But hasn't there been resistance to change - more so because WIL is a very old set up? "Normally, one would expect a lot of resistance in such cases. I also joined with this notion in mind. But when I talked to the people and explained them the logic behind the change, there has been very little resistance to the new ideas.

"I have got tremendous support from people within the organisation including from people who have been with this organisation for 30 years or even more. In fact, they are welcoming the change in the overall organisational culture," states Pillai.

It is a fact that many employees have been part of WIL for decades. It is not uncommon to see three generations of a family finding employment at WIL. "May be that was the right thing to do 50 years back. But now we are changing this tradition as well. If a person has dedicated 30 years or 40 years of his life for the Company it is not necessary that his son or grandson should also get employment with the Company.

"Unless of course, the next generation is qualified for the job. In fact, if he is qualified and he is ready to compete then we will give him preference. But the selection will be purely on the basis of talent. Thankfully, people are understanding and accepting it," shares Pillai who has played hockey with the likes of Ashok Kumar. They say in hockey that ‘Keep Moving if You Want the Ball' and ‘You Can't Score if You Don't Shoot'. Pillai seems to be following these hockey basics even now!

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