A ROLE MODEL LEADER

Really I do not know him that well personally.

But whatever I know of him itself is sufficient to make this blog. I sincerely feel that people like him needs to be projected, for the sheer reason for positivity to prevail.

Today he is a well known entrepreneur in the field of agriculture but he is not into agriculture. Can we say that he helps agriculture, floriculture and horticulture? His organization has developed the technology and know-how that allows highest yield on lowest land area, cultivation in uncultivable places and provides treated organic materials (coconut pith etc) on which plants can grow well. He runs one of the best testing labs in the State and he provides the best consulting for controlled cultivation thru green house technology. Let us call him an Agriculture Technocrat (he calls himself a humble farmer’s friend!). Most of his endeavors are pioneering efforts and therefore he is a true leader in the chosen field. No wonder he is a highly decorated person, winning awards from the President of the country etc. He advises many state governments and organizations in and out of the country on the subject. He has linkages with institutions based out of Europe, Africa and Middle East and he often travels to these places.

He is also very active professionally. CII Kerala and TiE Kerala, both he had chaired, had immensely benefited from him leadership. He continues to contribute to both associations by his presence, efforts and advices. He is the only leader in both the associations to have taken business delegations to outside the country. I had the privilege of being part of one such delegation and had immensely enjoyed his company and leadership.

By education he is an Agricultural Engineer, having studied the same in Gujarat. He made his career in a leading MNC of those days, concentrating on products and services meant for horticulture & plantations. The call of entrepreneurship came at mid age and he left the job to start own venture with a friend. He did well initially, went belly down later and had a painful split with his partner. All through, it was good learning for him.

Then he went alone. He started treading the path taken by the least. All he had was knowledge, courage and sheer determination all of which was bound by the thread of poistivity. Where will such a man go? Yes, only to the TOP! That is exactly what happened to him. He took innovation as his guiding spirit. And innovation led him to much recognition.

When you talk to him and deal with him, he comes thru as very sincere and concerned. From the conversations with him I am amply convinced that he genuinely wants people to progress, do well and live well. He is willing to contribute in any which way for that to happen. He has been doing many services and charity to this cause.

He has kept all his connections and relationship intact. And that had led him to have friends at all places, be it senior bureaucrats, head of Institutions, leading academicians or leaders of industry and commerce. His sophistication, behavior, refined culture (the true palakkad trait, which he is one) and language leave a deep impact on everyone. I haven’t seen him behaving badly to anyone, even if he is under pressure, even to his employees and subordinates. His is the way of conciliatory and democratic approach. He is amenable to advices & suggestions. He always looks at what we can do together and therefore the approach is that of inclusivity. No wonder he has so many dependable friends all over the world.

His wife is full of charm. Combinedly, they make a graceful pair. It is not said without reason that behind every successful man, there is a woman! His children (son and daughter) are employed and settled abroad and they are doing well. His laments that his children are not interested in taking over the successful business that he is running. However, that does not in any way dampen his spirit of entrepreneurship. He continues to slog without much rest, though he had crossed the normal retirement age.

Whom am I speaking about? The suspense is about to end…….

Here is presenting an entrepreneur par excellence, an innovator to the core, an extraordinary decent good human being, a considerate leader, a towering positive personality, Mr. SHIVDAS B MENON, Chairman & Managing Director, Sterling Farm Research & Services Ltd. Cochin.

A person worthy to be a true role model!