Interview with Saksham K. Co-Founder, SeenIt

About the firm : SeenIt is a funded startup based out of Kolkata. It is India’s first demand-driven platform, connecting users with products they want to buy instead of what retailers want to sell them.

Q1) In this day and age, does following ethical practices and behavior prove to be a hindrance, or does it help you to grow and thrive in the industry?

Ans 1) It’s hard to follow ethical practices especially for government related work. In tech it is easier to follow but still not easy. Being ethical is more for your own self than for the industry, so if it brings you satisfaction you grow and thrive.

Q2) What are some examples of ethical and unethical behavior in the workplace?

Ans 2) Ethical – helping with transition after resigning from a job.

Unethical – not serving notice period and doing poor quality work during this time period.

Q3) What do you consider to be your own ethical qualities and do you believe they have held you in good stead over the years?

Ans 3) Qualities – delivering what you have committed.

It takes time to build a good reputation in today’s world and this credibility will compound over the years.

Q4) Could you give an example of a time you faced an ethical dilemma at the workplace?

Ans 4) With covid-19 hitting, a lot of employers were revoking offers or cutting salaries even if their business was unaffected. We, as an organization went through the same dilemma as we could have done the same but did not.

 

 

 

                Interview with Gautam Nath, MD & CEO, SAMS

                                        

Interview with Mr Gautam Nath, MD, SAMS

About the firm : Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd. (SAMS) is a general management consultancy, exclusively focused on servicing the needs of the health and development sectors in India.

Q1) In this day and age, does following ethical practices and behavior prove to be a hindrance, or does it help you to grow and thrive in the industry?

Ans 1) This is a difficult question. Ethical behaviour is a legal and contractual requirement and yet periodic challenges and compromises requiring malleability and adaptive behavior at work and business are inevitable. 

If your ambition is to become an industry giant or colossus, I think fanatical commitment to the pursuit of ethical practices is likely to be a hindrance. If you are content to be reasonably successful, you should be able to consistently follow ethical practices, barring the odd, small compromise.

 

Q2) What are some examples of ethical and unethical behavior in the workplace?

In our recruitment business, ethical behaviour is frequently reminding the Client that prescribed position specs do not allow them to appoint an ineligible candidate who has been strongly recommended by a person of influence.

 

Unethical behaviour would be to ignore eligibility criteria and unfairly inflate scores of an undeserving and underqualified candidate at the behest of a person of influence.

 

Q3) What do you consider to be your own ethical qualities and do you believe they have held you in good stead over the years?

Ans 3) I have tried hard to promote and insist on ethical behaviour by all of us with respect to the work we do for both internal and external clients.

I endeavor to keep my promises with clients and colleagues and reciprocally expect and demand the same from them.

I am happy with this personal code.

 

 

Q4) Describe a specific instance when your ethics were challenged? Can you please elaborate on how you handled the situation.

Ans 4) There have been instances when clients and/or business counterparts or partners have tried to gauge our flexibility and willingness to pursue an adventurous agenda. We have clearly communicated our disinterest and inability to pursue such agendas by saying no politely over the years. We are not frequently challenged any longer.

 

Q5) Could you describe a situation where you have upheld the highest ethical standards and values?

Ans 5) I cannot readily think of any occasion where we have been hugely challenged.

We have had periodic opportunities to politely correct clients, as well as admit our own faults, gaps and deficiencies and honestly address them.

We have periodically elected to stop working with clients and conversely redo work or redouble our efforts where clients and/or we have not been happy with our outputs. We have occasionally complained about unethical behaviour inflicted on us, at the highest possible forums.

 

Q6) What needs to be done in the professional workplace to inculcate highest ethical morals and values in the organization and especially among new entrants?

Ans 6) It’s important for the Board, CEO and top management team to reinforce commitment to high ethical standards. Everybody has to walk the talk.

I’ve noticed the practice gradually becomes infectious and many of us in the management team now consistently identify and uphold right and appropriate behaviour.  We frequently correct each other, if any of us falter.

The emphasis the organisation places on ethical behaviour has to be communicated on Day#1 at the time of induction and orientation.

 Interview with Mr Vineet Khuller - President Global Dent Aids. 

About the firm :  Global Dent Aids Private Limited provides personal care products.

The Company offers toothpaste, brush, and mouth wash, as well as offers

special purpose brushes.

Global Dent Aids serves customers in India.

Q1.  In this day and age, does following ethical practices and behavior

prove to be a hindrance, or does it help you to grow and thrive in the industry? 

Ans 1) Ethical practices and behavior always help long term and

should be followed by one and all. This is the only way for lasting success.

Q2. What are some examples of ethical and unethical behavior

in the workplace ?

Ans 2) Ethical behavior = Dealing with your customers and suppliers

the same way. No organization can succeed in the long run

if they do not treat their suppliers well.

Unethical behavior = Treating your customers in the best way

and treating your suppliers in the worst possible way.

Q3) What do you consider to be your own ethical qualities

and do you believe they have held you in good stead over the years?

Ans 3) Being fair to everyone in the organization which in turn

has lead to creating an honest and sincere team. 

Q4)  Could you give an example of a time you faced an

ethical dilemma at the workplace?

Ans 4) One instance a senior executive in our organization

was being rude and wrong to his/her subordinate .

The senior executive was reprimanded for his/her

behavior and support was given to the junior subordinate.

Q5) Describe a specific instance when your ethics were challenged ?

Can you please elaborate on how you handled the situation? 

Ans 5) One instance that comes to my mind is

when the customer issued us a Purchase Order at a higher price than agreed.

When this came to my notice I immediately told

our team to inform the customer about the mistake

they had committed. It was immediately appreciated by the customer.

Q6) Could you describe a situation where you have upheld

the highest ethical standards and values?

Ans 6) I have always encouraged

ethical standards and values in my organization.

Everyone is encouraged to be polite and kind to

their colleagues/suppliers/vendors etc.

I remember an instance when a sweeper

in our organization was temporarily transferred

to the canteen to serve water and team to the staff.

There was a lot of objection from the staff as they

did not feel comfortable being served by a sweeper.

I did not like this attitude from my staff and one day when

I came into the work place I called the sweeper and

gave him a tight hug in front of everyone.

I thanked him for the good work he was doing not only

in the canteen but also in cleaning the toilets clean.

I then explained to the staff that everyone is

equal and they should be thankful and respectful to

the sweeper who cleans all the dirt from our toilets

so that we feel comfortable using them.

My words really impacted and brought the change in the attitude of our staff.

Q7) What needs to be done in the professional workplace to inculcate highest

ethical morals and values in the organization and especially among new entrants? 

Ans7) Every organization is successful if all your people are

treated equally right from the lowest worker to the highest person.

This behavior has to be lead from the top management and

this is the culture and value which is explained to the new entrant.

                     Interview with Rajeev Karwal, Founder Chairman - Milagrow Robots 

                       

Q1) Why did you start a business? Why didn’t you take up a job instead?

Ans 1) I have worked at the senior management positions at FMCG Companies, startups, turnarounds and more. I have vast experience at senior management positions. I chose to startup since I wished to replace humans serving humans for menial tasks and jobs where a dignity of a human suffers with robots. I wished to be my own boss after working as an employee in the corporate world for many years.

Q2) How did you come up with the idea for this business?

Ans) Robots have fascinated me since childhood. I have grown up watching sci-fi movies like Bicentennial Man or Edward Scissorhands which heightened my interest . I feel that whenever sci-fi movies depict something, there is some reality attached to it and the idea that human intellect has the power to create technology which breaks all barriers makes me want to be a part of it. I wanted to bring that technology and change to our country which gave way to Milagrow HumanTech. This prompted me to start this business.

Q3) Who were the people who encouraged you and helped you shape your ideas?

Ans 3) My father has been my biggest encourager. I consider myself my own role model. I have grown in my career with contentment and without comparison. My only competition has been myself and I did not grade honesty and ethics on a scale.

Q4) What are your strengths that make you keep doing what you’re doing?

Ans 4) Daily chores of washing dishes and clothes along with keeping the house clean is more stressful than work itself. Therefore there was a surge in demand for gadgets that make life easier when it comes to household chores. With the Covid Pandemic there is an increased focus on hygiene and low human contact. This has boosted the demand for domestic robots.

Q5) What’s special about your product or service?

Ans 5) What is special about Milagrow is that it is a completely homegrown brand. The company has no outside loans. It helps in replacing the domestic household help.

Q6) Do you have plans to expand?

Ans 6) The demand for floor cleaning and other robots has picked up as people faced domestic help constraints amid concerns around the pandemic. The market for robots has exploded. The Milagrow market share will bounce back to 50 percent with customer satisfaction.  During the pandemic, Milagrow has provided robots to hospitals like AIIMS, Medanta etc during the lockdown. This will lead to its expansion. 

 

Community Radio in times of Covid -19

 

The Covid-19 pandemic has shaken up the country and people from all socio-economic backgrounds are feeling the effects of it. Community Radios provide the vulnerable sections of society credible information on how to deal with the virus. They help to combat the spread of fake information received on whatsapp forwards etc.  They help in the spread of facts on the coronavirus disease, and aids in fighting mis-information in this fake news filled era we live in. Community reporters and producers are on the frontline, bring out the most precise information.

 

Our very own  Amity University's Community Radio station is running a programme called "Panchtantra ka corona mantra" where different stories from Panchtantra tales are being used to convey messages related to coronavirus.
The stories from Panchtantra have been converted into messages on how to fight the coronavirus. Different programs have been produced for specific community groups including farmers, on social distancing, on avoiding rumours from getting spread and measures which can be taken at home to prevent the spread of the virus. People get confused over the right information therefore it is imperative for community radio stations to prevent the spread of misinformation especially among the marginalized communities. Informative interactive programs on the pandemic is the way forward for community radio stations. Community radio has an extraordinary role to play because you are one with the community. Many are going beyond broadcasting to even providing food to migrant workers because you are from that community and that makes a difference to the people who tune in for authentic information for themselves.

 COVID-19

Article for COVID – Stop the Stigma!’

-Ayushmaan Datta

EID : A2000419008

 

Corona virus stigma must stop now! We are all in this together!

The degree of social stigma associated with COVID 19 is high because it is new. Till 3 months ago, no one had even heard of COVID 19. The outbreak of corona virus has provoked social stigma and discriminatory behavior towards anyone who is perceived to have been in contact with the virus.

The WHO introduced guidelines to stop this practice and thereby reduce the stigma and negative impacts such as fear or anger directed towards those regions or people. The guidelines underscored the fact that all humans are at risk of the virus – when an outbreak happens everyone is at risk regardless of who they are or where they are from.

Stigma creates barriers. There are widespread instances of stigma and discrimination against medical personnel – doctors and health care workers. Those working in aviation, especially on flights that were sent to bring Indians back from COVID-19 affected foreign land also faced the same fate. This stigma is unfolding; not amongst strangers, but among people they know, within housing societies and communities. The stigma associated with COVID-19 is real and here to stay. Instead of sympathizing with the patients and their family, we have created an environment of fear and panic which is not justified.

Stigma has a direct impact on seeking tests and care early. It also impacts attitudes towards helping others especially those in our immediate environment. As stigma grows, those affected become fearful to seek out testing, or care, and fear from revealing their symptoms. They are terrified of others within their communities finding out about even the possibility of disease. This leads to increased suffering and transmission. The stigma is causing many patients who have Covid 19 or flu-like symptoms to not come to the healthcare facilities. The patients don’t come forward which leads to higher mortality due to delay in treatment. People who test positive become scared of seeking help or even in discussing their symptoms thus putting themselves at risk and also increasing the rate of disease transmission. We need to arm ourselves with facts about the disease and how should we care for it medically, physically and emotionally.

India now has to wage a war against COVID-19 related stigma. Understanding the roots of disease-related stigma is critical here. Throughout history the fear of the unknown and unfamiliar has been used to justify the exclusion of those with medical conditions which has no cure. Disease-related stigma appears when an uncontrollable or uncertain condition exists – such as an infectious, unexplained and potentially incurable disease. Coronavirus checks out all the boxes. People stigmatize because they feel that stigmatizing and excluding someone will somehow reduce risk. It perpetuates an attitude which somehow creates a false sense of distance or empowerment in the face of uncertainty. We need to move away from the language of fear and paranoia to one of empathy. We need to highlight stories of resilience and of recovery. It is unethical on the part of the media to demonize certain communities and ethnicities. In the long term, stigma also has a dramatic effect on the issue of such as employment, housing and medical care.

There is an urgent need to discourage stigmatizing language used during a pandemic as it can be debilitating. We need to debunk myths & break down stereotypes. The success stories need to be highlighted to lessen the paranoia and feeling of impending doom. If we do not manage it in time, the stigma, not the virus alone, could be our greatest foe. It is imperative to make the public realise that many people will recover from this virus and seeking care at the soonest is critical. It is high time we address our prejudices!

More Artists or More Dentists: Are the arts a viable career choice in India?

Shekhar Kapur, famous director of Oscar winning ‘Elizabeth’ did not set out to pursue a career in the film industry. His pediatrician father urged him to pursue a professional qualification – and thus he flew to England to study Chartered Accountancy. Soon, he grew bored of his accounting job and the film bug bit him. He moved back to India to pursue a career as a model, actor and was soon behind the camera directing movies. All through, he was discouraged to get into films by his father. He went on to achieve recognition and fame worldwide as an acclaimed film director, which included directing the Oscar winning film ‘Elizabeth’.

Even today, many youngsters, do not have the freedom to choose their own careers – especially in the field of arts. High school students almost robotically choose popular professions such as engineering, medicine, management, law or journalism. These are the areas which are still believed to be ‘secure and successful’ in the minds of parents. However, slowly, change has already crept into our society. With the advent of the internet – virtually the world has opened up before us. Youngsters have become increasingly aware of what is happening in various corners of the world. A musical recital or a dance performance at any international forum or the performance of their favourite music band or a literary festival or a virtual tour of some of the world’s most famous art galleries are easily available at the click of a button. This has helped in opening up their minds, promoting and encouraging creative thinking, and encouraging them to take up ‘off-beat’ professions.

It is not as if India has not produced famous musicians, artists, painters, or dancers. Amjad Ali Khan along with his sons Amaan and Ayaan performed at the recent Nobel peace prize ceremony at Oslo recently. MF Hussain, Tyeb Mehta, S.H. Raza, Anish Kapoor are famous names’ known the world over. A.R Rahman, Vikram Seth, Pt. Ravi Shankar, Zakir Hussain, Sonal Mansingh et al, have brought laurels to our country. Most of these famous artists / performers broke off from the traditional paths, pursued their passions and achieved fame and recognition at an international stage.

In India, a career as a professional artist is still, broadly speaking, considered to be risky and unstable – but over the years, change has slowly but surely crept into our society.  How else do you explain the numerous music festivals that are held all over the country – (NH7 Weekender, Sunburn, Fireflies Music Festival etc), the several music/rock bands that youngsters have found (Indian Ocean, Parikrama, Agni etc), the mushrooming art galleries not only in the metros, but also in tier II and tier III cities, the many literary festivals being organized – most popular among them being the Jaipur Literature Festival, the popularity of contemporary dance schools – Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts, The Danceworx by Ashley Lobo), the growing popularity of stand-up comics (Papa CJ, Vir Das, Kapil Sharma, Gursimran Khamba) – the list is growing every day.

We find that performing arts are gaining acceptance and providing a platform to countless talented youth in India through the TV reality shows such as  ‘India’s Got Talent’, ‘Indian Idol’, ‘Dance India Dance’, ‘Boogie Woogie’, ‘Sa Re Ga Ma’ etc. These shows have encouraged not only young people to participate and showcase their talent but have also helped the parents to change their mindset about performing arts as a career option.

Even though new and contemporary art forms are gaining popularity, the traditional, Indian art is struggling to stay afloat. There are very few takers for classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Odisi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, etc. Very few among the young want to learn to play the table, sarod, flute, Shehnai, sitar and veena or sing traditional classical music ragas. It is important that be handed the baton our culturally rich past – we do not want to see it fade away. Many old and new government intuitions help in preserving our heritage – National Bal Bhavan, The National School of Drama, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Lalit Kala Academy, SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Music and Culture among youth), INTACH etc. 

For every successful artist / performer that we see or read about, there are thousands more who did not make it. Sure, parents should, and to a large extent, are encouraging their children to pursue their passions or talents for every parent wants his or her child to be successful and happy in their careers. They should be permitted to explore their passions, make their own mistakes and not be forced into a profession just because their fathers or grandfathers were in a particular field. Their career choices should definitely not be limited to what the family members pursued before them. The change has to be brought about at the school level.  From the very beginning, children should exposed to a wide variety of art forms be it ballets, plays, concerts or exhibitions so that they can discover their passion and interest and then build on it as they grow up. Schools should innovate and include a necessary arts component in the curriculum.  Schools can play a formative role in the development of the artistic ability in children. If they provide the right environment and resources, budding artists can be nurtured.  If from a young age itself, a child is supported by his peers, teachers and parents, he will feel encouraged and will continue to pursue it later in his life instead of abandoning it.

 In order to pursue a career in the arts, it is essential to have a supportive network, financially and emotionally. The road to success is paved with obstacles but at least some roads have been built!

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life”. Earlier the arts were considered to be the bastion of those who were ‘meek’ in their studies however, now no profession is looked down upon – there is a definite change in the perspective of the parents and society at large, and students have themselves been the driving force of this change.

As Confucius says – “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life “