Let Our Values Emerge
Xpressions - December 2014
1
No One
is Missed
Our assistance is never constrained to geographies. An
extensive network of 367 branches and 30,000 agents
across Indian sub-continent, we make sure that no faces are
far-off from availing our services. You may be in quest of the
best exchange rates or in need of financial assistance or a
travel addict; any of your requirements will be served at its
best. Walk-in to your nearest UAE Exchange and relish our
multiple and instant services.
 Foreign Exchange
 Travel & Tours
 Money Transfer
 Share Trading
 Gold Loan
 Two wheeler Loan
 Personal Loan
 Consumer Loan
 Insurance
 Domestic money transfer
1860 3000 1555
mail.us@uaeexchange.co.in
www.uaeexchangetravel.com
2
Xpressions - December 2014
Editor’s
DESK
Season’s Greetings!
T
he spirit of Christmas is in your heart. December brings
joys of Christmas. Nowadays, Christmas has become a
performing ritual by exchanging gifts and greeting cards,
singing and listening to carols, decorating houses and streets
with lights, merry making and so on.
But what could be the true meaning of Christmas? Should it
not be the celebration of love, peace, acceptance, compassion,
generosity, and brotherhood with the needy? This is a season
to think and act for the less privileged and the suffering people.
It is when one has experienced sorrow during such a season
that one will be able to remember people in sorrow. How could
this sorrow be turned to joy? Render love and care to those
who need it the most and bring happiness in the minds of the
sorrowful. The spirit of Christmas is in our hearts, and let that
flow in abundance.
Oren Arnold has rightly suggested Christmas gifts - it should
be forgiveness to our enemies, tolerance to our opponents, our
heart to our friend, service to our customers, charity to all, a
good example to every child, and respect to ourselves.
Let us shed away our old unwanted habits. Let us step into
this New Year with new decisions!
Ebby Abraham
Editor-in-Chief
Editorial Team
Sheeba Johnson
Ann Susan Paul
Feba Jacob
Correspondents
Ratheesh VR
Vishnu M
Benny Joseph TX
Editorial Ofce
2nd Floor, Krishna Hospital Building,
MG Road, Kochi - 682 011
Tel. No: 0484 3047092, 3047321
Email: xpressions@uaeexchange.co.in
Visit us
www.uaeexchangetravel.com
Follow us
http://www.facebook.com/uaeexchangetravel
http://twitter.com/#!/uaeexchangetrvl
Xpressions - December 2014
3
Issue 7
//////////////////////////////////////
December 2014
Volume 14
//////////////////////////////////////
05 MD’s Message
06 Letters to Editor
06 Customer Speaks
10 Media Clippings
11
Global Snapshots
12 Business News
13 RH’s Report
14 Employee Highlights
15 IT Treat
18 HR FACCIA
20 Forerunners’ Corner
24 My Scribbles
26 Employee Engagement
27 Photography Contest
16
Cover Story
28 Women’s Corner
29 Building Talents
30 Matrimonio Bells
31 Special Days
07
4
News Desk
Xpressions - December 2014
22
Travel
MD’s Message
Dear Colleagues,
Warm Greetings!
2
014 is coming to an end and we are stepping into
the New Year. It is the right time for us to do a selfreview on our responsibilities, accomplishments,
achievements and failures. Taking this very seriously will
help us to project our priorities for the next year and thus
improve further.
Product diversification and Network expansion
are our Company’s main highlights every year. In the
financial sector last year, there was a full sway of Financial
Inclusions countrywide, which was also the goal of our
Apex Bank. In line with the same, we have launched the
new product Medi-Claim Insurance policy in 2014, which
is sure to be an asset for the customers.
In this modern and hectic world, people are reluctant
to go to banks or any other financial institutions, as the
long queues scare them off. To ease this hassle, we have
been instrumental in launching Domestic Money Transfer
Service through Mobile, effecting both service quality
and pace. At this point, I would like to touch upon the
initiative which Union Government has launched with
the name the Jan Dhan Yojana scheme, inviting every
Indian Citizen to open a bank account. Nations as a whole
is sure to experience a remarkable change in the future.
Opportunities are growing by heaps and bounds, it’s up to
us to avail those opportunities with our best services. Our
loan portfolio has come up well along with in its recovery
mechanism, which is sure to reap benefits both for our
customers and the company.
UAE Exchange services should reach every nook and
corner of our country. UAE Exchange is the one and only
financial institution in India with a branch network of
350 plus direct offices. “Smart branches” was the concept
on which we have expanded our network last year. The
idea of smart branches is to cater to the new generation
customers who need to be serviced at their door steps
and could hardly afford enough time to visit our offices in
person. Last year we inaugurated 9 Smart branches and 29
direct branches.
Customer Relation and Customer Satisfaction is the
most important zone in which we are focused through
which, we can and should be focused on. It is the Quality
of our Service we extend to our esteemed customers
that makes our brand the most trusted among the other
financial institutions. We need to give more significance
for the proper behaviour & respect to be given to our
customers, for conducting regular Customer meets and
taking feedback from our valuable customers and improve
further. Be always committed for the better quality service
and create a strong and trusty relationship with the
customers.
As a projection to the product diversification for
2015, many new products are in the offing for next year
like subsidy payments, Aadhar based payments, cash
collection and product delivery centre for online product
sales companies. We are sure, all these initiatives will
bring new customers to our counter and it will strengthen
our customer database.
Development of our website and Call Centers are some
other prominent areas where we are extremely focused
now. We will be undergoing some technology changes
through which branches may start interacting with their
customers through our web pages and we may move our
back office to Mobile App and smart employees can do
their work on the move or from home covering 24/7.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate
and thank all my staff members who have shown their
dedication, commitment and done extremely well in their
work and helped the company achieve our targets.
All of us will be having lots of hope and aspirations for
the New Year. There may be challenges and struggles also
waiting in our path. Be confident to face all the challenges
with a positive spirit and gain that success at the end.
I wish all my colleagues a very Happy New Year. May
God bless you all to bring Joy, Peace and Prosperity both
in your professional and personal life!
Thank you
V George Antony
Managing Director
Xpressions - December 2014
5
Letters to Editor
A Very Attractive Magazine
Rich Content and Layout
T
O
Ratna Kumar R
Chief Compliance Officer – India
R Johnee Praveen
HR Head
he first thing I noticed on my table was the latest
edition of Xpressions. As the magazine looked very
attractive at the very first glimpse, starting from the
cover page, I went though it and read a few articles as soon as
I got it. The contents are rich, the print quality is like that of
a foreign magazine, and most importantly the participation
from many of our staff and their creativity and skills make the
magazine very special. Congratulations to Team Xpressions.
Customer Speaks...
Appreciation letter from Mr.
Bijoy Mathew to Mr. Joji John of
Haripad branch
Dear Sir,
I am very happy to be a part of UAE Exchange family. I
came to the branch for a Telegraphic Transfer to Doha,
Qatar. I would like to compliment your employee,
Mr. Joji John, from Haripad branch for the excellent
service he has provided to me. The staff has helped me
in doing this transaction well. I received my money on
the next day itself. This is my second experience from
India. I am always sending my money to India through
UAE Exchange only. I have not tried any of the money
exchanges ever in my 15 years of GCC life.
I am pleased with the service I have received at your
branch. Your staffs have got good commitment and
such customer service is to be commended. I will surely
recommend the services of UAE Exchange to my friends
and relatives. In future also I will continue to do business
with your team.
I wish you and your team good success.
Sincerely,
Bijoy Mathew
M/s Black Cat Engg & Construction WLL
Doha Qatar
6
Xpressions - December 2014
ur in-house magazine Xpressions is
really very good. I have found the
contents very rich. The layout and
the alignment are also attractive. There is
good balance of text and photographs in the
magazine, and moreover, the photographs
are of realy good quality. The entire
magazine deserves appreciation.
News Desk
Branches Blossomed
Karkala - Mangalore region
Kozhencherry -Thiruvalla region
Nellore - Rajamundry region
Date of Inauguration: 7th November 2014
Date of Inauguration: 20th November 2014
Date of Inauguration: 27th November 2014
Branches Shifted
Bheemgal - Nizamabad region
Venjaramood - Thiruvananthapuram region
Date of Inauguration: 3rd November 2014
Date of Inauguration: 6th November 2014
Customer Meets
U
AE Exchange India conducted Customer Meets in its various branches located at different places in India. Eminent
personalities from the locality were invited as special guests, and healthy discussions were organised for the
customers. Lucky draw contests, entertainment programmes, and interactive sessions were conducted for the
invitees. Light refreshment was also arranged for the guests. Customer Meets are conducted every month in all branches
throughout India to strengthen customer support and to build healthy relationship with them. Feedback and suggestions
given by the customers help the company improve on and bring about innovative changes in its customer service.
Punalur
Nawanshahar
Vadakkancherry
Punalur
Nawanshahar
Vadakkancherry
Xpressions - December 2014
7
News Desk
UAE Exchange India Bags Two
Internal Awards for Global Customer
Service Week 2014 Celebrations
U
AE Exchange India bagged two awards in the global
internal competition for celebrating Customer Service
Week 2014. With two prestigious awards - Best
Customer Engagement Award for the company and Best
Decorated Branch Award for its Chalakkudy branch, UAE
Exchange India is one among three companies within UAE
Exchange to bag two awards. The company celebrated Global
Customer Service Week, an international event devoted to
recognise the importance of customer service, from 6th –
10th October 2014. It is celebrated across all branches of
UAE Exchange in various countries during the first week of
October every year. The main aim of the programme is to build
customer support. During the week, UAE Exchange India
launched special customer reward programs, and branches
that served most number of customers in each region were
honoured and rewarded. Customer Service Week 2014 received
overwhelming response from all branches in India. The entire
week was a fun-filled learning experience. Feedback and
comments were collected form customers on the celebration
and meets organised at the branches. The celebrations
were conducted in full swing to remind the customers the
commitment and dedication the company has for them.
The celebration has opened up many ways to strengthen the
company’s relationship with its customers.
Nazreen Banu of
Tanjore Branch Bags the
Best Convenor Title
M
s. Nazreen Banu of Tanjore branch,
Tamil Nadu, of UAE Exchange India
was selected as the Best Convenor
for the month of October for conducting
Customer Reach Out programme. The
decision was taken after collecting feedback
from customers who attended the Customer
Meets held at different branches, and also
from the staff of the branches concerned.
Customer Reach Out programme is one of
the best platforms for the employees of UAE
Exchange India to express their customersupport and service. Congratulations to Ms.
Nazreen Banu!
UAE Exchange India Distributes Prizes to
Onam Hangama Lucky Draw Winners
U
AE Exchange India MD Mr. V George Antony gave away prizes to
Onam Hangama Lucky Draw winners on 6th November 2014 at a
special customer meet and prize-distribution ceremony conducted
at the company’s Kadakkal branch, Kollam. The first prize, LED TV, was
won by Mr. Johnson MO of Chalakkudy branch, Thrissur; the second
prize of refrigerator was won by Mr. Adarsh Sivadasan of Kadakkal branch;
the third prize of washing machine was won by Mr. Sudeesh of Edappal
branch; and ten consolation prizes of mixies and induction cooking heaters
were won by the next 10 lucky draw winners. UAE Exchange India Zonal
Head Mr. Prakash Bhasker, Regional Head Mr. Ajith Kumar, Nedumangad
Branch Head Mr. Aneesh, Kadakkal Branch Head Mr. Mahesh Kumar,
invited customers, and lucky draw winners were present for the function.
UAE Exchange India had conducted a lucky draw competition in
connection with the Onam Hungama Promo Campaign, which was open
from 25th August to 30th September 2014, exclusively for the customers of
Kerala during the festive season of Onam. Customers who did transaction
in any of the branches in Kerala were eligible for the lucky draw.
8
Xpressions - December 2014
UAE Exchange
India Conducts
Seminars at
Colleges
E
ducation is the foundation for building a stronger nation. Considering
the company’s inclination towards education, and for spreading its name
among the emerging generation, UAE Exchange India conducted seminars
for the MBA students of Telangana University and Pavaai Engineering College
in Tamil Nadu on different days. Various sessions on “Expectation of Industry
from MBA Aspirants”, soft skills, corporate skills, career orientation classes, and
interactive sessions were conducted for the students. The students could clear their
doubts on various business aspects of their prospective career and about UAE
Exchange India. They interacted with the company’s officials and clarified their
doubts regarding the services. Since last three years, almost all MBA Colleges in
Nizamabad regions were covered by the company as part of its branch-building
campaign. The campaign helps spread the name of UAE Exchange among the
public. The company also offers outstanding business school students to begin
their career at UAE Exchange India. UAE Exchange India’s officials, including
Regional Head Mr. T Rajendra Kumar, Nizamabad Branch Head Mr. Saiprasad,
Travel Head Ms. Saritha, Forex Head Mr. Praveen, Telangana university MBA
programme HoDs, professors, and about 60 students attended each seminars.
UAE Exchange India Conducts
Branch Heads’ Meet
U
AE Exchange India conducted a 3-day induction
programme and Branch Heads’ Meet at Henry
Martyn Institute, Telangana. Managing Director
Mr. V George Antony, HR Head Mr. Praveen, Zonal Head
Mr. N Gopi, and Regional Head Mr. S Sreenivas imparted
their knowledge among the trainees and staff of the
company. They shared their experiences in UAE Exchange
India and also informed the participants about the history
of the company. Various topic like business process, product
information, company norms & KYC, HR policy, functions,
desire objective from training, improving business through
customer relationship & retention, customer acquisition,
market identification, products & services, company
strength & accreditations, target audience & product,
focussed activities, sponsored events, tele-calling etiquettes,
etc., were covered by the officials. Interactive sessions helped
the trainees get their doubts and quieries clarified from Mr.
George Antony and other high officials.
Thiruvalla branch of UAE Exchange
India conducts Doctors’ Meet
T
hiruvalla branch of UAE Exchange India conducted
Doctors’ Meet at Medical Mission Hospital,
Thiruvalla. UAE Exchange ABH Mr. Georgee,
branch allied staff Mr. Anurag, and Rachel Anilkumar
conducted various sessions during the meet. The team
displayed slide presentations on the main products of UAE
Exchange India, such as gold loan, vehicle loan, personal
loan, share trading, money exchange, and money transfer.
They also displayed the pictures of cruise conducted on
Royal Caribbean International ship. Everyone present at
the meeting expressed their interest in knowing about the
tours and travel service available at UAE Exchange India.
The interactive session also helped the doctors clear their
doubts about the various products and services they can
avail from the company. UAE Exchange India distributed
“Get Xtra” booklets and business cards, and they also
collected feedback from the doctors. At the end of the meet,
a lucky draw was also conducted for the doctors, and the
winners were given attractive gifts.
Xpressions - December 2014
9
Media Clippings
UAE Exchange Bahrain Celebrates 7th
Anniversary. Article published in Daily Tribune on
2nd November 2014.
UAE Exchange Bahrain Celebrates 7th Anniversary. Article published in Daily
Tribune on 2nd November 2014.
Xpress Money
Xpress Money ties up with
Easypaisa for Customers in
Pakistan
X
press Money, leading money transfer brand
in the world, in association with Easypaisa,
has launched a value-added service for
its customers in Pakistan. Through the special
service, Xpress Money’s conventional Cash-to-Cash
transactions will be replaced by more convenient and
easy way of sending money to friends and relatives.
Customers of Easypaisa residing in selected areas of
Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi can enjoy
the service within the comfort of their homes. All they
need to do is just call the Easypaisa helpline to have
their cash delivered to them at their doorsteps, rather
than going themselves to an agent location. Easypaisa
will verify the transaction and book the delivery. Their
courier service will deliver the amount and collect the
required documents from the customer on the next
day itself. This customer-focused service is expected
to be a step ahead in the company’s endeavour to
ensure customer satisfaction. This service is available
for transferring amounts more than PKR 50,000.
10
Xpressions - December 2014
UAE Exchange and Xpress
Money Organise Soorya Festival
U
AE Exchange, in association with Xpress Money
and Soorya Group of Trivandrum, organised
a cultural programme, Soorya Festival, at Abu
Dhabi Indian School Auditorium on 17th November
2014. The function was filled with various cultural
feasts for the entertainment of the audience. The Tabla
Fest by Ustad Rashid Mustapha and team, and the
Bharatanatyam dance performance by Nair Sisters from
Bangalore mesmerised the audience. The show was
conceptualised by Mr. Soorya Krishnamoorthy, founder
of Soorya group, one of the largest stage and film societies
in the world. Soorya Festival, a special evening of classical
dance and music, mirrored the rich cultural heritage of
India, and enhanced the pride among the expatriates
from the sub-continent, who form a substantial customer
base for the global money transferer. Guests and
dignitaries in the programme included UAE Exchange
CEO Mr. BR Shetty and COO Mr. Sudhir Kumar Shetty,
India Ambassador Mr. TP Seetharam, and Bangladesh
Ambassador Mr. Muhammad Imran.
Global Snapshots
Qatar UAE Exchange ties up
with QIC
UAE Exchange honoured at
FiRe Awards 2014 in Uganda
U
Q
atar UAE Exchange has partnered with Qatar
Insurance Company (QIC) in order to give
discounts on motor, travel, and home insurances
for its customers. The offer aims at attracting the Club
Exclusive card customers of UAE Exchange residing in
Qatar. The company, with more than nine branches located
in various crucial parts of the country, has always been
thoughtful in offering special benefits to its Club Exclusive
card customers. The tie-up with QIC is expected not only to
benefit the company’s Club Exclusive card customers by way
of discounts, but also is expected to promote better financial
planning. According to the new offer, Club Exclusive card
customers will get 20 per cent discount on travel insurance,
15 per cent discount on comprehensive motor insurance
policy, and 20 per cent discount on home insurance.
AE Exchange has been honoured with the
Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding
Achievement in Financial Reporting under
Forex Bureau category in FiRe Awards 2014. UAE
Exchange Uganda Operations Head Mr. Nazeem Khan
received the award in a functions organised by the
Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda.
FiRe Awards are organised in partnership with Capital
Markets Authority and Uganda Securities Exchange.
Established in the year 2011, FiRe Awards provides
opportunities for organisations that participate to
benchmark their reports against the set criteria of good
financial reports. UAE Exchange, the leading global
brand in financial services, has always been associated
with quality, and the valuable certificate by FiRe
Awards recognises the brand’s commitment towards
achieving excellence in all its services. The recognition
also strengthens the brand’s zeal to offer the best
services in the vast area of finance and remittance.
UAE Exchange Uganda
observes World Food Day
UAE Exchange Bahrain
Celebrates 7th Anniversary
U
AE Exchange Bahrain celebrated its 7th
anniversary in November 2014. The company
had started its venture in the year 2007, and
now, it has 13 branches located in different places in the
Kingdom. The fondness and affinity the company has
shown towards its customers and the society have won
UAE Exchange several awards over the years, making it
one of the most favoured remittances, money transfer,
and payment solutions brands in Bahrain. The country
is like a second home to a large group of migrants
from all over the world. UAE Exchange in Bahrain
is also an active contributor to various social causes.
In a strong step towards the company’s goal of social
welfare and support, it periodically provides aid to the
deserving and needful populace of the society. The 7th
anniversary celebration event was attended by senior
officials of UAE Exchange Bahrain, special invitees, and
the media.
F
ood is one of the most essential elements for
sustaining life on earth. UAE Exchange has
always upheld the belief that humanity is more
important than money and fame. Upholding this
belief, officials of UAE Exchange Uganda distributed
food packets to underprivileged children in Uganda,
observing World Food Day on 16th October 2014. This
gesture reflected the strong social consciousness of the
global remittance brand. This year, the theme of World
Food Day was “Family Farming: Feeding the World,
Caring for the Earth”. Over the years, UAE Exchange has
joined hands with a number of NGOs for supporting
various humanitarian and environmental causes. As an
organisation, UAE Exchange has always been sensitive
towards the unfortunate yet deserving souls on the earth.
Xpressions - December 2014
11
Business News
Payment Banks and
Small Finance Banks
R
eserve Bank of India has called applications for
setting up payment banks and small finance
banks for the first time in the nation. Entities
like mobile operators, super market chains and real
estate cooperatives can now set up payment banks, while
existing Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)
and micro finance lenders can apply for small finance
banks, and these small finance banks can transit to
universal banks after fulfilling certain conditions.
The initiative is aimed at deepening financial inclusion,
which means delivering financial services to low-income
and poor groups in the society by provision of savings
vehicles and supply of credit to small business units,
small and marginal farmers, micro and small industries,
and other unorganised sector entities, through high
technology-low cost operations.
Setting up small banks can immensely benefit the
common people. According to the guidelines set by
RBI, payment banks will be allowed to open current and
savings bank accounts with deposits of up to a maximum
of Rs 1 lakh per customer. They can issue debit cards and
offer services like remittance and utility bill payments as
well. They can also distribute simple financial products
like mutual funds and insurance. Since there is no
12
Xpressions - December 2014
restriction on the income levels of those who wish to
open accounts in payment banks, those who have salary
accounts in regular bank accounts can also open an
account in a payment bank.
Individuals can use the payment bank account to make
daily or monthly cash transactions, either through debit
card or through mobile. This can also help guard against
debit card fraud, since one can keep a smaller balance in
these accounts. Students living away from home would
also be able to use facilities of payment banks to pay their
fees. Small businesses — that have five or six employees
— can operate salary accounts in payment banks, instead
of paying out cash.
Though these facilities can also be availed in a fullfledged bank, they have stringent Know Your Customer
(KYC) norms. In a payment bank, KYC norms may be
simplified and charges may be lower. They can also offer
a higher rate of interest on savings bank accounts. One
of the biggest advantages of a payment bank is that it
can provide last-mile connectivity, which regular banks
cannot. In other words, it is possible that even a local
store can function as a bank branch.
Sources: RBI, The Economic Times
RH’s Report
Support
The Base of Growth
I
joined UAE Exchange India eight years back with a
dream to build my career in the challenging world
of finance. It was after two attempts and interviews
that I got the opportunity to join the Deoria branch,
Lucknow, of UAE Exchange as Jr. Officer.
At that time, Deoria branch was only 6 month old
and it was struggling for survival. I started my career
as Mutual Fund & Insurance Staff, and later I got an
opportunity to work as Forex & Travel Head. It took a
couple of years for me to become the Head of Deoria
branch. It was that phase of the company when it was
entering into loan business. I worked hard to improve
the productivity and the performance of my staff. From
the sub-staff to the officers, I worked with them with
the help of training and motivation provided to me by
my seniors. Due to this support, I was able to shape the
branch as the top branch of the region in travel, loans,
insurance, and surplus. I was recognised for my timely
work, which was possible only because of my mentors
- Mr. Sherry, Mr. Shajumon, Mr. Sudhakar, Mr. Boban,
Mr. Sameer, and Mr. Ajay.
After 5 years of my career in the company, I was
elevated as the Regional Head of Lucknow region.
It was a surprise gift as well as a challenge from the
management. As a regional head, I started with six
branches. At that point of time, I learned one thing that
a lot of talented staff left the company only because
they did not get good opportunities for growth. So I
requested the management for allowing me to open
new branches, and with the support from our MD Mr.
George Antony, I could open five new branches by 2012.
My next challenge was to maintain the growth and
target given to the region, and I have almost succeeded
in it with the support from my entire staff, ABHs, and
BHs, and also with the guidance from my senior officials
Mr. Shajumon and Mr. Sherry. As I opened five new
branches, the burden on me was doubled as I had to
achieve the targets. I always believe that if we sincerely
ask for support from and provide a good career path for
our staff, they will support us. Though it took me some
time, I managed to get support from almost all branches.
And now we have planned for a number of activities for
business development, such as segment-wise marketing,
equal focus to all products, timely review, training, and
counselling.
Today, Lucknow region has a proud network of 12
branches, more than 100 staff, and is growing rapidly
in all aspects, and this is happening because of the
dedication and hard work of the staff working under
Lucknow region. If we look back to the journey of past
10 years since the inception of Lucknow region, if can
see that earlier, the major businesses were in the field
of forex & MTS, but now, we have all the products
contributing equally. All this was possible only with
the effective guidance of the management, the Business
Development team, HR Team, Audit Team, Accounts,
IT, Finance, Funding, MIS, etc.
Divyendu Pandey
Regional Head
U.P. North Lucknow
Xpressions - December 2014
13
Employee Highlights
BD AWaRd WINNERS - OCTOBER 2014
BD Monthly Awards 2015
REGION MONTH -
-
NATIONAL WINNERS / RUNNER UP
OCTOBER 2014
1. Max new transaction customers
canvassed STAFF of the month.
Category 1
Count of New Customers
National Winner
National Runner Up
2. Max new transaction customers
canvassed BRANCH of the month
National Winner
MARTHANDAM - NAGERCOIL
National Runner Up PHILLAUR - PUNJAB I
S FATHIMA BARVIN
V VIJEESH
THENKASI BRANCH - NAGERCOIL
Category 2
Customer Service Feedback
National Winner
OACHIRA BRANCH - KOLLAM
1. Best & max customer service
feedbacks received STAFF of the month.
National Runner Up 1
National Runner Up 2
2. Best & max customer service feedbacks
received BRANCH of the month.
National Winner
VADAKKANCHERRY BRANCH
THRISSUR
National Runner Up
COLACHEL BRANCH- NAGERCOIL
SHAJIN A
COLACHEL BRANCH
NAGERCOIL
Category 3 - Business
Development Activities
ABDUL MAJEED K
VADAKKANCHERRY BRANCH
THRISSUR
JISA MATHEW
VADAKKANCHERRY BRANCH
THRISSUR
1. Best individual outdoor business development
activity done STAFF of the month.
National Winner
National Runner Up
NIL
2. Best group outdoor business development
activity done BRANCH of the month.
National Winner
PERAMBRA BRANCH - CALICUT
National Runner Up
VEDARANYAM BRANCH - TN 2
Ms SRIDEVI
CHIDAMBARAM BRANCH
Category 4
Sub Agency Development
1. Max sub agency transaction branch STAFF
of the month, other than referral & MTSS.
National Winner
National Runner Up
2. Max sub agency income BRANCH of
the month, other than referral & MTSS.
National Winner
JAGRAON
National Runner Up BHATKAL
NEETU
NAWANSHAHR
SHALINI SINGH
GORAKHPUR
BD AWARDS - Monthly National Winning RH’s
Category 1 - Count of Customers
Category 2 - Customer Service Feedback
Category 3 - Business Development Activities
Category 4 - Sub Agency Development
14
Xpressions - December 2014
RO - NAGERCOIL (BRANCH - MARTHANDOM)
RO - THRISSUR (BRANCH - VADAKKANCHERRY)
RO - CALICUT (BRANCH - PERAMBRA)
RO - PUNJAB 2 (BRANCH - JAGRAON)
IT Treat
Things to Check when
Buying a Smart Phone
Smart phones are things that are smart enough to make
our lives convenient. Unlike the earlier communication
devices used for making and receiving calls and messages,
Smart Phones has extended services, including internet,
planners, execution tools, email and many more.
But before buying a Smart Phone, you need to be aware of
certain things. Here is a list of things to check for.
1. Operating System (OS): There are several OSs - IOS
from Apple, Android from Google, Blackberry, and
Windows. You have to decide on which OS you want
to be using.
2.Size: The size of the phone is measured from corner
to corner, not vertically or horizontally. Before
deciding other things, always remember that size does
matter. Big size phones are the trend today. If you are
person who loves games and have plenty of time to
watch movies on the move, you need a bigger sized
phone. Sony has recently come out with Xperia Ultra
Z, which is a phone of insane dimension - 6.44 inches.
3. Internal Spaces: Are you one of those geeks that
have affinity towards a lot of applications? If you are
person who goes for graphic-oriented apps like games,
then you need to check the processor speed of the
Smart Phone, RAM, and internal space available. It is
recommended to go for a phone that has a minimum
of 1 GB RAM. Don’t fall for gimmicks like octa-core,
64 bit architecture etc. because as of now, only IOS is
built in 64 bit architecture, and android may follow.
4. Service Centre: You got a top-notch phone. But what if
the service centre is not available in your city? You may
get stuck even for a simple case like phone slipping out
of your hands.
5.Budget: Put in your budget at the end of the check list
so that you can narrow down based on all the options
you have. Fixing your budget earlier usually tends to
extend it at a later stage.
Tip: It is always good to wait for some time before you get
your hands in to a new model. Internet is a good platform
where you can find a number of reviews, based on which
you can decide to go on for a particular model or not
to. Some tech gurus recommend going for the previous
flagship model (the best model that a company has ever
launched). The price will be low and you will get a fairly
good device.
Xpressions - December 2014
15
The Charm of Christmas
and its True Meaning
The spirit of Christmas is in the air and almost every house
in the world are filled with the joy and charm of the season.
But is the season really being observed with its true meaning
and in its true colour? A short story by pianist Margi Harrell
beautifully describes the true meaning of Christmas.
J
ust a week
before
Christmas
I had a visitor.
This is how it
happened. I just
finished the
household chores
for the night and
was preparing to
go to bed, when
I heard a noise in
the front of the
house. I opened
the door to the
front room and
to my surprise,
Santa himself stepped out next to the fireplace.
“What are you doing?” I started to ask. The words
choked up in my throat and I saw he had tears in his
eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the
eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then answered
me with a simple statement . . .
“TEACH THE
CHILDREN!”
I was puzzled.
What did he mean?
He anticipated my
question and with
one quick movement
brought forth a
miniature toy bag
from behind the tree.
As I stood bewildered,
Santa said,
16
Xpressions - December 2014
“TEACH THE
CHILDREN!”
Teach them the old
meaning of Christmas, the meaning that now-a-days
Christmas has forgotten. Santa then reached in his bag
and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the
mantle.
“Teach the
children that the
pure green color
of the stately fir
tree remains green
all year round,
depicting the
everlasting hope
of mankind, all
the needles point
heavenward,
making it a symbol
of man’s thoughts
turning toward
heaven.”
He again reached
into his bag and pulled
out a brilliant STAR.
“Teach the children
that the star was
the heavenly sign of
promises long ago.
God promised a Savior
for the world, and
the star was the sign
of fulfillment of His
promise.”
He then reached
into his bag and
pulled out a
CANDLE. “Teach
the children that the
candle symbolizes
that Christ is the light
of the world, and
when we see this great
light we are reminded
of He who displaces
the darkness.”
Once again he
reached into his
bag and removed a
WREATH and placed
it on the tree. “Teach the children that the wreath
symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never
ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.”
He then pulled
from his bag an
ORNAMENT of
himself. “Teach the
children that I, Santa
Claus, symbolize the
generosity and good
will we feel during the
month of December.”
the children that
the candy cane
represents the
shepherds’ crook.
The crook on
the staff helps
to bring back
strayed sheep to
the flock. The
candy cane is the
symbol that we
are our brother’s
keeper.”
He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL.
“Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded
in the glorious news of the Savior’s birth. The angels
sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and
good will toward men.”
Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from
his bag he pulled out a BELL,. “Teach the children that
as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it
should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes
guidance and return.
Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back
at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes.
He said,
“Remember, teach the children the true meaning of
Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but
a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to
worship him, our LORD, our GOD.”
He then brought
out a HOLLY LEAF.
“Teach the children
that the holly plant
represents immortality.
It represents the crown
of thorns worn by our
Savior. The red holly
berries represent the
blood shed by Him.
Next he pulled
from his bag a
GIFT and said,
“Teach the children
that God so loved
the world that he
gave his begotten
son.” Thanks be
to God for his
unspeakable gift.
Santa then
reached in his bag
and pulled out a
CANDY CANE
and hung it on
the tree. “Teach
There are so many things about
Christmas that we have known for years
and yet there are so many things about
it that most of us do not know. The way
we celebrate Christmas was handed over
to us through generations, and all these
traditions together make it a season of
joy, mirth, love, and kinship. No other
festival would be celebrated as grandly as
Christmas in countries around the globe.
So, although the facts might bring light
into a few traditions, nothing could take
away the charm and magic of Christmas.
“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of
mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in
mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” - Calvin
Coolidge, former President of USA.
Xpressions - December 2014
17
HR FACCIA
Know your concept
HR Head’s Note:
Toast to Health
This Festive
Season
Have any one given
a slight thought as
to what can be done
to take care of your
health while you are in the office?
December is the “Health Month”
when we should all be concerned
about the amount of time spent in the
office, immobile, sitting on our chairs perhaps looking at a computer screen.
Researchers have found that 32 per
cent of people spend 10 hours or more
sitting every day, and that half of the
population don’t even take a break to
leave our desks at lunchtime. The effects
of this sedentary way of working are
compounded by the fact that many of
us leave work only to go home to sit in
front of the television.
Some Do’s…
• Take a break from your desk every 20
minutes.
• Make sure to sit up straight - poor
posture can lead to back problems.
• Seek advice from your employers if
you are suffering from discomfort at
your desk.
• Drink more water. This will give you
the excuse to get up more often even
if it is only to visit the bathroom.
Some Don’ts…
• Don’t stay at your desk during your
lunch break - even a five-minute
walk can be beneficial in terms of
exercise. A walk in the fresh air can do
wonders to your concentration power.
• Don’t email your colleagues - go and
talk to them instead.
• Don’t spend all day sitting in front of
a screen. Go for a walk, join the gym.
If you must watch TV, try doing some
exercise at the same time.
Johnee Praveen R
18
Xpressions - December 2014
Adverse selection: Adverse selection refers to the practice
leading to unfavorable results owing to differences in the level of
information available in the market.
The key assumptions in this situation are:
1. There is information asymmetry, i.e., perfect information is
not available to the employer.
2. There is heterogeneity in the market, i.e., all sort of people
are present in the market.
Example: During selection of athletes, not conducting a physical
fitness test may lead to selection of athletes who consume drugs,
which is non-desirable. Similarly, a company hiring without
background checks may end up hiring candidates with criminal
records, which may be undesirable.
Companies need to use background checks and bring such
adverse selection activities to their advantage. This would help
them match their need to the poll of available candidate and hire
the right candidate for the right job.
The Top 200 Secrets of Success and
the Pillars of Self-Mastery
By Robin S. Sharma
(Author of “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari”)
• Aromas have been proven to be an effective means of entering a
state of relaxation. Scents have a very noticeable effect on your
mindset and moods. Purchase the essential oils of orange and
clove bud from your local health food shop. Put a few drops
of either oil within a cup of boiling water and inhale the sweet
smelling steam for a few minutes. Then let the mixture sit in the
room where you are resting. You will gain a sense of peace and
serenity. A little apple spice in the air has recently been shown to
induce a far more restful sleep.
• Cultivate the art of walking half an hour after you have finished
eating your evening meal. Walks in natural settings are the very
best. Walking is, perhaps, nature’s ideal exercise. And when you
walk, do not think about work or about the bills or about the
challenges you might be facing - this will neutralize many of
the benefits. Simply enjoy the walk. Notice the richness of your
surroundings. Let your senses drink in the beauty of nature and
the crispness of the air for a change. So many people who have
mastered the art of growing younger have also mastered the
habit of a daily walk.
• Start a program of weight lifting at the gym. Strong people are
mentally tough people. As you age, you need not lose your
physical nor your mental strength. 75 year-old men are running
marathons, 80 year-old women have scaled mountains and 90
year-old grandparents are living rich, productive lives. Whether
you are 19 or 93, stay fit, stay motivated and stay passionate
about life.
• Never argue with the person you work for - you will lose
more than just the argument.
• In terms of business attire, dark suits (navy blue
and charcoal grey) reflect power, sophistication and
authority. Have you ever seen a prime minister or
president in a tan suit?
• Regularly send handwritten notes to your business
clients and your other relations to strengthen the
bond. Develop a system which reminds you to send
something valuable to this network at least once every
four months. Send them postcards when you are away
on vacation. If you have to buy a few hundred postcards
and spend an hour writing, don’t worry. This is an
exceptionally good investment of your time. Another
idea is to send a recent article of interest to your contacts
with a handwritten note saying that you thought this
would interest them and that you continue to value
their friendship. Relationship building should always
be a central focus whether you are a CEO, a student, a
salesperson or a parent.
• Two of the fundamentals for a happy, joyful life are
balance and moderation. One must maintain a balance
of all activities and do nothing to extremes.
• Drink Jasmine tea which can be obtained from any
Chinese herbal shop. It is excellent for your general
health and is very relaxing. Also try placing a few slices
of fresh ginger in a cup of hot water for a superb tea
that will restore vitality and keep you in a peak physical
condition.
• Remember that effective time management makes you
more rather than less flexible. It allows you to do the
things that you really want to do rather than the things
you really have to do.
• Do not take personal development books as gospel.
Read them and take whatever useful ideas you need.
Some people feel they must do everything suggested and
take the techniques to extremes. Every book has at least
one tool or strategy of benefit. Take what you need and
what works for you and discard what doesn’t suit you.
(To be continued…)
HR Puzzle 21
1. Arjun and Rahul were working very hard all day at the local coal mine. Arjun ended up with a really dirty
face, but Rahul managed to stay clean.
When they reached the end of their day and re-joined the surface in the lift, Arjun with the dirty face simply
went home, however, Rahul with the clean face rushed off to wash. Why?
2. How can you throw a ball as hard as you can and have it come back to you, even if it doesn’t bounce off
anything? There is nothing attached to it, and no one else catches or throws it back to you.
Send in your answers to emprelations.hr@uaeexchange.co.in with HRPZL 22 as subject line mentioning your
employee code. From the first 50 answers, one lucky employee will get a surprise gift from HR. HURRY UP!!!
Answer to HR Puzzle 21
1.
2.
Letter ‘e’
It isn’t possible to dig half a hole, since any hole dug is a hole in itself.
Winner of HR Puzzle 21 is Ms. Deepa D, Kallakurichi Branch.
Dear Deepa, your prize will reach you in 7 working days.
Congratulations to those who joined in the month of November
and completed 12 years and more with UAE Exchange family.
Branch
Name
Date of Joining
RO – Kollam
J Bibi Mon
06-11-2000
RO – Kannur
Manoj VT
07-11-2000
AO – Human Resources
Babu KA
01-11-2002
FS Mart – TN Money Gram Bank & Retail
Rajendran KA
01-11-2002
Xpressions - December 2014
19
Forerunners’ Corner
My
Memories
with UAE
Exchange
B
K Cheriyan
Former Branch Head
20
Xpressions - December 2014
efore I begin saying anything about my memories
with UAE Exchange, I have to say a few things
about my life before I joined the company. I was
working with Bank of Baroda for more than 27 years.
When I joined the bank, they had no branches in Kerala.
So most of my working life was spent in Tamil Nadu.
Later, the bank opened branches in Kerala.
In 1981, I was working in the bank’s Kottayam branch,
to where I was transferred from Coimbatore. I was posted
as the manager there. Opposite to my branch, there was a
branch of the New Bank of India. Mr. George Antony was
the manager there. Both of us were members of the Lions
Club in Kottayam. We used to attend Bankers’ Meets and
other weekly meets frequently, and we became friends
soon. In one such meeting, Mr. George announced that
he was leaving Kottayam and going to the United Arab
Emirates to take up a new assignment. He told me that he
was going to UAE Exchange Centre in Abu Dhabi. We all
wished him success.
Business at my branch grew. One day, I got a telegram
from my Head Office in Bombay that I am one of the
two officers selected to visit UAE, Oman, and Bahrain,
for as part of the company’s business activities. Within 10
days, we flew to Dubai from Bombay. After finishing my
meetings there, I visited Mr. George Antony at his office,
and also had dinner at his residence.
After finishing our business tour in UAE, we visited
Oman and Bahrain, and we returned. We reported at
Bombay, and I came to my branch in Kottayam. On that
evening, I met Mr. George and talked of many things.
Suddenly he asked me one thing, “Sonny (my pet
name), suppose I offer you a job as Senior Manager in
Sharjah, will you take it up?” After a minute of though, I
told him yes. The only thing I asked him was a quarters
so that I can take my wife along with me. I was informed
that I will be given airfare only once in two years. I said
ok. He then asked me to make arrangements for my
departure. After a while, I got a letter asking me to meet
Mr. George at Hotel Taj. I went in there and met him.
After a discussion, he gave me the appointment order.
I met the general manager of my bank and gave him a
voluntary resignation letter. He was in favour of me, and
asked me to inform the regional manager in Madras. I
flew to Madras and gave a copy of my resignation letter to
him. Though he was not very happy, he said ok. I made
arrangements for my children in hostels, and my wife
went to her house. After a while, I received a telegram
asking me to go to Trivandrum and collect my VISA and
other documents from the Trivandrum branch of New
Bank of India. Leaving my wife in Kottayam, I went to
Abu Dhabi. Mr. KNS Das met me at the airport. We went
straight to Mr George’s house, where I stayed for a week.
During that time, I attended the Abu Dhabi Office to
familiarise what type of work I would be doing. One week
later, I got a letter appointing me as the Senior Manager
in Sharjah. I was also given a quarters, and my wife joined
me.
After some time, I was informed that Mr. George
Antony left the company, and Mr. Rupert, Legal Advisor
of the company, took charge, and I was then transferred
to Al Ain, where Mr. Jaipal was the manager. He was
transferred to Abu Dhabi. We became good friends soon.
Later I got transferred to Dubai branch as manager. I
worked there for several years.
While in Sharjah, I got a driving licence. Only Mr.
George Antony had a driving licence in the company.
When I got the licence, I was given a large Mercedes car
as a present which I used for several years.
One day, I came to know that Mr. George Antony was
opening a new office of UAE Exchange in Ernakulam.
Since all my daughters were married off, I was thinking
of retiring. But within a month or so, Mr. Sudheer Shetty
asked me to take up a new business. Mr. BR Shetty
inaugurated the new branch. Again another year passed
by and I was planning to pack up my things and leave.
Meanwhile, the company got licence for a new branch,
and Mr. Shetty asked me to take in charge of the same.
Again I shifted to the new location. One year later, I was
asked to prepare to retire. I was all set, and in September,
I handed over the charge to Mr. Varkey.
I was given a good send off at Abu Dhabi, which I can
never forget. Mr. BR Shetty, while speaking at the send
off function, said, “Mr. Cherian, if only you had a son,
I would have given him a job right now.” Immediately
Mr. Sudheer said, “Sir, though he has no sons, he has a
daughter who is here in Sharjah, and is a post graduate.”
Mr. Shetty immediately said, “Give her a job immediately.
I want her in Sharjah branch before Cheriyan leaves”.
I returned to Kottayam. A couple of years went by. I
kept contact with Mr. Sudheer occasionally by sending
Christmas and New Year greetings. My biggest and the
most pleasant surprise came one day when Mr. Sudhir
called me to meet him at Ernakulam. He wanted me to
accompany me on his visit to Trivandrum the next day.
Mr. George Antony was also there. Three of us went to
a nearby hotel for having lunch. On the way, Mr. George
said that UAE Exchange India has got licence for opening
five branches in Kerala - Ernakulam, Trichusr, Calicut,
Quilon, and Trivandrum. He wanted me to take charge
of Trivandrum branch. After a while, a Kottayam branch
was opened, and I took up the charge there. I worked
there for about three years, and retired in 2003. I was
more than 78 years old then.
I still keep in touch wih Mr. Sudheer, Mr. George and
Mr. Ebby Abraham. I also visit Ernakulam at times.
Xpressions - December 2014
21
Travel
SEYCHELLEs
A Traveller’s Paradise
S
eychelles is an archipelago comprising of 115
islands spanning a total of 455 square kilometres.
East coast of Africa is the closest land mass to
this pearl found towards the western Indian Ocean. The
archipelago is a combination of mid oceanic granite
islands, a few of them the oldest in the world, and coral
and reef islands. The main island in the republic of
Seychelles is Mahé, where an international airport as well
as the capital of the country, Victoria, is located. Strewn
about are also islands named Praslin and La Digue that
comprise the economic and cultural hub of this people,
although there are six island groups that together make
the country that is, Seychelles.
Considerably young in age, the country came into
being in 1976. The French were the first to settle in these
Islands, around the late 1700s, and then, the Islands were
taken over by the British in the early 1800s. Although the
French contributed much to the evolution of this land
22
Xpressions - December 2014
and its people, the British gave further. Its plantations and
natural resources were bolstered and administrative, and
governmental setup was also brought to a formative stage.
Finally, in 1976, Seychelles came into its own, becoming
independent and a republic.
The nation, in its evolution has gone through some
transitions, in political, economic, financial, and cultural
spheres. Starting off as an agrarian economy, it soon
realized that the country has quite a lot to offer that was
unique and unavailable anywhere else. Magnificent,
tranquil beaches, rich colourful culture, beautiful climate
almost around the year, the ocean with its clear, pristine
waters, and greenery, all together make it a vacationer’s
paradise on earth. The country now recognizes tourism
as one of its staple economic benefactor and therefore,
accords much significance to maintaining its resources,
natural assets, historic features, and its varied and
intriguing culture.
Needless to say, the influences of these varied cultures
are largely depicted in the local art, its cuisine, its music,
dance, and architecture. The older architecture reflects
the French and British heritage, while the modern
designs try to assimilate the older structural features to
keep the magic of history and nature alive. The Creole
music and dance forms have drawn extensively from their
roots in African, Malgasy, and European cultures. The
‘Moutya’, a dance form largely erotic in genre, the Sega,
the Kanmtole, and Kontredanse are all vibrant depictions
of the rich multi-ethnic heritage of the people in
Seychelles. The country has many national monuments,
national reserves, aquatic and marine parks as well as
spell binding natural wonders both above land as well as
beneath the waters.
Glass bottom boating, water sports, swimming, surfing,
snorkelling, diving, golf, horse riding, nature tours, bird
watching, and trekking give you glimpses of nature at
its best, putting on the best show when unhindered and
not tampered with. If the day is bright and sunny and
spent in the lap of nature, nightlife too is exhilarating
in Seychelles with casinos, local bars as well as fine
dining restaurants, serving some of the lip smacking
ethnic gourmet dishes entirely Creole. The ‘SUBIOS
Underwater Festival’ and the ‘Festival Kreol’ held around
October every year, brilliantly showcase Seychelles’
extraordinary assets each year. This could be considered
the best time to travel to the islands. The Seychelles
Sailing Cup held in January and the International Fishing
Competition in November are also incentives to tourists.
Seychelles boasts of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- the legendary Vallée de Mai on Praslin and the Aldabra.
The climate is moderate all through the year, rarely going
below 24°C or above 32°C. The sea around the island is
generally calm, and the months from November to March
offer the best season for tourists to the nation. The hotter
weather is largely between December and April.
Starting from its colonization under the French, the
islands have welcomed and been home to a number
of different ethnic groups from around the world.
Practically, every nation on earth would be represented
among its people. Seychelles uses three official languages,
Creole, English, and French, while many Seychellois also
fluently speak Italian or German. The main religion of
the country is Roman Catholicism although one would
also find many Hindus, Muslims, and Bahai believers too
living peacefully alongside the other.
The variedness in its population has remained steady,
if not improved. Although a melting pot of different
races, religions, and cultures, the republic has always
maintained harmony among its people, and it continues
to do so, ably led by its current President, Michel.
The Republic of Seychelles is a member of the United
Nations, the African Union, the Commonwealth, and
La Francophonie, with embassies in Paris, New York,
Brussels, London, Beijing, Pretoria, and New Delhi apart
from numerous consulates world over.
Xpressions - December 2014
23
My Scribbles
Adventurous
Journey
T
here is a good saying that “a father’s goodness is
higher than the mountains; a mother’s goodness
is deeper than the sea”. The best inheritance
parents can give to their children is a few minutes of their
time every day.
I will narrate an incident told to me by my father who
is no more. The adventures of any ex-service man and
the risks taken in his life are mostly forgotten or ignored;
they fade away over time and have no relevance to anyone.
He had the same passion every time he spoke about the
experiences of his life. He always believed that every
incident in life has its own reason, and every difficult
day is designed exclusively for one alone to face. When a
man faces imminent death and overcomes it by miracle,
it is a special experience, and here, he had to face similar
incidents twice, which makes it more special.
He joined Indian Army in the year 1963, the year after
Indo-China war. He joined Military Engineer Services
(MES), which is the Engineering wing of Army. During his
service, he was posted to Andaman Islands. He, along with
his batch of newly recruited army services personnel had
to travel by ship to Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and
Nicobar Islands.
24
Xpressions - December 2014
It was his first journey by ship, and they had to cross the
mighty Bay of Bengal to reach their destination. He already
had fear for his first journey. It was noon, but the sun was
nowhere to be seen; it was hiding somewhere in the thick
clouds. The sky was becoming darker and the speed of the
wind was slowly and steadily increasing. All the civilians
had boarded the ship by then, and it was the time for army
personnel to get into the ship.
The army personnel had their heavy trunk tied on
their shoulders; the trunks must have been weighing
about 50 kilos. They had to walk through a narrow bridge
connecting the port and ship. My father was standing
somewhere in the middle of the lengthy queue, and was
slowly moving towards the bridge. They had only one rope
on the bridge as support. At a time, three personnel would
be on the bridge; when he was at the middle of the bridge,
a sudden wind blew and a strong tide hit the ship. The
ship started shaking erratically, due to which, the bridge
lost connection with the ship and all of them fell into the
turbulent sea.
The gap between the ship and the port was becoming
narrower as the strong tide was pushing the ship closer to
the port. The mighty ship could crush all of them to pulp
Ratna Kumar R
Chief Compliance Officer India
tribes dangerously armed with venomous arrows, and
they were disguised and guarding from treetops. They do
not allow any outsiders to venture into their territory. For
the Indian Army, it was a challenging task as they had lost
a few of their army personnel who had gone inside the
jungle. After many brave efforts and challenges, the Army
successfully built the airport in 3-years time and was able
to bring out some of the forest tribes to the civilised world.
My father always used to tell that everything in life has
its own reasons and wants to teach us some lessons of
survival. It was time for him to return to his homeland. He
had a bitter experience on his first journey, and now, it was
his second trip by ship. But the difference was that he had
become an experienced swimmer. They again boarded the
ship from Port Blair to Calcutta. The ship reached half way.
In those days, travelling by ship was dangerous as they do
not know when the ship would run into bad weather or
high tide as the ships were not as good as those built now
with sophisticated communication systems. The worst
thing happened again on his way back. The ship ran into
high tide. It was raining heavily and the tide was getting
stronger. The ship was out of control. It was moving with
the current and was rising up and going down. The water
from the sea was racing ahead of the ship.
if it came closer to the port. There was huge chaos as they
fell into the sea and they were nowhere to be seen. The
water was green and thick with oil, so no one was able to
understand how deep the water was and how deep they
had gone down. The weight on their shoulders was so
heavy that they were all pulled down deeper into the sea.
There is always an impulsive knowledge that comes
from nowhere in such situations; maybe it is instinctively
kept for handling such problems. All of a sudden my
father realised that he needs to live and he must see the
light above. He somehow unstrapped his luggage on his
shoulder and took a sharp thrust upwards and swam
continuously to reach the surface. He saw a yellow rope
hanging from the broken bridge and he managed to
get hold of it. He was the only one sighted, and he was
immediately pulled out of the sea by others. With the grace
of God, he had only a few bruises. But one army man lost
his life in the tragic accident; the other escaped with slight
injuries.
Indian Army had an important assignment for them in
Andaman Islands; it was for the construction of runway
for a new airport for which, a portion of dense forest was
required to be cleared. The forest was inhabited by forest
He was again in the same stage of life where his life was
on toss. He prayed for his life and felt that may be it is his
fate to die in the sea. The rainwater and the sea water were
pouring into the ship and it lost its control and started
sinking. My father somehow managed to reach the nearest
escape boat with his life jacket. But all of a sudden, a
strong tide hit the ship and it was back to its right position.
Though many of the army personnel had fallen into the
sea, they were quickly rescued. The rain stopped, the wind
cooled down, and water started receding from the platform
of the ship. But the ship was in the middle of the sea,
damaged, and could not be used until it was repaired. The
ship’s distress signal got intercepted by another ship and
all of the personnel were rescued. They went back to Port
Blair and stayed back for a few more days. Finally, they
reached Calcutta by a specially arranged army flight.
My father left Indian army in the year 1973 and finally
settled down. Years passed on. He enjoyed every moment
of his life till his last day. Whenever he spoke about his life
experiences, he used to bring out all his passion. For many
of us, our father is our first super hero. Stories told by our
parents and grandparents have inspired us in many ways
to face challenges in life. The relevance of their stories will
come to be known only later in our lives. You will know
their value only when you see their empty chairs.
Xpressions - December 2014
25
Employee Engagement
Escape 2014 - Corporate Funfest by Rotary Club
E
mployees of UAE Exchange India actively
participated in the Escape 2014 organised by
Rotary Club of Cochin East (RCCE) in Kochi on
15th and 16th November, 2014. Various programmes
and competitions in arts, sports, management, and
culture, were arranged for the participants of the grand
event. Employees participated in various competitions
like athletics, futsal, western music, solo music,
corporate quiz, badminton, and group music. UAE
Exchange India’s MD Mr. V George Antony honoured
the participants and winners of Escape 2014 from
the company at the Administrative Office, Kochi, by
presenting them with certificate and memento.
Escape is an annual inter-corporate funfest organized
by RCCE. Every year, hundreds of professionals take part
in this two-day event. The event is rightly named Escape,
as it helps the corporate people “escape” from their
busy schedules to partake in fun-filled competitions in
various categories. The profit from Escape is used for
funding the Club’s Community Service Projects, and to
help the deserving and needy people in the society. The
event is aimed at fostering goodwill and co-operation
among participants by bringing a common platform for
them to meet and compete against their peers, both in
the organization and outside.
Best Suggestions for a Better Tomorrow
A
ll departments of UAE
Exchange India got a
golden opportunity to
come up with innovative and
implementable changes that need
to be incorporated in the company
in order to achieve the vision
of bringing a difference to the
company’s business operations.
Employees from different
departments actively engaged in the
challenge by submitting a number
of interesting suggestions. Best six
innovative and practical suggestions
were selected by the company’s
MD Mr. V George Antony, and
the employees who suggested the
points were rewarded.
26
Xpressions - December 2014
The winners and their suggestions:
1.HR Department – Mr. Rathish R
Changes in VP - Poor Performers and Best Performers
2.Finance Department – Mr. Vijay
Alarming mail communication & Whom to Contact profile in website
3.Business Development Department – Ms. Soumya
Instant SMS/email option from transaction or call centre screen to customer &
option to view more details about a transaction
4.HR Department – Mr. Durai
A data base of people who come for interview or website enquiry so as to
contact them for future sales
5.Audit Department – Mr. Rajesh
Exceptions in one menu for all products so that it will be easy to monitor for all
6.IT Department – Ms. Bindiya
Psychical Cash Tallying Tool, Fund management to web, routing all fund
payments via IMPS system
Congratulations to all!
Photoshoot
The entries for photography contest are really appreciable. These are just a few of the photographs we have received. The
contest is still open, and if you wish to participate, you may send in ONE of your best clicks to xpressions@uaeexchange.
co.in. The 1st and 2nd winners will be rewarded with a cash prize of INR 1000 and INR 500 respectively.
Durai Raj R (Head - Talent Acquisition)
Jithin U (Forex Head – Nilambur)
Ratna Kumar R (Chief Compliance Officer – India)
Xpressions - December 2014
27
Women’s Corner
Culture is to Follow,
not to showcase
G
reat Indian minds take pride in culture and talk about its eminence
flawlessly. This scenario seems sarcastic when we think about its
acceptance. Though there is huge acceptance for culture in books and
in the minds of foreigners, there is not even a single individual in the country who
takes the breath of Indian culture. We Indians love hearing about the greatness of
our culture from emigrants worldwide.
Just have a thought and ask yourself - How much do you follow Indian Culture?
Young minds who are stuck with the Western zest abandon Indian values. They
adopt Western culture particularly in food and costume. In culture lie art, language,
customs, cuisine, and humanity, and it is the real Indian value. We are like fools
carrying great treasures, yet crying for wealth without recognising what we have.
Born in the land of multicultural fraternity, we consciously adopt occidental culture.
Mark Twain has rightly described India - “India is the cradle of human race, the
birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend,
and the great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most constructive
materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only”.
Foreigners who express their interest in Indian culture have to be admired. While
we move ahead with colourful western trends, they follow our classic culture.
Communication makes man. Our purest form of language has been altered with
new queer phrases that interrupt vanity. The hilarious thought that the West is
far better than the East in all senses directs people towards foreign taste. Try to
consume the holiness of our culture and be proud of being an Indian.
Feba Jacob
AO Communication
28
Xpressions - December 2014
Budding Talents
First Prize in Mono Acting
A
dithya Krishna A, son of C Arun, Head - Credit Control &
Concurrent Audit, and C Smitha, won first prize in Mono Act
competition in the 23rd All Kerala Children’s Fest conducted
by Cochin Shipyard in November. A number of schools participated
in the talent fest.
Adithya, a student of 7th standard in Infant Jesus Public School,
North Paravur, started showcasing his talent at the age of five. Other
than mono acting, he has proved his talent in various other fields
including recitation, elocution in Hindi, Malayalam, and English, light
music, drama, etc. His talent has brought him farther by winning him
various titles. Adithya has become Group Champion in CBSE Kalotsav
2014 two times under Age 12 Category. He has also become Group
Champion in Kerala State Shalabhamela, a programme conducted by
Deshiya Bala Tharangam.
The little champion has miles to go in his life. This talented lad
wants to be a scientist in future.
World of Colours and Canvas
N
ia Mathew, daughter of Nitha Mathew, Head - XPAY Customer Support, and Adv. Mathew Jacob, has been
shimmering in the world of colours and canvas from her childhood. She started drawing pictures of little flowers,
her parents, and beautiful butterflies with her own vague language when she was only 2 years old. This young girl
has already started conducting exhibitions and selling her paintings for art lovers in this young age.
Watercolour painting, oil painting, and acrylic painting are the favourites of this young talented girl who is presently
studying in Saraswathi Vidyanikethan, Ernakulam. Other than painting, Nia is also interested in dancing, adventure,
trekking, and organising events. She has won prizes for watercolour painting and oil painting in State Level Competitions,
and has also won the first prize for District Level Competition.
Nia Mathew has already decided her bright future. She wants to continue her talent and become a well-known artist, but
at the same time, her ambition is to become a doctor.
Nia Mathew
Xpressions - December 2014
29
matrimonio bells
30
Mr. N Vigneswaran, Regional Head –
Nagercoil, and Ms. Sruthi.
Mr. Damodaran Namboodiri, Business Head
- Puthiyatheru, and Ms. Manjusha.
Mr. Remesh C Nair, Kanjirapally, and
Ms. Vidhu Venu
Mr. Linesh Dhanya and
Ms. Neethu Chandran
Mr. Biplab Ghosh and
Ms. Sunanda
Mr. Manohara and
Ms. Archana
Ms. Shalini Singh and
Mr. Vaibhav Agrawal
Mr. Lakshman V and
Ms. Suja Baskaran
Mr. Prince and Ms. Deepa
Mr. M Murali and
Ms. Vasantha Lakshmi
Xpressions - December 2014
Special Days
World AIDS Day
Navy Day
W
N
1st December
orld AIDS Day is held on 1st December
every year and is an opportunity for people
worldwide to unite in the fight against
HIV, show their support for people living with HIV,
and to commemorate people who have died due to
AIDS. The first World AIDS Day was held in 1988.
AIDS is one of the most destructive pandemics in
history. Today, many scientific advances have been
made in HIV treatment and there are laws to protect
people living with HIV. But despite this, people do
not know the facts about how to protect themselves
and others from HIV, and discrimination remain a
reality for many people living with HIV. World AIDS
Day is important as it reminds the public and the
government that HIV has not gone away – there is still
a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight
prejudice and improve education. World AIDS Day is
an opportunity for everyone to learn the facts about
HIV and put knowledge into action. The Day is also
a great opportunity to raise money for NAT (National
AIDS Trust).
4th December
avy Day in India is observed on 4th December
every year to celebrate the magnificence,
achievements, and role of the naval force to
the country. Indian navy is the marine branch (naval
branch) of the India’s armed forces which is led by
the President of India as a Commander-in-Chief of
the Indian Navy. The Maratha emperor, Chhatarpati
Shivaji Bhosle of the 17th century is considered the
“Father of the Indian Navy”. Indian Navy plays a great
role in securing the marine borders of the country as
well as enhancing the international relations of India
through many ways like seaport visits, joint exercises,
humanitarian missions, calamity relief, etc. Modern
Indian navy has undergone speedy renovation in order
to improve the position of navy to the Indian Ocean
region. Activities conducted on the celebration of the
event include operational demonstration to show the
potential and resourcefulness of the naval submarines,
ships, aircrafts, and unique forces, flying of aircrafts,
etc. On this day the warships and aircrafts of the
Indian Navy are open to visitors. The Military Photo
Exhibitions are also organised by photojournalists.
National Pollution Control Day
2nd December
T
he National Pollution Control Day is celebrated every year on 2nd
December in India as a tribute to the thousands of human beings who
lost their lives in the Bhopal gas tragedy that occurred in the night of
2nd December in the year 1984. The tragedy happened due to the leakage of
poisonous chemical - Methyl Isocyanate (also called MIC), from the Union
Carbide Chemical Plant in the city. About 25,000 people were affected, and about
3,700 died on the spot. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy was identified as the biggest
industrial pollution disaster in the history. One of the main factors of observing
the National Pollution Control Day is to manage and control the Industrial
Disaster as well as prevention of the pollution created by the industrial processes
or manual negligence of water, air and soil. Various laws are declared by the
Government all over the world in order to seriously control and prevent pollution.
Source: Internet
Xpressions - December 2014
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