The Indian manager is one of the most sought after abroad. This heart-warming observation came from the distinguished panel of speakers at the recent IFC conference in Mumbai, including Ratan Tata and Baba Kalyani. While Mr Tata talked about the need for empowered managers to handle business effectively, Mr Kalyani said Indians were good crisis managers and there was a need to nourish such talent in Indian companies. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) have also proved good managers in running the overseas operations of Indian companies.

However, the seasoned Mr Kalyani, whose company Bharat Forge is making a mark across the globe, was quick to add a word of caution. When we try to create 100 managers, my worry is that we will end up creating 100 competitors, he remarked.

Balcony allowance

Congestion at the Mumbai airport will continue until modernisation plans finally take off. The latest debate is on how our airports will accommodate large carriers like the A-380s.

In a recent interaction, an airline official pointed at the sad state of affairs and went on to the extent of volunteering to offer the balcony space of his home, inside the airport colony, to the authorities to help tackle the problem! One trusts airline employees do not now start demanding a balcony allowance and stage token strikes to press their demands!