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Life....
I joined IBS during the academic year 1995-97 which was the first campus batch of IBS. I was already working as Executive Director at Raasi Finance and Investments Ltd since 1994. Joining the campus program after a gap of seven years after graduation was a daunting task for me as I was married with two very small children while the rest of my batch mates were fresh graduates and much younger to me in age. I was quite apprehensive as to whether I would get through the course as it proved to be very tough, but I guess my determination and focus helped me come out in flying colors graduating second with a silver medal.
Wife to a busy entrepreneur, Mom to two kindergarten-going toddlers, Daughter-in-law with all the regular household responsibilities, Executive Director in a Finance Company and Full-time Student at IBS….. This basically was the picture of my life during the two years that I studied at the ICFAI Business School. But, being very systematic inherently helped me in doing justice to the various roles that I was juggling, along with the support of my husband and family. The two years at IBS were filled with grueling and hectic schedules and project deadlines and studying for various internal tests and qualifying exams at the same time, as I had enrolled for the CFA program along with the PGDBA program. I remember there were weeks that we worked all the seven days from 8:00 in the morning to 6:00 in the evening. And my day didn’t end there, but an hour at office to keep abreast of the business and then trudging back home, where awaited more duties of domestic and parental nature.
After IBS....
They say that for any metal to be molded it has to be put through fire and that’s exactly how I felt during that time and this helped me in moulding my future. My time at IBS brought out hidden talents, nurtured them and fine-tuned many other inherent traits, which today hold me in a good stead. The fact that today I head the Anjani Group with interests in Cement, Power, Security Printing, Food Manufacturing, Food Retailing and Education and a group turnover of over Rs.170 crores, as whole-time Finance Director, shows that IBS has really prepared me to perform my role as a first generation entrepreneur along with my brother Vishnu Raju, who leads the group. The grounding in the fundamentals of business, coupled with real life case studies that were taught in the class has helped my decision making capabilities while running my business. Running a business not only as a professional but as an entrepreneur requires the finer nuances of people management. This has been what I have learnt in my 14 years of work experience.
Anjani Portland Cement Ltd was born in the year 1999, when along with my family and associates; we took over a non-operating unit, which was set up way back in 1983. Though the erstwhile promoters erected the machinery, they had never been able to commence commercial production and as a result their loans piled up, with the increasing interest burden surpassing the original principal amounts. At this point we officially took over the management of this potentially viable unit and set it on the growth track. Today, I am happy to state that I am a part of the team that is responsible in bringing about a tangible benefit to all the stakeholders of this company and converting a non operational asset into a valuable asset with a good net worth and market capitalization.
My Family....
My husband, Ramesh Datla, is a busy second-generation entrepreneur and runs a 45 year old analytical instrumentation company. He also plays an active role in many Industry bodies like the CII, ELIAP, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, Instrumentation Society of India, etc. His emotional support and objective advice have helped me along the years. My children, Anirudh a sixteen year-old, studying 11th grade and Anisha, a fourteen year-old, in the 10th grade, seem to have grown up along with me. Both are very independent as they have seen me working and studying since they were toddlers and do their bit in helping me on the domestic front.
Relax and De-stress....
I love traveling around the globe to exotic and sometimes not so exotic places along with my husband and children or with friends. Infact, I have traveled to more than 40 countries so far and am still looking forward to traveling to many more exciting destinations. I also do enjoy reading and would like to devote more time than I normally can. Exercise is something that I am quite regular with, to de-stress and also to keep me physically and mentally fit in addition to spending time with my friends.
Ideals....
I have been influenced by a lot of people in my life, foremost being my late grandfather, PadmaBhushan. Dr. B. V. Raju, was a person with monumental qualities that I have tried to imbibe. Humility and dedication are what I have learnt from him. My first passion in life was to become a doctor, but destiny had another career field in store for me. The art of being systematic and highly organized is what I have derived from my father who is a successful doctor. I am basically a people person and enjoy dealing with people. This shows in my work style as I am a good listener and am more tolerant and empathetic with my employees.
Future of Cement Industry....
The Cement Industry in India is a Mature Industry that has witnessed a lot of turbulent times. Major Consolidations and Capacity expansions have dotted the last decade and India has retained the second position in the global market in terms of Production and Capacity. The Future does look promising as there is now an increased need to improve the infrastructure of our country. Worldwide the per capita consumption is 250kgs, while the Indian average is 125kgs, which shows that there is ample scope to grow further. The Cement manufacturing process in India is on par with its global counterparts, and actually excelling in power and fuel consumption per ton. Cement is one commodity that has no substitute and with growing consciousness about green technology there is a marked trend in the production of green cements and allied products that are more environmentally friendly. I would definitely recommend fresh graduates to consider a career within this Industry as there is a lot of scope to grow professionally. Traditionally, a male dominated industry; there are a few Cement companies today where the fairer sex has breached the upper echelons of top management. As this particular Industry belongs to the core industry, along with other sectors like steel, engineering, building materials, construction and infrastructure, it supports the development of a nation and this is true whether on the domestic front or abroad.
Work-Life Balance....
A lot has been written and discussed about the perfect work-life balance, but there can’t be a time tested formula that works for everyone. In my case, I try to segregate the various spheres of my life and most of the time try not carry the burdens and problems from one area to another. This helps me in paying full attention to the issue at hand without getting distracted by issues from other areas. This habit also helps me in not getting stressed out.
Leisure....
The things that really turn me off are corruption and poverty, while it may sound clichéd; I truly believe that if every person takes a proactive stand, then, we as a population can definitely reduce the ill-effects of these social evils. Keeping this philosophy in mind, I have joined a group of like-minded women to bring about slow change among the children of urban slums. We visit the slum for a couple of hours every Sunday morning and feed the children, adolescent mothers and women with a nutritious snack of milk, eggs, bananas and biscuits. We also bring about awareness on various topics of health, hygiene and general knowledge. Though our efforts are only a small drop in the ocean, I believe at least it is a step in the right direction.
Friends at IBS....
In the early days, immediately after graduation, I kept in regular touch with my batch mates, but as all of us became immersed in our careers, and many moved out of the city, the contact has lessened. I was a member on the IBSAF Board of Governors, for a period of seven years and do make it point to attend the alumni meetings now and then.
Advice....
Life is never perfect at all times, but the ups and downs are what add character to our lives. The obstacles and hurdles along with the added frustrations that we face over the years help us in appreciating and valuing the good parts of our lives. I personally believe that one has to be accommodating and tolerant with whatever comes our way and make the best of the given situation. It really helps in having a positive attitude, perseverance and determination to achieve the impossible.
One final piece of advice to the fresh graduates of IBS, Do believe that, YOU can make a difference to the world and dedicate all your efforts in the chosen path. India has just celebrated its 60 years of Independence, and while there are many reasons to rejoice what we as a nation have achieved, there are an equal number of areas that we need to improve upon and I am positive that the days ahead will belong to India and its place in the Global field will raise substantially as the coming generations prepare to take our country to dizzying heights.
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