.
It proposed to market its products in India. India was a growing economy and there would be an ongoing need for effective use of water. The market was ready for new technologies in this sector, he said. The company was studying the potential of each market segment, including domestic, agricultural and industrial pumps and motors in the country.
Franklin was also looking out for sourcing opportunities and local partners. It made a presentation at the recently-held Techno4 exhibition here.
The company's consultant for India, Anil Keswani, said Franklin was in its inception stage in India. It was in the process of formally launching its Indian operations.
It proposed to market its products in India. India was a growing economy and there would be an ongoing need for effective use of water. The market was ready for new technologies in this sector, he said. The company was studying the potential of each market segment, including domestic, agricultural and industrial pumps and motors in the country.
Franklin was also looking out for sourcing opportunities and local partners. It made a presentation at the recently-held Techno4 exhibition here.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Green Garden Centre for Handwriting, Coimbatore.
Making plans for your summer holidays? How about giving a couple of hours to improving handwriting?
It is necessary to improve handwriting because a good one makes a positive impression, says K. Chellappan, handwriting trainer and consultant, Green Garden Centre for Handwriting, Coimbatore.
The centre will conduct summer camp, which will go on till May 27. Students of Stds. I and II will undergo the course for a month; those from Stds. III to V will have it for 25 days and those in Std. VI and above will attend lessons for 20 days.
“Students will be taught the right way to hold a pen, place the paper, correct posture to write, etc. This is because good writing depends on factors like pen pressure, pen angle, pen hold, notebook/paper position, sitting posture, choice of pen, ink, size of letter, spacing between letters, words, lines, etc,” he says.
Coordinator Ranganayaki says students can attend sessions according to convenience. The Centre also conducts regular and weekend classes. “Students enrol following suggestions from parents or teachers,” Mr. Chellappan says and adds that some schools also partner with his centre to make it part of co-curricular activity.
M. Sujitha, mother of M. Pragadeesh, who underwent the course, says her son's handwriting is now neat, legible and attractive.
Details about the course can be had from Green Garden Centre for Handwriting, 216, Thadagam Road, Opp. Avila Convent, Venkitapuram, Coimbatore 641 025 or 0422-2442332.
It is necessary to improve handwriting because a good one makes a positive impression, says K. Chellappan, handwriting trainer and consultant, Green Garden Centre for Handwriting, Coimbatore.
The centre will conduct summer camp, which will go on till May 27. Students of Stds. I and II will undergo the course for a month; those from Stds. III to V will have it for 25 days and those in Std. VI and above will attend lessons for 20 days.
“Students will be taught the right way to hold a pen, place the paper, correct posture to write, etc. This is because good writing depends on factors like pen pressure, pen angle, pen hold, notebook/paper position, sitting posture, choice of pen, ink, size of letter, spacing between letters, words, lines, etc,” he says.
Coordinator Ranganayaki says students can attend sessions according to convenience. The Centre also conducts regular and weekend classes. “Students enrol following suggestions from parents or teachers,” Mr. Chellappan says and adds that some schools also partner with his centre to make it part of co-curricular activity.
M. Sujitha, mother of M. Pragadeesh, who underwent the course, says her son's handwriting is now neat, legible and attractive.
Details about the course can be had from Green Garden Centre for Handwriting, 216, Thadagam Road, Opp. Avila Convent, Venkitapuram, Coimbatore 641 025 or 0422-2442332.
Monday, April 12, 2010
ISHA Foundation's seven day programme
Sadhguru's Coimbatore-based ISHA Foundation will organise a seven-day programme on ISHA Yoga the peak of well-being' for the first time in Hindi between May 12 and 18. The programme will have two sessions of three-hours each at Shri Rajput Sabha Bhavan, C-22-AB Bhagwan Das Road, C-Scheme.
Swami Rijuda, trained yoga teacher and volunteer with the foundation, highlighted the importance of the Inner Engineering (yoga)' in life. He said yoga can cure seasonal diseases and bring relief to people. Yoga has a solution to all mental and physical problems especially the ancient Shambhavi Mahamudra which incorporates different breathing patterns and recitation of verses. This refreshes the body and soul, he said.
"The participants develop a stress-free life and a good relationship at work, home, community and with one's self. Along with enhanced productivity, creativity and efficiency, yoga can cure chronic diseases like asthma, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, back pain, obesity etc," added Swami.
A newly-elected sarpanch, Chavi Rajawat, in a press conference, shared her experience with ISHA Foundation. Rajawat said, "In Rajasthan, women, specially in the rural areas, have to do a lot of physical labour. This, coupled with harsh weather conditions, make them vulnerable. They fall prey to various diseases."
Attending a workshop on Inner Engineering' has drastically changed my life and I am sure it can do so to all those rural women who work very hard to make both ends meet. The workshop can change one's negativity into positive energies.
Swami Rijuda, trained yoga teacher and volunteer with the foundation, highlighted the importance of the Inner Engineering (yoga)' in life. He said yoga can cure seasonal diseases and bring relief to people. Yoga has a solution to all mental and physical problems especially the ancient Shambhavi Mahamudra which incorporates different breathing patterns and recitation of verses. This refreshes the body and soul, he said.
"The participants develop a stress-free life and a good relationship at work, home, community and with one's self. Along with enhanced productivity, creativity and efficiency, yoga can cure chronic diseases like asthma, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, back pain, obesity etc," added Swami.
A newly-elected sarpanch, Chavi Rajawat, in a press conference, shared her experience with ISHA Foundation. Rajawat said, "In Rajasthan, women, specially in the rural areas, have to do a lot of physical labour. This, coupled with harsh weather conditions, make them vulnerable. They fall prey to various diseases."
Attending a workshop on Inner Engineering' has drastically changed my life and I am sure it can do so to all those rural women who work very hard to make both ends meet. The workshop can change one's negativity into positive energies.
Siruvani Dam level expected to rise
Strong westerly winds at the Siruvani Dam and the catchment are providing signs of summer showers eagerly hoped for by a substantial portion of the city and the suburbs that are dependent on the Siruvani scheme for drinking water.
March – the normal summer showers time – was a disappointer, according to official sources. An official dealing with Siruvani supply said at least 50 mm rain was the normal quota for the dam in March. Leave alone the westerly winds, there was not even a stiff breeze during that month, he said.
But, April seemed to turn things around. Gusty winds uprooted a tree on the road to the dam in the Siruvani hills and there was a drizzle at the dam last Friday. The situation, however, had not improved on Monday. But, the signs of rain persisted.
The summer showers that normally arrived in Kerala (where the dam is located) in the second half of March never increased the water level substantially. It reduced the water level depletion for a few days, the official said.
The water level on Friday was around 28 ft, as against the full reservoir level of 51 ft. It was five feet more than the level during the corresponding period last year. But, on Monday, the level had dipped by another foot.
While there was a struggle for Siruvani water in the suburbs, the city is not facing any major problem because of the supply from the Siruvani and Pilloor dams. The sources said that on any given day, the city got 130 million litres a day. It now got 70 million litres from Siruvani Dam and at least 60 million litres from the Pilloor Dam. This would be enough to supply 110 litres per capita per day to a population of about 12 lakh.
March – the normal summer showers time – was a disappointer, according to official sources. An official dealing with Siruvani supply said at least 50 mm rain was the normal quota for the dam in March. Leave alone the westerly winds, there was not even a stiff breeze during that month, he said.
But, April seemed to turn things around. Gusty winds uprooted a tree on the road to the dam in the Siruvani hills and there was a drizzle at the dam last Friday. The situation, however, had not improved on Monday. But, the signs of rain persisted.
The summer showers that normally arrived in Kerala (where the dam is located) in the second half of March never increased the water level substantially. It reduced the water level depletion for a few days, the official said.
The water level on Friday was around 28 ft, as against the full reservoir level of 51 ft. It was five feet more than the level during the corresponding period last year. But, on Monday, the level had dipped by another foot.
While there was a struggle for Siruvani water in the suburbs, the city is not facing any major problem because of the supply from the Siruvani and Pilloor dams. The sources said that on any given day, the city got 130 million litres a day. It now got 70 million litres from Siruvani Dam and at least 60 million litres from the Pilloor Dam. This would be enough to supply 110 litres per capita per day to a population of about 12 lakh.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Paramount Airways in trouble - may shutdown
The regulator has started what is called a requirement review of Paramount, said a DGCA official who didn’t want to be named. “There is a requirement deficiency for a national airline status. We have asked them to explain it in a couple of days,” the official said.
Rules mandate that a national license holder have a fleet of at least five aircraft. Three of the airline’s fleet of five Embraers have been pulled from service over payment disputes with GE Commercial Aviation Services Llc and one because of engineering issues. Paramount also has a payment dispute with ECC Leasing Co. Ltd from which it had taken two planes on lease.
A single aircraft makes travel difficult for passengers, said another DGCA official who too did not want to be named. Airlines typically keep one aircraft as a backup in case of an emergency or engineering-related issues.
“Either they have to do bring the (new) aircraft or close the shop. The requirement is very clear,” this official said.
A Paramount spokesman declined to comment on the matter.
The airline will have to lease new aircraft as it is yet to firm up a memorandum (MoU) of understanding to buy 10 A321 passenger jets from Airbus SAS at the Paris Airshow in June 2009. Airbus executive vice-president of sales and marketing Kiran Rao told Mint last month at the Hyderabad Airshow that the MoU is yet to be converted into an order.
In the past, the Wadia-group owned low-cost airline GoAir was granted an exception by the civil aviation ministry and allowed to continue operations despite falling short of the minimum requirement of five aircraft. The airline now has an eight-aircraft fleet.
Rules mandate that a national license holder have a fleet of at least five aircraft. Three of the airline’s fleet of five Embraers have been pulled from service over payment disputes with GE Commercial Aviation Services Llc and one because of engineering issues. Paramount also has a payment dispute with ECC Leasing Co. Ltd from which it had taken two planes on lease.
A single aircraft makes travel difficult for passengers, said another DGCA official who too did not want to be named. Airlines typically keep one aircraft as a backup in case of an emergency or engineering-related issues.
“Either they have to do bring the (new) aircraft or close the shop. The requirement is very clear,” this official said.
A Paramount spokesman declined to comment on the matter.
The airline will have to lease new aircraft as it is yet to firm up a memorandum (MoU) of understanding to buy 10 A321 passenger jets from Airbus SAS at the Paris Airshow in June 2009. Airbus executive vice-president of sales and marketing Kiran Rao told Mint last month at the Hyderabad Airshow that the MoU is yet to be converted into an order.
In the past, the Wadia-group owned low-cost airline GoAir was granted an exception by the civil aviation ministry and allowed to continue operations despite falling short of the minimum requirement of five aircraft. The airline now has an eight-aircraft fleet.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
‘Sinking’ building being demolished in Coimbatore
The ‘sinking’ under construction building in the city, is being demolished by the Slum Clearance Board, the Board sources said.
The building, housing 48 flats, in Ammankulam, started sinking and slanted more than 10 degrees from Friday last, causing panic in the area. The flats were meant to be distributed among those, who were evacuated from slums which situated on the banks of various water bodies.
Considering the security, the board started demolishing the building, being constructed under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, on Tuesday.
The cost of the building was around Rs.2.49 crore, the sources said.
Meanwhile, an expert team started digging the earth to find the condition of the soil and also reason for sinking, they said.
Works of other buildings under the same scheme, having nearly 900 houses, in the area, have been stopped for security reason and would resume only after the soil test report, they said.
The building, housing 48 flats, in Ammankulam, started sinking and slanted more than 10 degrees from Friday last, causing panic in the area. The flats were meant to be distributed among those, who were evacuated from slums which situated on the banks of various water bodies.
Considering the security, the board started demolishing the building, being constructed under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, on Tuesday.
The cost of the building was around Rs.2.49 crore, the sources said.
Meanwhile, an expert team started digging the earth to find the condition of the soil and also reason for sinking, they said.
Works of other buildings under the same scheme, having nearly 900 houses, in the area, have been stopped for security reason and would resume only after the soil test report, they said.
Coimbatore needs to improve it's IT eco system
Coimbatore, which is yet to see the anticipated growth in the Information Technology sector, needs a host of initiatives to improve the IT eco system here.
The city currently has just a handful of large-scale IT players. Though the existing companies are expanding rapidly, as they grow they face problems related to catering, transport, entertainment, etc. And, new companies that want to start operations in Coimbatore are seeking better facilities.
Software companies focus on their core business and hence outsource most of their other needs. The options in the areas of associated and house keeping services, which include laundry, transport and providing business lunch, are limited here. For the middle-level managers in IT companies, mobility is important. Hence, they need more schools with CBSE syllabus for their children, says the former chairman of the Coimbatore chapter of Confederation of Indian Industry K. Thangaraj. The IT infrastructure here is improving. But, the growth of many of these services depends on demand. The service provider looks for a critical mass to launch or scale up and the critical mass is expected to come with the Tidel Park, adds Mr. Thangaraj.
KG Information System's Vice-President for Corporate Relations Jayamurali Balagurusamy says the Government should improve the basic infrastructure related to power, water and public transport. Some of the services are expensive compared to those in Chennai and Bangalore.
Soft skills of students should be developed at schools itself to increase their employability. “It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to give the best to the city,” Mr. Balagurusamy says.
“When an IT or IT Enabled Services company looks at tier-two cities, Coimbatore is thought of. The city has visibility. What turns down people here is mainly the cost,” according to the chairman of the Rathinam Group Madan A. Sendhil.
Coimbatore should start attracting the next level of IT and ITES companies. It should also develop local leaders in the sector as on the manufacturing front. The city should start focusing on the peripheral areas. The cost has to come down, Mr. Sendhil says. It is also important to brand Coimbatore as an IT destination, he adds.
The city currently has just a handful of large-scale IT players. Though the existing companies are expanding rapidly, as they grow they face problems related to catering, transport, entertainment, etc. And, new companies that want to start operations in Coimbatore are seeking better facilities.
Software companies focus on their core business and hence outsource most of their other needs. The options in the areas of associated and house keeping services, which include laundry, transport and providing business lunch, are limited here. For the middle-level managers in IT companies, mobility is important. Hence, they need more schools with CBSE syllabus for their children, says the former chairman of the Coimbatore chapter of Confederation of Indian Industry K. Thangaraj. The IT infrastructure here is improving. But, the growth of many of these services depends on demand. The service provider looks for a critical mass to launch or scale up and the critical mass is expected to come with the Tidel Park, adds Mr. Thangaraj.
KG Information System's Vice-President for Corporate Relations Jayamurali Balagurusamy says the Government should improve the basic infrastructure related to power, water and public transport. Some of the services are expensive compared to those in Chennai and Bangalore.
Soft skills of students should be developed at schools itself to increase their employability. “It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to give the best to the city,” Mr. Balagurusamy says.
“When an IT or IT Enabled Services company looks at tier-two cities, Coimbatore is thought of. The city has visibility. What turns down people here is mainly the cost,” according to the chairman of the Rathinam Group Madan A. Sendhil.
Coimbatore should start attracting the next level of IT and ITES companies. It should also develop local leaders in the sector as on the manufacturing front. The city should start focusing on the peripheral areas. The cost has to come down, Mr. Sendhil says. It is also important to brand Coimbatore as an IT destination, he adds.
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