The Hindu Business Line : HR mobilisation a big challenge, says Maran

THE biggest challenge in India's quest to become an economic powerhouse is mobilisation and training of human resource, said Mr Dayanidhi Maran, Union Minister of Communications and IT, here today.

Delivering the presidential address at the fourth All India Management Students Convention organised by the Madras Management Association (MMA), Mr Maran said although the country has qualified manpower to substantially boost its capability in the sunrise knowledge industries, "India needs to demonstrate its immense capabilities and core-competence to the world."

"Our large pool of talented manpower must continue to grow. Managerial and leadership skills need to be honed."

In the introduction to his speech, Mr Maran praised Mr C. K. Ranganathan, Senior Vice-President of MMA, and MD of CavinKare, for creating a market for shampoos at the "bottom of the pyramid" at a time when players were focussing on the niche market at the top.

Earlier, Mr Ranganathan listed ideas, values, energy and enthusiasm, ability to take tough calls, execution, and the ability to create winning leaders as the qualities of a new-age manager.

Citing an example from CavinKare's history, he explained how the company appointed first-time distributors for its shampoo brand Chik when existing distributors, to the company's "surprise," asked for a credit period of 45 days in addition to increased margins, which CavinKare had already factored in.

Mr D. P. Padmanabhan, President, MMA, and MD of Eurocon Tiles, said the theme of MMA's annual convention this year would be `This India Knows No Boundaries,' mirroring the current optimism about the country's growth prospects.

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