From an INFOSCION to a POLITICION - Nandan's Chronicles - 2

Continuing my tryst with capturing the life and times of Nandan Nilekani in his new avatar
as a Cabinet Minister, here is what he had penned after his first day in the Parliament. The
last entry stopped when the House was just about to begin. Let’s see what happened
thereafter….

The House was in pin drop silence. I was brimming with anticipation and excitement!!!!
Manmohan had informed me that my introduction was one of the important points of the
agenda. I hoped that I will be able to make my speech properly. After so many interviews
and conferences, I was nervous today!!!! After the Speaker indicated that the proceedings
of the House could begin, Manmohan formally introduced me to the entire House. He
mentioned that as the head of the Unique Identification Authority of India, I was
responsible to ensure that each and every Indian had a digital smart card as a proof of his
existence.

Manmohan spoke about why I was selected and also some references to the various
projects executed by me in Infosys were mentioned. The House listened with rapt
attention. I was asked to say a few words and I did exactly the same!!! I thanked the
Government of India for having given me this opportunity and I assured the House that I
would strive to successfully deliver this project. The Speaker then formally inducted me
into the House and before the proceedings could move any forward, there was a small
commotion on the other side of the hall.

It was Minister of Textiles who had a comment to make before the next point on the
agenda. He made a request that I should be attired in a more austere way instead of a
flashy suit. It did not go well with the image of a minister who should live to serve the
common man and should be less ostentatious in his habits. I stood up to reply. I offered my
apologies to the Honourable Minister and assured that I shall be in a more acceptable
dress next time. I felt that he was right. We also used to have corporate dress code in
Infosys. So it's here as well!!!!

I sat down and felt somebody nudging me. I turned around and to my surprise; it was the
former Indian skipper and one of my favourite batsman Mohd. Azharuddin. I remembered
that he had recently won the elections. I smiled at him and mentioned to him that I used to
like his game very much, shaking his hand. No Rolex, I noticed. Azhar told me that he
would “fix” me an appointment with an Italian designer who had designed his dapper Kurta
suit. An Italian designer in Milan doing Kurtas!!!!! I made a note of this and reminded
myself to give this example to Friedman for his next book,” The World Markets are
flattened”.
Since there was no doubt about the “Fixational” capacities of Azhar, I told him to give me
the details and I would consider. The proceedings of the House went on with numerous
bills being debated and passed as I sat as a passive audience waiting for my project’s turn
to come up. After the lunch break, it was the moment for me!!!!

MY PROJECT”S FIRST REVIEW CAME UP FOR PRESENTATION.

I was at sea. My laptop did not have any reserve power. I went to Manmohan and apprised
him of the situation. I was sweating. He calmly replied that this would not be a cause of
concern. I was flummoxed!!!! The Speaker asked me to explain to the House on what were
my plans for the Unique Identity Project. I replied that I have a plan prepared for 30-60-90-
120 days’ milestones and I have presentation to make for which I need a power socket, a
projector and a screen. I had no idea what was going to happen after this.

The next couple of minutes were a complete jolt for me. I was completely in a tizzy. Let me
just summarize what happened. A Joint Cabinet Secretary Committee was set up to judge
the feasibility of my request. The Under Secretaries for the Ministries of Power, IT and
Broadcasting will prepare a Viability Report after scrutinizing National Security threats to
my request. This was because the power socket comes under Power, laptop comes under
IT and projector comes under Broadcasting. I have also been told to reconsider my
timelines of 30-60-90 days and start thinking in terms of years. Probably, they are right. I
did not have the foresight in this matter.

The summary of the issue is that I need to come up with a more inclusive, democratic,
comprehensive long term plan for this project to be executed over the next five years. I
have also been given a presentation slot 3 months from now (by which the issues related
to the power cord etc will also be resolved). I am filled with mixed reactions. I was planning
for a quick resolution; the management wants a strategic solution. I come out of the House
and text Murthy.

“You won’t believe it but these guys work just like us. I am on a NATIONAL BENCH for
the next three months!!!!!!!!”