By Tarunkumar G. Singhal, Raman Jokhakar Chartered Accountants
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The rise of global CEOs who spent their formative years in India is acknowledgement that the country is doing at least some things right. Many would agree some of the qualities these leaders possess — humility, modesty and a strong work ethic — were acquired well before they left the territorial frontiers of India.
The stability of family upbringing is among the most underappreciated advantages Indians have. According to the US Census Bureau, only 61 per cent of children in the US are raised from birth to age 18 in a home where both of their birth parents reside. Contrast this with India, where parents stay together and put the happiness of their children above everything else. Some children may feel their parents aren’t perfect, but most children learn what’s best about their parents and discard the rest.
This advantage can only accrue if families stay under the same roof: the biggest lessons learnt from one’s parents are often unspoken. Scott Haltzman, a renowned US sociologist, has shown that happier families understand who they are, what they value and why. This keeps families balanced in both good and bad times as they understand that only deep contentment can transcend momentary periods of pleasure and pain.
The understated reaction of Satya Nadella’s parents to their son’s success is an embodiment of this approach. What is also noteworthy is how the Hyderabad Public School (HPS) produced four global CEOs from India: Satya Nadella (Microsoft), Shantanu Narayen (Adobe), Prem Watsa (Fairfax) and Ajay Banga (MasterCard).Of course, a first-rate educational system and a plethora of sporting activities were a definitive advantage. But it appears that two things differentiated HPS from other schools. First, there was the sterling leadership of the principal of HPS, MC Watsa. And, second, the NCC training — which involved military exercises — may have helped students develop some of the qualities they possess today.
As we share the pride of global CEOs from India, we should reflect on the gratitude we owe parents and teachers. What the lives of Satya Nadella, Shantanu Narayen, Prem Watsa and Ajay Banga teach us is that most people do not get to where they are all on their own. It’s also a reminder that most people won’t get there in isolation either.
(Source: The Economic Times of India, dated 17-02-2014)
