"From Soviet Blueprints to Modern India: Personal Reflections on Russian Expertise, Friendship, and Unseen Ties

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I always considered Russians as better partners for us compared to Americans. In the initial stages, all our heavy industries like refining, steel, mining, fertilizer, and heavy machinery PSUs like BHEL and Hindustan Antibiotics,discovering oil in Anklewar and Kallol of ONGC in Gujarat were done with Russian collaboration and financial support. Even IIT Bombay was funded by the Russians. My encounters with Russians began during my Barauni Refinery days. Both the Barauni and Baroda refineries were built with Russian collaboration. They freely shared their technology, complete with detailed calculations. Whenever we faced a technical issue at Barauni, I would head to the technical service library and pull out the original calculations and blueprints. This access to Russian technical documentation allowed me to learn a great deal that wasn't covered during my time at IIT Kharagpur, which was built under the Colombo Plan.

My next significant contact with the Russians was at Vizag Steel in 1989. The blast furnace and raw material handling systems there were based on Russian technology. Russia was still unified then, but I left Vizag for my next posting at Farakka Super Thermal Power Station in December 1991, just as the Soviet Union was disintegrating into multiple smaller countries.

During my Bhopal days starting in 2000, I once again engaged with Russia and Ukraine. We collaborated with the hydro lab Kharkhob in Ukraine to design a runner, enabling us to compete against Alstom,Voith etc and win the contract of Kameng Hydro in Arunachal . I met Alexendrov during this time, a highly skilled technocrat with seven patents to his name. He played a crucial role in bringing mechanical designers for our transformers. When I visited Russia and Ukraine in 2003 for meetings with LMZ, Alexendrov acted as our interpreter and guide. Tragically, I recently learned that he is no more. We found that the world renowned Technological set up LMZ was owned by a Russian oligarch,an arrogant character like Putin.

Why am I writing this? Because in the last two years, I've read two books focused on Russia that paint a dismal picture of the condition of Russian intellectuals: "Second Hand Time" by Nobel-winning author Svetlana Alexievich and "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles. Reading these books made me feel sad. I witnessed a man like Alexendrov, with his high caliber having 7/8 patents acting as our guide and interpreter. In India, he would have been revered. We used to pay him $100 a day, covering his fare, boarding, and lodging. In contrast, an American or German expert in 2003 would have cost us at least $500 a day. Today, an Indian expert costs a minimum of Rs 50,000 a day.

Indian business fraternity has taken advantage of the collapse of Russia by engaging Russian technicians and engineers in new steel plants established by companies like Mittals, Jindals and Ruias. I've seen numerous skilled Russian engineers contributing to these projects at a fraction of the cost we would have paid for Western experts. This access to affordable expertise has significantly aided India's industrial growth, proving yet again the long-standing value of our partnership with Russia.

This trend is not limited to industrial sectors alone. Private airlines in India have also employed many Russian pilots. These pilots, often with extensive experience and high levels of training, were available at a cost significantly lower than their Western counterparts. Their presence has helped maintain high standards of aviation safety and service while keeping operational costs manageable.

Additionally, I have seen groups of Russians coming to India to purchase ready-made garments in bulk, while we were staying in Karol Bagh ,Delhi I have seen hoards of Russians staying in seedy cheap hotels in Pahargaunj.They would purchase cheap readymade garments to be sold in Russia. These groups often include former doctors, engineers, and other professionals who now engage in trade to support their families. They buy garments in India and sell them back in Moscow, leveraging the cost advantages and quality of Indian textiles. During my visit to Russia I was about to buy some garments then our guide warned laughingly that those were all from India.

These examples illustrate the broad spectrum of Russian expertise that India has harnessed over the years, contributing to various sectors of our economy. While it is beneficial for us, it is equally a poignant reminder of the challenging circumstances faced by many skilled Russians who have had to adapt to new roles far from their original professions.

In "Second Hand Time" by Svetlana Alexievich, the Nobel-winning author presents a haunting portrayal of post-Soviet Russia through the voices of ordinary people. The book is a collection of interviews that reveal the disillusionment, nostalgia, and hardships experienced by those who lived through the transition from communism to capitalism. Alexievich captures the emotional and psychological toll on Russian society, painting a picture of a nation struggling to redefine its identity amidst economic and social upheaval.

"A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles offers a fictional yet equally compelling view of Russian history. The novel follows Count Alexander Rostov, an aristocrat sentenced to house arrest in a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin in the wake of the Bolshevik Revolution. Through his eyes, we witness the dramatic changes in Russia over several decades. Despite the constraints of his confinement, Rostov maintains his dignity and wit, forging deep connections with the hotel's staff and guests. Towles' narrative beautifully captures the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit in the face of monumental societal changes.

Reading these books made me reflect on the fate of Russian intellectuals and professionals like Alexendrov, who, despite their immense talent and knowledge, found themselves in diminished roles due to the socio-economic turmoil in their country. These personal stories and historical narratives underscore the profound impact of geopolitical shifts on individual lives and the enduring connections between our nations.

During my IIT days, I was an avid reader of spy thrillers where Soviet Russia was often depicted as the villain. I was particularly fond of James Bond novels; in "From Russia with Love," SMERSH, the anti-espionage wing of the USSR, was the villain group. Those days, the Cold War between the US and USSR had divided the world into two blocs—those aligned with the US, those aligned with the USSR, and those who remained neutral, known as the third world. However, I wasn't personally influenced by these books as I didn't analyze them deeply. My project guide was Prof Zerikhin ,a Russian but our discussions never ventured beyond the subject matter. This personal connection, however brief, reinforced my belief in the value of Russian expertise and the enduring professional ties we have built over the years.

S N Roy

S. N. Roy, born in Allahabad and raised in Delhi, distinguished himself early on with a strong academic foundation. In 1960, he completed his higher secondary education with distinction in Chemistry, Physics, and Maths. His academic prowess led him to IIT Kharagpur, where he graduated with Honors in Electrical Engineering in 1965.

Roy's professional journey began with a competitive entry into the Indian Oil Corporation Refineries division, where he started as an engineer trainee at the Gauhati refinery. After completing his training, he moved to Barauni Refinery in 1967, quickly advancing to the level of senior engineer. During his tenure at Barauni, he gained extensive experience in electrical maintenance and managing a captive power plant. Roy also represented the refinery in football, eventually captaining the team, and became the badminton champion of Barauni for seven consecutive years before taking voluntary retirement from both sports due to his workload at the refinery. Despite this, he continued to play badminton throughout his BHEL tenure and later picked up tennis in Bhopal, which he continues to play.

In 1978, Roy made a significant career shift to BHEL. Over the next two decades, he played a crucial role in commissioning several major thermal power stations, including those at Panipat, Singrauli, and Wanakbori. His expertise also led him to oversee the completion of the captive power station of Vizag Steel Plant. He further demonstrated his leadership by completing the Farakka Thermal Plant of 2x500 MW for NTPC.

Roy's career continued to flourish as he took on the role of General Manager in Kolkata in 1994. From 1996 to 2000, he served as the Regional Head of BHEL, Power Sector Eastern Region, where he handled the erection and commissioning of thermal, hydro, and gas power stations. His strategic vision and management skills culminated in his appointment as Executive Director of BHEL, Bhopal, from 2000 to 2003.

Upon retiring in 2003, Roy did not slow down. He took on the role of Independent Director at WPIL and Techno Electric Engineering Co., where he managed a wind power station of 200 MW, featuring the highest capacity wind turbine generator of 2.1 MW from Suzlon. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers, a prestigious recognition of his expertise and contributions to the field.

Roy's expertise in management extended beyond his professional roles. He shared his insights through various management articles, such as:

1. **The Power of Lateral Thinking in Problem Solving**: This article explores the importance and application of lateral thinking in management. It includes examples of how unconventional approaches can lead to innovative solutions in various scenarios.

2. **The Importance of Alternative Solutions**: Discussing the necessity of having a plan B, this article emphasizes that alternative solutions are crucial in ensuring continuity and overcoming unforeseen challenges. It includes anecdotes from his own experiences, such as walking as an alternative to using the state bus during his school days and the modern preference for app-driven cab services.

3. **Leadership Lessons from Technological Transitions**: This article covers his observations and experiences during technological transitions in organizations. It includes his visit to Barauni Refinery, where he witnessed the shift from old Russian-built technology to new digital controls, and the importance of identifying knowledge gaps and making tough decisions.

4. **Tactful Refusal in Management**: This piece highlights the art of saying no without jeopardizing professional relationships or responsibilities. It includes his experience with Mr. Rangarajan at BHEL, where he tactfully refused a task that was beyond his department's resources.

5. **Motivation through Effort and Achievement**: Drawing from his observation of fruit-bearing trees in his Bhopal bungalow's courtyard, this article uses the metaphor of low-hanging and high-hanging fruit to discuss motivation and the importance of setting higher goals for long-term success.

Beyond his professional achievements, Roy has a rich personal life filled with creative pursuits. His hobbies include sketching, watercolor painting, writing short stories and management articles, and playing golf to maintain physical fitness. He married in 1972 and has a son who is settled in Australia.

Roy is actively involved with Bhalopahar, an organization dedicated to the education and welfare of underprivileged children, providing them with opportunities for a better future. He organizes funds to help run the establishment.

Roy has also made significant contributions to literature, having published a management book in both English and Hindi, along with three books of short stories in Hindi and one in English. His writing reflects his deep understanding of both technical and human aspects of management and life.

S. N. Roy is known for his friendly and easily accessible character. He is known for helping the poor and readily contributes to charity, reflecting his commitment to social welfare.

Roy's life story is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and passion in both his professional career and personal interests, making him a remarkable figure in his field and beyond.

Smoking

Is smoking a health hazard ?

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50 years back when smoking was not declared as health hazard I did not have a drag till my final year in IIT in 1965. Before passing out i smoked a Charminar which i did not purchase but scrounged from someone else.
Then i had my high and low of smoking when smoking was not hazardous, i touched 5 cigarettes a day in my hey days at BHEL sites.
We said good bye to Panipat Thermal in 1980 by smoking bidi in the control room, it was initiated by Late Gurdeep Singh, that was my first and last bidi.
In Bengali society smoking in front of elders or someone in power is supposed to be showing disrespect..But then the society went for an overhaul and younger people started taking to smoking in a death and authority defying act. Throwing cigarette smoke on someones face was considered to be act of bravery. I remember during my posting as Head of ER in BHEL during the meeting with trade union all the leaders from CITU will pull out cigarette to smoke before start of the meeting. Showing some kind of arrogance or don't care about management. That was their way till my coming. I had to put a ban in smoking cigarette in the office and the order was pasted throughout the office. Thus the nuisance of CITU leaders was checked, in this process i stopped smoking in the office.
But as "No smoking" zones are increasing and also due to health consciousness i find many of the regular smokers in my present office have stopped smoking. I find there is upward trend of girls picking up smoking in Bengal.
The other day some local people acting as moral police harassed a young woman of Presidency college for smoking cigarette openly in their pada.Her family is trying to justify the smoking by a girl. It appears the society is divided on this issue.
Now i smoke a cigarette or 2 in a week and that too in the privacy of my house. It has been eons since i smoked a fag on the streets of any city and don't plan to do so.