Redevelopment Steps - Housing Societies in Mumbai

for housing societies in Mumbai, going for redevelopment

STEPS INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS OF REDEVELOPMENT 

·         Preparation of feasibility report 

·  Preparation of tender document and invitation of the offers from developers.

·         Scrutinize the offers received from developers and finalize one developer on the basis of his offer, his market reputation, goodwill and his financial capacity.

·         Prepare development agreement and finalize building plans with the selected developer.

·         Preparation of municipal drawings and submitting the same in M.C.G.M. for I.O.D.

·         Purchasing T.D.R. and Approving the building plans in lieu of purchased T.D.R. in M.C.G.M.

·         Vacating and handing over the vacate and peaceful possession of the  building to the developer.

·         Obtaining plinth C.C. from M.C.G.M.

·         Completing the work upto plinth level and obtaining further C.C. for the entire work.

·         Completion of the entire construction work.

·         Obtaining occupation certificate of the completed building and giving possession of new flats to the members.

by Utkarsh Jani

www.redevelopmumbai.com 

Structural Audit (Mumbai)

Structural Audit (Survey)

The general health and performance of a building depends on its quality of maintenance. As a building grows old, ageing, use (or misuse) and exposure to the environment can affect the health of the building significantly. Therefore, it is advisable to monitor it periodically by taking a professional opinion. Structural Audit is a preliminary technical survey of a building to assess its general health as a civil engineering structure. It is usually initiated as the first step for repair. This is similar to the periodic health checkup recommended for older people. 

When to do Structural Audit ???

Model byelaw no. 77 specifies Structural Audit as a mandatory (necessary and binding) requirement. It stipulates that if the age of a building is 15 to 30 years, Structural Audit must be carried out once in 5 years and for buildings older than 30 years it should be carried out once in 3 years. You may, however, go for it even earlier if you suspect the condition of your building to be bad

How is it carried out ???

Structural Audit is commissioned by appointing a Consulting Structural Engineer registered with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM or BMC). The Consultant carries out as a visual survey of the building covering its faces, stilts, staircase, terrace, flats, shops and ancillary structures such as pump room, compound wall, etc. Repair history of the building and specific observations/ experiences of the members are also noted. Critical observations, probable causes of distress, remarks on structural health and recommendations for further action are given in the Structural Audit Report.

Why Structural Audit / Status Report ???

Exact details of distress at columns/beams/slabs (cover or core) 25%-50%-75% shown in colors.

Useful for loan application to bank, useful for insurance claim.

Additional proof of sound structure before purchase or sale flat

Members can understand the exact status/condition of their individual flat

Easier to convince, to get co-operation and fund from members

To produce if required by registrar or BMC or ant other Govt. Dept

Helps contractors to understand the exact nature of distress before touching the structure for repairs, so chances of increasing the work/cost is minimum.

Even members can visualize the extent of repairs during work and can experience

The condition of water distribution and water protection system also forms part of structural status report.

Cost effective solutions and specification will give full justice to your contributed amount.(every single rupee of yours should be put to good use)

It has remedial measures

Estimated repair cost priorities are taken care

On the strength of authentic reports even after some years if problem arises you can contact consultants or contractor for rectifications

Consultants involvement in repairs (proper planning-systematic/methodical repairs) improves the work –effectiveness by 95%. 

http://www.redevelopmumbai.com

Redevelopment Seminar by Edifice Erection Pvt. Ltd

Seminar on Redevelopment was held at Khar- 10th Road, on 29th september 2013.

the topics covered were
1. what is redevelopment , why redevelopment , how to take up redevelopment  and Role of PMC by Utkarsh Jani

2. FSI calculations and BMC rules for the construction by Architect Durgesh Kothari

3. Deemed conveyance lecture by DDR Subhash Patil and Advocate Ashun Lahir

4. Scrutiny of Developement Agreement by Senior Counselor Dilip Shah

almost 350 participants gathered for the informative seminar on Redevelopment.

Utkarsh Jani- Presented on Role of PMC in Redevelopment of housing societies

at the Dias from left to Right- Renowned  ArchitectDurgesh Kothari , 

Senior counselor Dilip Shah, 

DDR. Subhash Patil, Advocate Ashun Lahir, 

Project Management Consultant Utkarsh Jani

Chief Guest- District Deputy Registrar - Mr.Subhash Patil

                               participants from many housing societies

for more information log on to www.redevelopmumbai.com 

Redevelopment Knowledge sharing Exercise ....

Redevelopment simplified 
28th September Bombay times 

Owning a home in 'Mumbai' is itself a big achievement in one's life and when the same home is likely to go in for redevelopment, then anxieties run high, millions of questions (positive as well as negative) keep hounding  the mind.

In today's time redevelopment has become a complex procedure as it involves Members who are owners of their apartments, Housing societies comprising of so many members (co-operative / unco-operative) and Builders who are only interested in profits (in ethical / unethical way).

 'Greed' is the main cause of redevelopment projects being stalled, delayed or completely scrapped off, as the members expectations are too high, and the builder's expectation of returns on investments is exemplary whereby none of them are ready to compromise on their personal expectations. Hence, the quality of the construction and timely deliveries adversely affects such redevelopment projects.

In order to increase monetary benefits, the society avoids appointing professionals like  PMC , Architect , Engineer, lawyer  etc from their end and totally rely on the Developer thereby entrusting all responsibilities pertaining to completion of the project . Even in the housing societies where the PMC and other professionals are reluctantly appointed under pressure from other members, the managing committee/ members either sidelines their involvement once the developer is appointed or in some cases fail to utilize them to the optimal extent as they have misconceptions of knowing everything about redevelopment. Moreover, unfortunately if anything goes wrong, all the society members suffer the consequences of such negligence. Hence, a professional's view and suggestions can NOT be ignored or sidelined in any manner in order to safeguard the overall interest of the housing society and its members in redevelopment.

In the entire redevelopment procedure, what members lack is 'Trust' among each other and most importantly 'Technical Knowledge'. Knowledge of planning & approvals from architect's point of view , knowledge of documentation &  clauses in agreements from the lawyer’s point of view , the importance of quality of construction & durability from engineer's point of view.

Knowledge-sharing exercise is a must to bring the awareness among all. Hence, leading PMC 'Edifice Erection Pvt. Ltd.', has organized a seminar pertaining to 'Knowledge - Sharing' on the subject of redevelopment on Sunday 29th September at Laxmi nagar Hall, Khar 10th road at 9.30 am., where leading industry professionals shall come under one roof including the Deputy Registrar/s of Societies, to educate the members of Housing Societies on the subject of Redevelopment and make them aware of the prospects and restraints  regarding the same.


By Utkarsh Jani of  www.redevelopmumbai.com

Redevelopment Seminar 0n 29th september

Redevelopment issues face to face - Open Invitation

Mumbai is an island city; hence, there is no other way to grow other than vertically. Most of the development took place in suburban areas in 70’s and 80’s , and with limited resources then most of the structures have lived their useful life and most of them are ready to go for redevelopment .  Redevelopment is most complex situation from society’s point of view, member’s point of view, developer’s point of view, considering the parameters of BMC and legalities of land and member’s right.

There is limited awareness about the redevelopment related issues and limited knowledge to deal with the same.  Leading PMC Edifice Erection Pvt. Ltd has organized an educative seminar on the said subject where members can directly interact with deputy registrar on deemed conveyance, prominent lawyers on legalities, Renowned Architects for BMC rules and project management consultant for the procedure to be adopted.

On 29^th September 2013, at 10.00am morning,  free seminar for all society members is organized at laxmi nagar hall at 10^th road, khar west where experts shall educate. 

For more information and Registration 9833890140

please long on to www.redevelopmumbai.com for any query and do write us for any clarifications 

Redevelopment seminar

Grand success of the seminar organized by www.redevelopmumbai.com (Edifice Erection Pvt.Ltd), which was very informative and educative .. the main objective was to spread the awareness among the societies members about the entire procedure of Redevelopment and 79(a) Maharashtra cooperative act. 

Mr.Durgesh Kothari gave speech on the fungible FSI calculations , Utkarsh Jani gave speech on role of Project management consultants and Mr. Dilip shah gave speech on scrutiny of Redevelopment agreement.

Shri Gopal Shetty, the Local MLA of Borivali was the chief guest, who accepted the invitation on short notice and graced the occasion , he also gave a lovely speech.

the audience was really good and very enthusiastic also raised really interesting questions.. 

we have finalized next seminar on 29th september at bandra , the venue and timings shall be public very soon...also we are going to be part of series of seminar (as a speaker) to be organized by leading gujarati news paper... 

we shall also come out with a dedicated youtube channel on our seminars and lectures very soon by year end...

please long on to www.redevelopmumbai.com for any query and do write us for any clarifications 

Redevelopment simplified - 10th August- Bombay Times

Utkarsh Jani-(Project Management Consultant)

Edifice Erection Pvt. Ltd

Redevelopment simplified 

We want to go for redevelopment but we only have 80% of consent of members for Redevelopment, can we still go ahead??

As per the guidelines given by the Maharashtra cooperative act 79(a),for 

Redevelopment of any housing society you need 75% of the consent to select the 

developer. On the basis of 75% consent society can obtain Registrar's NOC and 

society can also sign the development agreement with the developer. However, we must understand the valid reasons of dissenting members, if they are not genuine or obstructing the procedure with malafide intentions then before vacating the building the order for vacating such dissenting members must be obtained from the court if matter is not resolved amicably.

Our society is going for redevelopment but we are getting lesser offers than other buildings in the same locality, why?

In any redevelopment project, offers given are based on the plot area viz a viz 

consumed area occupied by members. There are many factors which determine the viability of the project, e.g whether the plot is in CRZ, if there are reservations like D.P. or municipal road, school, public housing, or there is no conveyance, or there is some balance FSI, any extra demands for terraces or garages. If the plot is affected by railway line or civil aviation zone. All such factors affect the project economy, Hence it is better not to look at the other plots and necessary to prepare the feasibility of your own plot from a PMC who has a licensed Architect and who is well acquainted with the MCGM development rules and regulations.  

Can we select a developer without following 79(a) procedure? 

No. There have been many complaints of irregularities received by registrar from 

members of societies gone for redevelopment, hence on 3rd January 2009 Maharashtra government issued guidelines for redevelopment of housing societies, the objective of the same is to bring transparency in the entire procedure of housing society's redevelopment. Such guidelines are highly recommended not only to maintain transparency but also to minimize the risk of the project as it mentions appointment of technical consultants to safeguard the interest of members, thus  the risk of getting cheated by the developer is minimized; Hence we advice to follow the 79(a) procedure.

For any queries 

Utkarsh.jani@edificeconsultants.in  

www.redevelopmumbai.com

Woman of Substance, Durga Shakti....

grown up listening to the stories of Goddess, interestingly in Hindu religion you have goddesses too, Muslims have Allah and Christians have god and these two religions are ruling the world. outside India a word Hindu has to be googled...

i don't believe in any god and i hardly have faith in any religion but one name Durga made me remember childhood stories of goddesses....

only 28 year old Durga shakti Nagpal has made so many headlines for the work she was supposed to do anyway, which in our country is novelty now...but as a professional having connected to construction industry , people must know the

drawbacks of sand mining and think of other options of greener materials. most of the river's natural flow is changed which is a serious concerns. in-spite being ban on sand mining in Gujarat and Maharashtra, in Bombay you get sand easily ...sad...

one can easily imagine the level of corruption in the trade, i truly salute Durga to have stood up against all odds to fight, which is commendable ...today you hardly get to see such brave young women of substance, otherwise you get to see lot of made up women seeking attention ...i am a strong believer of a women power, as i remember what my mother could do, my father could never do ...As they say there is always a woman behind a successful man , i would say there would be only women behind successful country...women are truly blessed with something called inner strength and will power which many men lack, no wonder mothers are called replacement of god ...today i realized it surely makes sense of telling stories of goddesses to a growing child .... 

we need many more such durga ,kali ,Ambe , laxmi, saraswati, bhavani, parvati, Sita, chandi, sati, radha, meera to make our nation ....

we call Bharat Mata but irony is that only so called politician Baap run the country....

jai hind and jai durga

Redevelopment Simplified- 3rd August Bombay Times

Utkarsh Jani-(Project Management Consultant)

Edifice Erection Pvt. Ltd

Redevelopment simplified 

We want to go for redevelopment but we only have 80% of consent of members for Redevelopment, can we still go ahead??

As per the guidelines given by the Maharashtra cooperative act 79(a),for 

Redevelopment of any housing society you need 75% of the consent to select the 

developer. On the basis of 75% consent society can obtain Registrar's NOC and 

society can also sign the development agreement with the developer. However, we must understand the valid reasons of dissenting members, if they are not genuine or obstructing the procedure with malafide intentions then before vacating the building the order for vacating such dissenting members must be obtained from the court if matter is not resolved amicably.

Our society is going for redevelopment but we are getting lesser offers than other buildings in the same locality, why?

In any redevelopment project, offers given are based on the plot area viz a viz 

consumed area occupied by members. There are many factors which determine the viability of the project, e.g whether the plot is in CRZ, if there are reservations like D.P. or municipal road, school, public housing, or there is no conveyance, or there is some balance FSI, any extra demands for terraces or garages. If the plot is affected by railway line or civil aviation zone. All such factors affect the project economy, Hence it is better not to look at the other plots and necessary to prepare the feasibility of your own plot from a PMC who has a licensed Architect and who is well acquainted with the MCGM development rules and regulations.  

Can we select a developer without following 79(a) procedure? 

No. There have been many complaints of irregularities received by registrar from 

members of societies gone for redevelopment, hence on 3rd January 2009 Maharashtra government issued guidelines for redevelopment of housing societies, the objective of the same is to bring transparency in the entire procedure of housing society's redevelopment. Such guidelines are highly recommended not only to maintain transparency but also to minimize the risk of the project as it mentions appointment of technical consultants to safeguard the interest of members, thus  the risk of getting cheated by the developer is minimized; Hence we advice to follow the 79(a) procedure.

For any queries 

Utkarsh.jani@edificeconsultants.in  

www.redevelopmumbai.com

Redevelopment process

STEPS INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS OF REDEVELOPMENT  

1)     Data collection and Preparation of feasibility report.

2)     Preparation of tender document and invitation of the offers from developers.

3)     Scrutinize the offers received from developers and finalize one developer on the basis of his offer, his market reputation, goodwill and his financial capacity.

4)     Prepare development agreement and finalize building plans with the selected developer.

5)     Preparation of municipal drawings and submitting the same in M.C.G.M. for I.O.D.

6)     Purchasing T.D.R. and Approving the building plans in lieu of purchased T.D.R. in M.C.G.M.

7)     Vacating and handing over the vacate and peaceful possession of the  building to the developer.

8)     Obtaining plinth C.C. from M.C.G.M.

9)     Completing the work upto plinth level and obtaining further C.C. for the entire work.

10)  Completion of the entire construction work.

11)  Obtaining occupation certificate of the completed building and giving possession of new flats to the members.

for more information

log on to     www.redevelopmumbai.com

Redevelopment or repairs ........ confused ???

WHAT IS REDEVELOPMENT?

Redevelopment is the process of demolishing existing old society building and reconstructing it by appointing a good developer who can construct and handover new flats to the society members free of cost with some additional benefits and make profit by utilizing balance plot potential by constructing additional flats and shops as per approval from M.C.G.M.

ADVANTAGES OF GOING FOR REDEVELOPMENT OVER REPAIRS

Today the societies are opting to go for redevelopment than repair for the following reasons :

Repairs                                                  Redevelopment

1) The repair work can increase life     Redevelopment gives a new  building

of the building by 3 to 4 years and       for which no major repairs required for

the problems can reoccur after few      longer period.

years.       

2) The old buildings are designed         New building is constructed with new

with old construction norms and           construction norms and hence can

hence cannot withstand with new         withstand with new climatic and

climatic and geographic conditions.      geographic conditions.          

3) For repairs members have to            In redevelopment, members get

spend money.                                        benefits in terms of money as well as

                                                              additional area.

4) In old building the steel inside           As the building is new this issue does    

concrete beams and column starts        not arise.     

corroding after 15-20 years which          

cannot be treated in repairs.

Thus in redevelopment, the members get new fresh building + additional area + monitory benefits without spending any money from their own pockets

leakages in building is a common problem and if not attended properly it starts eating the structure from within, hence i advice all those buildings which are built more than 30-40 years back, must contemplate the idea of Redevelopment only rather than wasting time and money on repairs... somethings are beyond repairs, be it stubborn woman or old dilapidated building ..

visit us at               http://www.redevelopmumbai.com  

Redevelopment simplified....Bombay times dated 06/07/13 (page.no.11)

Utkarsh Jani-(Project Management Consultant)

Edifice Erection Pvt. Ltd

Redevelopment simplified

Question 

We are a housing society going for redevelopment, but we are confused about which individual carpet areas to be considered, given in the agreement or as per physical measurements of flats?

Utkarsh simplifies  

Freezing individual carpet area is the most important and first step towards Redevelopment, as all the calculations are based on the area consumed by society members viz a viz plot area. Also the existing member’s fungible F.S.I. calculation is based on existing carpet area.  The carpet areas have to be worked out from approved plan copy of BMC by a licensed Architect. In case, Approved BMC plan is not available then the area as per assessment records is considered and if both records are not available then only physical survey of typical flat  (unmodified- original ) should be carried out and that carpet area should be considered.

Question

What is fungible FSI?

Utkarsh simplifies  

Fungible F.S.I. is additional F.S.I. allotted over and above the proposed principle F.S.I. The fungible F.S.I. is maximum 35% over principle F.S.I. in case of residential units and 20% over principle F.S.I. in case of commercial units. The said fungible F.S.I. can be utilized as a balcony, dry balcony, flower bed or can be utilized as part of area inside flat or shop

Question

If any member is in possession of Terrace or Garage then How to compensate such Private terrace areas and Garages.

Utkarsh simplifies  

As per previous policy of development, the terraces and garages were not counted in F.S.I. The terraces are meant to be the common areas or non accessible areas and garages were meant only for parking. However in old days developers used to sale those areas to the members. In case of garages the same used to get converted into shops and offices and used for commercial purpose. Now as per new policy covered garages and terraces attached to the flats are counted in F.S.I. and hence if the members are to be given alternate terraces and garages the same are to be counted in F.S.I. which will be loss to the society. Against all odd once in possession of garages or terraces members are always reluctant to give away the benefit of the same.

    There is no rule as such to compensate garages or terraces, however as a market practice to compensate terrace area, 1/3rd of the terrace area is given against terrace and for garages, and alternate parking space in stilt area is given or monetary compensation is offered.

For any queries

Utkarsh.jani@edificeconsultants.in

www.redevelopmumbai.com  9833890140, 65520686, 28984915

already inquiries and questions are flooding in....

shall choose only interesting questions, and will be answered in my next column..

Redevelopment.............Lets make it happen

The series of seminars on Redevelopment is organized by Edifice Erection Pvt.Ltd , which will emphasize on various case studies of different housing societies with different developers. the idea is to make members of housing societies aware of the pitfalls in the process and assess the risks involved in the projects. 

many such seminars will be organized in different parts of mumbai, e.g. Malad, Andheri, Santacruz and Bandra in coming months .. 

you can log on to www.redevelopmumbai.com for more information on Redevelopment

Zarah Jani ...........

Beneath the aloof and sometimes glacial exterior, Zarah is more sensitive and emotional than the average person. Her intuition is considerably well developed, and she applies it with mastery in her personal interactions. Indeed, she tends to be passive, even a little lazy at times and is often far away in a daydream; although her faculties of observation are excellent. She is very attentive to the needs of others, but often forgets about herself. 

She is generally shy, and can be very

touching; however she is just as capable of showing quite formidable character. She is discreet, modest even, to such an extent that she can appear frosty and distant. She holds her privacy dear and tends to be rather secretive, which is why Zarah is often such an enigma to those around her! This is probably just a protective mechanism, because she is sensitive and generally feels vulnerable. If she experiences emotional upheaval, she may react by becoming withdrawn and hiding away from the world, and could even experience periods of depression. Yet she is also capable of great courage and determination if she happens to be touched by a particular cause (usually of a social nature). Actually, she is such a complex creature because she is divided between two rather antagonistic frequencies of vibration. 

                                               The energies of the 9

are conducive to a certain spirituality and concern for others well-being  inciting her to join groups or associations with similar ideals... Then there are those of the 7, which tend to induce skepticism  egocentricity and push her to flee the world and live as a hermit - even in the family home... Parents, beware, because Zarah can be rather manipulative, and underneath the cool reserve, wisdom and kindness, she could have a surprise or two up her sleeve! Furthermore, she can often be of quite mercurial temperament. On the other hand, she has an enormous need for affection. Magic and the supernatural: the weird, wonderful and fantastic have a special place in her heart, as do tales and legends. If she suffers an emotional disappointment, she is inclined to escape into her inner world of daydreams. It would be desirable for her to develop an artistic hobby, and to participate in group activities to help develop her sense of solidarity.

my dream princess and angel who will surely fly from heaven to her papa one day .... 

wonder the wait ends first or my life....... 

dream never ends torturing me,

and hope never die keeping me alive.....

Zarah Jani.....an element of Utkarsh
miss you

only Woman can make a MAN.....

It was in Pune that I met Narayan Murty through my friend Prasanna who is now the Wipro chief, who was also training in Telco(TataMotors) . Most of the books that Prasanna lent me had Murty's name on them which meant that I had a preconceived image of the man. Contrary to expectation, Murty was shy,bespectacled and an introvert. When he invited us for dinner. I was a bit taken aback as I thought the young man was making a very fast move. I refused since I was the only girl in the group. But Murty was relentless and we all decided to meet for dinner the next day at 7.30 p.m .. at Green Fields hotel on the Main Road ,Pune.

The next day I went there at 7' o ! clock since I had to go to the tailor near the hotel. And what do I see? Mr. Murty waiting in front of the hotel and it was only seven. Till today, Murty maintains that I had mentioned (consciously! ) that I would be going to the tailor at 7 so that I could meet him... And I maintain that I did not say any such thing consciously or unconsciously because I did not think of Murty as anything other than a friend at that stage. We have agreed to disagree on this matter.

Soon, we became friends. Our conversations were filled with Murty's experiences abroad and the books that he has read. My friends insisted that Murty as trying to impress me because he was interested in me. I kept denying it till one fine day, after dinner Murty said, I want to tell you something. I knew this as it. It was coming. He said, I am 5'4" tall. I come from a lower middle class family. I can never become rich in my life an! d I can never give you any riches. You are beautiful, bright, and intelligent and you can get anyone you want. But will you marry me? I asked Murty to give me some time for an answer. My father didn't want me to marry a wannabe politician, (a communist at that) who didn't have a steady job and wanted to build an orphanage...

When I went to Hubli I told my parents about Murty and his proposal. My mother was positive since Murty was also from Karnataka, seemed intelligent and comes from a good family. But my father asked: What's his job, his salary, his qualifications etc? Murty was working as a research assistant and was earning less than me. He was willing to go dutch with me on our outings. My parents agreed to meet Murty in Pune on a particular day at10 a. m sharp. Murty did not turn up. How can I trust a man to take care of my daughter if he cannot keep an appointment, asked my father.

At 12noon Murty turned up in a bright red shirt! He had gone on work to Bombay , was stuck in a traffic jam on the ghats, so he hired a taxi(though it was very expensive for him) to meet his would-be father-in-law. Father was unimpressed. My father asked him what he wanted to become in life.

Murty said he wanted to become a politician in the communist party and wanted to open an orphanage. My father gave his verdict. NO. I don't want my daughter to marry somebody who wants to become a communist and then open an orphanage when he himself didn't have money to support his family.

Ironically, today, I have opened many orphanages something, which Murty wanted to do 25 years ago. By this time I realized I had developed a liking towards Murty which could only be termed as love. I wanted to marry Murty because he is an honest man. He proposed to me highlighting the negatives in his life. I promised my father that I will not marry Murty without his blessings though at the same time, I cannot marry anybody else. My father said he would agree if Murty promised to take up a steady job. But Murty refused saying he will not do things in life because somebody wanted him to. So, I was caught between the two most important people in my life.

The stalemate continued for three years during which our courtship took us to every restaurant and cinema hall in Pune. In those days, Murty was always broke. Moreover, he didn't earn much to manage. Ironically today, he manages Infosys Technologies Ltd., one of the world's most reputed companies. He always owed me money. We used to go for dinner and he would say, I don't have money with me, you pay my share, I will return it to you later. For three years I maintained a book on Murty's debt to me.. No, he never returned the money and I finally tore it up after my wedding.

The amount was a little over Rs 4000. During this interim period Murty quit his job as research assistant and started his own software business. Now, I had to pay his salary too! Towards the late 70s computers were entering India in a big way.

During the fag end of 1977 Murty decided to take up a job as General Manager at Patni computers in Bombay .. But before he joined the company he wanted to marry me since he was to go on training to the US after joining. My father gave in as he was happy Murty had a decent job, now.

WE WERE MARRIED IN MURTY'S HOUSE IN BANGALORE ON FEBRUARY 10, 1978 WITH ONLY OUR TWO FAMILIES PRESENT.I GOT MY FIRST SILK SARI. THE WEDDING EXPENSES CAME TO ONLY RS 800 (US $17) WITH MURTY AND I POOLING IN RS 400 EACH..

I went to the US with Murty after marriage. Murty encouraged me to see America on my own because I loved travelling. I toured America for three months on backpack and had interesting experiences which will remain fresh in my mind forever. Like the time when the New York police took me into custody because they thought I was an Italian trafficking drugs in Harlem . Or the time when I spent the night at the bottom of the Grand Canyon with an old couple. Murty panicked because he couldn't get a response from my hotel room even at midnight. He thought I was either killed or kidnapped.

IN 1981 MURTY WANTED TO START INFOSYS. HE HAD A VISION AND ZERO CAPITAL...initially I was very apprehensive about Murty getting into business. We did not have any business background ... Moreover we were living a comfortable life in Bombay with a regular pay check and I didn't want to rock the boat. But Murty was passionate about creating good quality software. I decided to support him. Typical of Murty, he just had a dream and no money. So I gave him Rs 10,000 which I had saved for a rainy day, without his knowledge and told him, This is all I have. Take it. I give you three years sabbatical leave. I will take care of the
financial needs of our house. You go and chase your dreams without any worry. But you
have only three years!

Murty and his six colleagues started Infosys in 1981,with enormous interest and hard work. In 1982 I left Telco and moved to Pune with Murty. We bought a small house on loan which also became the Infosys office. I was a clerk-cum-cook- cum-programmer. I also took up a job as Senior Systems Analyst with Walchand group of Industries to support the house.

In 1983 Infosys got their first client, MICO, in Bangalore . Murty moved to Bangalore and stayed with his mother while I went to Hubli to deliver my second child, Rohan. Ten days after my son was born, Murty left for the US on project work. I saw him only after a year, as I was unable to join Murty in the US because my son had infantile eczema, an allergy to vaccinations. So for more than a year I did not step outside our home for fear of my son contracting an infection. It was only after Rohan got all his vaccinations that I came to Bangalore where we rented a small house in Jayanagar and rented another house as Infosys headquarters. My father
presented Murty a scooter to commute. I once again became a cook, programmer, clerk,
secretary, office assistant et al. Nandan Nilekani (MD of Infosys) and his wife Rohini stayed with us. While Rohini babysat my son, I wrote programs for Infosys. There was no car, no phone, and just two kids and a bunch of us working hard, juggling our lives and having fun while Infosys was taking shape. It was not only me but also the wives of other partners too who gave their unstinted support. We all knew that our men were trying to build something good.

It was like a big joint family,taking care and looking out for one another. I still remember Sudha Gopalakrishna looking after my daughter Akshata with all care and love while Kumari Shibulal cooked for all of us. Murty made it very clear that it would either be me or him working at Infosys. Never the two of us together... I was involved with Infosys initially.


Nandan Nilekani suggested I should be on the Board but Murty said he did not want a husband and wife team at Infosys. I was shocked since I had the relevant experience and technical qualifications. He said, Sudha if you want to work with Infosys, I will withdraw, happily. I was pained to know that I will not be involved in the company my husband was building and that I would have to give up a job that I am qualified to do and love doing.

It took me a couple of days to grasp the reason behind Murty's request..I realized that to make Infosys a success one had to give one's 100 percent. One had to be focussed on it alone with no other distractions. If the two of us had to give 100 percent to Infosys then what would happen to our home and our children? One of us had to take care of our home while the other took care of Infosys.

I opted to be a homemaker, after all Infosys was Murty's dream. It was a big sacrifice but it was one that had to be made. Even today, Murty says, Sudha, I stepped on your career to make mine. You are responsible for my success.

That's the Power of Love.