Choudhary is an author of multiple books, writes columns for newspapers, and hosts a TV show – in addition to being the Managing Director of Gurgaon based French multinational Vygon. His books are on the best seller lists; his personal favourite is his own book ‘When You Are Sinking Become A Submarine’.
Gurgaon becoming a role model, can be done in two ways – firstly, by improving the hygiene standard, and secondly, by improving the manners of the residents – particularly in public places.
Incensed at the habit of spitting, that is endemic throughout the country, he says the local authorities and the MCG should carry out a campaign against those indulging in this act. “Spitting has assumed an art form in this country; but people must realise that it is a source of Tuberculosis, that regularly affects thousands. These are small things – but when acted upon, can change the face of this City.
Every RWA in the City should appoint a person who can keep a watch on the offenders, and discreetly send a mail to them – informing them about their bad behaviour, and how that is affecting others living in the area.
Likewise, Choudhary wants the government to provide public lavatories, so that people stop urinating and defecating in the open. In Gurgaon, he says people can be seen relieving themselves against walls, and trees – and when these are not available, in full public view.
“The government, especially the police, must be involved in this act. First, the facilities need to be created; and thereafter the police must enforce discipline. Anyone found indulging in the act should be punished, irrespective of status,” asserts Choudhary. He says that it was the French police, in the 17th century, that forced the people to use commodes in public areas.
People living in condominiums and gated colonies must realise that they have to be a part of transforming the City; because if this does not happen soon, the air and water would be polluted so much that the stench would permeate the air-conditioned rooms, and the water in bathrooms would be beyond use.
Another important thing that needs to be taught to the Gurgaon residents is the use of mobile phones in public spaces. “Many times I have been to a cinema where people from all sections of society use the mobile phone incessantly. When asked to stop they often misbehave,” he rues.
The people must be made to realise that they cannot swing their fist, or trample on others’ feet, without serious consequence – else we will have lawless mobs that just follow the dictum of Jiski Lathi Uski Bhains.
Choudhary also wants Gurgaonites to be more polite while driving, not use horns unnecessarily, and follow traffic rules. “The traffic laws need to be implemented, and people made more aware of their duties on the road,” he says.
At Vygon, he ensures that every employee that joins the company is made to undergo the Groom and Broom programme, to make them more aware of their duties and responsibilities towards the company, as well as the society and the country.
Choudhary says he has three passions in life – his company, his companions, and the country. “I want to ensure that the company I am working for is run in a proper manner, my companions are happy, and I contribute towards the development of my nation. If I am able to do this I am happy,” he asserts.
Pavan Choudhary on how ëto become a submarine when you are sinkingí
Being a manager and expert practitioner, Choudhary expounds the theory of becoming a submarine, when the conditions are not favourable. His research says that most of the times people who are unscrupulous and bad win the battles of life; whereas those who are inherently good lose. His book and management philosophy aims to correct this anomaly, and tries to empower the good – so that they can triumph.
“I have given a practical way for good people to win in life,” he asserts. “I believe that a good leader should have the courage of a general, and the compassion of a saint. When I am giving my talks on leadership, I wear a commando trouser, and an orange Kurta. The Commando Trouser signifies the courage of a general; and the orange Kurta signifies the compassion of a saint.” He believes that by sharing his ideas through books he helps in improving lives, as well as standards of governance.
In the world of power, Choudhary’s book says, there are two kinds of people—those for whom only the ends matter; and those for whom the means are also as important. The first type he calls the vile; and the second ones as naive; in the struggle for power mostly the former win.
Vile, he says, have lots of ambition, but little conscience—they are free of moral constraints, free to act as they please. Their overriding concern is to attain their objective; and they are faithful to their own ambition all the time. The naïve, on the other hand, are kind and compassionate, and modest about their achievements. Means as well as ends matter to them. Over time they understand the viles’ schemes, but believe that their (vile) Karma will catch up with them, and God will punish them for the wrongs. But this is the time the naïve become super naïve, and allow the vile to win.
This book is for the naïve to understand the game played by vile; and provides remedies to cope with them. It also challenges the Machiavellian belief that ‘a good man does not stand a chance, and comes to ruin among the many who are not good’.