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Journalism of Courage
He lived through tumultuous times. Amidst a desperate struggle against the great economic depression 8212; facing prejudices against Indian manufacturers and competing with the solidly-entrenched British firms. But Shantanurao Laxmanrao Kirloskar, popularly known as SLK, was unfazed by difficulties.
With the courage to stand by his convictions, SLK was essentially a working man, spending over 50 years of his life in building his business enterprises. He was ambitious, but only in the fields of industry and economics 8212; not politics. Perhaps the only time his business suffered a bit was from his refusal to stoop to unethical practices, which the system of License Raj with its control and permits encouraged.
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: 8216;8216;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!8217;8217; And although his friends advised him to 8216;8216;make up8217;8217; 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 one8217;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 8216;8216;global competitiveness8217;8217;! 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 8216;8216;world business section8217;8217;, captioned 8216;8216;Ancient Gods and modern methods8217;8217;, 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 SLK8217;s birth centenary in the manner he would have thought best. By taking his business to greater heights.
Working tirelessly on SLK8217;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 SLK8217;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 8216;8216;freedom fighter8217;8217;, 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.
It8217;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 8216;pedigree8217;. A lineage that passes through generations. For those who live with pride and glory.
