CIB (India) Mumbai Chapter
Second Meeting Report
March 22, 2014
Venue: IofC flat at Kumaram, Worli Seaface
The ‘Sanskar’ (values) that defines people is what makes a ‘Sanskruti’ (civilization).
In life, we must be courageous to take a stand for what we believe is ethical and right. People will accept you.
Such statements defined the spirit of the second CIB Mumbai Chapter Meeting that was held on March 22, 2014 at the IofC flat, Kumaram on Worli Sea-face, Mumbai. The meeting was attended by 12 persons, some of whom were participating for the first time. It was also heartening to see many who were present for the Inaugural meeting last month, make the effort to come again. There were several who had phoned saying that they eagerly desired to be present but could not and looked forward to the next meeting in April. All this was of great encouragement to a fledgling, young group trying to make a difference in a world of greed and selfishness.
After a brief word of welcome from Anil Chopra, VP (SCM-IM), Siemens Ltd., Mumbai and Convener of the CIB Mumbai Chapter, the meeting began with a couple of inspiring stories from Prof. Virendra Shukla, a Professor from S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai.
In one of these stories, he recounted his experience in the Aditya Birla Company when all employees were expected to sign a Code of Conduct. He shared how on reading this document he came across the statement that one would not give or take anything for llegitimate reasons. The word “illegitimate” troubled him; his conscience immediately questioning if it was alright then to give or take amounts for “legitimate reasons”? He mustered up boldness recognizing that he could face consequences as a result of his action and added the word, “legitimate” to the statement. Needless to say, this hand-written addition came to the notice of the
Chairman of the company who called Prof. Shukla to his office and commended him for his stand and courage. Highlighting the reason for the story, he said that it was important for every individual to take a stand for what s/he felt was ethical and right. When we do this he added, people will accept the stand you take. However he also cautioned that one must be prepared to face the consequences, more often negative than not, as a result of such a stand.