I recently read a book called The India Way which made me regret that I am no longer part of the very exciting Indian business scene. Many things that Professional Managers of my generation longed for could not materialize due the stifling anti business Socialism atmosphere that existed then. A lot of water has flown down the Ganges since then and this book makes all Indians proud and particularly so, people like me.
There is a chapter that addresses how Indian businessmen are actually addressing what is important for them and I quote from the linked website – “Looking beyond stockholders’ interests to public mission and national purpose.”
This post is inspired by an article that appeared in a leading Indian Economics and Business news paper, the Economic Times, which talks about what one of our first generation entrepreneurs, Sunil Mittal is doing in the field of rural education. What vision and what commitment!
Similarly, Shiv Nadar another first generation entrepreneur has done something breathtaking. Once again focusing on rural education in India. This article in the Economic Times does not do justice to the man for what his company is doing for its employees. That is part of the book The India Way.
This article led me to reminisce about some other Indian business barons who show the same commitment to “Looking beyond stockholders’ interests to public mission and national purpose.” I have already written about Ratan Tata and the Tata group’s attitude.
I would like to introduce my readers to another low key tycoon who is spearheading multi level social work in many parts of the country, notable one of which is again in the field of education. That is Azim Premji.
There are many other such stories about Indian business persons and their contribution to the gigantic task of taking prosperity to the underprivileged in India and, as and when I come across some notable ones, I shall post about them. It is the least that I can do for people that I admire for doing what they do.
Similarly, fellow blogger Conrad’s, post “I toast the un-holiday for mundane heroes.” had a great impact on me. That post has given me an idea for some other posts on mundane heroes, some of whom have already featured in my posts. I hope that Conrad will inspire me further with similar posts. I urge my readers to read Conrad’s post.