Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Master chef

The article “MBAs, you can learn from Mani Mama, the master chef” (Open Page, Feb. 27) inspired me to write this letter. There are many traditionally well qualified persons in different walks of life like Mani Mama. They are, in fact, capable of managing a business better than modern, qualified business managers. There are many lessons — which are not taught in any university — to be learnt from efficient people like them, who may not necessarily have any academic qualification.

K. Vydianathan,

Kochi

Before the modern catering system became fashionable, there were many famous cooks who drew up great menus of our choice. Many cooks were named Mani Iyer. They had interesting prefixes for identification — Macchan Mani, Vaayadi (talkative) Mani Iyer (he used to scold his employees a lot, hence this name), and olli (thin) Mani. Olli Mani was a regular cook in Congress party functions. He was honoured by K. Kamaraj himself.

V. Mahalingam,

Chennai

Many MBA students lack a practical knowledge of management. Their course and approach are marks oriented. Most parents force their children to join business schools for attractive salary packages. Parents should inculcate basic habits in children like newspaper reading, writing, participation in sports, etc. When children are 18, they should apply for a PAN card, driving licence, passport, and other important documents so that they get a firsthand experience in dealing with these issues and learn the importance of time.

Vedula Krishna,

Visakhapatnam

I am a Telugu by birth. I spent many years in Madras before migrating to Hyderabad. I studied Tamil and had many Tamil friends. Whenever I attended marriage functions in their homes, I was addressed as “Mani Mama” by everyone. I wasn't very comfortable on being addressed thus. But after going through the Open Page article, I feel proud of being called Mani Mama.

Chirutapudi Subramaniam,

Hyderabad

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