The Hindu Business Line : Small-town boys

The riveting images of the T20 final will remain etched in our memories for a long time. For many Indians, this was perhaps the first time they were witnessing a world champion Indian team in the making in any field of pursuit.

The feisty aggression, the fire, the hunger and desire to succeed were a refreshing revelation and millions of Indians seem to vicariously connect with the emotions. More than the win, these emotions seem to have struck a chord somewhere. Much has been spoken on the ‘boys from small towns’ syndrome – a new India which has emerged on the big stage, ready to take on the world. If indeed this is so, this phenomenon cannot be restricted to the game of cricket alone – sports, art, theatre are after all mere reflections of the times we live in. Organisations, hence, can’t remain untouched by this phenomenon either. In its own small but definitive way we see this trend unfolding in a delightful manner.

Monday mornings

Monday mornings are special at Wipro. That’s the day of the week when newcomers to the organisation go through a rite of passage — something that all of us went through when we reported for work on the first day. As I drive through the gates of our corporate office on Monday mornings, it invariably brings a smile to my face.

There are young girls and boys, soberly turned out, with parents in tow – many of them perhaps stepping into Bangalore for the first time. The parents almost always look eager and anxious – none of that on the faces of their children though. There is a quiet confidence – they don’t appear either self-conscious or uncomfortable at the thought of their parents being around. They do not have the usual city air or cockiness about them — either in the way they conduct themselves or in their manners. There is, however, an unmistakable glint and an excitement that seems to silently express that their ‘moment on the big stage’ has come.

I have only anecdotal data to suggest that a sizable number of them comprise of first-generation employees in their families. For them, the challenges they have been through are still fresh – which gives an additional edge to their ambition. A desire, defined by an urge to make up for ‘the missed time.’

Many still lack in articulation, but certainly not in confidence – somewhere along the way, they have shed their inhibitions and awkwardness with English as a spoken language. It is fascinating to watch how quickly they pick up the nuances and style of this ‘language’ – as if overnight recognising that this will be a necessary element in their success.

Our training programmes are usually very intense – a packed 90 days, with a battery of tests, very competitive and a fairly tough filter at the end of it. The tables are being turned in these classrooms. If you thought that students from the small towns and even the smaller institutes, who are taught in the ‘vernacular’ medium, would struggle to keep pace with their city brethren – you are in for a surprise. The myth lies shattered as I watch batch after batch of these students come out with flying colours.

The most remarkable feature, however, is their desire to explore new vistas – go into newer surroundings, rough it out against huge odds and an intense desire to come out successful. They belong to a mindset which is unshackled and doesn’t have a need to be over-tutored before venturing out. They are ready to step out and willing to explore. If there was a way for organisations to allow expression of their ambitions more consistently within their own fold, it could have dramatic upsides.

Next generation of staff

Belonging to cities that are just beginning to discover themselves, these boys and girls are and will continue to be our next generation of employees. These cities are ambitious, driven and keen to make their mark. And so is their populace. It is, therefore, no strange co-incidence to see the composition of the Indian cricket team today or be surprised to see an unknown Prashant Tamang, from an obscure, small village called Tungsung in hilly Darjeeling, being heralded as Indian Idol 3. It is the same phenomenon being played out across the country — organisations, big and small, are learning to get used to this welcome trend. They are our future and from what we have seen so far, it augurs extremely well and gives us another good reason to celebrate.

(The writer is Executive Vice-President, Human Resources, Wipro Ltd.)

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