My take on R. Raju

Confused whom I am writing about? Its Ramalinga Raju

Known as one of India's Icons and one whose success and achievements every Hyderbadi/AP guy wanted to emulate, Mr. Raju is one among India's greatest corporate leaders. He stands in the row next to Premji and NRN.

It is not a child's play to grow a company from 20 people organisation to 53,000 people and operating in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Today early morning, the news shocked me that he had resigned. I did not bother to read how/why he resigned until I saw many websites shouting at him. While the whole world is barking against him, my heart goes out to him.

At 54, it was not needed for him to declare the fraud and resign. I dont think till yesterday, one bad word was spoken against him in any of the media. Even when the independent directors of SATYAM, resigned, I only heard people shouting at "them" that "they" should have stood with Raju in this crisis situation.

One has to carefully, logically think and apply his knowledge in this. Raju being the promoter went ahead to pledge his promoter shares to satisfy "marginal calls". Was it only that?

Reading his resignation letter on one of the websites, I was awestruck. He did apply all his B.Com and MBA skills in that letter to present to the board and the public the exact details of the fraud.
YES!! I do agree!! He should not have done it!! That is WRONG!!

But, I admired his leadership in the letter that makes anyone realise how passionate he is about his company and towards his employees (associates). He did not step back from suggesting what needs to be done NEXT. He gave all his heart into that letter. I really wonder when he had drafted it. I really doubt if it was just today morning. It must have been drafter quite a long back.

Understand one thing. Manipulating the balance sheet is not easy and CANNOT be done by just the CEO. The Balance sheets needs to be authorised by the Board of directors before it goes public. Even before that, the Auditor needs to approve it. But, in his letter, he showed what it is to be a leader. He took all the crime on him.

Its not easy eh!! To even confess that you stole 20 bucks from your mom/dad's wallet. The most easiest is to say.. "I did it for so and so.. and so and so helped me/motivated me".. But a Leader, stands up and says.. "Yes.. I did it.. It was my responsibility".

There may be 100 reasons why Raju own it all on him.. It maybe his faith in the "others" that they can get the company back to what it was and thus not putting his 53,000 associates' career and life at risk.

Yes, he must be brought to the law. His very last statement also says that he is willing to face the law of the land and as always "Law will take its course".

Last but not the least!! "Thank you Raju" for blossoming in us crores of people, the smile we have seen all because of ur efforts till now. But Sorry that you let us all down. :(