Letter to Mr. Bahl and his reply !

Dear Mahesh - many many thanks for your very kind words. Cheers. Raghav
From: Mahesh Nadgaudi [maheshn@hdfclife.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 22, 2010 6:04 PM
To: Raghav Bahl
Subject: Superpower: The Amazing Race...! Indeed very empowering feel !

Dear Mr. Raghav Bahl
At the outset huge heart felt thanks for penning down one of the finest book of 2011;" Super Power, The Amazing Race between China's Hare and India's Tortoise ". Few days back I finished reading this book and it not just made me understand the current situation but kind of enlightened and empowered me. Time and again I reread some pages where you have in a subtle way compared mind-sets of politicians, entrepreneurs, social scientists, media professionals and common men with distinguished insights.Language is laconic and commentary about this game which is being played in Asia and followed by spectators all over the world specially the Westerners , is very unbiased.
From preface to the very end where you end up saying it is 50-50 now , it 's very gripping account of both economies and it in a positive way unleashes energy among readers. I personally have always admired the great leadership team you have built which has outstanding integrity, ethics and professionalism and we are die hard followers of both CNBC & CNN-IBN.
Coming back to your book , it has left kind of profound effect and it has the essence to be a good practical economic book for many Indians. Two books of the decade if I were to compile for which are good for Indians one would be " India after Gandhi " by Dr. Ramchandra Guha & the second is " Superpower " which is not just for business or corporate fraternity. I recommended to my colleagues and friends from different fields.
Many, many thanks for outstanding work. Wish you a very fine year end and wonderful, successful New Year ! :)
Would love to see you sometime may be with my CEO & MD Mr. Amitabh Chaudhry who happens to know you.



Warm Regards Always,
Mahesh Nadgaudi.
Area Manager- HNI and Strategic Business.
HDFC Standard Life Insurance Co Ltd.


Hand Phone : 98906 56333

A day to remember !

Will he, won't he ? And for this meet had kept fingers anxiously closed. Had got confirmation from his PA about his plan to visit us day before yesterday. We had done some groundwork of what to present based on some info we collected from the net.

His flight arrived on time and for the first time ever got driven with him in a VIP Z security squad all the way to office. Pragmatic and sharp Mr.CLIENT with his aid was very attentive and seemed impressed. Our MD Mr. Amitabh, GM Mr. Mehta, Jayesh, Vijay, myself and Keyur attended this meet. MD's presence added dignified importance and that was x factor I feel. Mostly Jayesh and partly I presented our plans.

Naturally HO was surprised to have celebrated politician, ace businessman all of a sudden amongst us. It increased my equity a little more. Mr. Singh is indeed very charismatic and frank about his views. Taking this relationship forward will be one of the biggest mile stones of my career if it happens. Let's see. Chance to meet him and know him thus far has been deeply interesting and learning experience. Hoping to nurture this further by putting our best foot forward !

Marching in March... Delhi..

Arrived in Delhi to meet Mr. Amar Singh for exploring possibility of selling him financial plans. It progressed in a sense that got second meeting fixed for 22 nd with his CA.. A step forward !
A casual conversation on the flight about 2 months ago is likely to unfold good business opportunity..
Overall, last 2 months have been partly fulfilling but majorly frustrating and our initiative for lack of people in team is not reaching desired results. New MD sounds promising and a Change Agent and has made impressions which are moving organissation towards speedy execution of intentions.
And amidst seniors who are not upto the mark , our frustration levels are being tested.
In 2 months this year bought long due stocks with the help of Mr Powar who lent me money for a month.Have been running quite well. Have started 2 books but not finished any yet.
And yes msut close some calls myself to stake claim for my next
action in this company..
It has been good day in Delhi and now having breakfast at India Habitat surrounded by some beautiful and smiling faces and posting this. Will return by evening flight to Bombay..