Hindustan Times Hot 50 Brand (Bangalore) Award for HAL

HAL was the only PSU recognized to the surprise of the rest of the 49 awardees at a function held to honour Bangalore’s best 50 brands. The program “Namma Bengaluru’s Best Brands”, presented by The Hindustan Times and recognized by Paul Writer was held in the city on June 13, 2014.  The awardees represented a range of industries that included food, hotel, real estate, transport, travel, IT, banking and consumer goods companies. 

Paul Writer is India’s first community of marketers and the program was first of its kind recognizing the Bangalore brands.  The award winners were selected by a jury of elite marketers.  The popularity of companies was gauged through the voting  on  websites http://www.paulwriter.com

Mr. Gopal Sutar, Chief of Media Communications, HAL received the award on behalf of the Company.

Pretty planes adorn plain city walls of Bangalore

 Pretty planes adorn plain city walls of Bangalore

Want to see colourful murals or wall paintings of different kind depicting helicopters or fighter planes? You have them all nicely painted on the walls of HAL’s Senior Officers’ Enclave on Old Madras Road.

“These paintings are bewitching to the eyes and drivers on the busy road need to be careful. This is an art of different kind and should especially appeal to children,” says Rajashree Sonnad who stopped on her way to describe the pictures to her little one who she says is fond of planes.

The project is the brainchild of HAL.
“Our aim has been to induce some life on these mundane walls and give them a colourful look. Now, we realise how pleasing the whole exercise has turned out to be as people strolling or even driving on the road take a look at it,” says Dr R K Tyagi, Chairman, HAL.

The theme of showing the company products was deliberate as the wall encircles the enclave housing HAL’s senior officers.

“By making the walls look vibrant we are sending the positive message that we care for the beautification of city.

This also educates passerby as to what HAL stands for, its products and services.

These paintings also show the company’s heritage in a small way”, adds Dr Tyagi.

Another advantage of painting these walls is they remain clean as very few would think of defacing or sticking posters on the painted walls.

The idea seemed to have been welcomed not just by the people around but even by some senior executives of the company who took time off from their work and dabbled in the painting work with the help of the artists.

The plan was put into place three months ago.

The job of painting the 1300 sq ft wall was assigned to the artists Manohar R and Murugan R and their team of artists, who have executed similar work elsewhere in the city.

“It takes around three days to complete one picture as it involves sketching the picture in square boxes, placing it on the wall with proportionate scales and then applying the paint”, says Manohar.

According to the main artist Sivanandan, the durability of work should last at least two years although it would depend on the quality of the wall also. He is ably supported by two other artists Gurumurthy and Sekar.

He dismisses the notion that rain or extreme sunlight would affect these pictures.

“Everything has a life but it is our experience that this kind of work lasts longer than what people imagine, as we use special enamel and water-proof paints,” he says with confidence.

These two artists have made road-side footpaths their canvas to complete the work. “Our greatest satisfaction is when our work gets appreciated”, says Sivanandan.

Hundreds of commuters who take Old Madras road every day have made these artistes happy with their curious and appreciative glances over these creations.

Artist's impression of Sukhoi (Fighter plane)
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/409773/pretty-planes-adorn-plain-city.html

Mango Mania: Is Europe Sacrificing King of Fruits for Salads?

The tales of legendary Mughal king Akbar’s love for mangoes are well known. The king of fruits is in news for good and bad reasons as its export from India to the European Union (EU) is now banned ostensibly to protect European cucumbers from getting infected from possible fruit flies. The EU - UK in particular - is wary of potential damage that could be caused by new unidentified pests. They imagine that the “flies” would infect the “salad” crop in the region. It is a case of sacrificing the “King of Fruits” for salads based on a case of alleged pests found in a few mango consignments from India in 2013. However, it is good news for millions in India for whom the much liked Hafus as it is lovingly called in Maharashtra (Alphanso elsewhere) will be available at reasonable prices. The fruit has been too costly for last many years and had virtually disappeared from the common man’s basket. 

 The Alphanso economy is worth Rs. 1000 crore every year. India is the largest exporter of mangoes in the world. The sweet, yellow-red (when it is ripe) beautiful fruit is grown in the Konkan region of Maharashtra and Goa. In UK alone its market share stands at staggering six million pounds. The Middle East - UAE and Saud Arabia being the largest consumers - has at least 10 times more demand. 

A look at the export market at HALCON storage center at Nashik, about 180 km from Mumbai where mangoes were sorted and packed for export does not give any impression of export quality being compromised. HALCON is 50:50 joint working group set up by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and the Container Corporation of India. The ground-handling is managed by professionals. Right from the moment the fruits arrive, every care is taken. “They are certified by the qualified agriculture experts and at the slightest doubt the entire block is rejected and diverted to the mandi (fruit and vegetable market) in Mumbai. We have a cold storage facilities as well”, says a supervisor pointing out at workers around him busy in sorting and packing work. Moreover, there is no delay in exporting the consignment as HALCON facility is right across the Nashik airport and Mumbai terminal is not too far. The fruits are available in the UK or the Middle East market very next day. 

Workers sorting out unripe mangoes at export house HALCON in Nashik, Maharashtra.

Has Europe over reacted? Indian mangoes have been exported to UK and surrounding places for centuries. They were shipped through sea route in olden days. No one ever complained of fruit flies till last year. Is it typical European knee-jerk reaction, a fall out of post 2008 crisis? Whatever the reasons, more than farmers in India, it is the traders who seem to be jolted by the ban. These middle men have made mullah from mangoes for centuries. In the normal times it costs around Rs. 100 for a single fruit in the domestic market, thanks to the unscrupulous traders. As far as common man is concerned he can now afford the fruit he always craved for. But he needs to rush, who knows, the ban could be lifted any time given the export lobby and craze for the fruit that might be intact in Europe and the Middle East. Moreover, traditionally Alphansos are considered good till the beginning of June, before the rains arrive in Konkan! 

Sorted mangoes getting further treatment at a chamber at export house, HALCON, in Nashik, Maharashtra.

Air Bus Steals the Thunder at Singapore Airshow, Indonesia Downplays Terror Angle by Participating

Air Bus Steals the Thunder at Singapore Airshow, Indonesia Downplays Terror Angle by Participating An Airbus A350-XWB, the world’s newest and modern wide-body aircraft flew for the first time in Asia stealing the lime light at the Singapore Airshow 2014 on the first day. The six day show, the biggest ever in Singapore was declared open on February 12, 2014. The crowd-pleasing aerial displays from

Singapore's RSAF Black Knights who maneuverer F 16 jets and Indonesian Jupiter Aerobatic team were other highlights. Jupiter performed notwithstanding the diplomatic row between Singapore and Indonesia over Jakarta’s move to name a navy ship after the Indonesian marines who alleged to have bombed Orchard Road Building, MacDonald House (Singapore) in 1965, killing three and injuring over 30 people. In what is perceived as uncalled for action, Indonesian Navy has named a new frigate as KRI Usman Harun. Singapore considers the 1965 incident as an act of terrorism by two Indonesians. The bomb was allegedly planted by the duo during the period of Indonesia-Malaysia conflict. Jakarata has already downplayed the incident. On the eve of the show, Indonesia remained the centre of controversy with Singapore withdrawing invites to Indonesian naval and other top military officials. What surprised many was the ferocity with which Singapore acted given the traditional good relations that exist between the two countries, especially on the defence front.

Terror Angle to Singapore Airshow? Star Attractions: Airbus 350, Display by Koreans, Americans

Terror Angle to Singapore Airshow? Star Attractions: Airbus 350, Display by Koreans, Americans Terror Angle to Singapore Airshow? Star Attractions: Airbus 350, Display by Koreans, Americans Singapore, February 10, 2014: Asia’s top aerospace and defence show, Singapore Airshow, slated to take-off on Tuesday (February 11, 2013) has somewhat hit a turbulence notwithstanding the global arms and defence firms confirming their participation in large numbers. Indonesia remains the centre of controversy with Singapore withdrawing invites to Indonesian naval and other military staff as a protest over Jakarta’s move to name a navy ship after the Indonesian marines who alleged to have bombed Orchard Road Building, MacDonald House (Singapore) in 1965, killing three and injuring over 30 people. In what is perceived as uncalled for action, Indonesian Navy has named a new frigate as KRI Usman Harun. Singapore considers the 1965 incident as an act of terrorism by two Indonesians. The bomb was allegedly planted by the duo during the period of Indonesia-Malaysia conflict. This year’s show is billed as the biggest Airshow since the biennial event was launched in Singapore in 2005. Indonesia has already downplayed the “terrorist angle” and the “link” related to the event that happened long time ago. What has surprised many is the ferocity with which Singapore has acted given the traditional good relations that exist between the two countries, especially on the defence front. In rush of blood, Singapore cancelled the invites of Indonesian Navy Chief and over 100 Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Officers to send the message that it won’t tolerate any gesture that glorifies the terror or the terrorists even if their actions are related to the distant past. Some of the high ranking ministerial meetings between the two countries scheduled during the airshow now is unlikely to take place. There is now question mark over the participation of TNI’s Jupiter Aerobatic Team with possibility of Indonesian Air Force Chief too unlikely to make it to the show given the hostile public opinion in Singapore. In the meantime, the much awaited six-day Airshow is poised for early start at 10.25 a.m. daily, except on the first day to ensure smooth peak hours at the Changi airport. The authorities do not want commercial flights to be delayed. The airspace remains closed during the display hours. Around 50 countries and 1000 companies across the globe are participating in the show. The Airbus 350 yet to start commercial operation will be among 100 plus aircraft expected on static display. The star attractions include, display by Singapore’s elite Black Knight pilots and Black Eagles (South Korea). The US marine pilot, Alex Rhodes, will fly the MV 22B Osprey in as solo aerial display of about six minutes. More than the value of deals, the show is likely to be remembered for the quality of delegates who would be participating and deliberating on critical issues such as infrastructure and technology against the background of growing aerospace industry and related businesses in Asia.

India's Sporting Icon Bowls Over Speech Writers

India's Sporting Icon Bowls Over Speech Writers As a professional communicator and media writer for over 25 years, when I heard India's sporting icon Sachin Tendulkar’s simple farewell-speech in English, I was convinced that nothing can cover up when words come-up from one's heart and emotions. Millions who listened to him could experience the feelings of much revered sportsperson who has been conferred with India's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna (Gem of India). Every word touched the heart, as he made his fans cry with his speech. His speech, I am sure will be recycled and played again and again. Its effect has dumbfounded those who specialize in speech writing. You might ask what’s special about Sachin’s farewell speech? It was simple and not written by professional speech writers. The American saying if “it ain’t on the page, it ain’t on the stage” was simply thrown to the wind with thousands cheering him all the way as he spoke at the historic Wankhade Stadium in Mumbai on November 16, 2013. All that the master sportsman had in his hand was the list of people whom he wanted to thank! It was not structured in corporate style and there was little formality. He showed that nervousness could be controlled by overcoming the anxiety, not of his own but those of listeners as well. There were no long sentences but the pauses and deep breadths that conveyed the hidden feelings of the maestro before the words came out! His speech reflected everything. Down to earth man, his childhood struggles, his commitment to the game, role played by his parents, friends and the coach who would take him on his scooter all over Mumbai. The touching tribute he paid to his father by saying every time he raised his bat “it was for him”. He expressed his love openly towards his wife by saying she was the best that happened to him and it was with her he had the best partnership even as his team mates chuckled. He assured his children of his support and not as Dad but as father of grown up kids, seeking warmth and guidance. Sincerity oozed from his words when he paid glowing tributes to his team-mates and all those who mattered in his life including the photographers and the media which was unforgivable at times. Remember, the Indian media even bayed for his blood when the master was going through the rough patch. Sachin’s farewell speech was perhaps one of the finest speeches ever by a sportsperson. Normally I am impressed with the speeches made by the American Presidents in style – of course often aided by speech prompters - but Sachin touched me with his words: simple Indian English with life in it! It brought out the Indian values he cherished. His legacy will live on and his speech will continue to inspire generations.

Made in India Copter Clocks 1,00,000 Flying Hours, Boosts India’s Indigenous Development Program

The first indigenous chopper of India, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH –Dhruv) designed, developed, produced and maintained by the state owned Defence major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) to meet the requirement of military and civil operators, achieved a new milestone of flying 100,000 hours today (October 9, 2013). The land mark has been achieved i with the flying of helicopter IA 3104 of 301 Army Aviation Sqn (Spl ops). “It is a proud moment for us that Dhruv has proved its mettle over the years. India is the sixth nation in the world to have the capability to develop helicopters of this class. Dhruv has been exported to Ecuador, Mauritius, Nepal and Maldives”, said Dr. R.K. Tyagi, Chairman, HAL. He also thanked Indian armed forces, BSF and other precious customers for their continued support to this product. “One lakh hours flown by the machine is an awesome feat to achieve. It is a dream machine for any pilot”, said Lt Col Kapil Agarwal who completed the landmark flying hours. ALH is being operated by Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Indian Navy, Coast Guard, BSF and state governments since 2002. Currently, more than 132 Dhruv helicopters are serving the Indian Defence Forces. HAL has also built 12 civil variant Dhruv helicopters and they are being used by its customers. The Ecuador Air Force (FAE) operates six Dhruv helicopters with their President choosing to fly in them. Dhruv is extremely useful to the Indian defence forces in meeting the arduous tasks in difficult terrains of Himalayas like Siachen Glacier and Kashmir. It played a key role in rescue operations during Tsunami (2004), flash floods at Leh (2010), earth quake at Sikkim (2011) and the biggest ever helicopter based rescue operation undertaken by Indian defence forces in flood & rain-hit areas of Uttarakhand recently. ALH Dhruv is an all weather helicopter which can carry 10-16 people at heights of 10,000 feet. It is a multi-role, multi-mission new generation helicopter in the 5.5 tonne weight class and meets Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) specifications. It has demonstrated its capability in long distance flights, vertical climb and in manoeuvring. Role in Uttarakhand: These copters deployed over flood and landslide affected areas in Uttarakhand recently and performed effectively in dropping paratroopers, evacuating stranded people and in supply of food and medicines. The helicopters made hundreds of sorties in the high risk zone overcoming strong winds, visibility and with virtually no space for landing on high terrains. One never knows the exact number of people perished. Initially the UN estimated the death toll to be around 10,000 while some local agencies put the figure much lower. Whereabouts of hundreds are still not known. The rain-ravaged Hindu shrine Kedarnath is the main attraction for millions of devotees, especially for thise northern India. Kedarnath and its surrounding areas suffered the worst in the natural disaster which also left a trail of destruction in Uttarakhand, a Himalayan state of India. The state has some of the highest mountain peaks in the world. Dhruv was the star performer. On many occasions, due to incessant rain IAF pilots could only use Dhruv as it was unsafe for other copters to land. Dhruv helicopters flew for nearly 630 hours during the operation.