North food dampener
By Shyam Sunder

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One would expect regionalism in Indian public sector or small sized companies. However, is that boiling over to Indian IT sector, which has been in the forefront of business practices and merit-based management principles? A glimpse into this regionalism issue cropped up in Altair, a leading technology provider for aerospace, defense, heavy engineering and automotive sectors event held at ITC Gardenia on Aug 2, 2011 in Bangalore. This is held for partners and employees of the company every year and included a few dignitaries from the US and European offices. After the morning round of sessions, it was time for lunch.

As is the norm in Bangalore, for lunch there's a mix of buffet choices- from Paneer to Rasam. However, that was not the case in this lunch buffet. As customers and employees of Altair looked at the menu, it was a predominantly North Indian one. This included items like 'Gatte ki Pulav', Bemisaal Paneer, Dahi Kadi and a mixed vegetable dish for vegetarians. Non vegetarians had Chicken Kadai and Mutton Do Piaza. Even people of international origin had items like German Roast Potatoes and Pasta Salad (apart from the usual Cucumber / Onion salad). One of the senior most managers who was invited was aghast at the choice of menu and was heard saying that this is held in the South and should have predominantly South Indian menu. He further was talking to his colleagues about dishes like Chicken Chettinad, Rasam and vegetables done in South Indian style. On hearing this, one of the employees, in a face saving gesture, ordered the Gardenia staff to serve Curd Rice. For deserts, attendees were expecting some Payasam but had to be content with Belgian Mousse, Ice Cream and Gulab Jamun!

Well, what can we say? Indian business is complex and should not be treated in a plain vanilla manner.
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