25 years - what a change

It was 25 years ago to date that I started my journey in the corporate world. This journey has taken me not only through the dramatic changes in the way corporate world has changed but also through an unprecedented change in India and use of technology.

India - 25 years ago

- no mobile phones
- no PCOs except in post offices. Calls to be booked for intercity connections.
- no faxes (except in a few multinational company HQs)
- no computers (except in universities and a few corporate HQs)
- no organised couriers
- no private universities
- manual railway and airline bookings
- Telegrams were still in use
- there were 2 airlines in india
- Delhi and Mumbai had about 6 flights a day (60 on the last count)
- there were 3 car manufacturers and a total of 8 models
- nobody had heard of CNG
- maximum speed on highways was 40kmph

I started with a monthly stipend of Rs 1650 with a very prominent multinational company.

Amazing journey. I am looking forward to more amazement in the next 25 years (if I am alive).

Comments

New addiction

Unsaid speaks louder than words

The message was clear. US is facing a financial crisis. Americans need to contribute to get out of "conveniences". But the statements like "it will get worse before it gets better" without a timeline and references to a time of slavery etc are not comforting. American era may be ending faster than anticipated. Obama's inaugration speech was truly indicative of a man under pressure from the start. As any sportsman will confirm, it's all in the mind and followers just follow the leader and Obama has not set the bar high at all. My view is that it is heading south fast...... Contrast this with the situation in India. All that leaders are talking about is security and resolve to protect Indian at ANY COST. Economic issues are tackled with a view, yes it is a slowdown but we will still beONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD. No talk of worsening things, less spending by government. News headlines are all talking about shrinking bottomlines for profit and NOT LOSS issues....

How reality loses to momentum?

Truth prevails is an old adage that seems to be losing its relevance in the current sentiments. Still I am confident that "Truth shall prevail". Hopefully, sooner than later. The case in point is the investor confidence in the stock market. Indian markets are aping the performance of the stock markets of developed world. In fact, the possible loss in indices is reasonably predictable in the last few weeks based on what happened on the previous day in Europe and US. Are the situations similar? Are Indian businesses facing the same situation as companies in western world? Are Indian corporate giants going bust like crackers in Diwali? Have companies of great repute and history in India have filed for bankruptcy? Has any company in India reported loss of sales (top line) in double digits and evaporation of profits? Slowdown yes. How bad is India? Is it comparable to West? It has baffled me as to how convenient has it been to be infected with "western sentiments" virus ...

IndianMaze

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