By Savita Bhave Translation Nandu Dange

up the agreement. Patil made the accusation of deliberate manipulation. Theother two then called up Menon, who came at once to investigate. Theyapprised him of the situation and also of Patil’s accusation. Menon turned onhim and said, “Say that again.” When Patil repeated himself, Menon invitedComrade Pansare. After deliberations, he announced a raise of Rs. 15 toeach worker as a penalty against himself. He announced this himself in ameeting of all the workmen in a general assembly. But on principle, heexpected the agreement to be adhered to fully.Another principle agreed to was that anyone who resorted to violence in theplant would be summarily dismissed without enquiry. The Foundry Manager,Jagdale, much respected and feared, once hit a man in the factory. Patilpromptly informed Menon and held back the workers to await his decision.Menon ruled that Jagdale’s resignation should be obtained and handed overto Patil for a decision. Patil asked for three days, and then recommendedacceptance. Menon complied.There are other observations on Menon recorded by people who have comeinto contact with him. A. G. Palkar of The United Western Bank recalls thatMenon had to often go the Delhi for Escorts work. Since the flight left fromPune, he drove down from Kolhapur. On his way to Pune, he would stop overat Satara and spend some time at the Bank before proceeding, a routinewhich brought him close to all the bank officials.Padmakar Sapre was doing his CA articleship with Bhagwat & Company afterB. Com. Menon invited him to join as Internal Auditor, and Sapre worked withhim for about 10 months in 1969-70. He then set up an oil engine partsworkshop under inspiration from his father, and moved to his own premises in1977. He asserts that he was inspired by Menon’s methods and handling ofpeople. Menon was educated and fluent in English. He was aware all the timeabout world affairs. There is a great advantage of having educated peopleentering industry. Being a technologist, he was fully familiar with accountingand used to devote weeks together to study the balance sheet. He impressedSapre with his familiarity with the subject, which Sapre found to be superior tothat of a Chartered AccountantMenon had innovative ideas in management, labour matters and all suchaspects. He took the lead in arranging Management seminars in Kolhapur,and invited eminent persons such as Dr. S. M. Patil to share their experienceswith the industrialists of Kolhapur. He had dedicated himself to the cause ofindustry in general. He did not bother himself with unconnected matters.Examples abound of industries, which folded up due to unnecessary dabblingin unrelated activities. Raghav Menon too asserts that all discussions withMenon were strictly work related. Menon neither had the time nor theinclination to do anything else. His entire life was devoted to work, which in away was the most fulfilling thing to do. Most ventures in Udyamnagar hadbeen started by artisans, who needed guidance in technology andmanagement, and Menon was always available to anyone who needed hisadvice.