By Babuvijay Kumar Kothakota, Manager, Operations and Maintenance
I joined the Adani Group in 2010. When I look back it is been a long journey, not just in terms of time but mainly considering our humble upbringing. Hailing from a remote village in Andhra Pradesh, power cuts were a part of my childhood. On occasions we survived without electricity for days together. So when I reflect upon the past, my journey starts from the days when I had to grapple with my studies in candle light. Today I am a part of institution lighting up lives across the hinterlands of India. It is as if I am realising a long-cherished dream.
My work values are simple. Wherever you go you work as a team. At times there could be certain challenges pulling you back. But if you are able to put undivided focus on your work none of these impediments can stop you. I also feel that it’s important to take quick decisions and have the heart to own up for failures.
Power plants in India were largely run by public sector companies. But Adani’s foray in the power generation business opened a new dimension. I experienced this defining difference when we synchronised the first supercritical technology in the power sector. I got a flurry of calls from my uncle’s friends. “You are associated with Adani. Congratulations! You are synchronising India’s first supercritical technology,” they said. That feeling is unexplainable. It cannot be expressed in words.
I am sure everyone remembers the Northern Grid failure in 2012. Two severe power blackouts on back-to-back days affecting hundreds of millions were the largest power outage in India. I remember we were asked to amplify the production at our power plant to salvage the crisis. It was perhaps the most unforgettable moment. We whipped up our production to restore power in the country. It felt as if I was working for my country and its people. That’s what makes me proud to be an Adanian. We work towards nation building.