Mr. Jaswant singh has been expelled from the BJP for his ideological peccadilloes. His interpretation of Jinnah's magnanimity and belittling of Sardar Patel proved to be his undoing.
Needless to say , with one stroke the BJP has made a fool of itself. In today's era, silencing voices is not what is expected of a political party-especially when it profeessess commitment to parliamentary democracy. Voicing an opinion on an issue is every idnividual's right. Right to dissent and freedom of expression is the bedrock of a civilized democracy. Everyone has a right to hold an opinion at varaince with the whole world and one doesn't crucify people just for having a difference of opinion.
BJP professess that Mr. Singh's expulsion is a consequence of ideological deviation . Come to think of it, politcally speaking he is blaming Nehru and the Congress for Partition - that's what the BJP has been claiming since donkey's years. The book could have been used as a perfect political tool to beat the Congress with and buttress BJP's argument of minority appeasement. The persecution complex that Muslims have today is a consequence of Partition for which Nehru and Congress were responsible. Therefore, it can be argued that the Congress is the enemy of the Muslims and not the BJP. Brilliant.
I don't understand who to pity more- the BJP for its stupidity or the Congress for its shortsightedness. By expelling Mr. Singh, the BJP is contradciting what it has been professing since its inception (Congress responsible for india's partition).
Apart from the issues of real-politik, we are losing sight of the fact that we are increasingly encouraging and creating an intolerant society where difference of opinion and dissent brings retribution. If this is being done by a leading political party , am worried about the state and health of our democarcy . You cannot expel people just for writing a book and expressing an opinion. the essence of democracy and and civislised society is the maxim- "I detest your views but will fight to death for your right to voice them".
When will we as a nation understand this ??
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Ode to the Past
Blogging again after a long time. Not that I was very busy running the world or taking momentous geo-political decisions (Barrack is doing a fine job as of now). Just trying to be slightly better off than I am at present - i.e trying to earn two square meals a day and glass of beer at the end of it. A very extra-ordinary occurrence (entirley a consequence of my foolishness) has forced me to put on my thinking cap and made me introspect as regards the futility of what we call technology / development.
It so happened that the bank ATM in my neighbourhood, which so kind heartedly allows me access without discriminating despite my BPL status (and notwithstanding the meagre currency reserves I bother the bank with), one fine saturday evening decided that enough was enough. The likes of me (poor uncouth Indians from rural areas with a pittance of a bank balance masquerading as urban folks) need to be taught a lesson for wasting the Bank's time, energy and money and expecting service on top of it. What imprudence and callousness? What audacity?? So the stiff upper lip ATM unilaterally decided to gobble up my ATM card when I inserted it to further deplete my depleted reserves to enjoy the weekend.
This was just the beginning of an immensly exciting journey. Fairly shaken up by this display of feudalism from the mean machine, and suitbaly guided by the armed worthy outside the ATM , I called up the bank 's call centre (sorry - back office operations to be politcally correct). Next was a telephonic battle with the IVR (integrated voice response i guess) which asked me to punch in the card no. Apologising for my memory and stupidity, I was left to marvel at all those who remember their 16 digit ATM, Credit and debit card nos. At my failing to provide the same (as the card was in the ATM), I was asked to punch in my 12 digit bank account no with the TPIN and IPIN and a whole lot of other pins which were tremendously painful. After a lot of punching and some more punching, I was asked to speak to a customer service officer. The kind hearted worthy informed me that I should not bother him for the next 5 days within which my card would be delivered to my address.
Thank GOD for small mercies and the tremendous strides Indian banks have made in terms of efficiency of operations. I did receive my card within 5 working days. But it was blocked. Battle 2 with IVR begins to unblock the card. After a similar effort to reach the coustomer service officer, the thrill begins. Pls tell me the card no - told ( ah ah- now i have the card), pls tell me DOB- luckily I remeber it- pls tell me address- i remeber that too, pls tell me nominee of your bank account (i dont remebr - its been 6 years since I opened my bank account) - sorry we need to know this info. Why ??? pat comes the response - we dont' know whether you are the customer or the courier guy - fair enough. As an alternative, am required to give any of the unused cheque nos - frantic search for the cheque book begins. it is found in the nick of time and am saved. Must have done some real good karma in my past life.
I learnt an important lesson. The Buddha said - Desire is the root cause of mankind's problems. Chanakya says 'Overdependence on technology is the root cause of mankind's problems'. The more one tries to avoid paper, the more paper you need to maintain in situations of crisis.
This experience led me to introspect. In the good old days, we did not have ATM/Debit and credit cards. We did not have computers and cell phones. Hundreds of generations managed - and pretty well at that. Life doesn't come to a standstill wihtout technology - in fact it's more peaceful and creative in the absence of mobiles, emails etc. Incessant connectivity creates an illusion - taking us away from reality, from nature, from our loved ones and more importantly - from our inner selves. We are slowly losing a part of ourselves everyday, in according undue priority to our work, our career, our unbridled ambitions, our material pursuits and our greed.
Kids cant sleep without an AC, they get bored without computer games, they feel disconnected without internet . Can we shirk the responsibility for the void that we are creating in our future generations?? I remeber a time when we first had TV in our household when I was in class V- to watch the 1984 Los Angeles olympics. There was no computer and no internet. I had my email account after completion of masters in late 90s. I never missed the connectivity - still don't. Throughout my hostel life, i was without a mobile - so were all my batchmates. There was a single phone in the common room and students used to que up awaiting weekly phone calls from home. The conversations reflected genuine concern, love, affection and curiosity among parents and children. Due to all time accessibility of the mobile - I find that affection missing, both amongst parents as well as children. Now you have e-diwali and e-rakhi greetings. Gone are the days when the greetings would arrive long after the festival was over- thanks to the efficient Indian post. But it was worth the wait.
Like instant noodles, we have instant connectivity. Emotion and real love could not keep pace with technological advancement. Fragile relations breed insecurity leading to even more fragile egoes. Just look around your
work place - does anyone of us have true friends at workplace?? answer is NO.
Am worried - our generation can cope (28-38 yr bracket)- up with this madness as we have witnessed an era without TV, internet , AC, emails etc. What happens to the generation which is in elementary school today??? Completely over dependent on gadgets - our luxuries have become their necessisities. But it always happens with every generation - so are my fears justified ???
Wasn't the past better - it always is - isn't it.
"Every generation considers itself clever and wiser than the generation it precedes and more experienced than the generation that follows."
It so happened that the bank ATM in my neighbourhood, which so kind heartedly allows me access without discriminating despite my BPL status (and notwithstanding the meagre currency reserves I bother the bank with), one fine saturday evening decided that enough was enough. The likes of me (poor uncouth Indians from rural areas with a pittance of a bank balance masquerading as urban folks) need to be taught a lesson for wasting the Bank's time, energy and money and expecting service on top of it. What imprudence and callousness? What audacity?? So the stiff upper lip ATM unilaterally decided to gobble up my ATM card when I inserted it to further deplete my depleted reserves to enjoy the weekend.
This was just the beginning of an immensly exciting journey. Fairly shaken up by this display of feudalism from the mean machine, and suitbaly guided by the armed worthy outside the ATM , I called up the bank 's call centre (sorry - back office operations to be politcally correct). Next was a telephonic battle with the IVR (integrated voice response i guess) which asked me to punch in the card no. Apologising for my memory and stupidity, I was left to marvel at all those who remember their 16 digit ATM, Credit and debit card nos. At my failing to provide the same (as the card was in the ATM), I was asked to punch in my 12 digit bank account no with the TPIN and IPIN and a whole lot of other pins which were tremendously painful. After a lot of punching and some more punching, I was asked to speak to a customer service officer. The kind hearted worthy informed me that I should not bother him for the next 5 days within which my card would be delivered to my address.
Thank GOD for small mercies and the tremendous strides Indian banks have made in terms of efficiency of operations. I did receive my card within 5 working days. But it was blocked. Battle 2 with IVR begins to unblock the card. After a similar effort to reach the coustomer service officer, the thrill begins. Pls tell me the card no - told ( ah ah- now i have the card), pls tell me DOB- luckily I remeber it- pls tell me address- i remeber that too, pls tell me nominee of your bank account (i dont remebr - its been 6 years since I opened my bank account) - sorry we need to know this info. Why ??? pat comes the response - we dont' know whether you are the customer or the courier guy - fair enough. As an alternative, am required to give any of the unused cheque nos - frantic search for the cheque book begins. it is found in the nick of time and am saved. Must have done some real good karma in my past life.
I learnt an important lesson. The Buddha said - Desire is the root cause of mankind's problems. Chanakya says 'Overdependence on technology is the root cause of mankind's problems'. The more one tries to avoid paper, the more paper you need to maintain in situations of crisis.
This experience led me to introspect. In the good old days, we did not have ATM/Debit and credit cards. We did not have computers and cell phones. Hundreds of generations managed - and pretty well at that. Life doesn't come to a standstill wihtout technology - in fact it's more peaceful and creative in the absence of mobiles, emails etc. Incessant connectivity creates an illusion - taking us away from reality, from nature, from our loved ones and more importantly - from our inner selves. We are slowly losing a part of ourselves everyday, in according undue priority to our work, our career, our unbridled ambitions, our material pursuits and our greed.
Kids cant sleep without an AC, they get bored without computer games, they feel disconnected without internet . Can we shirk the responsibility for the void that we are creating in our future generations?? I remeber a time when we first had TV in our household when I was in class V- to watch the 1984 Los Angeles olympics. There was no computer and no internet. I had my email account after completion of masters in late 90s. I never missed the connectivity - still don't. Throughout my hostel life, i was without a mobile - so were all my batchmates. There was a single phone in the common room and students used to que up awaiting weekly phone calls from home. The conversations reflected genuine concern, love, affection and curiosity among parents and children. Due to all time accessibility of the mobile - I find that affection missing, both amongst parents as well as children. Now you have e-diwali and e-rakhi greetings. Gone are the days when the greetings would arrive long after the festival was over- thanks to the efficient Indian post. But it was worth the wait.
Like instant noodles, we have instant connectivity. Emotion and real love could not keep pace with technological advancement. Fragile relations breed insecurity leading to even more fragile egoes. Just look around your
work place - does anyone of us have true friends at workplace?? answer is NO.
Am worried - our generation can cope (28-38 yr bracket)- up with this madness as we have witnessed an era without TV, internet , AC, emails etc. What happens to the generation which is in elementary school today??? Completely over dependent on gadgets - our luxuries have become their necessisities. But it always happens with every generation - so are my fears justified ???
Wasn't the past better - it always is - isn't it.
"Every generation considers itself clever and wiser than the generation it precedes and more experienced than the generation that follows."
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Bane of Public Life
Alas!! even the mighty fall. Fall prey to the frailty of human nature - to the desire for fame & recognition, the desire for leaving a stamp on things that are not theirs, for they consider everything to be their domain. Is this unbridled ambition, or again the self getting too much with one self???
I often wonder what makes our idols behave in such an imprudent manner. Perfectly sensible and wise people, acknowledged national icons, celebrities in their own right - why do such people get carried away . Have they not achieved thier life's ambitions, their crowning glory , thier share of limelight??
Time and again, we have come across national icons making a mockery of themselves by getting carried away too much - just look at the illustrious list - T.N.Sheshan, Mohd. Azaruddin ( although his misdemeanour waas a bit more serious) , Arundhati Roy ( encashing literray fame to advocate secessionism), K.P.S.Gill ( for the tremendous contribution to the demise of Indian Hockey), M.S.Gill (blotting the impartiality of the office of the CEC by becoming a Minister), Shabana Azmi (questioning India's secularism after enjoying benefits of a liberal pluralistic society) - the list is endless.
This post is attributed to the rise and fall of Mr. E. Sreedharan, the much acknowledged and widely appreciated Managing Director of the DMRC. The man who was an icon for the nation's youth, who had captured and captivated the collective conscience of a nation due to his impeccable integrity and meticulous execution of the nation's flagship project - the Delhi Metro.
What suddenly prompted him to shoot off a letter to the Planning commission questioning the premise of implementing Metro projects on a BOT basis- that too after DMRC was a consultant and a party to the deccsion making process. Is this ethical behaviour - the GoAP has rightly questioned the DMRC cheif for violating the sanctity of contract, threatening leagl action and contemplating suing him for defamation. Justifiably so.
Agreed - Mr. Sreedharan is an authority on Metro systems and his words carry weight due to his experience of implementing the Delhi Metro- no doubt a success story. Does this give him the authority to criticise innovations or new practices being contemplated by other cities - or does he assume that he has the sole monopoly over wisdom of implementing a MRTS??? Without doubt, he has a right to question, but not to criticise based on unsubstantiated allegations. Untill we have a scam, Mr. Sreedharan had no right (or better still business) to attribute motives to the process undertaken by the GoAP for the Hyderabad Metro. Why is this insecurity creeping in this man - or is there a sinister motive of ensuring all metro models run on DMRC pattern - either to continue being an adviser to upcoming metros or to sustain the business of DMRC as a Consulting firm???? Let the BoT model for metro fail - don't assume that failure. There would always be naysayers to innovations (wasn't the Delhi metro touted as a failure initally) - does it not go against the tenets of basic principles of urban planning - a metro in a non-linear city was supposed to be a failure - did it not succed???
Mr. Sreedharan's integrity is impeccable- the kind of motives am attributing to him are precisely the kind of motives he has attributed to Hyderabad Metro. The criticsim coming from lesser mortal would not have hurt - coming from an illustrious person like Mr. E.Sreedharan pains immeasurably. I guess this imbalance between reality and the self is the bane of fame in public life. It's time for Mr. Sreedharan to gracefully tender an apology - not for questioning the BOT model but for attruibuting motives and retire gracefully to enjoy the sunset years.
A lesson we as a nation should learn is that no one is indispensable - in public life or otherwise. There is no dearth of talent in this nation ( or anywhere fo that matter) and our celebrities should have the humility to exit at an appropraite moment - rather than undue moralising. No where in the world do officials become celebrities / heroes for doing what they are supposed to do.
Is it not the time to have larger national debate on why as a nation we focus so much on individuals rather than systems - why are all our reforms individual centric?? As far as we can see, we notice individual islands of brillance leading the crusade of reforms for ex. in administration and governance, we come across individual excellence - be it crusaders like Mr. Chandrashekahr in Thane, Mr. Khairnar in Mumbai, Mr. Sheshan in the Election commission, Mr. A.K.Lakhina in Auranagabd and scores more from Ludhiana to Surat. Why are the reforms dependent on individual brilliance - what is the systemic flaw that does not enable us to replicate these in other places??? In fact this leads to a larger question and calls for a debate as to why the system fosters so much of inefficiency and inertia among other officers whereas a handful succeed??? Is it the recruitment process or the moribund environement that robs the zeal to perform?? Why are there few notable examples of reform orientation and administrative efficieny among 6,000 bureaucrats that we have ??
Another thought that comes to my addled mind is why do we in India make a virtue of necessity - there is often a tendency to state - 'X official is very honest , Y is very efficient'. Isn't it ridiculous to make such statements - aren't X & Y supposed to be honest and efficient - are they not getting paid for being so - are officals or for that matter people in public life not supposed to be so - is'nt this a necessary qualification criteria for them to be in the position they are in???
I presume we have stooped so low in terms of moral turpitude that ordinary expected behavioural traits are being touted as virtues. Our public figures need to learn a lot from the erstwhile Japanese Prime Minister Mr. Koizumi , who quit politics at the hegiht of his popularity and despite repeated pleas has refused to re-enter. This is the mettle true heroes are made off - accepting extensions to jobs ( even if you are forced by the Govt) - Mr. Sreedharan is not stuff that real heroes are made off.
I often wonder what makes our idols behave in such an imprudent manner. Perfectly sensible and wise people, acknowledged national icons, celebrities in their own right - why do such people get carried away . Have they not achieved thier life's ambitions, their crowning glory , thier share of limelight??
Time and again, we have come across national icons making a mockery of themselves by getting carried away too much - just look at the illustrious list - T.N.Sheshan, Mohd. Azaruddin ( although his misdemeanour waas a bit more serious) , Arundhati Roy ( encashing literray fame to advocate secessionism), K.P.S.Gill ( for the tremendous contribution to the demise of Indian Hockey), M.S.Gill (blotting the impartiality of the office of the CEC by becoming a Minister), Shabana Azmi (questioning India's secularism after enjoying benefits of a liberal pluralistic society) - the list is endless.
This post is attributed to the rise and fall of Mr. E. Sreedharan, the much acknowledged and widely appreciated Managing Director of the DMRC. The man who was an icon for the nation's youth, who had captured and captivated the collective conscience of a nation due to his impeccable integrity and meticulous execution of the nation's flagship project - the Delhi Metro.
What suddenly prompted him to shoot off a letter to the Planning commission questioning the premise of implementing Metro projects on a BOT basis- that too after DMRC was a consultant and a party to the deccsion making process. Is this ethical behaviour - the GoAP has rightly questioned the DMRC cheif for violating the sanctity of contract, threatening leagl action and contemplating suing him for defamation. Justifiably so.
Agreed - Mr. Sreedharan is an authority on Metro systems and his words carry weight due to his experience of implementing the Delhi Metro- no doubt a success story. Does this give him the authority to criticise innovations or new practices being contemplated by other cities - or does he assume that he has the sole monopoly over wisdom of implementing a MRTS??? Without doubt, he has a right to question, but not to criticise based on unsubstantiated allegations. Untill we have a scam, Mr. Sreedharan had no right (or better still business) to attribute motives to the process undertaken by the GoAP for the Hyderabad Metro. Why is this insecurity creeping in this man - or is there a sinister motive of ensuring all metro models run on DMRC pattern - either to continue being an adviser to upcoming metros or to sustain the business of DMRC as a Consulting firm???? Let the BoT model for metro fail - don't assume that failure. There would always be naysayers to innovations (wasn't the Delhi metro touted as a failure initally) - does it not go against the tenets of basic principles of urban planning - a metro in a non-linear city was supposed to be a failure - did it not succed???
Mr. Sreedharan's integrity is impeccable- the kind of motives am attributing to him are precisely the kind of motives he has attributed to Hyderabad Metro. The criticsim coming from lesser mortal would not have hurt - coming from an illustrious person like Mr. E.Sreedharan pains immeasurably. I guess this imbalance between reality and the self is the bane of fame in public life. It's time for Mr. Sreedharan to gracefully tender an apology - not for questioning the BOT model but for attruibuting motives and retire gracefully to enjoy the sunset years.
A lesson we as a nation should learn is that no one is indispensable - in public life or otherwise. There is no dearth of talent in this nation ( or anywhere fo that matter) and our celebrities should have the humility to exit at an appropraite moment - rather than undue moralising. No where in the world do officials become celebrities / heroes for doing what they are supposed to do.
Is it not the time to have larger national debate on why as a nation we focus so much on individuals rather than systems - why are all our reforms individual centric?? As far as we can see, we notice individual islands of brillance leading the crusade of reforms for ex. in administration and governance, we come across individual excellence - be it crusaders like Mr. Chandrashekahr in Thane, Mr. Khairnar in Mumbai, Mr. Sheshan in the Election commission, Mr. A.K.Lakhina in Auranagabd and scores more from Ludhiana to Surat. Why are the reforms dependent on individual brilliance - what is the systemic flaw that does not enable us to replicate these in other places??? In fact this leads to a larger question and calls for a debate as to why the system fosters so much of inefficiency and inertia among other officers whereas a handful succeed??? Is it the recruitment process or the moribund environement that robs the zeal to perform?? Why are there few notable examples of reform orientation and administrative efficieny among 6,000 bureaucrats that we have ??
Another thought that comes to my addled mind is why do we in India make a virtue of necessity - there is often a tendency to state - 'X official is very honest , Y is very efficient'. Isn't it ridiculous to make such statements - aren't X & Y supposed to be honest and efficient - are they not getting paid for being so - are officals or for that matter people in public life not supposed to be so - is'nt this a necessary qualification criteria for them to be in the position they are in???
I presume we have stooped so low in terms of moral turpitude that ordinary expected behavioural traits are being touted as virtues. Our public figures need to learn a lot from the erstwhile Japanese Prime Minister Mr. Koizumi , who quit politics at the hegiht of his popularity and despite repeated pleas has refused to re-enter. This is the mettle true heroes are made off - accepting extensions to jobs ( even if you are forced by the Govt) - Mr. Sreedharan is not stuff that real heroes are made off.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Dilemma of Management - random thoughts
After having read innumerable blogs of working professionals (including the perspicaciously endowed IIM / ISB graduates), am yet to understand the cause of all pervasive dissatisfaction engulfing these worthies. From an outsider's perspective, these guys ostensibly seem to have the best of all worlds ( grand sals, good career, flashy lifestyles). But the picture ain't so rosy.
They vent their existential angst & frsutration in their blogs which is very depressing. Why do such brilliant people reach the end of their patience and satisfaction levels so soon - within a couple years of passing out. Is it real dissatisfaction or is it overwhelming ambition???
or is it a case of thinking too much of themselves, taking one's careers and education a bit too seriously? or too much faith in their limited abilities -
The question is are they unequal to tasks assigned to them (in a +ve way) -or are they taught something far superior vis-a-vis job requirements??? Are the jobs mundane as compared to their vast intelligence, wisdom and skills ?? or to put it simplistically - are they the right people in the wrong jobs??? are we equipping them with too many skills or the wrong kind of skill set -
The foot soldiers of our industry seem to have too many weapons to fight their battles. If so, it calls for a revamp of our education system (especially in our much touted best schools of management). The most common grouse is that nobody seems to add any value to their jobs -be it in consulting, accounting, taxation, FMCG , banking or marketing. Isn't this a systemic failure of the 'Best' and leading business schools of the country?
The overwhelming impression one gets is these bright management graduates feel that they are doing clerical - once the novelty factor wears off. Why is it so??
Let's begin with the CAT - the competition is immense, the standards very high, 90 odd questions in 120 minutes spanning logical reasoning, mathematics and English language. A tough task requiring months of preparation. Focus of examinatio is on speed & accuracy. Is this level of speed and accuracy called for in manager's day-to-day decsion making?? Am afraid not (I hope am wrong) .
Once you are in one of these elite instituions, it s 24 hour endless slog-lectures, assignments, workshops, projects, presentations, festivals, quiz and what not. And all this as a preapration for what??? Is this effort in synch with the life after graduation???
end of the day, an MBA is just a finishing school. It is not and cannot be a substitute for learning the finer nuances of economics. Finance (may be yes ) but Economics -NO. It definitely is not Diminishing marginal utility of intelligence. Marginal utility of a commodity declines only if one has too much of it and when it cannot be put to construcitve use - i presume the same does not hold true for knowledge ( learnt in the MBA school). The use and utility of knowledge is infinite.
I presume either the knowledge is limited or teaching archaic / jargonistic (or may be it just states the obvious) , adding little value in itself. The real world does not work on management principles (fundas). I presume this assessment carries some sense (not only because its mine), for if it were not so, how does one account for the Collapse of Lehman brothers, Bear sterns, Freddie Mac - and Morgan stanley and Goldman are not in good shape either. am reasonably confident that these instituions were being run by a lot of wise men who graduated from these august instituions - the collapse is not surprising - what is more strage is despite indications, these wsie men could do nothing to stop the rot. It surely is a reflection of their ability , their education, and understanding. No humility and all hubris collapses the market. Human greed and desire fuelled by management education.
The media and public opinion gets swayed so much on government failures - be it delivery of utilites or law and order or disater management. We talk of government reforms , systemic failure, revamp of governance. Why don't we talk of these issues with the same sense of purpose and sincerity - just because it does not affect the common man. Isn't a 85 billion USD bail out coming from the Tax payers money. What do we call it - 'Socialist Capitalism', enlightened Capitalism, Inclusive socisalsim??
Why have these double standards in public life - one set of rules for the market elite and another for the poor government sector? Is creation of wealth for handful via investment banking an excuse for such disasters??
They vent their existential angst & frsutration in their blogs which is very depressing. Why do such brilliant people reach the end of their patience and satisfaction levels so soon - within a couple years of passing out. Is it real dissatisfaction or is it overwhelming ambition???
or is it a case of thinking too much of themselves, taking one's careers and education a bit too seriously? or too much faith in their limited abilities -
The question is are they unequal to tasks assigned to them (in a +ve way) -or are they taught something far superior vis-a-vis job requirements??? Are the jobs mundane as compared to their vast intelligence, wisdom and skills ?? or to put it simplistically - are they the right people in the wrong jobs??? are we equipping them with too many skills or the wrong kind of skill set -
The foot soldiers of our industry seem to have too many weapons to fight their battles. If so, it calls for a revamp of our education system (especially in our much touted best schools of management). The most common grouse is that nobody seems to add any value to their jobs -be it in consulting, accounting, taxation, FMCG , banking or marketing. Isn't this a systemic failure of the 'Best' and leading business schools of the country?
The overwhelming impression one gets is these bright management graduates feel that they are doing clerical - once the novelty factor wears off. Why is it so??
Let's begin with the CAT - the competition is immense, the standards very high, 90 odd questions in 120 minutes spanning logical reasoning, mathematics and English language. A tough task requiring months of preparation. Focus of examinatio is on speed & accuracy. Is this level of speed and accuracy called for in manager's day-to-day decsion making?? Am afraid not (I hope am wrong) .
Once you are in one of these elite instituions, it s 24 hour endless slog-lectures, assignments, workshops, projects, presentations, festivals, quiz and what not. And all this as a preapration for what??? Is this effort in synch with the life after graduation???
end of the day, an MBA is just a finishing school. It is not and cannot be a substitute for learning the finer nuances of economics. Finance (may be yes ) but Economics -NO. It definitely is not Diminishing marginal utility of intelligence. Marginal utility of a commodity declines only if one has too much of it and when it cannot be put to construcitve use - i presume the same does not hold true for knowledge ( learnt in the MBA school). The use and utility of knowledge is infinite.
I presume either the knowledge is limited or teaching archaic / jargonistic (or may be it just states the obvious) , adding little value in itself. The real world does not work on management principles (fundas). I presume this assessment carries some sense (not only because its mine), for if it were not so, how does one account for the Collapse of Lehman brothers, Bear sterns, Freddie Mac - and Morgan stanley and Goldman are not in good shape either. am reasonably confident that these instituions were being run by a lot of wise men who graduated from these august instituions - the collapse is not surprising - what is more strage is despite indications, these wsie men could do nothing to stop the rot. It surely is a reflection of their ability , their education, and understanding. No humility and all hubris collapses the market. Human greed and desire fuelled by management education.
The media and public opinion gets swayed so much on government failures - be it delivery of utilites or law and order or disater management. We talk of government reforms , systemic failure, revamp of governance. Why don't we talk of these issues with the same sense of purpose and sincerity - just because it does not affect the common man. Isn't a 85 billion USD bail out coming from the Tax payers money. What do we call it - 'Socialist Capitalism', enlightened Capitalism, Inclusive socisalsim??
Why have these double standards in public life - one set of rules for the market elite and another for the poor government sector? Is creation of wealth for handful via investment banking an excuse for such disasters??
Sunday, September 21, 2008
It's a strange feeling to pen down one's thoughts. Have been thinking of having my own blog since the past few years. The awe inspiring literary talent that I have (the blog allows one to pen down imaginary talents and accomplishments) was burried deep down in some abyss. Had a sudden brain wave of inspiration today and I created this blog. Credit is due to a gossip session in office (to beat Monday morning blues) which suddenly inpsired me to do something creative (at least supposedly so) and of course the BIG B, who despite his pre-occupation in irritating the watchdogs of Marathi asmita ( needless to mention - am being politcally correct), writes an amazing blog.
Assumptions are so dangerous. its so rightly said- " Dont assume- you would end up making an ass of u & me). Had imagined that I would be great writer and that people would stay awake at night to read the next post. Don't think it would work out that way.
Having started this blog on this auspicious day of September 22, 2008, I seem to have nothing more to add. My situation is aptly summed up in a poem written by BIG B's dad titled - ' Kya bhoolun Kya yaad karun' i.e (What to Forget and What to Remember- for those who are linguistically challenged in the national language).
Aspiring to have more regular post in future .......
Assumptions are so dangerous. its so rightly said- " Dont assume- you would end up making an ass of u & me). Had imagined that I would be great writer and that people would stay awake at night to read the next post. Don't think it would work out that way.
Having started this blog on this auspicious day of September 22, 2008, I seem to have nothing more to add. My situation is aptly summed up in a poem written by BIG B's dad titled - ' Kya bhoolun Kya yaad karun' i.e (What to Forget and What to Remember- for those who are linguistically challenged in the national language).
Aspiring to have more regular post in future .......
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)