Karnataka - Bangalore

Reporter's Diary

Culture shock

BUREAUCRATS, EVEN those from a government-owned public utility, are decidedly uncomfortable when they have to make joint appearances with those from the corporate sector. It may literally be a culture shock for the former.

At the recent event to launch SMS facility in Kannada script, BSNL officials were kept waiting for more than half an hour beyond the schedule time, for no fault of theirs.

The corporate software provider for the Indian language SMS just had to take over and run the show, far different from the usual interaction with the media to announce new telephone tariff plans and availability of mobile phone connections.

The stage setting and everything that went along with would have been better at a fashion show or the launch of a designer apparel brand, many in the media felt.

The one light moment was when an announcer kept mispronouncing the request in Kannada for everyone to be seated and repeating it was the year of Suvarna Karnataka.

Easing congestion

FOR THE motorists stuck on the busy Airport Road, 2008 could be an eventful year. If the promises are kept, the Devanahalli international airport just might become a reality and traffic towards the HAL airport might come down drastically.

Or, is it wishful thinking.

The airport taxis do not contribute much to the explosive growth of cars on this key arterial road.

With the International Technological Park Limited emerging as a big hub of business process outsourcing firms and other software firms, Airport Road will still remain clogged, so say the regular road-users.

And so, the motorcyclists and car drivers will continue to curse the traffic, although they contribute much to the chaos.

Then, there are the Volvo buses — big vehicles with brave drivers. With the BMTC threatening to introduce more such buses, the traffic is bound to generate more headaches for the road-users.

Encouraging officials

IF THE Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) has made a turnaround and is making profits, many people seem to have contributed to it by working hard.

Creative ideas such as holding a vintage silk sari exhibition, which was held in Bangalore recently, have added to the effort. Women participated in the exhibition with enthusiasm and also took part in the workshop on maintaining silk saris.

Chairman and Managing Director of KSIC P. Vijayan showed great respect to officials who had worked hard for the occasion. Every time he mentioned a name, he ensured that the official came to the dais and acknowledged the appreciation.

Mr. Vijayan explained how the official had made efforts to the welfare of KSIC. The officials later said this kind of encouragement meant a lot to them.

It seems mere recognition of one's efforts does the trick for an organisation trying to grow.

K. Satyamurty,

Rasheed Kappan,

Govind D. Belgaumkar

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