The alarm rang and stopped itself I don’t know when. It was 8 a.m. But then I remembered, Shona had no college today and I didn’t have to call and wake her up. Anyways, she gets up before I call. I usually call just to confirm that she is getting ready and not being her usual self, a lazy ass. And from 9 a.m. onwards, the marathon between my laziness and the conscience begins. And as always, my laziness wins no matter how much I force myself to get up by 9. Finally I open my eyes, look for my glasses, open my laptop and check for mails. My phone usually starts ringing from 10 and I have to keep my answers ready before I get up to brush. I pick few calls; miss a few depending on who is calling. I get ready for office by 11 a.m. and move to office with some plans for the day; some pending works; some mails; some people to be called for follow-ups; the everyday usual although completely discreet from every other day (in context). The only thing that brightens me up is the planning I do every day for my company – Kosher Beverages. Yes, it’s my company. I have dreamed so many things for Kosher even before I knew if I ever will think about entrepreneurship. I plan everyday a few things. Every thought triggered brings in new problems and I put my heart in to find the solution for it. I have come too far from going back. I have to make this work. I believe in ideals and miracles, and I certainly believe even I can make it happen.
Today I called up the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, the one that has developed the technology for sugarcane bottling. I tried 2-3 numbers given on website and one got connected. I introduced my-self as a Delhi based Businessman and inquired about the technology. I got a professor telling me to write a letter to Head of Department, he was not supposed to talk to people like me. That was annoying. I felt like raising my voice and reply in similar way. But that never works; anger never gets you anything but destruction. I kept my voice calm and told him that I am a director of a private company and I was interested in buying the technology. Then that idiot professor started talking in good tone and apologized. He gave me a mail id where I can mail my query. I realized there was no point in talking to this person. I cut the call and cross checked the mail id he gave with the one provided on website and on which I had already mailed. Nevertheless, I edited my previous mail and sent it again. I really hate to deal with such self-arrogant idiots. Why do they not realize that the power they are exercising is not theirs but that of the position and some other big business house’s reputation. They have done nothing to earn it and have no moral right to take advantage with it. And the most important thing about this stupid so called arrogance or power is – it is always temporary. I respect the person who is having his/her own business with turnover of even a few lakhs more than any manager of any company. These arrogant managers don’t realize that this small businessman is making far more money than they can ever make with their salary. And yet, these business people will be down to earth and humble. That reminds me, I hate my manager too.
I had to get through the college and find out about technology. I don’t give up easily. I called up Lingesh and asked him to inquire. He is a tamilian and knows how to talk. Hopefully, he will get something out. I don’t think they will ever check my mail and respond and I don’t have patience to wait for long either. Besides this, I had asked Moulik (my colleague) to take me to Anand as he keeps going there for work. But unfortunately, he never got any work lined up in that region. So I have convinced Patel and Jayesh to come along with me to Anand. I want to see the AMUL Plant there. I have this feeling that I can get some good ideas about the processing plant afterwards. I have never seen any till now. We have planned to go by afternoon. I hope we do.
Also, I searched about the licenses I will need to manufacture and sell the products I intend to. I still have to find out about the details but I came across some briefs. There is one license required under Food Safety and Standard Act (FSSA), 2006 from local body for the standards of products to be produced. I will read the details tomorrow.
On the sidelines of the day, I am already excited to go to Pune. I haven’t planned anything but I am going to try to convince Rabbit and Sahil to work with me. I need as much help I can get. More than Rabbit, I want Sahil to come on-board; he is a sincere and honest guy. Also, I have planned to meet a few people in TATA MOTORS; specially Barge. He was the mentor who I admire a lot and who really changed the way I think. Again I talked to rabbit, and as usual, she forgot that I am coming this Friday only. God knows when she will become normal, but then again, I don’t want her to. Her energy is amazing and that is the thing that sets her apart and the reason I am such good friends with her. And then, there was sunshine. She has changed a lot since she told me about her boyfriend. And I can tell she loves him a lot. Her narration of her fight with her boyfriend is always amusing. I have noticed it’s her way of narration that makes it sound hilarious. If it would have been anybody else (including me) telling the same story, it would sound stupid and boring. I think she is a MAVEN. She connects with many people quite easily and gracefully. I doubt if she knows her strength herself.
On the low side of the day was my interaction with Santosh. I can’t believe I have to behave like this with him but I have no choice. But the thing that hurt me most today was the fact that he tried to talk me out of the venture just for the fact that he doesn’t believe in the idea and thinks it will fail. Also, his logic and arguments were so idiotic that I didn’t even feel like counter arguing. Maybe he thinks if I will give the money I have saved to him if I dissolve the idea. I thought he knew me better than this and hope he does. My answers were not rude but straight on his face. I liked only one thing after the conversation; that I did not deter from my thoughts and ideas no matter what he said. I have strong determination for my dream and it will take hell lot more that stupid arguments to derail my passion and beliefs. I need to be strong. There will be more like him and more instances like these in future for which I need to stay strong. I hope I win in the end.
- Rathindra Anurag
