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My first meeting with Deepak was in 1979 when he was on a visit to the Assam estates. He was introduced as
Mr B.M. Khaitan’s son and as youngsters we hardly had an opportunity to speak with him other than a gentle handshake. Like
most Taureans he appeared shy, somewhat of an introvert, spoke just a few words and perhaps took time to settle down in knowing
the planting community. Over a period of time, getting actively involved with the Tea Division business, he knew all Managers by
their first name and was very comfortable in their company.
While in Mangoe Lane, I have seen Deepak operate differently. During the Macneill &Magor days in the 80s when the Tea business
operated out of Mangoe Lane and other businesses out of Fairlie Place, trade union activity was at its peak with noisy
demonstrations during lunch hour. It was Deepak who took it upon himself to put a stop to this menace and his biggest achievement
was when he was able to terminate the ‘Man-to-Man’ replacement agreement which was binding at that point of time. After this
followed the ‘Voluntary Retirement Scheme’ which was a great success. The Companies that exist today owe him gratitude because
he looked ahead and saw that if these issues were not resolved, Companies would not be able to grow.
Deepak’s enthusiasm to do things differently was limitless. He was a risk taker and his vision was always large. He loved new
ideas and challenges and was willing to invest and try them out. Sitting in a meeting he would multiply a business proposal several
times over to convince others of the scale that he was wanting to achieve.
He fought his illness bravely and will always be remembered as a very kind and gentle human being.
~
Rajeev Takru (McLeod Russel)
It seems unreal as I sit in my office and write this tribute to Deepak. I cannot but help having the uncanny thought that the door
would open any moment and he would walk in with his amazing bundle of positive energy and that ever-smiling face. He would
give me a boost on a blue Monday morning – as he would do on a carefree Friday evening. Thus was my experience with him over
the last 20 years – working so closely with him – and he enriched my life in many ways!
He was an entrepreneurial spirit, a visionary leader and an effective leader of people – which made him the perfect industrialist
and a manager. But what I saw in him beyond these, were qualities that made him such a fine human being – and made me learn
much from him. I would like to mention those that struck me the most – his ability to rise against the heaviest odds, his receptiveness
to other people's ideas with an open mind and his empathy and generosity towards people.
We faced unprecedented challenges in our business, twice, in the last 20 years. At both these times it looked as if we were staring
at disaster and the situation appeared very dim. It had not been long that Deepak had joined us then as the MD of the company.
But he led a fierce effort – taking the entire team with him – getting Eveready back on track.
He fought the gravest illness with a vigour I found matchless – and despite his struggles with his many daily inconveniences – he
always had time for a smile.
He had an open mind to any new idea. But he was also a man of convictions – and very persuasive at that. So often he would come
up with an idea that he would consider the best. Sometimes there would be someone in the meeting room who would stand up
and say, “Mr Khaitan your idea is wrong.” A fierce argument would follow. At such times, I was struck by Deepak’s innate humility.
Even as the boss he would accept that someone else might have a better idea. His only condition was, “Either you convince me or
you be convinced – but when we leave the room we chase the same idea.”
On his treatment of people, I cannot say enough. Sufficient to say that he went out of his way to see his people were looked after
well. He would always reach out to someone he thought was having a tough time. And he would always do so silently – never
wishing his efforts to be praised or acknowledged – again, because it came from his heart – and for no other reason.
After work, he was the most fun-loving of people. He loved to travel and was always open to new experiences. He took childlike
pride in his knowledge of flight routes, hotels and restaurants. We would joke and say to him that he must have been a travel agent
in a previous life. He was always up-to-date with the latest happening in the world of sports. He would stay up late to watch the
US Masters or the Grand Prix happening at some other end of the world – and yet show up at work the next morning fresh as ever.
He was also the model family man. His world revolved around his family – and he put family before self and all else.
He is gone now for more than a month – I find it hard to accept. It was my good fortune that I had the opportunity to work closely
with such a fine human being.
Deepak, I will forever cherish your memory and try a little, may be, to emulate some of your qualities. You have been my greatest
source of inspiration and courage. Deep within my heart I will always treasure that Image.
~
Suvamoy Saha (Eveready Industries)
In fond remembrance...
06 JULY 2015