Editor’s Note

You might have noticed that this issue's masthead wears an especially cheerful look. This can be attributed in part to the bright colours we've used, but even more so to the strikingly beautiful peacock that adorns it. This peacock represents just one of the thirteen birds and animals that feature in our 2005 calendar. We hope you will find the photographs as wonderful as we did.

Back to the masthead. As you look at the peacock, those of you familiar with Kannada literature may find yourself remembering a great poem by Karnataka's famous poet, D.R. Bendre. Translated into English, the Kannada words mean, "The bird is flying, do you see ?" In this richly textured poem, the bird is a symbol of time. This being a December issue, touching upon the New Year, our choice of masthead subject seems particularly appropriate.

The passage of time is a strange thing. The year 2004 seems to have rushed by at the speed of light. Now, as you read our latest copy of Brigade Insight, we add our warmest good wishes and our hope that 2005 will bring you health, happiness and prosperity.

INDIAN economy, particularly in the urban centres, seems to be on a roll ! In spite of the delicately balanced governments at the centre and in a few states, Indian industrialists and businessmen are moving ahead with their growth plans ignoring the weak political fabric. Kudos to their optimism and entrepreneurship.

Since the uncertainties of the last quarter do not exist anymore—international oil prices have dropped 20%; Indian foreign exchange reserves crossed US $ 130 billion; inflation is under check; US Presidential election results are known—the mood is generally bright. This is reflected in the booming stock market indices and property prices, inflow of foreign exchange, and many new MNC entrants in the software sector. In my opinion the only event to watch in the first quarter of the new year is the impact of the Central and State budgets.

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THE on-again, off-again suspense of the Karnataka Govt. Ministry expansion is mercifully over. Citizens can now hope for our leaders to devote a little more time on governance. Unfortunately, the political drama of the last four months has adversely affected the image of Karnataka, and Bangalore in particular. The apathy to the crumbling infrastructure is appalling. The negative impact can be gauged by some of the big software companies shifting their expansion plans to other states.

It will take a herculean effort to change the investors' perception, which is only possible through positive action and the commencement of long-pending projects like the international airport and metro rail; improving the road network and quality; and providing basic sanitary and water connections in the peripheral areas.

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IT'S SHOCKING to know that Bangalore is managed not by one, but a dozen-plus agencies: BCC, BDA, six CMCs, two TMCs, BIAPPA, BMRDA and a host of Village Panchayats. It is most difficult—even for the officials—to know where one's jurisdiction ends and another's commences. If the city has to be saved, a Bangalore Megacity Corporation has to bring various agencies under one umbrella-body, facilitating decision making and accountability. I hope and pray the present government realises it's responsibilities and does all that is required to retain Bangalore's pre-eminent position amongst Indian cities and to improve Bangalore's Brand Equity.

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AS REGARDS business prospects in 2005, the general mood and scenario appears bright and should remain that way as long as the Indian economy is outperforming the rest of the world— God and Politicians willing !

Wishing all readers Seasons Greetings and a very happy New Year.

Sd/-
—M.R. Jaishankar
Managing Director, Brigade Group

Welcoming New Clients

We would like to extend a warm welcome to our new clients at Brigade South Parade, M.G. Road, a state-of-the-art facility for corporate offices and software development.

DigiCaptions, to their new office of over 12,000 sft on the second floor, CISCO to their office on the second floor and Quintiles to their third floor office of close to 32,000 sft.

Citifinancial at Brigade Plaza
Citifinancial have now moved into their new office of about 1600 sft at Brigade Plaza, Ananda Rao Circle, our facility for retail and office space.

Spice Telecom
Spice Telecom have expanded their operations at Brigade Plaza, Ananda Rao Circle, by taking over 5,000 sft of space on the third and fourth floors. Spice Telecom now occupies over 17,000 sft on the third, fourth and seventh floors at Brigade Plaza.