Forever Young

Reema Sisodia finds out that Suresh Kotak, chairman, Kotak & Co Ltd, is a firm believer in age not being a deterrent to living life to its fullest

Suresh Kotak is in his seventies but he still makes it a point to be in his cabin by 8.15 am. And most days, he remains there way past office hours, often up to 10 pm. Age obviously has not dented the enthusiasm of the chairman of Kotak & Co Ltd.

So when I walk into Navsari Building, which houses the office of Kotak & Co Ltd, at around 8:50 am for a 9 o'clock appointment, there are just four people - two peons, his personal secretary Rita Dias and the man himself. As she guides me to the conference room, Dias informs me that her boss is a perfectionist in his working style and a very active figure. For instance he was the immediate past president of the Indian Merchant Chambers and East India Cotton Association, is the current vice-president of International Chamber of Commerce and is a member of a host of other social and welfare organisations.

So what is it that motivates him to continue at such a pace when the 'official retirement age' is already a decade past. Says Kotak, "I believe in 'Karma Yog'. The almighty has blessed us with life, it is our duty to make use of it judiciously and fruitfully. The moment I stop being active, I will vegetate. I follow certain basic rules in life like having a consistent diet and exercise regimen. I am a vegetarian who follows a simple lifestyle. Besides, I make it a point to spare time to pursue my hobbies."

Besides work, reading and music are his overriding passions. He does not just listen to music but is also a practitioner. "I regularly do riyaz (practice) on weekends. Also, I have tried to learn various systems and forms of music from across the world," he says. As regards reading, his house has a mini library with around 5,000 books. "Mostly books on economy, management, cotton and textiles have caught my interest," he says.

In fact, Kotak does not even believe in things like taking a break or relaxing. "If you are bored of a job, then try something different instead of relinquishing work altogether," he says.

Kotak was born in Saurashtra but did his schooling in Karachi in a Gandhian institution called Sharda Mandir, which may be a reason why he calls himself a 'hard-core patriot'. This streak is evident in most of his likes. For example, ask him the countries he likes to frequent and he replies that he has been impressed with Japan and China but "it is India which is my favourite". When it comes to favourite airlines, he swears by Air-India (AI) and Indian Airlines (IA), merely because they are India's national carriers. "I feel they have succeeded against all odds and our people have definitely done good work," he says.

Along with love for country, family has been all-important. He says, "Our joint family system has continued till today. My wife Indira and myself live together with my son Uday and his family. I have always valued family bonding and communication. It is important to never be imposing and let your children blossom and excel. I have tried to do that."

He speaks very fondly of his daughter who has settled in Singapore and was excited that he would be seeing her shortly because as chairman of the India Interest Group of the Indian Merchants Chamber, he was slated to lead a delegation to Singapore for an Asia Pacific Business Summit called India Calling 2004. "Daughters are special", he says. And about his son, Uday Kotak, who has become a leading figure of India Inc, he says, "I am extremely proud of Uday. He has the human touch which is difficult to find in the present work environment. The corporate world today is a 'dry duck' place with selfishness all around. I can proudly say that Uday has achieved more than I had dreamt of."

Father and son have their distinct businesses without any overlaps, but did he give his son any words of advice before he ventured into the business world. Kotak says, "Business, I feel, is about 'peoplising'. One should remember that an organisation is made up of people pulsating with emotions. It is important to understand the other person's views and this is what I have always told my son." Aptly, there is a saying on the desk of his office that reads - 'Remember you are talking to a friend'.

But Kotak also believes that it was his wife Indira who was paramount in shaping their children into responsible individuals. "She has been the strength of our house. In fact, she has even found time to be involved in social work," he says.

But, like all human beings, Kotak's life has also had its ups and downs but he has a simple formula to deal with the troughs. He says, "I go by an 'acceptance theory' - accept what comes but do not expect. We are on borrowed time any way in our lives. Why not live with zindadilli."