A page from my Army days – It was the year 1996 and the Confederation of Indian Industries [ CII ] had organized a seminar in New Delhi at a five star hotel on a theme ” Army Industry Partnership ” – first of its kind when the Army came forward to understand and partner with the private industry in India in a meaningful manner instead of resorting to mere sub contracting of work which is often mired in bureaucratic maze .
The hall was full and we had at least a 100 plus Star Generals in full uniform and livery attending the seminar and participating in the deliberations in parallel tracks . I was also a speaker talking on the topic ‘ Share our Brain Ware ‘ in the HR segment of the seminar .
There was a comic sight during the lunch hour . I witnessed something very rare from a military angle – The Army Top Brass standing in a queue for more than 30 minutes for the buffet lunch ! The hotel obviously could not help it or did not consider it odd at all in a civilian setting but I could see many of the generals uncomfortable and showing it ! .
The first lesson in partnership when working with those not in uniform !