Alison
Marketing Major
Jan. 3, 2007

This morning we left our hotel at 5 in the morning for our visit to Tata Steel in Tatanagar. Our drivers forgot to bring some papers we needed to get through all the way to the train station. Paul eventually convinced the people holding us there to let us through so we could catch our train. This little hold-up made us late for the train. And that is where the adventure began.

As we pulled up to the train station Paul and Chacha warned us to be ready to run. As we filed out of the bus the race began. We ran, dashed, and dodged through traffic, on sidewalks, the streets, amongst busy travelers and beggars. This happened to be the busiest train station in Kolkata! After a rush (and dropping our train tickets onto the tracks) and more excitement than I have ever experienced snowboarding, longboarding, or rock climbing, we finally made it onto the train.

The three-hour train ride showed us jungles and villages alongside the train tracks. Indians worked in fields, cleaned themselves, rode bicycles, sold food, and live right along the tracks. I cannot see how they stay alive on so little. Is every day the same?

In Tatanagar we were met by employees at Tata Steel. We were given a company background and talked with many employees. Tata is an enormous conglomerate. Revenues for 2005-2006 were $21.9 billion. Tata comprises seven business sectors: information systems and communications; engineering; materials; services; energy; consumer products; and chemicals. Tata is part of nearly everybody’s life in India multiple times each day. What stood out the most at this business was how proud the employees were of the business. Tata prides itself in strong ethics. Their business strategy is to provide excellent jobs, services, and standard of living for their employees. They enrich the community in extraordinary ways that are all visible. Our experience at Tatanagar was a valuable opportunity for business students. I was able to see what I have studied in operations management in the real world.  

The people and employees at Tata Steel were so welcoming and sharing. They spent an entire day teaching us about their company. They provided us with snacks and an excellent lunch all for free. Visiting the steel plant was amazing. The place was enormous. We were able to learn about the entire steel making process.

The trip back was much longer than the three-hour ride in. We are all ready for a good night’s sleep so we can be up early for a new day and another great adventure. The most challenging part of the trip so far is processing all I see and observe. All I can say is bring on more adventure, I love racing through the busy streets of Kolkata.