“Kabhi Khushi, Kabhi Gam”
No . It is “Andaz Apna Apna”
For me, it has always been “Anand”
30 years back, I had embarked on a journey armed only with a PG Diploma after having a Degree in Graduation.
A journey that started with little tentativeness, but I was driven by confidence and a desire to do well. A journey into the fascinating world of HR that as some of my school mates say now, I had decided even when I was in school. Just like Iqbal’s Saare Jahan se Accha may have been an inspiration for me to work in India, the song from “Iqbal” set the tone for my journey.
Aashaayen
Aashaayen
Kutch Paane Ki Ho Aas Aas
Kutch Armaan Ho Jo Khaas Khaas
In 1988, these lines from the famous “Mera Joota hai Japaani” song of “Shree 420” seemed apt
Nikal pade hai khulli sadak par apna seena taane, manzil kahan, kahan rukhna hai, uparwale jaane, badte jai hum sailani, jaise ek dariya toofani .
In these 30 years, I had the opportunity to experience
1 Country – Mera Bharat Mahaan
3 ‘Indian companies’ – TVS Motors, ITC and Murugappa Group; 5 Major industries
7 cities
7 transfers 7 HR leaders
9 Business / Operational leaders 11 different roles
100s of HR team members 1000s of colleagues
Many, many friends, well-wishers, guides and mentors Country and society at large
I was fortunate to work with some inspiring leaders over these 30 years, but which would not have been possible but for the encouragement that I received from family and some very close family friends who provided all the anchors and support especially after I got into Class X.
So how do I look at the last three decades? Some FACTs based on experiences. These may not necessarily be in line with what is generally discussed. So what are these FACTs?
Things that I have continued to experience throughout last 30 years:
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Fundamentals (including Principles) as cornerstone for championing People
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Fraternal pride amongst HR professionals
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Authenticity as the critical success factor for HR
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Alignment to business and society as a necessary requirement
Things that I have observed changing, changing more in the last decade:
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Context (Socio-economic, business, new generation growing in an environment of abundance)
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Conversation language on HR aspects as well as on general matters – though at times I wonder if we really are having conversations
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Tools and Techniques including Technology
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Time frame getting compressed on all aspects
Having looked at it FACTually, I now explore it the Bollywood way on how the journey has been so far.
FIRST DECADE
My first decade had some unexpected work based challenges, challenges that probably come once in a lifetime, challenges that I never expected to face. Challenges that made me learn several life lessons and professional lessons. This song from “Lagaan” sums it up aptly
Baar baar haan, bolo yaar haan
Apni jeet ho, unki haar haan
Baar baar haan, bolo yaar haan
Apni jeet ho, unki haar haan
Koi humse jeet na paave
Chale chalo, chale chalo
Mit jaave joh takrave, chale chalo
Bhale ghor andhera chhave
Chale chalo, chale chalo
Koi rah mein na tham jaave, chale chalo
Toot gayi joh ungli uthi
Paanchon mili toh ban gaye mutthi
Eka badhta hi jaave
Chale chalo, chale chalo
Koi kitna bhi behkave, chale chalo
Koi humse jeet na paave
Chale chalo, chale chalo
This decade also taught me not to give up; prepared me for tougher challenges ahead, thanks to the inspirational guidance from seniors during this period. Yes, “Imtihan” it was.
Ruk jaana nahin tu kahin haar ke
Kaanton pe chal ke milenge saaye bahaar ke
O raahi, o raahi
Suraj dekh ruk gaya hai, tere aage jhuk gaya hai
Jab kabhi aise koi mastaana
Nikale hai apani dhun men diwaana
Shaam suhaani ban jaate hain din intajaar ke
Saathi na kaarawaan hai, ye tera imtihaan hai
Yun hi chala chal dil ke sahaare
Karti hai manzil tujh ko ishaare
Dekh kahin koi rok nahin le tujhko pukaar ke
SECOND DECADE
The second decade possibly saw the maximum movements and multiplicity on most parameters. It saw me leaving ITC and returning back soon within that decade.
Mana jaane wale laut ke kab aate hain Doob kee suraj taare
phir bhi nikal aate hain Pyaar agar sachcha ho bichde mil jaate hain Hanste hanste kat jaaye raste jindagi yunhi chalti rahe
khushi meele ya gham, badlenge naa hum duniya chahe badalti rahe
This decade also gave me the opportunity to start contributing to the HR profession and community in a more meaningful manner. No intention to paint the town red, but always remembered “Lal Patthar”
Geet gata hoon main, gungunata hoon main
Maine hasne ka vaada kiya tha kabhi
Isliye ab sada muskurata hoon main
Sab ko phoolon ki mala pehnata hoon main
Muskurata hoon main
Roshni hogi itni keese thi khabar
Mere mann ka yeh darpan gaya hai nikhar
Sath hai ab yeh darpan dikhata hoon main
Muskurata hoon main
Most part of the third decade of experience though in one industry and mostly in one location was probably the most inspiring and meaningful, thanks to the association with eChoupal, engaging with different causes and continuing the association with HR profession. Time to realize the “Upkar”
Mere desh kee dhartee, sona ugale, ugale heere moti Mere desh kee dhartee
Bailon ke gale mein jab ghungaru, jeewan kaa raag sunaate hai Gam kos door ho jaataa hai, khushiyon ke kanwal muskaate hai Sun ke rahat kee aawaaje, yoo lage kahee shahanaaee baje Aate hee mast bahaaron ke dulhan kee tarah har khet saje
Jab chalate hain is dharatee pe hal, mamataa angadaeeyaan letee hai Kyo naa pooje is maantee ko, jo jeewan kaa sukh detee hai
Is dharatee pe jis ne janam liyaa, usane hee paayaa pyaar teraa Yahaa apanaa paraayaa koee nahee, hain sab pe, maa, upakaar teraa
Seeing the passion of farmers and many others wanting to make a difference in their own way, and of course the stupendous commitment of the team that I got a chance to work with, provided me a sense of optimism, inspite of the many negative and energy sapping events that one sees around us. This reminded me of the regular discussions on HR wanting to make a difference. So much to learn from “Lagaan”
O Mitwa, Sun Mitwa, Tujhko Kya Darr Hai Re
Yeh Dharti Apni Hai, Apna Ambar Hai Re
O Mitwa, Sun Mitwa, Tujhko Kya Darr Hai Re
Dharti Apni Hai, Apna Ambar Hai Re
Tu Aaja Re
Sun Lo Re Mitwa
Purwa Bhi Gaayegi, Masti Bhi Chhaayegi
Milke Pukaaro To
Phoolon Waali Jo Rut Hai, Aayegi
Haan, Sukh Bhare Din, Dukh Ke Binlaayegi
Hum Tum Sajaaye Aao, Rangon Ke Mele
Rehte Ho Bolo Kaahe Tum Yun Akele
Mitwa, Sun Mitwa, Tujhko Kya Darr Hai Re
Yeh Dharti Apni Hai, Apna Ambar Hai Re
Today, as I pause and think ahead, I am reminded of this famous number. I believe HR should have its own “Andaaz”
Zindagi ek safar hai suhana
Yahan kal kya ho kisne jaana
Chand taaron se chalna hai aage
Asmaanon se badna hai aage
Pichhe reh jayega yeh zamana
Yahan kal kya ho kisne jaana
Zindagi ek safar hai suhana
Yahan kal kya ho kisne jaana
Haste gate jahan se guzar
Duniya ki tu parvah na kar
Muskuraate hue din bitana
Yahan kal kya ho kisne jaana
Haan zindagi ek safar hai suhana
I feel there is still so much that I can do for the HR profession, for the society and for the country at large. Hoping that I can take all the opportunities that life provides me to make a difference, leave back a legacy something that I can cherish when I reflect back on 4 decades of professional journey. It will indeed be a medley of all the good times, and not so good times. All that I aspire for is to continue singing
Na munh chupake jiyo, na sar jukhake jiyo
Yahan kal kya ho kisne jaana
Yun Hi Chala Chal Raahi…
Kitni Hasin Hai Yeh Duniya
Bhool Saare Jhamele,
Dekh Phoolon Ke Mele
Badi Rangeen Hai Yeh Duniya
As Robert Frost says
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Indeed grateful to everyone who has made a difference in these 30 years and look for the same support and guidance from all of them and many more whom I may get to know in future.
As William Arthur Ward said “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a gift and not presenting it”.
“Shaukeen” hai hum HR keLLL “Shukriya” HR
Picture Abhi baaki hai dost )))
