Inheriting a value system of integrity

SLK believed that one should work hard to create a superior product, commit to its quality and reliability and continuous improvement for competitive advantage. So, in time, one’s name becomes synonymous with these values and is the most obvious choice of the customer. He believed this allowed for sustained growth and advantage, preventing needless corrupt circumvention of the system. A value system that appears old-fashioned today, in these times when dodging the system by dishonest means is admirably applauded as ‘‘the ability to get things done’’.

I quote an example. While presiding over a meeting of the Board of Trade, the agenda papers distributed by the government were found to be unreadable. So, when it was his turn to speak, SLK said: ‘‘We are here to discuss increase in exports, emphasise product quality. We are starting our deliberations with your agenda papers (which are) sloppily written, blurred, wrongly-placed. Just this morning we received a rebuke from your department, charging private sector enterprise with supplying poor quality material to earn more profits!’’ And although his friends advised him to ‘‘make up’’ with the government dignitary, SLK stuck to his decision to say what seemed true to him.

That is not to say that he did not build enduring relationships, both in his personal life and with the government and political entities. But those were built on mutual respect and professional credibility. He made friends wherever he went. Touching each one’s life in a sensitive and unique manner. To this day, there are many who have his photograph in their pooja room.

In fact, when he passed away, the Maharashtra Government wanted to have a state mourning with the flag at half-mast. His residence in Pune was given heritage status. In 1989, the then Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, released a stamp on him.

On the business front, success came rapidly. Kirloskar manufactured the first iron-plough, revolutionising agriculture. Then, way back in 1906, it competed with the well-entrenched British ploughs to finally become the preferred choice. True ‘‘global competitiveness’’! With time, Kirloskar became a leading manufacturer of ploughs, diesel engines, gensets, compressors, pumps. By 1974, he had expanded to setting up KEC, KOEL, MKL, KBL and KPC. Going beyond Indian shores, a consignment of Kirloskar Oil Engines were dispatched to West Germany in 1954, in 1972 the 1000th pump set went to Bangladesh and in 1974 a plane load to UK, amongst others.

Journalists loved his candour and excellent communication skills. A mechanical engineer from MIT Boston, SLK was a man of culture and intellect. His views and achievements were often published in the leading media of the times, both in India and abroad. The 1964 issue of the Time published a story about him and the different Kirloskar businesses he had set up in their ‘‘world business section’’, captioned ‘‘Ancient Gods and modern methods’’, referring to the Kirloskar success in manufacturing and pioneering engineering products that served key segments of the Indian economy.

The family went though trying times. An entire generation wiped out by illness and immense competition with the market opening up. There were setbacks. But the intrinsic resilience and core values passed down stood us in good stead. As did the high levels of competence and hard work of the younger generation.

The past glory came back. A century later, we celebrate SLK’s birth centenary in the manner he would have thought best. By taking his business to greater heights.

Working tirelessly on SLK’s principles is a strong organisational architecture of top-class professionals, several developed from within. And, a network of 3000-odd proud dealers. Obviously, the product engineering foundation laid then strengthened with time.

However, the most enduring tribute to him would be the continuing commitment to his uncompromising value system of integrity and his unshakable principles. Success then and success now only proves its resilience, that it could stand the rest of time. As much as 100 years!

Last April, Prime Minister A B Vajpayee commemorated SLK’s birth centenary by releasing a stamp on him. All the speakers, including Arun Shourie, laced their speeches with respect and emotion. In June, President A P J Abdul Kalam travelled all the way to Pune to deliver a lecture at our Kirloskar Oil Engine factory to our 3000-odd invitees. He referred to SLK as a ‘‘freedom fighter’’, referring to his struggle for free enterprise and contribution towards economic freedom.

I had the good fortune to know SLK closely after marriage, even though for a few years. I learnt that living with self-respect is the biggest challenge of all. To hold your head high through every moment, with integrity, scruples, conviction. Yes, it needs courage. My grandfather-in-law proved, as did his sons and now grandsons, that success is possible whilst adhering to your principles.

It’s a harder, perhaps more gradual climb to the top. But it builds a reputation where your name is an endorsement of quality, trust, reliability and enduring values. Seamlessly, through the trials and tribulations. Relentlessly. Uncompromisingly. In time this is what they call ‘pedigree’. A lineage that passes through generations. For those who live with pride and glory.