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Showing posts with label Tourism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tourism. Show all posts
Monday, September 7, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
TWENTY THINGS SAID ABOUT ME
TWENTY THINGS SAID ABOUT ME
Source: Linkedin Connections
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Head of Operations/COO at RAK Investment Authority
_____________________________________________________________________________________
“Vinod was of great support to us when we visited the Emirate of Ras al Khaimah and was instrumental in us setting up business there. He was thorough in terms of procedure and knowledge of all aspects of the Emirate and its laws and also was able to grasp the requirements of our business based in Hamburg quickly. He was very warm, friendly and went out of his way to make us feel at home which we reciprocate heartily. He continues to remain a well wisher and a friend. We will stay in contact because of his variety of well established business contacts all over the world but esp. in India. He is of great help to establish our business opportunities in India.” March 2, 2009
Markus Wagner , Owner , Middle East Marketing and Investment Group
was with another company when working with Vinod at RAK Investment Authority
______________________________________________________________________________________
“Vinod is an intelligent and versatile man. I had the good fortune of working with him during our assignment for RAK Dept of Civil Aviation. His sound knowledge and business acumen puts him in good stead with whichever organisation he works with. I wish Vinod the very best in all his future endeavours. Hoshi Siganporia” February 20, 2009
Hoshi Siganporia , Managing Director , The Big Idea Advertising
was a consultant or contractor to Vinod at RAK Investment Authority
______________________________________________________________________________________
Associate General Manager at McCann Erickson Mumbai (PSL)
______________________________________________________________________________________
“Early in my career, Vinod was my boss for a brief period of one year. Many years and many many colleagues later, I haven’t met too many who combine Vinod’s passion, conviction, intellectual curiosity and fierce commitment towards his job and his people. Am reassured to see that he retains the same hunger even today. For an organization looking to turbo charge its work culture, I can’t think of too many better prospects than Vinod Natesan.” March 9, 2009
Amit Kumar
Executive Planning Director, McCann Erickson (colleague)reported to you at Leo Burnett in 1993 and was with PSLMcCann Delhi in 1996-98.
______________________________________________________________________________________
“Vinod is straight and honest at what he wants to achieve. His approach to work is very clinical and analytical, which I've respected much. He grew from being an accounts executive to the position of a General manager in and advertising agency in a very short time, and out did past performances and set records in the agency in terms of new business. Which he has been able to repeat in further careers. He's a hard nut., and a maverick., and any serious business house deserves him.” March 13, 2009
Ara A,, Owner, The Fix (colleague) worked with you at Leo Burnett in 1992-93 and was in touch right through.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Proprietor at Mayan Consultants International
_________________________________________________________________________________________
“Vinod looked after the marketing activities of the Landmark group for a while and I found him very knowledgeable in all aspects of the function. He was very data driven and collaborated with me in doing a quantitative survey on media consumption habits of regular customers and members of the loyalty club. He came out with very innovative campaigns to promote the Food Court at the Oasis Centre in Jumeirah and the CYBORG entertainment centre. His campaign "what women want" which ran during the Valentines and the Id season in February 2002 was a big success. I was also happy to see him replicate his success with the promotion of Emirate of Ras al Khaimah as an investment destination” March 13, 2009
P.K Faisal, GROUP CRM MANAGER, LANDMARK RETAIL GROUP (colleague)
worked directly with you in 2002 and is now with Bin Hendi UAE.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
“Vinod is a peoples person and is excellent in motivating employees , I met Vinod in chennai and found him extermely sharp , focussed , motivated and always being in control of things I wish him all the best in his career” February 25, 2009
Viney Bhatia , General Manager- Finance at Rediffusion DYR Pvt Ltd was Commercial Manager , Rediffusion DYR Pvt Limited when he worked with Vinod at Mayan Consultants International in 2005.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
“Vinod taught us Advertising at VESIMSR and it was one of my best classes through the MBA course. He is an excellent communicator and extremely organized. I also had the privelege to do a small assignment under his guidance, that brought out his systematic approach to problem handling and positive mentoring approach. He is always there for any discussion and is a great listener.” March 4, 2009
Shubha Chadaga , Merchandise Planner , BCBG Max Azria
was with another company when working with Vinod at Mayan Consultants International
___________________________________________________________________________________________
“Professor Natesan was one of the best professors we had at VES. His intellect, professionalism and vast knowledge on the Advertising Industry certainly had us students begging for more. I can vividly recall some of the examples he would use to depict successful brands (so you can imagine how good he is!). I can certainly vouch for his Marketing and Advertising strategies and would highly recommend him to anyone who wants to make their brand BIG! :) God bless, Sir!” February 25, 2009.Top qualities: Great Results , Expert , Creative.
Nandita Saggu, Specialist-Learning Solutions at Astrum Consulting.
Was a student of Vinod when he was a Visiting Faculty at VESASC and running Mayan Consultants in 2001
_________________________________________________________________________________________
“I know Mr. Natesan from 2001, he was a visiting faculty for us at my BMM Course. Mr. Natesan has a great indepth & intellectual knowledge of the the advertising & media industry. He has worked with the leading Ad Agencies in India and hence, has the upto date knowledge & understanding of his field. I can easily term him as the 'expert'! Would recommend him to anyone looking for a strategist, planner, out-of-the-box thinker. Wishing him the very best in all he does!” February 23, 2009
Sahil Jatana , Asst. Manager - Digital Media at NDTV Imagine
Was a student , VES College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Chembur
when Vinod was Visiting Faculty and running Mayan Consultants International
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Executive at FCB Ulka (91-92) to Visiting Faculty at Management Institutes
In Mumbai (96-08)-SIMSR,VESIMSR, NLDIMSR, SIES .
Vinod Natesan spent some of his formative years with Ulka Advertising in Bangalore and Hyderabad. He has been in touch over the last 15 years as his career has progressed. An MBA from one of the better schools of management, he has kept himself alive and alert with the latest happenings and trends in marketing and advertising. It is laudable that he has taken a lot of interest in education and training. He also has a keen planning orientation, having worked on major campaigns and brands. I wish him all the best.
Ambi M.G.Parameswaran, Executive Director & CEO – Mumbai
Draftfcb + Ulka, Nirmal, Nariman Point. Mumbai 400021
_________________________________________________________________________________________
LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS – Institute of Rural Management Anand & CUSAT(1 semester) - Masters (MBA/PGDRM) Teachers and fellow students.
______________________________________________________________________________________
“Mr. Vinod Natesan was a student of mine at the Institute of Rural Management, Anand, India. I remember him distinctly because of the keen interest he showed in the behavioural science courses I taught there. He used to be relatively quiet and yet quite communicative. Vinod’s recent messages and articles in the alumni pages tell me that his observational and analytical skills, which were visible years ago at IRMA, have become much sharper, along with a well developed sensitivity to social phenomena. I remember Vinod as a genuine, hardworking, reliable and a warm person. With his abilities and well-placed concerns, I am confident that Vinod, wherever he is, will definitely go that extra effective mile to be useful to society.” March 4, 2009
M.J. Arul , Director at Presidency B-School, Presidency College, Bangalore was Professor , Institute of Rural Management, Anand and taught Vinod there .
______________________________________________________________________________________
“Vinod is my senior and a very prominent alumni. I have known him as an advertising professional and an intellectual. He has helped his clients through his firm Mayan Consultants through many years now. I know from his dedication and intellectual curiousity that he is a person who puts in more than 100% in his work. I wish him a lot of luck in his future endeavors!” March 12, 2009
Desh Kapoor,, Engagement Leader at Infosys Consulting was Student, Institute of Rural Management
_________________________________________________________________________________________
“I have known Vinod for a long time, from IRMA days. Over the years he has worked in the Advertising/Public Relations field and has executed successfully many campaigns. He has a lot of experience in the industry, grasps things easily, and is a person who gives more than 100% at work. He is a very good person to know and have as a friend, and his sense of humor always tends to make me smile.” February 20, 2009
Manesh Modi , Market Research Analyst at MGT Information studied with Vinod at Institute of Rural Management Anand
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Student at University of Kerala and Loyola School Trivandrum
_____________________________________________________________________________________
“Owner of a very strong personality. Very critical and thourough in analysis and quick in decision. Jobs are seen to its completion. A joyous and lovable person, with wide and varied interests in life. A good friend to have with.” February 20, 2009
Santhu Santosh , Chief Manager , SBT advised Vinod at University of Kerala
______________________________________________________________________________________
“I have known Vinod since childhood. Vinod is a person of high integrity, honor and compassion. Vinod is very passionate about his interests and is very committed to the success of his work.” March 11, 2009
Anil Mukundan, Co Founder and Chief Technology Officer at CodeObjects, Inc. USA.
______________________________________________________________________________________
“I known Vinod since my school days. He is sincere and hard working and quite passionate at work.In his career he has been able to achieve quite a lot due to his great energy and enthusiasm.” February 25, 2009
Sweth Raghunath , Regional Sales Manager - GCC at Strategic Food International Company LLC .studied with Vinod at Loyola School, University of Kerala and CUSAT (1 sem)
________________________________________________________________________________________
“I have studied with Vinod for brief period before he moved to IRM at Anand and have been impressed by his passion to excel in everything he does. Unbound enthusiasm, openness to ideas, attention to detail and analytical approach to problem solving are some of his obvious strengths.” February 20, 2009
Sathya Nair , Senior Channel Manager at Motorola - Enterprise Mobility Business Studied with Vinod at Cochin University of Science and Technology
______________________________________________________________________________________
“Vinod Natesan is an individual with a forceful personality and excellent domain knowledge in his chosen field of advertising. He has notable abilities as a teacher and maintains exceptional tenacity and commitment to perfection, in the projects which he takes up. With his varied experience in the country and abroad and diverse interests transcending the confines of his profession he should be an asset to any progressive organisation.” March 14, 2009
Aananthakrishnan S , Government of India Official
studied with Vinod at University of Kerala_
__________________________________________________________________________
Source: Linkedin Connections
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Head of Operations/COO at RAK Investment Authority
_____________________________________________________________________________________
“Vinod was of great support to us when we visited the Emirate of Ras al Khaimah and was instrumental in us setting up business there. He was thorough in terms of procedure and knowledge of all aspects of the Emirate and its laws and also was able to grasp the requirements of our business based in Hamburg quickly. He was very warm, friendly and went out of his way to make us feel at home which we reciprocate heartily. He continues to remain a well wisher and a friend. We will stay in contact because of his variety of well established business contacts all over the world but esp. in India. He is of great help to establish our business opportunities in India.” March 2, 2009
Markus Wagner , Owner , Middle East Marketing and Investment Group
was with another company when working with Vinod at RAK Investment Authority
______________________________________________________________________________________
“Vinod is an intelligent and versatile man. I had the good fortune of working with him during our assignment for RAK Dept of Civil Aviation. His sound knowledge and business acumen puts him in good stead with whichever organisation he works with. I wish Vinod the very best in all his future endeavours. Hoshi Siganporia” February 20, 2009
Hoshi Siganporia , Managing Director , The Big Idea Advertising
was a consultant or contractor to Vinod at RAK Investment Authority
______________________________________________________________________________________
Associate General Manager at McCann Erickson Mumbai (PSL)
______________________________________________________________________________________
“Early in my career, Vinod was my boss for a brief period of one year. Many years and many many colleagues later, I haven’t met too many who combine Vinod’s passion, conviction, intellectual curiosity and fierce commitment towards his job and his people. Am reassured to see that he retains the same hunger even today. For an organization looking to turbo charge its work culture, I can’t think of too many better prospects than Vinod Natesan.” March 9, 2009
Amit Kumar
Executive Planning Director, McCann Erickson (colleague)reported to you at Leo Burnett in 1993 and was with PSLMcCann Delhi in 1996-98.
______________________________________________________________________________________
“Vinod is straight and honest at what he wants to achieve. His approach to work is very clinical and analytical, which I've respected much. He grew from being an accounts executive to the position of a General manager in and advertising agency in a very short time, and out did past performances and set records in the agency in terms of new business. Which he has been able to repeat in further careers. He's a hard nut., and a maverick., and any serious business house deserves him.” March 13, 2009
Ara A,, Owner, The Fix (colleague) worked with you at Leo Burnett in 1992-93 and was in touch right through.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Proprietor at Mayan Consultants International
_________________________________________________________________________________________
“Vinod looked after the marketing activities of the Landmark group for a while and I found him very knowledgeable in all aspects of the function. He was very data driven and collaborated with me in doing a quantitative survey on media consumption habits of regular customers and members of the loyalty club. He came out with very innovative campaigns to promote the Food Court at the Oasis Centre in Jumeirah and the CYBORG entertainment centre. His campaign "what women want" which ran during the Valentines and the Id season in February 2002 was a big success. I was also happy to see him replicate his success with the promotion of Emirate of Ras al Khaimah as an investment destination” March 13, 2009
P.K Faisal, GROUP CRM MANAGER, LANDMARK RETAIL GROUP (colleague)
worked directly with you in 2002 and is now with Bin Hendi UAE.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
“Vinod is a peoples person and is excellent in motivating employees , I met Vinod in chennai and found him extermely sharp , focussed , motivated and always being in control of things I wish him all the best in his career” February 25, 2009
Viney Bhatia , General Manager- Finance at Rediffusion DYR Pvt Ltd was Commercial Manager , Rediffusion DYR Pvt Limited when he worked with Vinod at Mayan Consultants International in 2005.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
“Vinod taught us Advertising at VESIMSR and it was one of my best classes through the MBA course. He is an excellent communicator and extremely organized. I also had the privelege to do a small assignment under his guidance, that brought out his systematic approach to problem handling and positive mentoring approach. He is always there for any discussion and is a great listener.” March 4, 2009
Shubha Chadaga , Merchandise Planner , BCBG Max Azria
was with another company when working with Vinod at Mayan Consultants International
___________________________________________________________________________________________
“Professor Natesan was one of the best professors we had at VES. His intellect, professionalism and vast knowledge on the Advertising Industry certainly had us students begging for more. I can vividly recall some of the examples he would use to depict successful brands (so you can imagine how good he is!). I can certainly vouch for his Marketing and Advertising strategies and would highly recommend him to anyone who wants to make their brand BIG! :) God bless, Sir!” February 25, 2009.Top qualities: Great Results , Expert , Creative.
Nandita Saggu, Specialist-Learning Solutions at Astrum Consulting.
Was a student of Vinod when he was a Visiting Faculty at VESASC and running Mayan Consultants in 2001
_________________________________________________________________________________________
“I know Mr. Natesan from 2001, he was a visiting faculty for us at my BMM Course. Mr. Natesan has a great indepth & intellectual knowledge of the the advertising & media industry. He has worked with the leading Ad Agencies in India and hence, has the upto date knowledge & understanding of his field. I can easily term him as the 'expert'! Would recommend him to anyone looking for a strategist, planner, out-of-the-box thinker. Wishing him the very best in all he does!” February 23, 2009
Sahil Jatana , Asst. Manager - Digital Media at NDTV Imagine
Was a student , VES College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Chembur
when Vinod was Visiting Faculty and running Mayan Consultants International
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Executive at FCB Ulka (91-92) to Visiting Faculty at Management Institutes
In Mumbai (96-08)-SIMSR,VESIMSR, NLDIMSR, SIES .
Vinod Natesan spent some of his formative years with Ulka Advertising in Bangalore and Hyderabad. He has been in touch over the last 15 years as his career has progressed. An MBA from one of the better schools of management, he has kept himself alive and alert with the latest happenings and trends in marketing and advertising. It is laudable that he has taken a lot of interest in education and training. He also has a keen planning orientation, having worked on major campaigns and brands. I wish him all the best.
Ambi M.G.Parameswaran, Executive Director & CEO – Mumbai
Draftfcb + Ulka, Nirmal, Nariman Point. Mumbai 400021
_________________________________________________________________________________________
LONG TERM RELATIONSHIPS – Institute of Rural Management Anand & CUSAT(1 semester) - Masters (MBA/PGDRM) Teachers and fellow students.
______________________________________________________________________________________
“Mr. Vinod Natesan was a student of mine at the Institute of Rural Management, Anand, India. I remember him distinctly because of the keen interest he showed in the behavioural science courses I taught there. He used to be relatively quiet and yet quite communicative. Vinod’s recent messages and articles in the alumni pages tell me that his observational and analytical skills, which were visible years ago at IRMA, have become much sharper, along with a well developed sensitivity to social phenomena. I remember Vinod as a genuine, hardworking, reliable and a warm person. With his abilities and well-placed concerns, I am confident that Vinod, wherever he is, will definitely go that extra effective mile to be useful to society.” March 4, 2009
M.J. Arul , Director at Presidency B-School, Presidency College, Bangalore was Professor , Institute of Rural Management, Anand and taught Vinod there .
______________________________________________________________________________________
“Vinod is my senior and a very prominent alumni. I have known him as an advertising professional and an intellectual. He has helped his clients through his firm Mayan Consultants through many years now. I know from his dedication and intellectual curiousity that he is a person who puts in more than 100% in his work. I wish him a lot of luck in his future endeavors!” March 12, 2009
Desh Kapoor,, Engagement Leader at Infosys Consulting was Student, Institute of Rural Management
_________________________________________________________________________________________
“I have known Vinod for a long time, from IRMA days. Over the years he has worked in the Advertising/Public Relations field and has executed successfully many campaigns. He has a lot of experience in the industry, grasps things easily, and is a person who gives more than 100% at work. He is a very good person to know and have as a friend, and his sense of humor always tends to make me smile.” February 20, 2009
Manesh Modi , Market Research Analyst at MGT Information studied with Vinod at Institute of Rural Management Anand
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Student at University of Kerala and Loyola School Trivandrum
_____________________________________________________________________________________
“Owner of a very strong personality. Very critical and thourough in analysis and quick in decision. Jobs are seen to its completion. A joyous and lovable person, with wide and varied interests in life. A good friend to have with.” February 20, 2009
Santhu Santosh , Chief Manager , SBT advised Vinod at University of Kerala
______________________________________________________________________________________
“I have known Vinod since childhood. Vinod is a person of high integrity, honor and compassion. Vinod is very passionate about his interests and is very committed to the success of his work.” March 11, 2009
Anil Mukundan, Co Founder and Chief Technology Officer at CodeObjects, Inc. USA.
______________________________________________________________________________________
“I known Vinod since my school days. He is sincere and hard working and quite passionate at work.In his career he has been able to achieve quite a lot due to his great energy and enthusiasm.” February 25, 2009
Sweth Raghunath , Regional Sales Manager - GCC at Strategic Food International Company LLC .studied with Vinod at Loyola School, University of Kerala and CUSAT (1 sem)
________________________________________________________________________________________
“I have studied with Vinod for brief period before he moved to IRM at Anand and have been impressed by his passion to excel in everything he does. Unbound enthusiasm, openness to ideas, attention to detail and analytical approach to problem solving are some of his obvious strengths.” February 20, 2009
Sathya Nair , Senior Channel Manager at Motorola - Enterprise Mobility Business Studied with Vinod at Cochin University of Science and Technology
______________________________________________________________________________________
“Vinod Natesan is an individual with a forceful personality and excellent domain knowledge in his chosen field of advertising. He has notable abilities as a teacher and maintains exceptional tenacity and commitment to perfection, in the projects which he takes up. With his varied experience in the country and abroad and diverse interests transcending the confines of his profession he should be an asset to any progressive organisation.” March 14, 2009
Aananthakrishnan S , Government of India Official
studied with Vinod at University of Kerala_
__________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
TRACKING THE INDIAN ECONOMY -NOV 6TH ,2008
The Indian Economy as on
*The PM has requested the industry to ensure that there are no lay off’s. With the elections round the corner that is understandable. There is also talk of enhanced investments in infrastructure to expedite projects (read : improve liquidity in the system). Expenditure is social sectors would be enhanced. This will ostensibly be not done through the “smart cards” that have been used in some States and proved extremely effective in welfare projects but through the “traditional” health and educational projects. (grass root level politicians should be happy!).
*As if on cue, the LIC has pumped 15000 crores into non convertible debentures of private companies with AA ratings.
*While Mulri Deora will celebrate his son’s wedding to Manmohan Shetty’s daughter in an austere fashion, with due respects to the economic situation in the country, he might treat the country to a reduction of at least Rs 2 per litre on petrol given that crude has come down to the figure of 69$ per barrel.
*The calm on the surface however, belies the undercurrents.
* Kingfisher defaulted on lease payments for 4 jets. Given what happened to Jet, he may not risk slashing jobs, but salaries are likely to be cut .The “sons of the soil” argument is now being extended to “desi vs videsi” pilots. Cutting the salary of expats is now the clarion call. This has been heard at Jet and is likely to be the scenario at KF. “King of hard times” seems to be the best way to describe Vijay Mallya nowadays J
*The fall in crude and ATF has not seen a cut in prices from the premium airlines, but the budget airlines are expected to reduce prices. Some of them have introduced full service “value class” options. I guess now it is a case of “anything that flies”!!! There should be some downward migration of customers from the Mallya- Goyal Alliance.
* In the travel and tourism sector, it is learnt that web sites and agents are not likely to be given commissions as of yore and travelers may soon be getting better deals by dealing directly with airlines. Hotels may remain the bread n butter of these sites
*From 150 proposals every week for realty projects in BMC(Mumbai Muncipality), it has come to 15. According to the TOI Mumbai ( a couple of days ago)there is a list of real estate projects in Mumbai which are on hold. Real estate prices are likely to move down significantly in the next quarter.
* There is a reported freeze on new recruitments in most companies in all sectors. Spice Group has gone in for salary cuts and probably there are others too.
* News channels seem to have been the worst hit. Most financial services, realty companies which form the bulk of advertisers in these channels are “flighting “ their schedules and the channels in turn seem to be “grounding” variable costs and that now seems to include staff costs. There is no blood bath as yet but the chiseling has started according to news reports.
*PWC mentions that in the Rs 51,300 crores ,Entertainment and Media sector, the growth rates would come down from 17% to single digits.
*The sports industry too will show a decline with sponsors backing off and in case of the EPL , the precarious situation of a lot of Clubs were exposed with the crisis of the Iceland Bank.
*The only saving grace is the 6th Pay Commission report which was disbursed to the Govt employees this Diwali (40%) .The next instalment (60%) is scheduled for next year.
*FMCG too, should hold fort. People will continue to eat and have a bath and brush their teeth J never mind the meltdown and the roll backs!!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Forts of Maharashtra
1)Alibaug (first from the bottom) 2)Arnala 3)Janjira 4) Lohgad5) Pratapgad6) Purandar 7) Raigad 8) ShivSamadhi(at the top)
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Forts of Maharashtra
Shivaji, the erstwhile ruler of Maharashtra is revered for his relentless refusal to bow down to the Mughal might. He used guerilla warfare at its consummate best. For any student of strategy, tales of Shivaji are a rich treasure trove of battle tactics.
The first question however is that when nearly every ruler in the North smoked the peace pipe with the marauding Mughals by marrying their sisters to them or by paying tax, why did this Maratha warrior choose the path of confrontation and defiance? This is precisely why he is a ruler and a leader I admire. He never chose expediency over what was right and never allowed himself to bow down to insolent might. Shivaji's brand essence was that of self- respect and pride. This was the prime motivator. Unwillingness to bend down and subjugate oneself and the need to hold one's head high. He rallied his people around him with this promise and delivered with his cunning and strategic sense.
Before we get down to his tactics and strategy we need to underline that this essence is exactly what Gandhiji , Bhagat Singh and others stood for,which ignited self belief and self respect in us and the nation finally moved as a whole to the next level of wanting self-rule!! But that is another chapter and we will cover that later.
One facet of Shivaji was his choice of forts in terms of location and the manner in which the topography was leveraged to provide a degree of natural defence and advantage to the defending army. Cliffs, high altitude, rocks submerged in the sea when it was on a cliff or on the sea side are all captivating examples of this warriors guile. These forts now offer us education and entertainment and are sufficient cause to cover Maharashtra.
The forts comprise just one element of the battle plan and anecdotes of Shivaji's escape in a sweet basket, of the lethal confrontation with a Mughal warlord who tried to kill him by surprise during a discussion for peace where no arms were allowed , are all folklore that makes for delightful reading. Fooling the opposing army into believing that an army was approaching by sending a herd of bullocks with burning torches tied to their horns at night was sheer genius!!
Shivaji's exploits offer useful strategic insights to small regional players on how to handle national brands with huge budgets.
The first question however is that when nearly every ruler in the North smoked the peace pipe with the marauding Mughals by marrying their sisters to them or by paying tax, why did this Maratha warrior choose the path of confrontation and defiance? This is precisely why he is a ruler and a leader I admire. He never chose expediency over what was right and never allowed himself to bow down to insolent might. Shivaji's brand essence was that of self- respect and pride. This was the prime motivator. Unwillingness to bend down and subjugate oneself and the need to hold one's head high. He rallied his people around him with this promise and delivered with his cunning and strategic sense.
Before we get down to his tactics and strategy we need to underline that this essence is exactly what Gandhiji , Bhagat Singh and others stood for,which ignited self belief and self respect in us and the nation finally moved as a whole to the next level of wanting self-rule!! But that is another chapter and we will cover that later.
One facet of Shivaji was his choice of forts in terms of location and the manner in which the topography was leveraged to provide a degree of natural defence and advantage to the defending army. Cliffs, high altitude, rocks submerged in the sea when it was on a cliff or on the sea side are all captivating examples of this warriors guile. These forts now offer us education and entertainment and are sufficient cause to cover Maharashtra.
The forts comprise just one element of the battle plan and anecdotes of Shivaji's escape in a sweet basket, of the lethal confrontation with a Mughal warlord who tried to kill him by surprise during a discussion for peace where no arms were allowed , are all folklore that makes for delightful reading. Fooling the opposing army into believing that an army was approaching by sending a herd of bullocks with burning torches tied to their horns at night was sheer genius!!
Shivaji's exploits offer useful strategic insights to small regional players on how to handle national brands with huge budgets.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Travel Pictures
There is always an anticipation for what may come after the turn but this one makes you enjoy the moment... the sun makes love to the world before sinking into a slumber or am I going round the bend:)
Sunday, September 2, 2007
RAKIA CEO is FDI Personality of the Year
FEELS GOOD WHEN YOUR BOSS GETS AN AWARD.I WAS REPORTING TO DR MASSAAD SINCE INCEPTION OF THE RAK INVESTMENT AUTHORITY AS HEAD OF THE TOURISM OFFICE AND MEDIA CITY> I WAS THERE FOR ALMOST 1.5 YEARS.
Vinod
RAKIA CEO Dr. Khater Massaad receives 'fDi Personality of the Year' Award
Dr. Khater Massaad, Advisor to RAK Crown Prince and CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA), received the prestigious 'fDi Personality of the Year 2007- Middle East' Award presented by fDi Magazine, part of the Financial Times group of London, at a function held in New Delhi recently.
United Arab Emirates: Sunday, September 02 - 2007 at 11:43
PRESS RELEASE
Dr. Khater Massaad has been conferred with the award in recognition of his efforts in attracting foreign investment to Ras Al Khaimah and his role in the spectacular transformation of Ras Al Khaimah into a thriving business and investment destination in the region.
In being named the 'fDi Personality of the Year', Dr. Massaad joins the ranks of such previous winners as, former Mexican President Vicente Fox (2003), Brazilian President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva (2004), former Mayor of Seoul Lee Myung-bak (2005) and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty (2006).
The annual 'fDi Personality of the Year' Award recognises the political and business leaders around the world who have been the most proactive, dynamic and innovative in securing foreign investment and improving the business environments of their jurisdictions. Regional winners are selected for Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North America; and out of these candidates a global winner is chosen.
Commenting on winning the Award, Dr. Massaad said 'It is a great honour to receive the 'fDI Personality of the Year' Award. Ras Al Khaimah has put in place a world class pro-business regulatory regime and enabling infrastructure for global investors to come in and succeed. I feel honoured for the global recognition of the RAK initiative that is fostering entrepreneurship and helping businesses succeed.'
'This Award is in recognition to Dr. Massaad's diligent and successful efforts to attract foreign investment to Ras Al Khaimah thereby contributing greatly to the continued economic growth and development of the emirate and adding to its attraction as an investment location,' Courtney Fingar, Editor of Financial Times' niche magazine fDi said.
The other winners of 'fDi Personality of the Year' Award for 2007 included Kamal Nath, Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry (Asia and Global Winner) Henry M Paulson, US Treasury Secretary (North America). Sergio Fajardo Valderrama, Mayor of Medellin, Columbia (Latin America), Andrus Ansip, Prime Minister of Estonia (Europe), and Vincent Gadou Kragbé, Chairman and CEO of technology park VITIB and special adviser to the president of Côte d'Ivoire (Africa).
Dr. Khater Massaad, has been instrumental in the implementation of RAK Crown Prince, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi's vision of making Ras Al Khaimah a regional hub for industrial, manufacturing and tourism investments.
Ever since its inception in 2005, RAKIA has been able to raise the international profile of the emirate and has attracted inward investments worth billions of dirhams. RAKIA has so far attracted over 575 companies, including many global industrial majors, to its industrial and free zones.
As the CEO of RAK Ceramics, Dr. Massaad has presided over the growth of the company to become the largest ceramic manufacturer in the world with manufacturing bases in six countries and exports to over 130 countries across the globe.
Dr. Massaad, who holds a Ph.D in Geophysics from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland and an M.Sc in Mathematics, is also at the helm of Ras Al Khaimah's recent ambitious initiatives like property developer RAKEEN, RAK Airways, Al Hamra Real Estate Development LLC, Pioneer Cement, among others.
Vinod
RAKIA CEO Dr. Khater Massaad receives 'fDi Personality of the Year' Award
Dr. Khater Massaad, Advisor to RAK Crown Prince and CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA), received the prestigious 'fDi Personality of the Year 2007- Middle East' Award presented by fDi Magazine, part of the Financial Times group of London, at a function held in New Delhi recently.
United Arab Emirates: Sunday, September 02 - 2007 at 11:43
PRESS RELEASE
Dr. Khater Massaad has been conferred with the award in recognition of his efforts in attracting foreign investment to Ras Al Khaimah and his role in the spectacular transformation of Ras Al Khaimah into a thriving business and investment destination in the region.
In being named the 'fDi Personality of the Year', Dr. Massaad joins the ranks of such previous winners as, former Mexican President Vicente Fox (2003), Brazilian President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva (2004), former Mayor of Seoul Lee Myung-bak (2005) and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty (2006).
The annual 'fDi Personality of the Year' Award recognises the political and business leaders around the world who have been the most proactive, dynamic and innovative in securing foreign investment and improving the business environments of their jurisdictions. Regional winners are selected for Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North America; and out of these candidates a global winner is chosen.
Commenting on winning the Award, Dr. Massaad said 'It is a great honour to receive the 'fDI Personality of the Year' Award. Ras Al Khaimah has put in place a world class pro-business regulatory regime and enabling infrastructure for global investors to come in and succeed. I feel honoured for the global recognition of the RAK initiative that is fostering entrepreneurship and helping businesses succeed.'
'This Award is in recognition to Dr. Massaad's diligent and successful efforts to attract foreign investment to Ras Al Khaimah thereby contributing greatly to the continued economic growth and development of the emirate and adding to its attraction as an investment location,' Courtney Fingar, Editor of Financial Times' niche magazine fDi said.
The other winners of 'fDi Personality of the Year' Award for 2007 included Kamal Nath, Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry (Asia and Global Winner) Henry M Paulson, US Treasury Secretary (North America). Sergio Fajardo Valderrama, Mayor of Medellin, Columbia (Latin America), Andrus Ansip, Prime Minister of Estonia (Europe), and Vincent Gadou Kragbé, Chairman and CEO of technology park VITIB and special adviser to the president of Côte d'Ivoire (Africa).
Dr. Khater Massaad, has been instrumental in the implementation of RAK Crown Prince, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi's vision of making Ras Al Khaimah a regional hub for industrial, manufacturing and tourism investments.
Ever since its inception in 2005, RAKIA has been able to raise the international profile of the emirate and has attracted inward investments worth billions of dirhams. RAKIA has so far attracted over 575 companies, including many global industrial majors, to its industrial and free zones.
As the CEO of RAK Ceramics, Dr. Massaad has presided over the growth of the company to become the largest ceramic manufacturer in the world with manufacturing bases in six countries and exports to over 130 countries across the globe.
Dr. Massaad, who holds a Ph.D in Geophysics from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland and an M.Sc in Mathematics, is also at the helm of Ras Al Khaimah's recent ambitious initiatives like property developer RAKEEN, RAK Airways, Al Hamra Real Estate Development LLC, Pioneer Cement, among others.
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