Patriotism in BPO Industry

From the Archives-2: Recovered this manuscript that was written six years ago on this day...

A Mini India

"Kya baat hai, aaj 15 August hai aur aap office ja rahe ho?" asked my confused landlady as my cab arrived. I tried explaining how the BPO industry works. I told her we are just as patriotic and even celebrate Independence Day at the office. My efforts failed. Many of us in this field have likely faced a similar situation.

Most BPO companies operate 24/7 to serve global clients. Because of this, work schedules match the office hours of each client's country. Time zone differences mean employees often work night shifts or early mornings. Likewise, official holidays follow the client's national calendar instead of local holidays.

Because of this, BPO employees in India often work on major festivals. This includes Holi, Independence Day, Dussehra, Diwali, Eid, and Republic Day. Employees must report to work unless the date is a holiday in the client's country or matches their weekly day off.

EXL Chairman Vikram Talwar

That does not mean employees miss out on the fun. To keep morale high, BPO companies celebrate major festivals right on the office floor. Whether you take calls or handle back-end work, the HR team brings the festivities to your desk between tasks. They plan fun activities throughout the shift. This keeps spirits high and brings in full attendance even on holiday shifts.

Over the years, EXL Service has earned a reputation as a fun workplace that others in the BPO industry envy. Conversations with former EXL employees now at Steria (formerly Xanza), Patni Computers, HCL, and CSC confirm this. The company's vibrant logo, often called the "X-man," reflects the personality and philosophy of its founder and chairman, Vikram Talwar. This becomes clear when reading between the lines of his recent interview in The New York Times.

Vikram Talwar & Rohit Kapoor(CEO) at EXL C4 Barista outlet

EXL celebrates festivals like Independence Day, Dussehra, Diwali, and Christmas with great energy. During Dussehra, the floor looks lively with employees wearing traditional costumes and headgear from Indian mythology. On Diwali, everyone comes to work in traditional clothes. The company serves special food and hosts games like lucky dip, wheel of fortune, and housie. For major holidays like Diwali, Christmas, and New Year, all EXL offices are decorated and lit up.

The HR team creates a strong patriotic mood across all EXL offices for Independence Day. Despite daily exposure to global cultures, national pride runs high on this day. The energy on the floor could put even a government office to shame.

Small national flags decorate the entire floor. Different teams display collages and posters about the freedom struggle. Everyone joins together to sing the national anthem. The office also hosts quiz competitions and kite flying. Employees come to work in traditional or regional dress. Even the cafeteria staff joins the theme by serving food decorated in the national tricolor. All of this creates a genuine sense of joy.

This shared national bond on the corporate floor mirrors the intense personal camaraderie and energy I captured during our earlier EXL team celebration and BPO office party, where colleagues stepped away from the headsets to bond as a true community.

The BPO and IT sectors employ a large number of Indians. In doing so, they help shoulder the government's perennial burden of educated unemployment. These two sectors contribute significantly to the national exchequer through foreign exchange. However, rising inflation in the US economy and its global impact have caused anxiety for some time. Although this situation is temporary, many IT and BPO firms are on the verge of pressing the panic button. Let us keep our fingers crossed and wait for sunshine days to return.

To conclude, BPO organisations like EXL can best be described as a 'Mini India.' Employees come from all cultures, religions, castes, and creeds, including the physically challenged, drawn from every nook and corner of the country. It is a perfect example of unity in diversity.

Today, the explosive situation in the north, secessionist threats in the north-east, and recent terrorist attacks in the south and west can easily dampen the spirit of any true citizen. As members of this 'Mini India,' we have a crying need to spread the message of peace, love, tolerance, and respect for Mother India!

Jai Hind!

An appreciation Email from EXL Chairman Vikram Talwar:

The videos below can cause one to walk down through the memory lane...

Follow/Subscribe   TimesView Blogspot

Guitar God Santana

The Nile: An Unforgettable Song 

After ages came across this! A rare track and

unforgettable song by Santana - 'The Nile' is a sure treat to the ears which has some crafty lead guitar, drumming and percussions. Infact, this is one of the classic songs of the living legend, Carlos Santana and would never mind listening to it thousand times!

This track brings back a lot of memories of good-old-days and reminds me of the black vinyl LP Records playing in our family furniture radiogram day in and day out. I was never aware that this awesome number also had a video.

Hats off to Madaxe Slingertrece for uploading this in YouTube. Had a glance of his collections and felt that he has some of the finest playlist in his YouTube channel.

Though the video is in sepia colour, but the overall production is simply awesome considering the time when it had been made. Ten Grammy award and three Latin America Grammy award winner, guitar god Carlos Santana really looks super cool.

The video has scenes of Egypt, river Nile, surrounding desert, camels, pyramids and mommies including some kind of mystical situations and enigmatic objects. The scene appears like a caravan may have pegged a tent at a nearby oasis while its chief being entertained by an Egyptian belly dancer. The chief sporting a typical hat and a waist coat is flanked by two well built bodyguards wielding daggers and that's the time Santana arrives... and for the rest watch the video although, it is quite hazy.

Going through this video several times, it appears such scenes must have greatly inspired many Bollywood producers as it is evident from several Hindi movies which have adapted to such kind of episodes.

I believe good music is a precondition to create attraction for any song irrespective of language or geography followed by lyrics. And here, this real unique music appears to be a blend of Latin and African rhythms featuring percussion instruments such as timbales, and congas besides, drums.

The lyrics too deserve special mention; part of the lines goes like this - "...her skin was dark, her voice was liquid fire..." I am sure watching this video could lead many to get goose bumps! 

Still remember Santana's maiden performance at Greater Noida, India during the autumn of 2012. It was an occasion that had made the homegrown rock aficionados proud in particular who had traveled from various distant states to attend the show and witness

From left: Santana, Tripti and Ruddy at Greater Noida

India's rock band brand ambassadors, Soulmate sharing the stage with the guitar legend. The group which comprises of Ruddy Wallang and Tripti Kharbangar impressed Santana by the duos performance and had special words of appreciation for Tripti's voice clarity. Soulmate is one of the country's leading blues rock band from the picturesque hill station, Shillong and once popularly referred as the 'Scotland-of-the-East'. The group has been frequently performing gig and shows nationwide and abroad.

                         Follow/Subscribe   TimesView Blogspot

My Mercedes Benz

Umbrella With Premium Insignia!

It was a perfect day to leisure around due to a public holiday on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. I woke up a little late, and after a quick breakfast and a glance through the newspapers, I

decided to get my wardrobe organised. You know, a thrilling way to spend a holiday.

Suddenly, behind heaps of clothes, I came across a fourteen-inch-long barrel wrapped neatly with several layers of

newspapers that appeared almost like a grandmother's parcel! Curiously, I unpacked the stuff and discovered it was the Mercedes-Benz pocket umbrella which I had hidden from sight ever since I bought it at the eleventh Auto Expo held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, in January 2012.

The reason for keeping it off from public view was primarily due to the guilt of purchasing it at a prohibitive price

unknowingly, which I realised only after scrutinising the bill and the SMS on the transaction sent to my mobile by my bank upon reaching home. Ah, the joys of impulse buying! 

For the first time, I took a close look at it and examined it from every angle. The two-fold telescopic umbrella is definitely made of high-quality spokes, designer waterproof fabric, and an elegant polished wooden handle. Who knew umbrellas could be so fancy?

The wooden handle sports a black square metallic button on the side that enables the umbrella to open up with a press and a big logo of Mercedes-Benz at the tip. Holding the umbrella gives a premium feel and appears to have been manufactured with utmost precision, just like its range of automobiles. It's almost as if I'm holding a miniature version of their luxury cars, without the risk of a fender bender.

At the Auto Expo, there were several pavilions set up by almost all major global automobile manufacturers. The Mercedes-Benz pavilion was one of the topmost attractions, drawing

maximum footfalls. During the seven-day event, I made several attempts to visit this pavilion but gave up due to the serpentine lines. It was like trying to get into a popular nightclub, but instead of bouncers, there were shiny cars.

On the final day, I decided to arrive at the venue early in the morning and squeeze in some time to visit this pavilion in particular. To add extra spice to the event, dozens of international models were flown in, each standing beside different Mercedes variants on display. It was like a car show and a fashion show had a glamorous baby.

After viewing a variety of sedans, off-roaders, sports cars, hybrids, and concept cars, I moved across to a stall selling Mercedes-Benz memorabilia. From cufflinks, tie pins, caps, keychains, badges, bags, jackets, umbrellas—everything had the Mercedes-Benz logo on it. The counter was crowded with fashionable young men and women, and a couple of models walked past, encouraging me to do some quick photography. Who knew buying a souvenir could feel like attending a celebrity meet-and-greet?

I spotted an umbrella and asked the price. The salesperson responded with an accent and a smile, "Sir, this is 378/-..." Although I thought it was slightly expensive compared to such

varieties found in the open market, I felt it was fine considering I was buying it at an event like this. Plus, I would hardly get time to go shopping for an umbrella. I mean, who needs practicality when you can have prestige?

Having made up my mind, I flaunted my debit card at the counter, and within seconds, the amount was debited, and the umbrella, inserted into an elegant paper bag, became my new possession. It was only after reaching home late in the evening

that I realised the blunder I had made—the original price quoted for the umbrella was in four digits, and I had missed the last one! This drove me to hide the umbrella completely from public view, the best way to forget about the episode. Out of sight, out of mind, right? 

But today, I realized that this is a wonderful piece and a remembrance of my visit to one of the world's best premium car manufacturer's pavilions. Even if I can never own a four-set of wheels of this brand in my life, who cares—I have at least a Mercedes-Benz umbrella. Let the Delhi monsoon rains start, and I am surely going to flaunt it! I might even start a trend with my stylish rain gear, becoming the envy of every pedestrian caught in a downpour. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter—who wouldn’t be curious about an umbrella with such a backstory? Now, every time it rains, I’ll have a reason to smile, knowing I have a piece of automotive luxury right in my hand. 

So, here's to hidden treasures in wardrobes and the joy of rediscovering them. Next time I feel the urge to tidy up, who knows what other forgotten luxuries I will uncover!

Video clips related to the Auto Expo:

                                 Follow/Subscribe   TimesView Blogspot

The Coded Valentine Letter

Since time immemorial, romantic tales have enthralled people by their sweetness, pathos, and tragedy. Today, lovers search for special ways to express on Valentine's Day. Here is a unique coded letter written by a gentleman to his ladylove.

I first read this piece while organising my library, in a book shared decades ago in pre-internet days by one of my good friends - the late Debabrata Singh who passed away recently.

According to legend, the young lady had a very inquisitive and over-protective father who compelled her to show him all her letters. The suspicious father read it without alarm, yet the young lady, armed with a clue, got the real message. Lets see if you can!

Madam,

The great love I have hitherto expressed for you
is false, and I find that my indifference, toward you
increases daily; the more I see of you, the more
you appear in my eyes an object of contempt, -
I feel myself every way disposed and determined to
hate you. Believe me, I never had an intention to
offer you my hand. Our last conversation has 
left a tedious insipidity, which has by no means
given me the most exalted idea of your character;
your temper would make me extremely unhappy,
and if we are united, I shall experience nothing but
the hatred of my parents, added to their everlasting dis-
pleasure in living with you. I have, indeed, a heart 
to bestow, but I do not wish you to imagine it is
at your service; I could not give it to any one more
inconsistent and capricious than yourself, and less
capable to do honour to my choice and to my family.-
Yes, Madam, I trust you will be persuaded that
I speak sincerely; and you will do me a favour
to avoid me. I shall excuse your taking the trouble 
to answer this. Your letters are always full of
impertinence, and you have not the least shadow of
wit or good sense. Adieu! Adieu! believe me, I am
so averse to you that it is impossible for me ever to be
your affectionate friend and ardent lover. 

Did you get it? If you didn't, try reading the first line and then, every alternate line!

My Article in The Assam Tribune

Upgrading Music System

One of my articles has been featured in The Assam Tribune, a heritage newspaper of Northeast India published from Guwahati.

Came to know about this just a while ago as readers started E-mailing their feedback.

Following are the links to the E-paper and article which can be copy pasted in the address bar to view the same:

http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/epaper.asp?id=Horizon/Page3

http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/showpage.asp?id=Horizon,3,87,198,963,846

This article had been originally written for my blog with additional information and photographs.

WORLD OF BACKUPS

Laugh it out!

It was indeed nice to get recharged after a cool weekend. The weather was truly great but if I said ‘cool’, then you must be the extra lucky ones with the air-conditioners and air-coolers at top speed and uninterrupted power supply.

Well, I was not all that fortunate as I stay on the top floor of a three storied building. I was forced into a sauna bath as the locality was plunged into darkness several times during the prime hours of the evening – courtesy, Delhi power supply! And thanks to them for retaining my slim figure!

However, within minutes most houses in the neighbourhood came back to life with a variety of roaring as well as silent gen-sets.

As I came out to the terrace to feel the cool evening breeze, a zany old man from the opposite balcony noticed beads of sweat trickling down from my forehead and asked me, “Son, why don’t you get a backup for your room…?” Well, the word ‘Backup’ got me so obsessed that I kept on wondering the whole night until I went into a deep slumber!

The next morning I woke up but realized I could not get the hang of that word. Backup here, backup there, backup everywhere and that’s how I came up with this scrap!

The lexicon meaning of backup is to give support, help or encouragement to. Initially, essential services such as radio stations, television stations and hospitals were equipped with a backup power supply to provide seamless services.

Gradually with the change in times, such backup systems came to dominate in the business establishments, educational institutions, offices and domestic sectors.

Whether in Hollywood or Bollywood there is another version of ‘backups’. Here we have backup dancers, backup actors and backup singers.

Similarly, several organisations have adopted backup trainers, backup quality control analysts (QCA) and backups of all hues.

At our office we have the high-tech power backup systems to take care whenever the power distribution companies (DISCOMS) plays prank! There is a dedicated power supply for the lights and cooling systems while another specialized backup to power the central server for ensuring continuous internet connectivity at all workstations.

Keeping such logic in mind, a thought came up and was wondering if this could be taken a step further!? How about backup spouses, backup fiancés, backup boy friends and girl friends!!??

Hey there, if I sound nutty please excuse me but I am sane. Just find out which backup suites you the best!

Avian Media: The Corporate Anthem!

· We dare to dream…

The growing popularity of corporate anthems has become an integral part of several organizations across the globe. It has the unique power to create a company’s image by imbibing  messages of its core values and vision through the lyrics thereby, fostering a deeper bond among its employees.

Given a situation of any special celebrations or an emotional achievement, such anthems are sung in chorus by its employees  to  show utmost respect for the organization.

From pop, rock, rap to hip-hop, various companies adopt different genres of music to make a statement. 

If PriceWaterhouseCooper’s anthem is of hip-hop track, Ernst & Young’s gospel tune, so is computer security giant Symantec’s motivational rap music, while a wonderful pop tune of KPMG’s power ballad strategy. (it’s a must listen track -  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXUhQnOYR54).

Not to be left behind, business communication leader, Avian Media too joined the bandwagon of creating its own anthem which was hurriedly penned just before the Award’s Night at Corbett last October and sung by its members.

With lyrics such as “We trudge that extra mile/To bring that extra mile”, Avian’s We dare to Dream has the polished turn-of –phrase which can be improved by padding a specific genre music and having it recorded at a professional studio.

Check out the video clip below:

Cheers!