Genlite’s success Principles
(Speech by KPR in the Ruby Jubilee Celebrations of Genlite )
It is an immense pleasure to have you all gathered here today to celebrate our ruby jubilee. We have traversed many stages together and played a significant role in making Genlite what it is today. I am grateful to each one of you for taking the time to be here today for contributing to our success.
As we celebrate our company’s 40th anniversary, it is important to reflect on the key factors that have contributed to our growth and success.
One such factor is undoubtedly the dedication of our longstanding employees, many of whom have been with us for a significant portion of our journey.
These employees have been instrumental in helping us build and maintain a strong corporate culture that values hard work, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. They have also played a crucial role in mentoring and training new employees, passing down their knowledge and expertise to the next generation.
But our success would not be possible without another group of individuals: our dealers. Our dealers have been essential partners in helping us build our brand and expand our reach over the past four decades. They have worked tirelessly to promote our products and services and have always gone above and beyond to ensure that our customers are satisfied.
Together, our dedicated team and dealers have helped us achieve our goals and have positioned us for continued growth and success in the years to come. On behalf of Genlite I want to thank each one of you for your hard work and dedication over the years.
Another factor is our relationships.
We have cultivated strong and positive connections with our customers, which has resulted in consistent repeat business. Our commitment to excellent service has left our customers happy, leading to a steady stream of referrals and new business. On this special occasion I take a moment to reflect on the invaluable contributions of our customers and express my sincere gratitude to them. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey.
Since our establishment in 1983, we have maintained a strong and warm relationship with Kirloskar Oil Engines . Even before the exclusive dealerships came in to existence in 2000 Kirloskar trusted us as an OEM. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we also celebrate our 40 years of partnership with Kirloskar. We would like to express our gratitude to the Chairman and the entire Kirloskar team for their unwavering support.
We have maintained positive and cordial relationships with our suppliers, who have consistently provided us with timely delivery of raw materials, enabling us to fulfill our orders promptly.
We are grateful for the invaluable support provided by our service dealers, whose timely and effective services have helped us maintain a formidable reputation and customer satisfaction.
We are proud to have been a valued and special customer of Federal Bank for many years, and we deeply appreciate their continued support.
Another important factor is the quality of our products. We have always maintained uncompromising standards of quality in all our products. Genlite has consistently scored high points in internal audits by KOEL, in ISO audits, and financial audits by CRISIL. Our stakeholders have come to trust us for our unwavering commitment to quality.
Another factor for our success is our financial discipline. Genlite has always reinvested its profits back into business. This internal financing has enabled us to modernize and expand our operations, reducing our dependance on external funding.
On this auspicious occasion, I feel humbled and grateful to all of you who have helped us withstand the competition for the last 40 years. Together, we have created something remarkable that we can all take pride in.
Once again, I thank you all for being a part of our celebration today.
GIVE RESPECT TO GET RESPECT
If you are humble, people around you will respect you. Humility makes you more attractive. When you are in a leadership position, it is imperative that the people with whom you work respect you, but respect is never a given. It must always be earned. Your team might respect your work habits, your intelligence or your ability to close a deal but there is more to respect than that. If you can earn their respect as a person, then you have really won the game.
Always be polite to everyone you meet during the day, from your spouse and children to your co-workers, to the check out person at the grocery store. I know, this is easier said than done, especially when you are having a bad day. But if you want to be treated respectfully; so does everyone else. Give others the same respect you’d like to receive yourself. Seek out actions you can take to offer politeness. Smile and say please and thank you wherever possible.
Foster an environment of respectful listening. Everyone deserves to be heard , even if you don’t agree always with one’s ideas or opinions. Consider how you would like to be treated if you have something to say, especially if there is an issue at hand. Actively listen by taking your own opinions and thoughts out of your mind , and actually hear what the other person is trying to convey. When you practice effective listening skills , you will make others feel important and validated.
People earn respect by always being ready to lend a hand or an ear whenever the’re needed. Take responsibilty and do things without waiting for someone to ask for assistance. See how many times you can be helpful in a day.
Your actions are based on your choices, and barring some unforeseen circumstance, there is no reason for excuses. If you did not finish a job, it’s most likely that you didn’t focus on the task at hand or you caught up doing unnecessary tasks. Own up to your mistakes and instead of dwelling on them, look for opportinities to move past them and commit to doing better.
Holding on to anger or a grudge does not hurt any one but yourself. It doesn’t help to dwell on a situation. Not to mention, the stress will cause anxiety and may be even cause health problems. Allow others, and yourself, to gracefully recover and focus on a positive new target. Forgive, and then forget.
Being stubborn won’t get you anywhere. Realize that the process of evolution includes change. Change is a big part of being successful. But, if you don’t learn to embrace change and if you don’t move forward, you will be left behind. Make an effort to grow as a person ; learn new skills, try new activities , and especially, re- examine your automatic behaviors. And don’t forget to congratulate yourself on progress you make along the way to becoming a better person.
A valuable advice
My friend who occupied top position in a Government undertaking spent his retired life happily and peacefully with his family and friends. When asked the secret of his well contented retired life he told me that he followed these simple rules which ensured happiness and peaceful living.
The first one was to be patient and tolerant. You may see unpleasant situations or hear incorrect talk or arguments. Do not try to interfere . Never advise or correct anybody on the basis of your knowledge or experience. The younger generation may not like your advices or sermons. It is also likely that you may be wrong. Hence keeping quite and tolerant is the best thing to do in such situations.
You had certain preferences or obsessions. Once retired and dependent on others you have to forgo these desires and preferences . Accept whatever is given to you. Learn to live a simple life without troubling others. Be happy to live with whatever you get. Fifty or sixty years back, life of senior citizens was much more comfortable.Their needs and preferences were taken care by children dutifully. Today’s children have their own desires and preferences. They want their parents to live by their likes and dislikes.
At the old age, you may like solitude to enjoy your own aloneness. Many of the younger generations may not understand this. Their activities and celeberations may deny that ambience to you . You have to accept this unwillingly for peaceful coexistence.
In the old age you may miss your friends. You have to live with illness and ailments as your new friends. Do not fantasize about stable, quiet days without any trouble in your body. Maintain positive mentality with adequate execise to encourage yourself. Reading of spiritual books like vedas , Upanishad, Bhagavatham etc will difinitely help to avoid stress and depression. This will help to create a positive frame of mind.
Oh, Calcutta
In our decade old life in Calcutta in 70s/80s the following features of Calcutta have fascinated us.
- Calcuttans were quite hospitable and warm. Unlike the other metros the people in Calcutta used to come forward and welcome new comers. Our neibhours were always at our beck and call. Wherever we lived we were comfortable due to this attitude of Calcuttans.
- Another unique of Calcutta is the electric tram which used to be a convenient transport at low fares. You can board a running tram with ease. There used to be first class and second class compartments. Trams used to be very ideal transport to get familiarize with the places.
- The new market in the central Calcutta was similar to the shopping mall of today. Everything under one roof. When we enter the new market some labourers with big basket on their shoulders used to follow us ( reminding us the railway coolies coming around us when train stops at a major station.) Once we select a fellow, we can put the items we buy in the basket. He will carry and follow us while we move. Finally these goods would be loaded in our vehicle for a paltry sum.
- When we go to parks to unwind we see young boys approaching with box of candies ( home made fruit lozenges of different shapes). They deliver candies for a small sum in a piece of paper for nibbling . This is similar to the peanuts we see anywhere.
- Another unique and heart wrenching scene was the hand pulled rikshaws being used every where. Auto rikshaw was not available in the Calcutta city on those days and people used to avail these rikshaws for small distance travel. We could see lot of such rikshaws in railway/bus stations, markets etc. They used to charge only Re.0.75 to Rs.1.25 depending on the distance. On rainy days they were more popular as these rikshaws moved with ease in water logged roads.
- The street food used to be very tasty and hygienic in Calcutta and most of the people used to come and eat these from street vendors in the evenings. Many big people used to enjoy these chats, made hygienically in front of them.
Even after four decades we fondly remember these specialties of Calcutta. Calcutta gave us lot of fond memories/experiences.
BIRTH OF SANGAMAM
It was in 1983 that Genlite set foot in the Genset business in a small way. In those days, genset market was dominated by corporates like Parry & company, Batliboi , Escorts and Voltas. At that time Genlite was a small fry in that business. It was a steep ascent in the next 10 years at the end of which Genlite emerged as a leading Genset OEM in the South. For Engine manufacturers like KOEL, Ashok Leyland and Caterpillar Genlite was one of the best Genset assemblers. In 1993, while evaluating the growth and performance of Genlite reached the conclusion that the best dealer net work , rapport with Principals, strong customer goodwill, and efficient teamwork were the factors promoting us. In order to foster and fortify our rating we thought of organising family get-together every year involving our dealers, our sales team and the Principals
Consequently the first get-together was organised in January 1993. The venue was the Bolgatti palace, Bolgatti Islands, Kochi. We checked in the after noon of 13th Jan 1993. All the participants had checked in before evening. That day we had a relaxed and warm curtain raiser session that evening. The next day all of us, the entire Genlite family gathered in the conference hall for the all-important business session in full formal style and mood. The senior executives of Koel, KEC, Leyland, and Caterpillar energised us with their excellent technical presentations. Genlite executives and dealers enlightened the session with their feedback observations. It went up to 1.30 pm. Lunch and a short seista and all were set for the thrilling sunset cruise. The vessel was a fully equipped Kerala Tourism Entertainment ship exclusively set for the purpose. After a round of backwater cruise the ship made for the mouth of the harbour from where one could catch a thrilling view of the sunset. After the sun had fully dipped in the sea the ship returned to the resort and docked there for the whole evening. The beautiful deck was to host our evening get – together. Cocktails were served and a variety of entertainment programs followed. Dinner followed in the garden. The participants had their heart , head and belly full. Everyone returned to their room/cottage at their own time.
The next day sight seeing trip was organised to take all participants around the city and finally to the Athirappilly Waterfalls. The entire program ended in three days and two night. As the meet was jointly held with dealers , Principals and Genlite we aptly named it as Sangamam – the confluence of three entities. The format of Sangamam made in our first meet is being followed even today. Even Koel has also adopted same format for their GOEM/Dealers meets.
Genlite has conducted 23 Sangamams so far covering,
- Scenic hill stations – Munnar , Ooty , Kodaikanal , Coorg , Thekkady , Dharamshala , Yercaud, Wayanad , Panshet Pune and Mysore.
- Ideal beach resorts – Kovalam, Goa, Poovar, Chennai, Alleppey and Pondicherry.
- Foreign locations – Singapore , Malaysia / Langkawi.
Our Poovar Sangamam in 2008 to commemorate Genlite’s Silver Jubilee was inaugurated by Mr.Atul Kirloskar Chairman of Koel. Mr.Kirloskar came with his wife, stayed with us and enlightened us by partaking in all activities
Mr.Kirloskar was also chief guest for our Pune Sangamam of 1998. All the directors and Senior executives of Koel joined us for dinner at Panshet resort.
Mr.Ashok Jamenis who was Vice President and later Director of Koel attended many of our meets and entertained our members with his experience and interesting anecdots. Mr.R R Deshpande who retired as MD of Koel also attended many of our Sangamams and was all praise for our Kumbakonam Sangamam in 2003 which was in Ethnic style.Our Sangamams at Singapore and Malaysia were in grand style. In Singapore we covered most of the attractive places including Sentosa islands.At Malaysia covering Langkawi we had a world class sea cruise which is still live in our memories with overnight stay in the cruise ship.
From 2013 onwards in all our Sangamams Mr. Sanjiv Nimkar, present MD of Koel is a regular guest. He is all praise for our regular Sangamams and advised all other GOEMs to follow Genlite’s style of appeasing their dealers and sales team.
We cherish the fact that this Sangamam has helped us to hold the ground for the last four decades.
For senior citizens
All the seniors should know and follow these rules in order to get harmonious relations and amity in the rest of your life.
First of all you should have patience and tolerence.
You may think that you have better knowledge from experience. Never try to teach others what you know even if you are right, unless requested. Do not impose yourself on anyone on any subject. Do not give unsolicited opinion all the time. Do not expect every one to follow your opinion.
Do not try to protect your loved ones from all misfortunes of the world.Just love them and pray for them. Do not expect gratitude from children. There are no ungrateful children, there are only stupid parents who expect gratitude from children. If you are not getting your preference, never complain. Instead, accept them without any soreness.
Take care of your spouse all the time who is your soulmate. Keep her cheerful always. Remember that she is the only one lives for you and she is the only one who really needs you all the time by her side.
Do not live in your past. Many elders glorify their past and like their peers to follow that. This is a great mistake. Don’t cry over the past, its gone. Don’t let the past steal your present. Be happy and contented with the present.
Do not complain about your health and woes all the time. Old age issues are common for all. Engage yourself in reading, writing, farming, cooking or a game. These will keep you happy.
As Lord Krishna advised Uddhava in Bhagavatham the woe and distress of man is due to his own mind/attitude. It is not due to his past deeds or his stars or act of God. His own ego or character is the soul reason for the distress.
Hence live humbly to enjoy the rest of your life.
Food experiences
I was just recollecting the unforgettable food experiences which I relished at various places.
First was at Trivandrum in 1969 immediately after joining Federal Bank. There was a Gujarathi restaurant in Pazhavangadi. Their hot kachouries with a little sweetish curries were very tasty and delicious .We used to stand in que in the evenings to get a place in this restaurant.
The next one was at Alleppey during 1972. There was one Idli swamy in Mullackal who was selling hot idlies with Podi/oil and Sambar. The item was very appetizing. People used to come from far and wide to taste Idli from Idli Swamy.
In the nine years from 1974 while I was in Calcutta there were many such enduring food experiences. Even though the luscious Bengali sweets were available in all nook and corner of Calcutta, I am mentioning only few memorable other food joints here.
In the initial years in Calcutta I used to take lunch from the street vendors along with my colleagues. We used to get fresh fruits cut in front of us, seasoned with masala powder and salt. For hygene they used to give with fresh tooth picks to be used as forks. One natural teak leaf bowl full of fruits with a big glass of sweet lime used to be our lunch on many days.
At Flury’s , the most famous cake point in Calcutta on those days, we used to get Beans on toast. Beans in tomato sauce spread on special toast was a delightful food item at any time. Flury’s on Park street was centrally located and used to be a landmark in Calcutta. Their cakes were famous all over India.
The next food joint which I cannot forget in Calcutta was the Tiwari sweet shop in Burra bazar where they used to serve Singara ( Potato samosa ) which were fried in pure ghee. As they used to be very tasty and delicious the shop was always crowded. When I was in Burra bazar branch we used to frequent this joint for tasty Singaras. We used to carry home parcel for our beloved ones at home.
Calcutta and Bombay used to be famous for street foods. While Bombay was famous for Vada Pav Calcutta was renowned for Pav Bhaji. In Calcutta, Victoria Memorial used to be the most frequented evening joint for us. There were lot of street vendors selling food stuff to the visitors. We used to go there particularly for Pav bhaji. The vendor used prepare fresh Pav bhaji before us. Fresh vegetables, amul butter and masala were used on a clean tawa to make the hot bhaji. The quantity of bhaji spred on pav buns used to be quite large were sufficient to fill our stomach. Along with my wife and daughters I used to visit Victoria memorial almost every week to relish the hot pav bhaji. Many important people like Executive Director of Federal Bank have come with me to enjoy Pav bhaji.
We shifted to Madras in 1983. Even though there were several food joints in Chennai I want to mention the Murugan Idli shop at T Nagar for their exceptional tasty idlies. We get hot and soft idlies with half a dozen chutneys. Many of my guests have enjoyed these idlies for their dinner.
Even though there are many other exceptional food joints in South, the above food joints are fresh in my memory even now.
Get rid of depression
It is told that life is better when you are happy; and is best when other people around you are happy because of you. When you and others around you are happy life becomes tension free.
Father of Indian medicine, Charaka has written that most diseases of human body are caused by Mind. Egotism, self-importance, and agitated mind are the reasons for stress and depression which are the root cause for coronary diseases and diabetics. Thought process of such self-centred people are based on negativism. They will not generally tolerate others and will not be happy at others success. A person who makes the people around him happy will be noble, magnanimous, and empathetic. He will not be egotist or arrogant. Such people will not have stress or depression.
Rigveda says – “Let noble thoughts come to me from all directions “. It is the necessary wisdom for intelligent successful existence for the individual and the society and it should be noted that the emphasis is on the noble thoughts. For this we should have patience, humility, and empathy in our characteristics. Our thinking should be based on humility and empathy. Such noble thoughts will make our life happy and make others around us happy. Such people will not have tension, stress, or depression. Their life will peaceful and happy. The people with negativism can achieve this by practicing meditation.
UK Experience – Part 2
Another memorable experience during our tour was visiting the National Museum of Scotland. It showcases the bequests of Scottish history and features the diversity of world cultures. It is one of the largest and oldest (having opened in 1857) of Museums. The present building after a major refurbishment was opened in 2011. There is the taxidermy of Dolly, the first cloned sheep. She was created by Keith Campbell and his colleagues at Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh.
Visiting the Isle of Skye was the kernel of my Scottish experience. Skye is a faraway world, an island fifty miles long and twenty-five miles wide – the largest island in the Hebrides region, connected to mainland by a bridge. A three-day trip to this exotic getaway was planned and a bus was chartered. It was a long drive passing through Stirling castle, Wallace monument and Doune castle. We were cutting through mostly rugged landscape and occasionally sighting a Medieval castle shrouded in a mist of eerie silence. They are the leftovers of a history of feuds and fights. You may also see a traditional fishing village in the distant skyline. We were in the very heart of the Highlands. And temperatures never touched the double digit. The town of Portree is the only urban centre in the whole of Skye. The harbour side features pubs and boutiques. Portree is the base camp of those who come to explore the chilly wilderness of the Hebrides. History remembers it also as the embarkation point for the Scots who migrated to the US to escape poverty till a century ago. The driver and guide of our bus gave detailed accounts of the monuments, castles, and the history of Scotland. He took us to a Scottish distillery on our way back to Edinburgh and we tasted some of the best Scotch Whiskies.
We rounded off this leg of our journey with a visit to the University of Edinburgh, Hema’s Alma mater. We walked around the venerable institution appreciating its magnificence, it’s library, classrooms, and auditoriums. We traced in memory, the footprints of Edinburgh legends like Charles Darwin the pioneer evolutionist, David Hume the philosopher, Peter Higgs the inventor of God particle, Conan Doyle the creator of immortal Sherlock Holmes, and of course, Joseph Lister the founder of modern surgery. Through the portals of this prestigious university, have come many laureates 9 of whom became heads of state, 3 occupied 10 Downing street as British PMs, and 19 were Nobel Laureates. We felt proud of Hema who chose to join this institution and live in its sacred precincts for more than one year.
After winding up our memorable tour of Scotland we all travelled to London by Virgin East Coast Trains on the morning of 10th November. Salil (my nephew) was waiting for us at Kings Cross station. We drove straight to Salil’s Apartment at Ealing in West London. We enjoyed traditional and homemade food after a gap of nearly two weeks. After spending the afternoon with Salil’s wife Neetu and their young boy Madhav, we left for watching a famous musical play – ‘Les Misérables (musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s famous novel). The show was at Queens theatre, Shaftesbury avenue. The musical was fantastic, and we enjoyed the performance and drama intensely. It far surpassed our expectations. Its English translation has been running in London since October 1985, making it one of the longest running musicals in the world.
Salil had organized a Big Bus London tour for all of us for the next two days (weekend). First day we visited the grand Buckingham Palace in the city of Westminster. Palace is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of UK. We walked around Westminster and Trafalgar square. We also visited Harrods, one of the most famous departmental stores in the world. Next day we started from Marble Arch near Oxford street and went for a boat ride on Thames river. At the houses of Parliament, by the river Thames, the Big Ben bell rings out from its iconic clock tower. The Tower of London, London Eye (the world’s largest cantilevered Observation wheel), and the Tower bridge are some of the London landmarks we saw/observed. After three days of memorable stay in London enjoying the warm and loving hospitality of Salil, Neetu and Madhav we left London on 13th Nov by British Airways flight back to Chennai and Hema left for Edinburgh. Even though we have visited several places abroad on business and personal trips over the years, we never felt at home like this UK trip.
U K Experience – Part I
The year was 2017.October was packing up before the onset of the biting Northern winter. Hema was on the last lap of her master’s at the university of Edinburgh. She had long been urging on us to spend a few days with her before she finished her programme. And we had been resisting since it would mean a drastic realignment of life to suit a foreign protocol. But when it became a now or never question, we relented and said yes. Once decided things gained a lightening speed. A 15-day visit was scheduled, urgent category visa was obtained, flight was flocked and on a sunny day in the last week of October 2017 we took off to Edinburgh on the hospitable wings of the elite British Airways.
Winter was at the doorstep in UK. Temperature at the airport read 10-degree C. We took early defence and got into our warm fits before we disembarked. A beaming Hema was waiting at the airport with a warm Indian hug. She had thoughtfully arranged for a comfortable sojourn under the northern skies for two weeks and we went straight into a lavishly furnished cosy living space in the Huntley street Apartments. There was everything that would make a family feel at home. Having been booked online the landlord had kept the keys in a small closet outside the gate with the number messaged to Hema. We tasted his hospitality in the abundant stock of tea/coffee/breakfast cereals in the cupboard.
There was everything within a stone’s throw – a TESCO Super store for all everyday needs, a pub to wet the lips with the choicest spirits tasting of the crystalline Scottish springs and smelling of Oak barrels matured in the deep delved earth, and a metro stop to avail of the user-friendly state transport services.
We settled smoothly into the new environment. After fresh up discussed the itinerary for the days ahead. Here we are in Edinburgh, the Athens of the North, in the land of fables and folklore, myths and mysteries, clans and clashes, where everything carries a vintage tag.
First step from the Royal Mile which stretches from the historic Edinburgh castle to the Queen’s palace at the other end, the Palace of Holy Roodhouse. Edinburgh castle sits atop a volcano dead epoch ago. The castle commands a breath-taking view from its height of 250 feet above the surrounding landscape. Here is the most besieged fortress in history right from the fabled Scottish king Robert Bruce. Strolling leisurely down the Royal Mile we came by the 12th century St. Giles Cathedral, the Mother church of the Church of Scotland.
Here we take a short break to step into Scottish Whiskey experience, just to beat the cold and boost the spirit. And for the first time get the real cask fresh Scotch experience. They suggest taking it neat. Scotch tells it is exclusive taste only when taken neat.
We take a detour to Hema’s guest accommodation. It is not far from Portobello – an exotic sandy beach on the shore of the North Sea. Ideal for water sports like kayaking or sailing. A seaside place not far from the old town but one of the farthest outdoor places before the polar wilderness.
Visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia was an incredible experience. This 133 footed, three masted yacht was a floating palace in the exclusive service of British Royalty for more than four decades. The 83rd and the last vessel in the British royal service. Decommissioned in 1997 it has been permanently berthed in the port of Leith, Edinburgh. It is one of the star attractions of the city from where one can catch glimpses of royal luxuries. It has hosted four royal honeymoons including that of Diana and Charles in 1981.
The next day we took a break and hung out in the Huntly street Apartment for a real feel of the everyday Scottish life. Visited the TESCO store, bought our choices and customized the kitchen to suit our tastes and preferences. We made use of the utensils and cutlery and cooked our familiar dishes. In the free hours of the afternoon visited the Royal Botanic garden of Edinburgh, a few minutes from the Apartment. A world class plant kingdom in 70 acres, nursed and nurtured over 200 years. The palm house, herbarium, Glasshouse, and the library are like goldmine for the students and researchers in the field. The rest of the evening we spent on the Princess street watching the urban life and occasionally going into shops. Among other things I collected Glenfiddich single malt scotch whiskies for our check-in luggage.
KPR's Blog 