let our values emerge - uae exchange · 2015-05-15 · development of our website and call centers...

1Xpressions - December 2014

Let Our Values Emerge

2 Xpressions - December 2014

No Oneis Missed

No Oneis 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 [email protected]

www.uaeexchangetravel.com

21.4x31.4 cm


The 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 AbrahamEditor-in-Chief

Editorial TeamSheeba Johnson Ann Susan PaulFeba Jacob

CorrespondentsRatheesh VR Vishnu MBenny Joseph TX

Editorial Of�ce2nd Floor, Krishna Hospital Building, MG Road, Kochi - 682 011 Tel. No: 0484 3047092, 3047321 Email: [email protected]

Visit uswww.uaeexchangetravel.com

Follow ushttp://www.facebook.com/uaeexchangetravelhttp://twitter.com/#!/uaeexchangetrvl

Editor’sDESK

Season’s Greetings!


2207

December 2014 Volume 14

11 Global Snapshots

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16 Cover Story

TravelNews Desk

Issue 7

05 MD’s Message

06 Letters to Editor

06 Customer Speaks

10 Media Clippings

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

28 Women’s Corner

29 Building Talents

30 Matrimonio Bells

31 Special Days


Dear Colleagues,

Warm Greetings!

2014 is coming to an end and we are stepping into the New Year. It is the right time for us to do a self-review 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.

MD’s Message

V George AntonyManaging Director

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


Letters to Editor

Customer Speaks...

A Very Attractive Magazine

The 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.

Ratna Kumar RChief Compliance Officer – India

Rich Content and Layout

Our 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.

R Johnee PraveenHR Head

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 MathewM/s Black Cat Engg & Construction WLLDoha Qatar


News Desk

Branches Blossomed

Branches Shifted

Karkala - Mangalore region

Bheemgal - Nizamabad region

Kozhencherry -Thiruvalla region Nellore - Rajamundry region

Venjaramood - Thiruvananthapuram region

Date of Inauguration: 7th November 2014

Date of Inauguration: 3rd November 2014

Date of Inauguration: 20th November 2014 Date of Inauguration: 27th November 2014

Date of Inauguration: 6th November 2014

Customer Meets

UAE 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

Punalur

Nawanshahar

Nawanshahar

Vadakkancherry

Vadakkancherry


News Desk

UAE 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.

Ms. 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 customer-support and service. Congratulations to Ms. Nazreen Banu!

Nazreen Banu of Tanjore Branch Bags the Best Convenor Title

UAE Exchange India Bags Two Internal Awards for Global Customer Service Week 2014 Celebrations

UAE 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.

UAE Exchange India Distributes Prizes to Onam Hangama Lucky Draw Winners


UAE 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 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.

Thiruvalla branch of UAE Exchange India conducts Doctors’ Meet

UAE Exchange India Conducts Branch Heads’ Meet

Education 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 Seminars at Colleges


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.

UAE Exchange and Xpress Money Organise Soorya Festival

UAE 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.

Xpress Money ties up with Easypaisa for Customers in Pakistan

Xpress 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.

Xpress Money


Global Snapshots

UAE Exchange Bahrain Celebrates 7th Anniversary

UAE 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.

Qatar 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.

Food 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.

UAE Exchange honoured at FiRe Awards 2014 in Uganda

UAE 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.

Qatar UAE Exchange ties up with QIC

UAE Exchange Uganda observes World Food Day


Business News

Reserve 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

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 full-fledged 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

Payment Banks and Small Finance Banks


RH’s Report

SupportThe Base of Growth

Divyendu PandeyRegional Head U.P. North Lucknow

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.


V VIJEESH OACHIRA BRANCH - KOLLAM

S FATHIMA BARVIN THENKASI BRANCH - NAGERCOIL

National Runner Up

Category 1Count of New Customers

Category 2Customer Service Feedback

Category 3 - Business Development Activities

1. Max new transaction customers canvassed STAFF of the month.

1. Best & max customer service feedbacks received STAFF of the month.

1. Best individual outdoor business development activity done STAFF of the month.

2. Max new transaction customers canvassed BRANCH of the month

2. Best & max customer service feedbacks received BRANCH of the month.

2. Best group outdoor business development activity done BRANCH of the month.

National Winner National Winner MARTHANDAM - NAGERCOIL

National Runner Up PHILLAUR - PUNJAB I

National Winner VADAKKANCHERRY BRANCH THRISSUR

National Runner Up COLACHEL BRANCH- NAGERCOIL

National Winner PERAMBRA BRANCH - CALICUT

National Runner Up VEDARANYAM BRANCH - TN 2

National Winner

National Winner

National Runner Up 1 National Runner Up 2

National Runner Up

SHAJIN ACOLACHEL BRANCH

NAGERCOIL

Ms SRIDEVICHIDAMBARAM BRANCH

ABDUL MAJEED K VADAKKANCHERRY BRANCH

THRISSUR

JISA MATHEW VADAKKANCHERRY BRANCH

THRISSUR

NIL

BD AWARD WINNERS - OCTOBER 2014BD Monthly Awards 2015REGION - NATIONAL WINNERS / RUNNER UPMONTH - OCTOBER 2014

BD AWARDS - Monthly National Winning RH’sCategory 1 - Count of Customers RO - NAGERCOIL (BRANCH - MARTHANDOM)Category 2 - Customer Service Feedback RO - THRISSUR (BRANCH - VADAKKANCHERRY)Category 3 - Business Development Activities RO - CALICUT (BRANCH - PERAMBRA) Category 4 - Sub Agency Development RO - PUNJAB 2 (BRANCH - JAGRAON)

Category 4 Sub Agency Development

1. Max sub agency transaction branch STAFF of the month, other than referral & MTSS.

2. Max sub agency income BRANCH of the month, other than referral & MTSS.

National Winner JAGRAON

National Runner Up BHATKAL

National Winner National Runner Up

NEETU NAWANSHAHR

SHALINI SINGH GORAKHPUR

Employee Highlights


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,

IT Treat

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.

Things to Check when Buying a Smart Phone


Just 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,

The Charm of Christmas and its True Meaning

“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.”

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.


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.”

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

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.”

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.


HR FACCIA

Toast to Health This Festive SeasonHave 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…• Takeabreakfromyourdeskevery20

minutes. • Makesuretositupstraight-poor

posture can lead to back problems.• Seekadvicefromyouremployersif

you are suffering from discomfort at your desk.

• Drinkmorewater.Thiswillgiveyouthe excuse to get up more often even if it is only to visit the bathroom.

Some Don’ts… • Don’tstayatyourdeskduringyour

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’temailyourcolleagues-goandtalk to them instead.

• Don’tspendalldaysittinginfrontofa screen. Go for a walk, join the gym. If you must watch TV, try doing some exercise at the same time.

Johnee Praveen R

HR Head’s Note:Know your conceptAdverse 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-MasteryBy Robin S. Sharma (Author of “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari”)• Aromashavebeenproventobeaneffectivemeansofenteringa

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.

• Cultivatetheartofwalkinghalfanhourafteryouhavefinishedeating 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.

• Startaprogramofweightliftingatthegym.Strongpeoplearementally 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.


• Neverarguewiththepersonyouworkfor-youwilllosemore than just the argument.

• Intermsofbusinessattire,darksuits(navyblueand charcoal grey) reflect power, sophistication and authority. Have you ever seen a prime minister or president in a tan suit?

• Regularlysendhandwrittennotestoyourbusinessclients 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.

Branch Name Date of JoiningRO – Kollam J Bibi Mon 06-11-2000RO – Kannur Manoj VT 07-11-2000AO – Human Resources Babu KA 01-11-2002FS Mart – TN Money Gram Bank & Retail Rajendran KA 01-11-2002

Congratulations to those who joined in the month of November and completed 12 years and more with UAE Exchange family.

• Twoofthefundamentalsforahappy,joyfullifearebalance and moderation. One must maintain a balance of all activities and do nothing to extremes.

• DrinkJasmineteawhichcanbeobtainedfromanyChinese 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.

• Rememberthateffectivetimemanagementmakesyoumore 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.

• Donottakepersonaldevelopmentbooksasgospel.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 211. 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 [email protected] 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 211. Letter ‘e’ 2. 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.


Forerunners’ Corner

K CheriyanFormer Branch Head

Before 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.

My Memories with UAE Exchange


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.


Travel

SEYCHELLESA Traveller’s Paradise

Seychelles 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

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.


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.

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.

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.


My Scribbles

There 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.

Adventurous Journey

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


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

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.

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.

Ratna Kumar RChief Compliance Officer India


Employee Engagement

Employees 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.

All 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.

Escape 2014 - Corporate Funfest by Rotary Club

The winners and their suggestions:1. HR Department – Mr. Rathish R

Changes in VP - Poor Performers and Best Performers2. Finance Department – Mr. Vijay

Alarming mail communication & Whom to Contact profile in website3. 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!

Best Suggestions for a Better Tomorrow


Photoshoot

Jithin U (Forex Head – Nilambur)

Durai Raj R (Head - Talent Acquisition)

Ratna Kumar R (Chief Compliance Officer – India)

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 [email protected]. The 1st and 2nd winners will be rewarded with a cash prize of INR 1000 and INR 500 respectively.


Culture is to Follow, not to showcase

Great 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 JacobAO Communication

Women’s Corner


Budding Talents

World of Colours and Canvas

Nia 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.

Adithya 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.

First Prize in Mono Acting

Nia Mathew


MATRIMONIO BELLSMr. N Vigneswaran, Regional Head –

Nagercoil, and Ms. Sruthi.

Mr. Damodaran Namboodiri, Business Head - Puthiyatheru, and Ms. Manjusha.

Mr. Biplab Ghosh and Ms. Sunanda

Mr. Lakshman V and Ms. Suja Baskaran

Mr. Remesh C Nair, Kanjirapally, and Ms. Vidhu Venu

Mr. Manohara and Ms. Archana

Mr. Prince and Ms. Deepa

Mr. Linesh Dhanya and Ms. Neethu Chandran

Ms. Shalini Singh and Mr. Vaibhav Agrawal

Mr. M Murali and Ms. Vasantha Lakshmi


National Pollution Control Day2nd December

The 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.

World AIDS Day1st December

World 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).

Navy Day4th December

Navy 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.

Special Days

Source: Internet

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