Virtual Water

Man behind Mumbai airport

Because of some technical problem i am posting this after one week......


Yesterday when I was going to my home after my office time I got a call from Mr.Balamurugan. He told that he wanted to meet me. Asked me to come hotel inside Mumbai Airport.

Time already 7.30 I told him that I would come there around 8.30. Urged to my room changed to casuals and caught the auto directed it towards airport.

Bala is an architect working in India’s larger archi firm. Heading bangalore office now.
His team working on Mumbai Airport construction. When I was in IIT D he used to visit my room because his friend is my friend. That time he was working with the same firm but in Delhi branch.

Back to yesterday , I knocked the door number 409…door opened after few seconds…is he bala? Cant belive…Long hair with specs. Bala changed lot.

After formal comments on each physical look we planned to go for dinner. I told him that its better go out for dinner not in this hotel because this room looks likes Tirupati devasdhanam board rental room you think about the restaurant environment. Finally Bala convinced me that all the hotel are full so he got the room here and also don’t want to go out for dinner.

We entered in the restaurant around 9 pm. Bala wanted to go for hot drinks. As you all know I am a non drinker since 2003 so I opted for Mocktail. He scolded me to go for beer atleast. I said I should get permission from my GF for that. Better u go for mocktail then begging to your GF. -Bala

We discussed about design theme behind Mumbai Airport and Delhi metro rail project quality also. The great person Sridharan finished that Delhi metro project quickly and saved lot of money in the capital cost. Sridharan inspired bala lot….bala wanted to work like him.
We shorlisted best airports in India.

My Rank is
1.Chennai
2. Mumbai
3.Bangalore
4. Delhi
5.Pune (Very poor airport our Chidambaram bustand better than this)
6.Coimbatore (Only Indian airport where you have lounge for smoking)







now bala ranking

1.Cochin
2.Kolkatta
3.Bangalore
4. Mumbai
5. Delhi

These ranking based on airport cleaness, amaniities, user-friendly signages and proper information system.

Bala is from Tanjavore..Started his architectural job for 3000/month. Then shifted to delhi for 7000/-..Now a days he pays Rs.2500/-for his breakfast..Now u imagines his earnings.

After his 3rd round he ordered again for one large. Time was 10…because of interesting flow we continued again.

This time about education system in our country. Bala applied for M.des in IIT D bcoz of
Less CEED score (94% is less? Yes it is less for architect candidates). But now he is improving/doing lot for Indian design field. Also asked me why you are dropped own company idea? You have the IIT brand but you are not using that. (are yaar …only IIT brand not helps you to start company….I want to start my company on my own money not from my father’s money. postponed to 2008 !!!).

Though he learned in Tamil medium now handling international and national projects….CEOs of many companies waiting for his appointment.

Bala’s parents searching girl for his marrige….his demand is very simple …”she should behave with me as a friend”…….”should manage things alone”….third important is “should not watch TV serials”…hahaha very difficult to find girl without TV serial. Anyway best of luck Bala.

Finally he put down the glass after 11 rounds of Bacardi white rum because time was 11.15 pm ..Bar tender informed, as they want to close the bar. Good we started our dinner.
Bala ordered one grilled burger Italy food told that is his favorite.

Its like bread sandwich filled by meat mixture.after my first bite he asked me “Dhana u ever tasted white pig meat?” my god!! I got shocked…immediteatly I gone to washbasin.

He said don’t worry white pig not mixed in that meat. It is mixture of chicken, mutton and prawn. After confirming this from the supplier I finished my dinner.


He wanted to show his design works to me…already now time is 11.45 let go to our place then you mail me those designs – me

At 12.15 I reached my room…
Just recalled Delhi Bala with 93 model splender bike…shaded jeans pant…

Now his lifestyle changed …..but still the same open hearted communication,same thinking and perfection.

Nice to see my friend in such a place.

“Man behind Mumbai airport.”

posted by Dhana @ Thursday, July 27, 2006