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Meeting the President

The chosen few share their experiences of interacting with George W. Bush. RENUKA VIJAY KUMAR and SANGEETHA DEVI. K get the inside story

POWER MEET President Bush interacts with young entrepreneurs

Getting an audience with the President of the United Sates of America, George W. Bush, was next to impossible even for many political bigwigs. But some young entrepreneurs from Hyderabad had a field day when they not only had a 15-minute candid conversation with George Bush, but also had an additional 45 minutes of open discussion. Sixty young entrepreneurs were short-listed, of which 16 got to meet the `man of the moment'.

In addition to meeting him at the Indian School of Business, they got to quiz him on matters that varied from Indo-U.S ties to business, pharmaceuticals and on why the U.S is showing a keen interest in India.

A common factor binding the chosen 16 was their connection with the U.S. While some have active business interests, others had spent a few years studying in the U.S. A few of them share their experience with Metro Plus.

Salman Babukhan, Managing Director, Babukhan Constructions (studied in the U.S for four years)

"Apart from the U.S factor, we were also short listed based on our association with the CII and YEO. Prior to the round table meeting, Mr. Bush met us informally and asked us to feel at ease to pose questions. The meeting lasted for an hour and each one was allowed to ask one question. Having studied in the U.S, I have observed that not many people there are aware of our culture. My question was centred on how we can bridge the cultural divide between the two nations."

Amar Ohri, restaurateur (studied MBA in hospitality in the U.S)

"He made us feel comfortable from the word go. At times he was direct and funny and at times he was blunt. But he knew what he wanted. I was keen on knowing the reason behind Bush's sudden interest in India. He replied through a lengthy answer. He felt that the government policies have changed; we lead by setting an example for a democratic nation, and the 300 million strong middle class in India are of business interest to the U.S."

Harsha Paruchuri, Executive Director, Pragati Offset Pvt. Ltd. (Studied at the University of Rochester and does business with the States)

"I came back with a more positive impression of Bush. When I first went in, I didn't expect much. Each of us asked different questions and he did quite a good job of answering them. In general, his understanding of issues around was impressive. I had heard so much about the famous Bushisms that I didn't know what to expect. He said he saw real democracy in India when he saw so many different people speaking different languages living together. But I am honoured to have met the President of the United States and not just George Bush. Not too many people get to interact at such close quarters."

Teja Raju, Managing Director, Maytas Infra (Studied at Carnegie-Mellon University)

"I asked him about India's economic progress and what it takes to make a progressing country like India into a developed one. He answered very well. It was a fantastic experience and as of now, I'm still excited. It's a good feeling and I feel privileged. The congratulatory calls are still coming in. It's unlikely that we could get such a chance again."

Siddharth Sanghi, CEO, Sanghi Group (Exports to the U.S.)

"I feel encouraged and positive and it is definitely a good opportunity to meet the head of one of the most powerful countries. I asked him two questions and since I'm from the textile industry, both of them were based on that. I am still a bit excited as are people around me."

Prachi Patodia, Director, Perfect Knitter Ltd (GTN group) (Studied at Wharton and business with the U.S.)

"The opportunity to meet President Bush was the opportunity of the lifetime. It was beyond a good dream come true. My questions were centered on globalisation. He spoke on opening up of economies and the whole experience was very amazing.

Here we were, meeting perhaps the most powerful man and for someone of his stature, he was so casual, simple and down to earth. The whole manner with which he conducted himself put us at ease and as president, he was so open-minded. Right from the beginning, he told us not to hesitate and to ask him whatever was on our mind.

We were informed a week before we met him and we did have a mock session, but none of the questions were decided beforehand. We were only told not to ask him anything that is not fit to ask of a President. I am excited and feel privileged too. I think this is great news for India and Hyderabad too.

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