JFK: All that glitters might not be Gold

Located in one of the largest and busiest cities across the world, the John F. Kennedy International Airport happens to be the busiest of New York’s three airports, with millions heading to or arriving from domestic and international destinations every year. The airport is believed to have handled over 49 million passengers in 2012, making it the seventeenth busiest airport in the world while sixth busiest in the United States in terms of passenger traffic.

Terminal 4 at JFK International Airport is one of the most modern, efficient, spacious and unique terminals in the New York area serving nearly 30 international and domestic airlines carrying 12 million passengers.  In the last few years it has made extensive improvements to terminals, roadways and inter-terminal transportation. Also, travelers get access to a comprehensive selection of dining, banking, shopping and business facilities and services at New York JFK's terminals and all are linked by the AirTrain JFK service.

Hence, being one of the biggest airports across the world, it is expected to have everything running smoothly and efficiently. And since I’ve visited the city many a times before for work and leisure, I have always enjoyed my stay. Alas! This was not the case during my recent visit. Just having returned from a trip to New York, I was appalled by the experience at the JFK airport. For once, I had almost missed my flight. From unbelievably long lines at immigration to a not-so-helpful ground staff, everything seemed to be in a disheveled state.

The moment I checked in, the first thing that got my attention was the long queue at the immigration. But looking at it from the experiences I’d had in the past, I expected things to wrap up quickly. Once I got in, it took over good 2 hours to get through the immigration itself. Although, my extensive work travel has made me particular about reaching the airport before time, this time even my punctuality had gone for a toss. First-time travelers seemed to be running from counter to counter in hope of some help with their delayed immigration process and handing-over of boarding passes. Finding two young students running helter-skelter, I extended some help informing them about the right counters to seek their documents from.

Once I was on my flight back to India, the recklessness of the airport authorities had got me thinking. I believe that if the ground authorities know the approximate amount of traffic that is expected to check-in on a daily basis, they must open more counters. I think it’s the overall atmosphere that needs more improvement.

But nevertheless, this cannot stop one from relishing and dining at one of 17,000-plus restaurants, strolling around 843-acre Central Park or shopping on fashionable Fifth Avenue. New York City definitely has something for everyone.

Work Travel and more…

Stepping out of the lengthy flight, I knew it was going to be one those crucial business trips teamed with long brainstorming sessions, a large number of networking engagements and of course, the unavoidable jet lag. This initial feeling of pressure may occasionally dampen the spirits, but this can’t be allowed to come in the way of work. I have been travelling for work in the past and continue to do so, in fact, now the frequency of my travels has increased, but never has it been a matter of inconvenience to me.

Gazing at the streets from my car’s window and not finding that sense of familiarity in the sights & sounds around brings not just a sense of excitement but sometimes also a sense of longing for the comfort of one’s own environment. It was this thought that urged me to pen down my realizations in this post.

As many of my colleagues within and outside the industry would agree, work related travel opens many opportunities to learn, adopt & adapt but it also keeps us on our toes, simply because the work demands us to. But what comes as a challenge is moving beyond the jet-lags and the mixed up routines. A definite way of how to overcome this is making sure you try to stick to some part of your routine, as much as you can. Be it the kind of breakfast you have or the fact that you go for a jog regularly, continue to adhere to that pattern no matter where you are.

Personally, I make sure that no matter where and what time zone I am in, my session of Yoga is never missed. For me, it is Yoga that helps to maintain the balance and gets me going. Once I get into a meeting, my focus completely shifts to the work at hand and I do not pay attention to any fatigue. 

Travelling for work has its own charm.  Interacting with individuals, who come from diverse work cultures, through all my business trips has inspired me to a great extent. It is this very platform of witnessing different work environments & how they are weaved in various cultures, that we can learn and in turn also share our insights with them. I've always made sure of picking up something from my learning and imbibing it from time to time at Hero BPO.  This not only acts as beneficial in the functioning of the organization, but also helps me keeping in sync with the latest ideologies of work culture along with a satisfied work force.

As much as you can learn from work travel, you mustn't miss out on the chance to enjoy the experience. Go about exploring the place and take away good memories with you. Travelling is an enriching experience and you ought to make the most of it.

Mindmine Summit 2013

Last week I was part of the 8^th annual Mindmine Summit by the Hero Group. I have attended the past summits as well and like them, this one too was an enlightening experience with discussions on matters that concern the nation & economy as a whole.

At the summit, I had the opportunity of being witness to discussions among some luminous minds and also interacted with the likes of Mr. Salman Bashir current high commissioner of Pakistan to India. Being part of a platform where well known individuals from across various industries put forth their views on the economics & politics of India was an opportunity which can be used for introspection. Introspection not only for the system and authorities in the society but also the role that one can play in this, being a fresher to any industry or being the CEO of a well known organizational body.

Ms. Poonam Dhillon presented insightful piece on how adaptation of external culture is adding to our progress as a nation as long as we make it centered and do not blindly follow any one culture. Also, an interesting point made by Subodh Gupta was about how while we are worried about being “wrongly influenced” by other cultures, but are we really making efforts to preserve our cultures vis a vis museums and heritage.

Another intriguing discussion was how technology is leading India forward. A point put forth by one of the panelists, with which I agree, was that it is not  only about the gizmos that are invented, it’s about doing things smartly and efficiently. 

 Other dignitaries such as Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar, Mr. Devang Nanavati & Ms. Smriti Irani debated on the topic ‘India needs stronger leadership, not democratic leadership.’  

An all in all wonderful experience and I look forward to the 9^th annual summit. 

Mr. Shashi Tharoor at the Mindmine Summit 2013

Ms. Poonam Dhillon speak on the topic ‘Culture Club: Will Adaptation Enrich or Destroy Our Heritage?’

Panelists at the summit

Mr. Omar Abdullah, who was part of the panel discussing ‘Return of Regionalism: Are the States ruling Delhi?’

Interacted with Mr. Salman Bashir, current high commissioner of Pakistan to India & Mr. G. Parthasarathy, former diplomat.

Ms. Smriti Irani, Mr. Devang Nanavati, Dr. Bibek Debroy, Ms. Shereen Bhan & Mr. Kanwal Sibal, during the debate on Day 2 of the Summit.

With Poonam Dhillon

With Prabhu Chawla

Empowering Women, Empowering India

In this contemporary world, the role of a woman is as crucial as that of her male counterpart. When women and men lead together, decisions reflect and respond better to the diverse needs of society. Women are smart & capable and when they are empowered, it only gives them an extra edge.

Women empowerment has been close to the heart of many in the past. According to Mahatma Gandhi, “If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate an entire family.” Be it education, politics, architecture, science & technology, entertainment, communication… women have made a mark everywhere.

The young women of today are weaving their personal and professional lives with élan, without compromising on their goals. They are as responsible about their roles as being daughters, wives, and mothers as they are about their professional commitments as team members, managers or leaders.

But in spite of so much power that has been conceded to them, the patriarchal values which continue to engulf our society, have taken away all the righteousness. Good education and an economically strong background are one of the many things required for ensuring empowerment to a woman, but the right attitude of the society goes a long way.

It is time for all the women to take a stand as one for their collective interest because equality depends on each one of us. From the government that changes its laws, to the company that advances equal pay and opportunity, to the parents that teach their daughter and son that all human beings should be treated equally- we are all part of the solution. Unfortunately it is easier said than done.  It is evident that there continues to exist deep-rooted prejudices against women in India and it is far more difficult to change these opinions by just talking about ideals.

At the same time, it is not enough to hold a rally for few days and expect that structural changes will take place overnight. It takes a decade of rightful action to undo the wrong. With time I hope that we are able to instil a sense of freedom for women to travel freely without them doubting or fearing their security. A change is beginning to happen.

Swami Vivekananda has said “That country and that nation which doesn’t respect women, will never become great now and nor will ever in future” and in pursuit of making India a great nation, let us work towards giving women their much deserved status. 

Indian woman are slowly breaking away the shackles of atrocities and emerging as a strong contender in all walks of life. They are standing up for themselves and are realizing that their empowerment is the most critical element for the sustainable transformation of any nation. The time is right for them to take on leadership roles and more responsibilities and make changes wherever they go.

Respect woman, for it is a woman who has always held a powerful influence on us and who has nurtured us into who we are today.