Net Neutrality.

We are being bombarded with advertisements by a corporate from US aimed at convincing us that their offerings 'Free Basics Internet' is a must to alleviate the poor from the dark world, where they are with out access to internet. The advertisements make you believe that once they get access their problems may be solved and by 'denying' them this we may be committing a sin!!

If this were to be true, let me commit the sin and I may be called the sinner. 

Why? 

1. Because it is not clear how TRAI can regulate this entity whose operations are beyond the purview of Indian Law.  
2. Because 'Free' does not mean no cost. No one notices that the term charity and grant is not used. So it is Free for some but others will have to pay the bill for providing the Free services. Of course, for doing this ' noble thing the intermediary, will pocket costs for the services provided which would include the costs to service their shareholder. 
3. Because, we are not informed what this company tells its shareholder why these costs being incurred and what are the projected returns.
4. Because we could provide the lowest cost for voice calls with out the need for assistance from such corporates. So we have a model which is proven. Increase the competition and provide a level playing field; you can achieve it. 
5. Because, I would like to believe my government which may be just 69 years old but functions once in a while, to a company which is just 7 years old and may not be existing after the next 7. 
6. Because I do not want to believe in a company which cannot be sued in our courts and held accountable. 
7. Because the costs and profits generated by such a company is not taxable in our shores. 
8. Because such a company can choose to favour a political party, mostly the ruling one next time.
9. The sponsor in his Facebook campaign does not have an option to vote 'against' or say 'no opinion'. 

I did an impromptu survey amongst the persons whom I met int he course of the day at work today. Most of the elite class in the age group over 50 were against and the ones around 40, net savvy were for it. The advertisement blitz is having effect.

It is time such advertisements are regulated in future, especially, given the fact that there is clearly a 'Foreign Hand'

I hope the Net Neutrality remains and Free Basic Internet is not allowed.  I leave the readers with these two wonderful pieces which I read today.

• Crony connectivity, and Internet for us by Nitin Pai
• Nothing free or basic about it by Prabir Purkayastha 

RIP Sadhana - Sussane Hober Joseph.

Being year end and having the luxury of an extended week end allowed me to read at length the stories in morning paper today(26/12/15).

Two pieces, both obituaries are staying in mind; for their achievements and their life in general.

One  Style icon Sadhana - the erstwhile lead actor of those times when my friends introduced to these and more at college in Pilani. But it was tragic to know that she was all alone and desired to be left alone in her last days. It is very difficult to comment unless one knows the many reasons which made her choose this option; but it is suffice to say that the support systems should have been available had one chosen to come out of such self denials.

Contrasting this with the other obituary os Ms. Sussane Hober  Rudolph. I am not familiar with her writings or her. This is the first time I read about her. But it was touching and reflects how a determined individual can make provide an insight of the functioning of a society to which she does not belong.

A quote from her book will stay with me for long:

“The assumption that modernity and tradition are radically contradictory rests on a misdiagnosis of tradition as it is found in traditional societies, a misunderstanding of modernity as it found in modern societies, and a misapprehension of the relationship between them.”

RIP Sadhana, Sussane Hober Joseph.

Make In India - How to make it a reality... Suggestions

'Make In India' is  a very catchy slogan, with appeals all around. Since the word has been 'politicized' it has developed many hues and many are involved in the discussions. It is fair to say that there are genuine discussions and otherwise. Under otherwise, I would classify, interests of corporates, to see an opportunity to grow and capture value for their key stake holders, the share holders.

In this context, an interesting article by Mr. Josy Joseph titled 'For now Make In India is a mere Slogan', is timely. There are valid questions raised and opinions in this piece.

For me, a professional who has been in the industry and observing the 'Defence Procurement' as an option to diversify and scale business for the vertical I am involved in, had never escaped my attention, till I made a failed attempt.

It takes, phenomenal mental strength, very deep pockets and well established 'network' to enter the corridors of ' Defense Procurement'. Starting with specifying the requirement and inviting 'Expression of Interest' to 'Request for Qualification' to 'Request for Proposal' to  award, may take years.

To scale up involvement of Indian manufacturers in this process, (I am deliberately not using corporates for the tag of crony capitalism is unfortunately tagged to them, though I tend to disagree), it is essential that the procurement process needs to be thoroughly recast. A significant mind set change is also needed in  the administration of contracts.

Here are my suggestions:

1. Instead of 'Inviting' tenders or 'Expression of Interests', government should encourage grass root growth of the industry. For this initial set of resources (including funds) could be identified through committed groups, organisations or corporates. 
2. These groups shall be encouraged to work in clusters and an organisation shall be mandated to provide the initial set of resources, like seed capital, high technology labs, basic ready quality infrastructure and so on so forth. 
3. This organisation shall also be mandated to develop from drawing board stage components and products and involve competent firms from these clusters for  development of cutting edge products.

One can go on and on - but I am sure there are enough reports and studies which will throw multiple options and guidance for incubation of such clusters.

Another area which needs reform is the 'DEFAULT by government departments in honouring their commitments of the contract.

Today it is the norm to de risk the government from everything and pass it on to the other side. Arguments typically heard in such discussions are - "if you do not know why do you come for this?"

The fact is the risk which is passed on by government is unknown to them as well. Classic example of this is the management of 'Right of Way', which the law enforcing agencies are not able to acquire but private agencies are expected to!  

So there has to be a change of mind set and a participative approach has to be built in. 

Another extreme case is the withholding of funds and extracting guarantees. Today to do business with any governmental organisations means that you are required to leverage your balance sheet significantly and seek bankers support to furnish the multiple guarantees for possible liabilities, which may emerge out of the risks which I highlighted above - unknown to both sides but government is not liable! We hear many cases of invoking of Bank Guarantees in the industry that I am surprised there is no thinking on the part of government to look at the reasons for such large failure and identifying possible systemic flaws, which need to be corrected. 

This has to be the another major area of reform if we have to 'Make In India' successful.  

Does an Organisations 'culture' make you cheat?

I read an interesting piece in 'Pulse', the new LinkedIn app on my phone this morning and found it justifying the actions of a company who someone would identify as a cheat and betrayer!. The article titled "How Volkswagens company culture could have led employees to cheat" does make some interesting points. My take on this:

Culture of an organization is unique. It is like a community which develops its 'Code', some call it religion. They have their own rules, which define and what they believe shapes the future for the better for them. Some of them do openly defy common laws or beliefs with a clear conviction that is better for them! And that paves the way for breakthrough in any domain.

As a company is set up, its founders frame the 'Code' and set about doing their main business. As it grows and scales up, it inducts varied talent, which bring in different perspectives and beliefs. The marketplace is another high influencer. The governing guidelines imposed by regulators, who are entrusted with the supervision of these organisations, their practices and the civil & criminal laws, which organisations are to complaint with again dictate how the organisations shape up across geographies and emerge successful.

When the experiences of so many individual talents combined with rules and regulations around the globe, shape the policies and day to day actions of the company, 'Culture' emerges.

So ‘Culture’ is not something which is dictated upon by one or a group of individuals to a community. It is, I believe, a way of living, developed over a period of time. To lay the blame on an individual or a small group is therefore not appropriate.

Given the employment opportunities available in the market or fields to choose from and the diversity of beliefs, a culture cannot be sustained for long in a global enterprise across geographies, as in VW case for decades, if employees do not coopt. They are responsible for their actions as my much as employers. It is therefore incumbent on the employee to understand the culture of the organization when he or she reaches the middle management level, or enter laterally and make a choice. I believe that an organization which can openly be aggressive to deliver on certain key elements would always believe that certain inappropriate actions - inappropriate as in the general world - can be done time and again as long as their primary objectives and goals are achieved. 

Once the situation deteriorates and an unacceptable culture permeates a global enterprise, it is time for a sweeping change. Two sets of people can change this culture - incumbent Employees (if supported by other key stakeholders) and a Proactive Independent Regulator.

Solutions on offer can be many for a case if Employees were to decide to do something. For this they must work to overcome the 'moral muteness'.

But solution from the regulator point of view is only one - Merge with a more ethical organization.

If this is not done you can be prepared for another disaster, from the affected company or someone from similar.

Why I refuse and resist?

"Why I refuse and resist?" is a very good read on the Open Page of 'The Hindu' penned by Sri. Balaji Rao.

This is another exasperated outpouring on the issues around wedding celebrations which has become the norm since the last few decades. And yes - many would tend to sympathize with Mr. Rao and join him in resisting attending weddings.

If Mr. Balaji Rao had attended my wedding or that of my elder daughter, which I jointly hosted, he would be right on the dot with his complaints, if one chooses to complain on those facts highlighted.

But do I have any regrets or do I refuse to attend similar weddings. The answer is a resounding 'NO'.

I refuse to change because I want to proudly announce to the community around us - me, my spouse, the uniting families on either sides, that our children have chosen to marry and seek our blessings.

I refuse to change because such an event is Life time event which we want to celebrate with friends and well wishers.

I refuse to change because it gives me an opportunity to meet and say Thank you, even though very very briefly.

I refuse to change because, nowadays, my network of friends and relatives is large and it is impossible to host at home such a large number of persons. 

I refuse because on this occasion it is not for me to choose who I invite, but for them to decide.

So Mr. Balaji rao, I will call you for the wedding and I wish you choose to attend.

And will I do it differently. .hmmm. Please attend and see.

My walks.

I have been walking regularly since 1987, when my elder daughter joined the family and I became a more responsible man.

Walks have since been an integral part of my life. If I do not go for the morning walk, I miss something and if this continues for more than a few days at a stretch I have noticed I was not comfortable. Classic withdrawal symptoms of an addict one would say.

Yes. I am an addict of walking, especially the morning ones. And I would like to do it alone at my pace. That is the time I use to reflect on many fundamental issues and plan, partly dreaming of course. After the dawn of iPod, I started listening to music and podcasts. The varied lectures and discussions I listened to enriched me and opened new vistas that helped me engage with the next generation.

My favourite Podcasts vary from BBC Forum, BBC Discovery, DFJ Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders from Stanford University, audio book of 'The Economist', HBR Idea Cast and of course a couple of local news from NDTV. Overall the 27 minute Podcast of the BBC is absolutely ideal for me, as I turn off at the sea. Then on it is the turn of iTunes and my favourite ragas or artist. Listening to Carnatic music, especially a Kamboj, or Bilahari sung by my favourite artist like Abhishek or Sanjay is another event which I love.

Talking about the sea ~ the wind, waves splashing on the shores and the noise with the early morning sun rising above the way is such an addictive sight that I would not miss it for anything.

I have also been using an app since 2011 ' Map my Run' during these walks. And this App brought its own incentives. It collates data, while recording the speed. It gives me the feel of those days when I am little under weather, as I will not be able to do the 9.4 minute a KM and I know that I must be cautious. Other benefits include, a macro view - like it gives a monthly, annual summary and averages etc. So what are my walk statistics:

1. It has informed me that I do around 220 walks across each year ~ which means that at least I exercise for 4 days a week. 
2. I have not dropped my speed - 9 1/2 minutes per Mover 4 years and that is very good, considering that I am 59. 
3. It allows me to listen to my favourite podcasts and audio version of 'The Economist". 

The app worked very well through the years and helped me. I love this app and recommend this for everyone, who wants to track his workout to ensure that a habit is born and maintained.

So as I sign off this Blog, my only wish till the end I do these walks and see my favourite sea, listening to a Podcast in the route upto the sea and switching over to one of my favourite rags in iTunes on the return.

Chennai floods - lessons for Power Utility engineers and Decision makers

Chennai floods has seen new 'levels' with the water discharge from some of the lakes exceeding 30000 Cusecs. And to see that more than 35 lakes were overflowing adds another dimension to the possible raise of water levels in the city low lying areas.

So some of the key take away for me from this disaster are:

1. De link the city's distribution and hand it over to a separate company. It can be private or public sector owned. But it cannot be a block of a monolith like what the current situation is in Tamilnadu ~ combined with Generation company. Such a combination obfuscates the finances. 
2. Since infrastructure development requires huge funding, it is essential that this is addressed first. Form  a company and transfer the assets of city distribution to it; if there are generation companies near transfer to a subsidiary of this distribution company and have a separate balance sheet.
3. This will facilitate accountability and enable the regulator to fix appropriate tariff to recover the costs and facilitate the huge investments needed to upgrade and maintain the systems.
4. Identify the flood levels of each area and make sure that the substation is above this level.
5. It is time we up graded the substations. Given the significant softening of prices for Gas Insulated substations(GIS) it is time to replace all existing Air Insulated substation in the city and outskirts to GIS. This would also release significant land mass which can be monetized. 
6. If the existing substations are in low lying areas, relocate them at elevated ground or raise the FGL. In case of GIS substations the switchgear and all auxillary support such as DC supply, control and protection, ventilation and air condition systems shall be located at Ground plus 3 M elevation.
7. Any substation which has is more than 30 years old has to be dismantled and reconstructed taking in the new realities and must be and must be GIS.
8. Raise all LT Feeder Pillar boxes bottom to above 1.5 meter with respect to road levels as has been done for the ring main units.
9. Replace the existing feeder distribution arrangement of fuses to appropriate switching devises.

All these require investments and cooperation from the citizens. From the public point of view the key points are:

1. If Feeder Pillar  boxes are improved and switching devices are provided I am sure pilferage may happen. This has to be stopped by public action.
2. Feeder pillar boxes has to be  maintained well. Currently they are used by public as a convenient spot to urinate. This has to change. Public should raise their voice at such miscreants.

For fund raising we can opt for the old electricity act provision of introducing a surcharge for city distribution. This would show a recovery mechanism and funding agencies would look at it positively.

These are some suggestions. There are many more. But what needs to be done is definitive action; instead of forgetting the entire disaster and talking about heroics  or talking politics and blaming each other.

Chennai Floods ~ Marooned at Hyderabad

I live in Adyar and had gone to Delhi on a business trip on Monday 30/11. I finished my work and was schedule to return to Chennai on Tuesday night.

I couldn't as the airport has been shut off and I am now in Hyderabad, waiting. Though my day to day living is not affected I am anxious and wanting to get back home and see that what I am being told is correct.

There are many issues which crop up at this point of time.

The so called cellular network which is a technological break through has again let us down at this crucial juncture. I am unable to communicate with any one from here and when I went to the Vodafone show room they say that they are having this problem for the last two days. They don't even have the courtesy to message its customers of the issues. Absolutely money minded and not service oriented. If they cannot envisage such situations why are they expanding globally? Could they have got away with such breakdowns in UK or else where in the developed world where they operate? Another VW, I guess. Promises much.

Our own Airtel is again nothing to write home about. Same issues.

So the system design for such critical facilities should have plans for 72 hours back up and there should be a team placed to restore broken down elements to the extent possible; not the current model of out sourced to keep the cost down. It should be by their own employees who can be held accountable.

Another case is that of the drainage. Including me, we always joke that there are no civil engineers or Road engineers in Chennai. Every civil work is done approximately based on eye sight calculations and no clear workings. This is so because there is no defined foot path and no drainage in our roads. The excess drain water has to go through sewage system and that creates a huge problem for the sewage as it gets choked. Successive administrations are aware and sitting on this problem and will continue to do so.

After this deluge, the city has to own up and raise itself literally from below sea level to reasonable height to manage. Else the nest time we will become the second dwaraka or dhanuskodi; submerged with out a trace above water level.

As I see it we need to create artificial lakes to drain out the excess water from all areas and ensure that they can be pumped out. This way nor mal rains cane be managed. For excess discharge the existing river bans have to be strengthened / raised to carry the maximum discharge possible from the sluices with out inundating the city.

Let us work to achieve this.