Founder’s Message

Sep 2012

THE last few months have been event-filled and eventful at Brigade Group. In June, we successfully bid for a prime property of Hindustan Unilever and have taken private equity, for the first time, from the very reputed and huge sovereign fund of Government of Singapore (GIC). July saw the successful launch of Value+ Homes at Brigade Orchards, Devanahalli. To name a few more of the many significant events that took place in this period: we opened a representative office in Silicon Valley, through a tie up with Legion Real Estate; Orion Mall went into top gear with events; and another round of successful property exhibitions—Brigade Showcases—were held across India and abroad.

CREDAI, the industry body, recognising Brigade Gateway as the Best Integrated Township and WTC as The Best Commercial Office Space in the country is the icing on the cake. I thank the leading industry magazine,Construction World, for their editorial decision to bring out a special supplement on Brigade Gateway. When the editors visited Brigade Gateway, they were so impressed with the project that they took an instantaneous decision to feature it in a supplement!

IT feels good to get the recognition of Great Place to Work Institute for the second year in a row. Our standing has improved. On the subject of Brigadiers, I am amazed at the wealth of cultural talent in Brigade Group, which was wonderfully evidenced in the Annual Culture Fest.

PEOPLE in the know say that most western economies—the USA and Europe—are recovering. The gloom and doom of last couple of years should soon be over. But unfortunately, our country and state are continuing to witness political chaos and rudderless governance. With a billion-plus population and huge internal market, there was no need for India to be in this position after many years of 8%+ growth. It is a self-inflicted injury; the result of carelessness, complacency and lack of vision and thought for the future. I heard in a talk given by Singapore's Urban Development Minister last year at the CREDAI Annual Convention that after their Independence in 1965, the vision of the Singapore government was to make Singapore like our Calcutta! (Yes, one may feel it difficult to believe this!) Singapore’s current situation shows what one can achieve with proper vision and a desire to do good for the country.

As if adding insult to injury, many parts of Karnataka are facing drought. The weather pattern across the globe seems to have drastically changed, making meteorological predictions that much more difficult. Care for the environment should be the top agenda for any city, state or country.

THE demand for housing continues to be healthy, but is becoming more segmented. Still, there is a crisis of confidence in the way the economy will shape up in the months ahead. Top level changes in the finance ministry at the centre are expected to bring some cheer, after all the policy damage created in the last one year.

THE festival season has begun. It gives reason for people to forget the tough realities of life and celebrate with their near and dear ones. We wish you the very best for the festival season.