Sundowner is a hangover of the British Raj, it's a drink taken at sunset - along with the Caramel Custard and the Mulligatawni Soup. In the heyday of the Raj, the Brits and their local friends would meet at the various clubs, watch the sun set and enjoy their favorite tipple - usually Gin and Tonic or Black Dog Scotch. The Abdars (the Raj term for bar tenders) were required to be on duty half an hour before the event. Eventually the sun had set over the British empire.
Since 1990, India has embarked on a campaign to convince the world that it is a potential Superpower. The campaign started with the ubiquitous "Shining India". Then "Made in India" followed by "Make in India". The partly delusionary campaigns were manufactured by the India Brand Equity foundation and heavily financed by corporate India. Then came "India Everywhere". Now, it's Sundowner time. The Sun is setting so quickly, that astrophysicists all over the world are worried.
I was born in CMH Agra - my father being in the British Indian Army and later the Pak Army. But I never visited India. Only when I took over the Management Association of Pakistan (2000-9) did I start going to India at the invitation of the All India Management Association (AIMA) and other institutions. 6 visits. On one of my visits to Mumbai, by PIA, a separate line was for Pakistani arrivals. I noticed that the two immigration officials at the counter were giving a tough time. When my turn came, the official opened my passport and saw a crisp US$20 note. He immediately stamped my passport, saluted and said "Sir, welcome to Shining India".
On my various visits I interacted with the corporate hierarchy of India as an honored guest. But I was observing, investigating and looking beyond the obvious. Rattan Tata, the doyen of corporate India, I met on two occasions. A cosmopolitan, sophisticated man. Yet his flagship project, the mini car "Nano", failed miserably. More than US$2 billion down the drain. There was no shareholder revolt, no questions in parliament. It was disallowed to disrupt "Shining India".
I have already written about my encounters with Vijay Mallya "The King of Good Times". In his pursuit to be the Hugh Hefner of India, his airline, Jet Airways went bankrupt. Then there's the story about the jewellery magnate who absconded with more than US$1 billion in debt. The classiest story is about Anil Ambani. He was the poster boy of "Shining India". In the last two years his wealth has fallen from US$40 billion to US$109 million. The usual story - Hubris, over ambition and high leverage.
Of course, the NRIs (Non-Resident Indians), are a very influential network. Indra Nooyi of PepsiCo just stepped down. The ministry group is the largest commercial entity in India. The Hinduja Family in the UK is very rich and influential. Lakshmi Mittal is still the largest steel group in the world. His luxury mansion on "Millionaire's Row" in London is a sight to behold (the actual name of the road is Palace Green). But all the above are deeply concerned about the 'Sundowner'.
Narendra Modi has not read Management, Strategy or History. Indian occupied Kashmir notwithstanding, he has alienated 200 million bona fide citizens of India. And many Hindus are supporting them. Modi cannot go to war against Pakistan. With 200 million internal insurgents, India would implode. But what would one expect from a Tea Shop owner? One of my contacts in India tells me that Modi's Tea Shop at the Gujarat railway station was a success story. Modi would run after Hindu customers and whisper "It's a special tea - laced with cow urine". His story - not mine.
I am truly impressed with the previous Army Chief General Bipin (now being assigned a senior role). In his comical service hat, he was prone to making comical comments. He reminds me of my Scout Master in 1958 in St. Francis Grammar School, Quetta (Incidentally the current Pope is St. Francis). Of course, Shahbaz Sharif also wears comical hats to create the "Shahbaz Effect". May I suggest they both visit the Holland & Holland shop in London to choose suitable headwear. At the end of the street is an up-scale coffee shop. They can sip latte and discuss the merits of Katrina Kaif.
(The writer is the former Executive Director of the Management Association of Pakistan)
Comments
Comments are closed.