SLK

 How is a city known? Due to its history? The geographical location? The monuments that decorate its skyline? Not really! A city is well-known by the citizens who people it.

Pune boasts of  very many luminaries as  its citizens. SLK was one such huge presence. Why, till mid-seventies, his "Lakaki" bungalow, the lake nearby were landmarks in that part of Pune, while SLK and his wife, Yamutai Kirloskar, were almost the first couple of Pune.

Oh, yes, before our Bollywood obsessed young amigos and señoritas get it muddled up, let me clarify. SLK is NOT SRK! Well, so to confuse r/l, one would have to be a proper Japanese. Nevertheless, better to clarify that SLK refers to Shantanurao Kirloskar who for quite some time symbolised the Pune spirit.

A second generation entrepreneur who came up high and mighty on the industry/business scenario, while being deeply rooted in the local feel, SLK made his Kirloskar group, and Pune, a synonym for excellence in the field.

He had the temerity, moreover, to stand up to the Nehruvian socialist ideas in the heydays of the Congress and its idol. His admirers believe that he thought of, and practised, globalisation decades before it became the byword.

No wonder, his vision represented the progressive Pune. He was socially aware even when industries and companies were  not legally obligated to the CSR. Quite a legend  he was in his own times! Given the completely changed paradigms now, it can only be said that no longer do they make people like him any more!

Pratima@ "Never doubt," opines Margaret Mead, "that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only way it ever has."