Shri Ram College of Commerce kick started its annual national management festival ‘SRCC Business Conclave 2015′ today, February 11th, 2015. The three day management festival shall culminate on February 13th, 2015. Day 1 at the festival comprised of guest lectures, panel discussions and innovative events all scheduled one after. The opening guest lecture was conducted by Shri Pawan Girdhari Agrawal, CEO, Mumbai Dabbawalas’ CEO and international motivational speaker.
Dressed in the traditional Dabbawala attire, white kurta pajama and cap, Sh. Pawan Agrawal (M.Com, B.Ed, LLB) also holds a doctorate in ‘Study of Logistics ans Supply Chain Management’ and has delivered over 1000 lectures in colleges and corporate houses both in India as well as abroad.
Talking about the relevance of Dabbawalas in Mumbai, Agrawal pointed out the lengthy commutation period between home and workplace and overcrowded trains to be the reasons why people generally tend to travel hands free. Moreover, as the dabbawalas charge reasonable sums, availing their facility brings home cooked food to people at work at economical price.
“we are qualified, we have questions. #Dabbawalas are illiterate, they have answers.”: Pawan G. Agrawal at #SRCCBusinessConclave
— DU Beat (@du_beat) February 11, 2015
A proud CEO threw light on the accuracy and punctuality of the Mumbai dabbawalas, recipient of the international honorary ‘Six Sigma’ certificate citing passion, commitment, consistency, 100% accuracy and execution, time management to be their driving forces. Interestingly, in 125 years of operation, the dabbawalas have never had a law suit/police case filed against them, neither have the workers ever gone on a work strike. Drawing a parallel, Agrawal said, “if unqualified dabbawalas with no amenities can be consistently good at their work, the educated students with technological advancements can easily become masters in their fields.”
“Passion, commitment and accuracy are key to our 100% success rate in 125 years.” says Pawan G. Agrawal, CEO, #MumbaiDabbawalas at #SRCC. — DU Beat (@du_beat) February 11, 2015
When questioned upon how has the association managed to maintain such quality standards over the years, Agrawal says,” We select members on basis of references from team members for quality control. The dabbawalas don’t complain over overcrowded luggage compartment of local trains or heavy weights. They know they can’t change the railways’ system but can change theirs.”
Talking about the youth’s emphasis on placements and pay packages instead of education, Girdhari says, “Pay scales automatically rise when you contribute your best to the organization. It is hard for companies to find loyal associates these days. Continuous good service helps win trust. So much, that people trust the Mumbai dabbawalas with sending spectacles, mobiles and salaries in tiffins, back home.”
The session ended with interactive session with audience followed by memento presentation to the chief guest and distribution of unique dabbawala caps and mini tiffins to audience and organizing committee members by Shri. Agrawal.
This guest lecture session was followed by a political discussion with distinguished panelists including BJP’s MP Meenakshi Lekhi, Congress’ MP Digvijaya Singh and AAP founder member Anand Kumar.
Business Conclave Day – II includes session with Sh. Ravi Shankar Prasad (Communication and IT Minister) at 10:00 AM followed by a session with Smt. Smriti Z. Irani (Union Minister of HRD).
Featured Image Credits: Jatin Sangwan for DU Beat
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