Let there be light in the HAL(L) of fame

BANGALORE: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is getting a ‘new captain’ in P V Deshmukh on Tuesday. Any change, though it is a stop-gap arrangement, in the defence set-up usually rings in new hopes. And, this change will be keenly watched by HAL’s biggest customer, the IAF - whose dream of controlling the company was grounded by Defence Minister A K Antony, at least for now.A good company often boasts of the might of its men first. It takes care of its men so that they keep the flag of passion closer to their hearts. A good company also has mentors instead of managers and leaders who command respect rather than demand it. “HAL must introduce a lot of inspiring leaders into its fold,” former President A P J Abdul Kalam once said.So what’s ailing HAL? The answer is: Nothing! Then why are most projects running behind schedule? Why are its men logging out? Why there’s a sudden vacuum at the top management? Why there’s no strong second line leadership?In fact, HAL is not ailing. The problem lies with the top. They always look towards themselves. They chant the mantra of ‘I, Me & Myself’, and have built walls around them and so the people’s pulse doesn’t reach them. They want power to plunder and not to prove. There might have been exceptions, but we are ruled by the majority.Some say that HAL’s former head A Nayak, who retired on Monday, did what his predecessors could not. “During 2010-11, he ensured that HAL rolled out 78 aircraft and helicopters, recording the highest annual production in the last 10 years,” his close aide said.Nayak may have done a good job, but why the delays in projects? IJT, Hawk, LCA, ALH - the backlog list is long. If your achievements are tall, why did you choose to mute your wins and run away from media? Why did you date darkness, when light was not in short supply? Why did you lose so many directors?The employees say Nayak played a key role in getting revised pay scales. “HAL’s heart lies in the shop-floor and their (workmen) success stories have to be captured,” Kalam once said. Today’s state of HAL is not just Nayak’s creation alone. Like his predecessors, he too did his bit. I am not a journalist who wants to prescribe a corrective dose for HAL. I believe that HAL is not ailing! But, if Antony and his team happen to sense any turbulence, then it’s time to wake from the [email protected]

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