And for a Friday returning from Hyderabad post a memorable reunion with my Searle staff of the early nineties, some thoughts….. some musings…..
Four phases of my professional life – Searle India was the second phase from 1988-96. The company was a subsidiary of GD Searle of USA, better known by its then association with Mr. Sharu Rangenekar, a famous Management Guru of the seventies. In India, the company diversified into agrochemicals under the astute leadership of Dr. R.N. Goel, who as MD combined the strengths of the governance processes and systems of a MNC with the Indian attributes of strong entrepreneurship and frugal innovation. I had the privilege to lead a young and smart team of agricultural experts and we launched many hugely successful products in the Indian farm sector. It was nostalgic to meet up and reminiscence with the some of the staff after three decades. Searle no longer exists, as the Americans for reasons unknown pulled out of India. But imagine the thrill of meeting colleagues who were young, sprightly and bubbly field staff, now as grandfathers, with most from Andhra, having their children settled in USA. Life has so many colors.
The city of Hyderabad is also unique. It’s one of South India’s most cosmopolitan city and contributes to more than 80% of the revenue of the state of Telangana. Rest of the state is more agricultural. Some may recall that the erstwhile state of Andhra Pradesh with a combined strength of 42 MPs in Parliament was the backbone of the formation of coalition in UPA, the architect being the CM of the state, Dr. Rajasekhar Reddy, who most unfortunately died in a helicopter crash. Now AP is bifurcated – you have the state of Telangana with Hyderabad as Capital under The Congress CM Mr. Revanth Reddy and state of Andhra led by Mr. Chandra Babu Naidu of TDP, with no capital yet, all work in progress. The Telegu speaking people of Andhra and Telangana are now very joyous that the Vice-President elect of USA is related to them by marriage!!!!
Travelling across the country and meeting old colleagues, friends, relatives is now one of my most enjoyable pursuits. I do pray and hope to continue this, the endearing way, the enjoyable way, the SEEGOS way.