Bhubaneshwar - Driven by Design to Connect with Success!!

Little known fact about Bhubaneshwar ? It was designed by Otto Konigsberger in 1948. Otto Konigsberger ? Who ? He is the same dude who built what is supposed to be one of the best planned cities of modern India. In case you still do not know your history or rather geography, I am referring to Chandigarh. That itself speaks volumes about the planning and design that went into Odisha's capital city.

Well managed traffic in BBSR . Image courtesy - orissapost.com

the city at night . Image courtesy - indiamike.com

Don't get me wrong. I am just referring to the modern city that stands today. The erstwhile princely state of Kalinga on which the city stands today has paralleled historical significance and is well documented in the annals of history. But let us just focus on the thriving and bustling city has been ranked as the best place to do business by the World Bank in 2014 and now is on its way to become one of the first smart cities of India. Another feather in it's cap is that it is also being talked about as the education hub of eastern India what with a plethora engineering colleges,  an IIT, a top notch B-school like XIMB and recently, even AIIMS making this city their base. How is that for some credibility ?

AIIMS Bhubaneshwar . Image courtesy - orissapost.com

As one enters the city via the Biju Pattanaik International Airport, well planned wide roads flanked on both sides by walls that are beautifully decorated with murals give the impression of a city that holds progress close to its heart. But it's culture, even closer. Something about Bhubaneshwar tingles your senses whether it be your first visit to the city or the 100th one. And no, it is not only the aroma of its glorious but unsung cuisine. A whiff of history, a touch of devotion, glimpses of globalization, impeccable infrastructure, the right backing of technology and the willingness to embrace change are some of the factors that define this city.  And it is the amalgamation of everything that makes this city so special.

Blessed by the reigning deity, Lord Jagannaath, this is one city that has immense potential and is one of the next growth hubs. Apart from the thriving education industry, it can launch the next tourism and IT growth waves. TCS recently announced its expansion plan in BBSR with 3000 seats being added to its existing IT workforce. Already a couple of multinationals brands have set up their wares in the city over the last few years and new ones are in the pipeline.

This is one city that offers a great work life balance. The roads are wide and well maintained which ensures minimum traffic woes and since the city is well planned with a centrally located IT hub, it offers one of the shortest commutes among the Indian cities. Weekends are equally refreshing with a couple of great weekend destinations near the city. Puri, Chilika, Konark, Chandrabhaga beach and Deras dam are refreshing options and all of them can be reached in a few hours. And the great roads flanked by a stunning landscape make the drive a truly pleasant experience. I cannot do without mentioning the Puri Konark Marine drive which has been featured among the best drives in India.

Marine Drive . Image courtesy - mayfairhotels.com

For those with a love for history, this 'Temple city' as it popularly known, offers enormous options. The Udaygiri-Khandgiri caves, Dhauligiri, Mukteshwar temple, Lingaraj temple, Rajarani temple, the ruins of Sisupalgarh and the lesser known Yogini temples at Hirapur are example of splendid architecture and the immense historical significance of Kalinga. The government has taken an active interest in maintaining and preserving these sites.

Mukteshwara Temple . Image courtesy - dhrupadetcetera.blogspot.in

The city also offers some great eats and especially famous are the various Chenna sweets which are hard to find in other parts of the country.With so such at one's disposal, it is little wonder that an increasing number of young people are willing to settle in this fast developing city. For now, Bhubaneshwar may lack the glamour of a few other cities but it more than makes up for it by offering a great living environment.


This post is written for Tata Motors's #madeofgreat campaign which focuses on the core values of the brand - Drive, Design and Connect.

A Lesson Well Taught ( Amazon Card Giveaway ) !!

There is a very thin line that differentiates good from great. And one comes across such great people once or maybe twice in a lifetime. However, when we do come across them, they leave an lasting impression on us. Such was the influence of Mr J, my ex-manager on me. A leader who led by example and inspired his team to attain seemingly unattainable goals, he had a way of making each one of us feel (and also perform) like a rock-star. After all, it is tough to remain untouched by such a persona, and especially when one is closely associated with the former.

Image credits : lifecreationsofficial.wordpress.com

A simple guy at heart, who loved metal and travelling when he was not busy with his coding marathons, he believed in achieving excellence in whatever he dabbled in. Yet he remained humble and down to earth inspite all the accolades that were heaped on him. Happy to bask in the reflected glory of the team's success, he taught us the delicate art of delegation and the importance of acknowledging everyone's contribution without hogging too much of the limelight. What made him stand out was the fact that he was the very embodiment of a team player and yet much more.

Keeping the communication lines open at all times to ensure transparency, build trust and keep things on track was one of his strengths as we worked on a global delivery model. Each one of the team members was given a task suitable to our skills and realistic expectations were set that just about pushed the bar a little higher each time. This ensured that everyone remained happy and motivated. He was also ready to provide hands-on support in achieving a particularly tough target.

And somewhere in the midst of all this madness, he would make time for his family. Work life balance remained his priority and he sent a clear message to the team that one needs to draw a firm line at some point. Individuals are more than just resources on a 'HR payroll' and this is a fact that needs to be respected. Driven by dedication and conviction (and of-course backed by sheer talent), he was clearly the role model for his team and for the organization in general.

Each lesson that I learnt while observing him is something that I will be utilize at any point and in any kind of setup. Whether it be a corporate setup or a rural development program, these are lessons that can be implemented anywhere as it involves people and the values that one espouses.

That's why when I read about Tata Motors association with Lionel Messi, I could not help but compare these two individuals who are "#madeofgreat" stuff. Mr J was (and remains) the ideal brand ambassador for his organization in every sense of the word just as Messi's admirable traits make him the ideal fit for Tata Motors.




Now for the most important question that can win a Rs 750 Amazon voucher for you. "What do you think of Tata Motor's association with Lionel Messi ?" Post your comments about the global icon who blends in beautifully with the values that form the DNA of Tata Motors.

The best answer will win a Amazon voucher.


This post is written for #madeofgreat campaign by Tata Motors.