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I have learnt from my father, the lesson of simple living and high thinking

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VoicenData Bureau
New Update

With more than thirty-five years of service, Kuldeep Goyal, CMD, BSNL, is

a doyen of the Indian telecom industry. A virtuoso in various fields; planning,

installation, operation, and maintenance of wireline and wireless services, data

services, computerization of various activities in the telecom network and

provision of value added services, Goyal holds the credit for implementing the

much-needed organizational restructuring process at the PSU. Goyal took up the

responsibilities of the chair in 2007.

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A critical 97% erosion in net profit of the operator has set the alarm

blaring, kicking the telecom minister to action and reviewing the company's

performance. The government's final verdict on BSNL's plan is still awaited, the

company's CMD has been vocal about some of the urgent needs of the company that

will pump energy back into the fatigued operator that has been struggling to

match the network expansion pace of its private rivals. Also, several

controversies, litigations, and delays of mobile equipment tenders have plagued

the operator. Above all, the service provider has the herculean task of

connecting rural India.

The industry identifies him as a composed, friendly veteran in the telecom

space. In an exclusive interview, the CMD takes VOICE&DATA through his life

outside BSNL boardrooms and press conferences. Excerpts:

What do you think are your key strengths?



I believe that I am a sincere and hardworking man. About sixteen hours of my

day are devoted exclusively to BSNL. My day begins at six o'clock in the

morning. I try and utilize maximum time for work. I take calls even when I am

traveling. My commitment to my job keeps me going. I don't give in to

difficulties.

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What has been your contribution to BSNL?



I think I have played an important role in giving a new face to BSNL.

Earlier the company had been working on a set routine. There was to a monotony

in the way employees worked. I wanted to make the company more

consumer-oriented, and this is what I have attempted to do. We are trying to

increase focus on IT and ERP implementation. We have started setting targets for

the employees and offering them performance-based incentives. This has helped us

change the employees' attitude towards their job. I am a very open person. I

like to listen to the concerns of my subordinates. In a day, I spend about one

to two hours talking to group 'A' officials. They are allowed to bring out their

concerns, and I try to do whatever I can, in my capacity, to help them overcome

the hurdles that they face.

What is your mantra for striking a balance between your professional and

personal life? How do you beat stress?



One has to be a good manager to be able to do so. It is important for an

individual to be smart enough to be able to set his priorities right. According

to me, the key to a healthy, stress-free life is not to let stress take over

you. Avoid getting tensed in tough situations, enjoy your work and get a good

sleep at night.

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Your schedule on weekdays is usually very tight. Are the weekends also as

busy?



On weekends, I relax. I listen to music and read books, but I don't like to

watch TV. Traveling is one thing I always like to do in my leisure time. I enjoy

playing with my grand children, and that I think is the most relaxed way of

spending a weekend.

What is your vision for the country?



When I travel abroad, I often get both amazed and saddened. During my visits

to places like Thailand and China, I am forced to ask myself why our neighbors

have developed much faster than we have and what is stopping us? We are

witnessing an amazing growth in the telecom space, and are faring pretty well as

compared to many other countries, but there is a huge difference in our

standards of living and theirs. Other countries have been able to exploit their

technologies faster and better to translate the benefits to raise their standard

of living. I only hope that our country is able to realize the true potential of

its technological and human resources, which will help us lead better lives.

What were your dreams when you were fresh out of the college and preparing

for a new life. Did you at that time aspire to reach where you are seated today?



Those days were quite different. I was an engineering graduate from IIT

Roorkee. I wanted to serve the country in whatever small way I could, and joined

the Indian Telecommunication Service in 1972. I aspired to climb up the ladder.

I am grateful to God that he has supported me all through my life and also for

taking me where I am today.

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Have there been offers by private telcos? Any plans of looking at those

opportunities?



Not that I have never been approached, but as of now, I have no plans of

moving out. I want to be here and see the company grow as I have always wantedto.

What is your message to your employees?



Wherever I have worked, I have worked with integrity. The only word I have

for my employees is to be passionate about your job and enjoy it. Also, we

should remember that we are working in the services sector, thus consumers are

assets for us. Our work should be dedicated to the consumers. The customers'

happiness will translate into benefits for us, and in turn we will be able to

keep our families contented.

You have been selling a variety of value added services to your

subscribers. What services have you subscribed to?



I love music. I have set one of my favourite songs as my ringback tone. I

also like to switch to mobile TV while I am traveling.

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Is there any dream you are still waiting to be realized, that bothers you?



I am a very simple and contented man. I am a vegetarian and prefer to eat

food cooked at home. My job demands me to travel to places, but I don't feel

fascinated by luxurious living and elaborate menus.

Do you have a spiritual teacher?



No. All this is not the effect of a spiritual guide. I have been brought up

with these values. I have learnt from my father to lead a simple life with high

thinking.

Heena Jhingan & Baburajan K



heenaj@cybermedia.co.in

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