HEAVY CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE IC
Rajesh Kumar Singh,
Senior Manager, Industrial Relations
The Heavy Civil IC’s project team involved in the building of the Kachhi Dargha or New Ganga Bridge has been facing huge challenges in the normal course of things and the outbreak of COVID-19 has made it even tougher for people like Rajesh Kumar Singh as they organize themselves and their resources to keep the staff and workmen safe at site. “As soon as we started hearing news of the virus spreading and the government announced the lockdown, we, at site, adopted a series of immediate measures to counteract and limit the spread of the virus,” explains Rajesh.
“We put up awareness posters about the virus and how to clean hands, we strengthened cleaning protocols, stressed on avoiding all kind of physical contact, encouraged the staff to bring food from home and avoid eating outside, arranged for isolations rooms, insisted on social distancing and encouraged the staff to Work From Home.” Rajesh is all praise for his Project Director, M Srinath. “He takes feedback from us every day, constantly supports and motivates us, always pushing us to the limit for the good of the organization.” Rajesh also mentions the effort and dedication of Dilip Kumar Behera from Admin and Bibin K Arakkal from EHS.
“No, this is not my first project,” Rajesh shakes his head, “in fact, it is my 10th!” A veteran, Rajesh has been a part of several projects, some mega and iconic. “Before coming here to Kachhi Dargha, I was at the WDFC- CTP‑1 & 2 where I was Accounts & Admin In charge for CTP‑2 and before that I was at the Singoli Bhatwari HEP as Project Accountant. I was Project Accountant at the Krishnanagar- Barhampur TL project and Site Accountant at MSF, Ichhapur,” but Rajesh would agree that the challenges posed by the pandemic is something he has never encountered before.
Rajesh’s native place is the holy city of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. His wife, Sandhya Singh is a homemaker and they are blessed with two children, daughter Astha Singh and son, Mohit Singh. “The most important thing in the world is family and love and there is no doubt that family plays an important role in our lives. They are our strong pillars of support. Therefore, my family-related memories are my life’s most memorable moments,” leaving no doubt about the love for his family. “Playing chess and badminton is more than a sport for me, it is actually a daily workout regime,” he shares, adding, “I generally play for half an hour before dinner.”
In conclusion, Rajesh declares, “By the end of all this issue of COVID-19, I am certain that L&T will emerge safer, stronger and more successful!”
K Hari Narayan,
Senior Manager — Accounts & Administration (Heavy Civil IC)
K Hari Narayan fondly recalls joining L&T as a Graduate Commercial Trainee in 1996 and having been with the company for more than two decades, he is not surprised the way L&T has reacted to the COVID-19 situation. “Having been with the organization for 23 years, I have seen on various earlier occasions too that L&T always rises to such unprecedented situations and that makes me proud to be part of such a big organization. L&T always contributes during any calamity and it was no different during this pandemic situation. Everybody contributes without any hesitation to help the needy public,” he remarks.
Hari is presently on deputation to Heavy Civil’s Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) for the past year and half although he had moved to Mumbai to work on the Shivaji Statue project, work on which is presently on hold but prior to coming to Mumbai, he has been involved with a host of other projects starting with the MPF Hospital as a GCT. A stint at the Kolkata Regional Office was followed by tenures at HPL, Haldia – as GCT & Accounts Supervisor after completing his training period, then Balco, Sterlite Group – Korba, Hindalco, Hirakud, NHPC, Subansiri, Hyderabad Metro Rail, Kochi Metro Rail and CSMM, Mumbai all as Project Accountant. “At MCRP Package 1, I head a team of 6 in accounts and coordinate the activities of the time office and store, reporting to the Project Accountant,” he says.
While, as at other sites, the objective of the site team was to keep the workmen engaged at the camp when the virus broke out by ensuring hygiene, supply of food and PPE materials, Hari and team had one more responsibility to keep the site running even during the lockdown. “Remobilisation after the first few days of lockdown was difficult as lots of administrative issues come in and the day to day affairs were more difficult to manage due to lack of manpower during the initial stages,” he shares his trails. “Moreover since Mumbai was a red zone during Apr’20 and continue to be so even now, we had to be doubly careful with our safety norms so that the residents in the vicinity did not create issues.” Hari makes special mention of Project Accountant, Muthuraman and IR In charge, D Chezhian for their support.
Hailing from Kerala, Hari’s better half is T V Suma and they are blessed with one child, Anirudh. “As my wife has been with me for the last 16 years and to different locations and sites, she understands the nature of my job and its responsibilities. She did not hesitate at any point of time about me getting involved in the initiatives against COVID-19 and has been very supportive,” he smiles.
Major Venkatesh Bhaskar (Retd.),
Head — Security, Heavy Civil IC
With 27 years of experience with the Indian Army and Corporates, Major Venkatesh Bhaskar is just about the perfect ally to have when facing a crisis like COVID-19. “I am working for Special Project 1 of Heavy Civil IC, the details of which are classified,” he says almost like a soldier giving only his rank and regiment details. “I am the Chief Security Officer of this project, looking after Physical & Cyber Security and my first project at L&T. I reported to this location on 11th May 2017 and have been with the project since the start of mobilisation.”
About the specific challenges he is facing at site in the current situation, he flags off indiscipline and chaos, like a true Army Officer! “Uncertainty of the future normally leads to panic. We have 1386 workmen and 186 staff at site and disciplining them required constant reassuring,” he remarks. “Being a Defence location, we are in a large, enclosed, guarded premise with no access to internet or smartphones, that compounds the worries when an individual cannot make a video call to check on his family members.” The entire site has been linked with CCTVs and RFID access controls.
“It was a unique way the situation presented itself: 1562 of us working in a large enclosed space, with no means to leave that calls for Crisis Management and thinking on your feet which is my home ground,” he says with the vigour of marching to battle.
Major Venkatesh is all praise for his colleagues for their unstinted and dedicated work in the face of a huge crisis. “A number of us have been working day and night, shoulder to shoulder with a sense of purpose to maintain order amongst the workmen.”
“My role in this project is only security but of my own free will I stepped up to take on additional responsibilities like administration, enabling execution by coordinating with the client and such like,” he shares with a sense of achievement, “No one told me to do and this has given me immense personal satisfaction to assume larger roles in this project, giving me a seat at the table to voice my opinion.”
Now single, Major Venkatesh’s son, 21-year-old Thejas has completed his B Com with distinction and is presently pursuing CMA. “My hobbies are adventure sports when I get the time to pursue them,” he laughs. “I like gliding and have a personal para glider though the winds and altitude do not favour it and I also fly a double handle 6 feet stunt kite but the job I do is my biggest hobby! When you do a job that you love, you are not working and therefore never tired. I consider myself blessed!” One can almost sense him throwing a salute.
Yaduvir Singh,
Manager — P&M (Heavy Civil IC)
“Earlier, my family was worried when they came to know that I was at the forefront at the site fighting COVID-19,” states Yaduvir Singh, working at Heavy Civil IC’s Mumbai Coastal Road Project Package 1, the first of its kind in India involving sea front development. “But today they are proud that I am doing my bit for the organization and for the nation,” he adds purposefully.
Yaduvir joined L&T’s Kakarapar Atomic Power Project as an Assistant Manager P&M in 2012 and since then has moved to Mumbai Coastal Road Project Package 1. “When the news of the outbreak spread, the workmen were a panicked lot showing signs of resistance which I realised was borne out of fear of the disease.” he states. “The main challenge was to mentor them and make them follow the precautionary measures and maintain good hygiene. We also worked tirelessly to ensure that they were all safe as the project was in continuous operation even during the lockdown period. Although, work had stopped briefly for a few days in the last week of March, site operations resumed from 1st of April.”
To minimise their exposure of travelling to and from the site, accommodation was arranged for them by converting the office space, with all facilities. “Every tiny detail was thought of carefully, Yaduvir explains animatedly, “and the site management team was with us every step of the way and I would like to thank our P&M Head, V R Mishra, Suhas Deshpande, our Project Manager, Raj Kumar & KS Bhat and Rakesh Singh Sisodia, Project Director for leading the way.”
Appreciating the use of latest digital technologies utilised at the site like CCTV cameras to monitor workmen activities as per the medical guidelines, he says “we can ensure the wellbeing of the workmen through CCTVs which are accessed through mobiles to help us stay connected throughout.”
Hailing from Agra, the land of Taj Mahal, Yaduvir is married to Riya Singh, a teacher who took a break from work to look after their children, Harshit Singh and Priyanshi Singh. An avid reader, he believes that reading moulds a person and you will always find him with some book or the other during his commute to and from work
“When the whole world is paralysed with fear and uncertainty, somehow I feel a sense of calm because I know that I am not alone and that my organisation is behind me,” he concludes with great pride.
R Dilip,
Manager — IR & Admin (Heavy Civil IC)
The outbreak of COVID-19 has disrupted lives across the world in many ways. R Dilip at Heavy Civil IC’s KKNPP Phase 2 — HTS Package, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project 3&4 was faced with a serious personal problem. “My wife was very concerned about me working at site during the time of the virus especially because we had a two and half year old child at home and we did not want her to be exposed to any infections,” he shares with concern writ large on his face. “My wife was very careful and kept reminding me to take all the necessary precautions after I returned from the workmen colony. Right through, however, she supported me waking up early and sleeping very late because of my unscheduled working hours. There were also continuous calls from my family members about the situation. I am very happy that not only us but all our 2,100+ workmen and staff at site are safe with no reported positive cases,” he says with huge relief.
Dilip is on his 3rd project with L&T and all three have been projects for the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited – the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project 1&2 where he was in a Supervisory cadre and then for the construction of the Project Office Complex 3–6 again at Kudankulam in an Assistant Manager cadre. As the virus broke out, Dilip’s efforts were to safeguard the 2,100+ workmen residing in their colony. “We ensured that all their basic needs such as water, electricity, conveyance, first aid facilities and even rations were provided promptly,” he says. “We visited the labour camp daily and interacted with the workmen to ensure that all precautionary measures were being carried out not only at site but also at the staff and workmen colonies. We also ensured that the workmen were paid their wages during the lockdown.”
Dilip is extremely grateful for the support and guidance he has received from his Project Manager, Jayaprakash Tentu, Project Accountant, Saravanan, Admin In charge, Vasireddy Venkateswara Rao and his entire team and adds, “Radhakrishnan (Asst Manager, IR), Anton Charlie (Asst Manager, Accounts), Saranathan (Asst Manager, Accounts), Bharani (Executive Accounts), Santhanakumar (GCT), G Vignesh ( Supervisory, Accounts) and all my supporting staffs from the IR and Safety departments and first aiders.”
Dilip is also extremely proud for being a part of L&T because as he says, “this organization has given me lots of opportunities to showcase my thoughts and has always supported me to implement my ideas.”
Dilip’s family is his wife, Ashwini who is a homemaker and their little Maya Dilip.
Dr Mani Mohan Bala,
P 1 Project, Heavy Civil IC
The COVID-19 crisis has certainly driven home the vital role that the medical fraternity plays in our lives and Dr Mani Mohan Bala at the Heavy Civil IC’s P 1 Project has his hands full during these times of COVID-19. “I have been dealing with regular sick cases at the project where about 1500 workmen are idle and they come with frequent complaints of minor health issues,” he shares about his workload. “I have treated typhoid patients, handled two psychiatric cases and a TB patient giving the required treatment and ensuring isolation. In between, I keep a watch on the normal fever and other suspicious cases of COVID-19 and send them to the Govt. hospital for necessary advice.” He adds with a certain amount of pride and relief, “We’ve ensured that there have been no COVID-19 inflections among the persons who are staying in the workmen and staff accommodations.”
After stints at the GIDC water canal and the Torrent Pharma projects both in Dahej and the 3rd Narmada Bridge project in Bharuch, Dr Bala has ventured out of Gujarat to be part of the P1 project, his fourth. “During these days of COVID-19, it is my responsibility to create awareness and educate everybody about the virus and advise them to take all the necessary precautions, maintain hygiene, regularly sanitize their hands and maintain social distancing.” All new and existing employees, especially those returning to the project are checked at the medical centre for any sickness before their re-entry into the project premises. Quarantine rooms and testing kits have also been arranged. Dr Bala acknowledges the support he has been receiving from his colleagues at site. “My project team members have extended every kind of support especially the Project EHS Head and the Security department during the lockdown.”
Dr Bala’s native is Ranaghat in West Bengal and his better half is Jhuma Bala, a homemaker and the couple are blessed with two children, Dhruba Bala and Niladri Bala. “They have been very co-operative and feel happy when I share my work experiences with them,” he says with a winning smile. When he finds the time, Dr Bala would love a game a badminton. “Of course, a moment that I cherish is when I passed my Medicine degree and got the opportunity to serve persons in need,” he shares with feeling, “and I am also very happy when patients are cured by my treatment.”
To conclude, he points out the merit of enhancing the company’s centralized database of workmen to monitor their movements, visits and leavings better.
Jai Kumar Sharma,
Assistant Manager — IR & Administration
(Heavy Civil IC)
While work ground to a halt at most projects across the country during the lockdown, there were some where work continued at the behest of the client like at the Mumbai Coastal Road project Package 4. Jai Sharma, handling IR & Admin, and team therefore had no respite having to keep things moving. “For the finance, IR and Admin departments there was no lockdown,” Jai informs. “Our client informed us to proceed with the monsoon protection work so we had to quickly make available the required number of workmen, arrange for their food, provide adequate PPEs, support staff movement from residence to site and provide for all the necessary facilities to perform work at site and with so many restrictions, so many precautions to be taken and without adequate support it was a very difficult situation.” Jai’s expression says it all.
With an entire ecosystem living in fear of the virus, trying to stay safe at site was not enough as Jai explains. “First, we had to convince our family members because they were scared too as we were working in a red zone. Then we had to convince our society members and then en route to site and back, we have multiple check posts to cross where we have to give several explanations every time!”
Despite these challenges, Jai and his team were immediately at work on a war footing as soon as the lockdown was announced forming a task force team to handle the situation. “We had two dedicated camp attendants deployed to oversee the requirements of the workmen including arranging for provisions, first aid, PPEs, ensuring periodical cleaning and fumigation works. We immediately tied up with a bulk supplier for provisions, a doctor on call was lined up including fixing nearby hospitals for check-up of workmen in case of any health issue.” He adds, “Each activity was well planned and we had daily reviews so that there was no shortfall on compliances with respect to safety.”
Jai is all praise for the support he has been receiving from his seniors. “The positive mind-set and the ‘nothing is impossible’ attitude of our seniors has given me the confidence to work like a Corona Warrior,” he smiles. “Every day, we face new challenges and they guide us. It is a great working environment that I have not experienced before. We are empowered to take critical decisions according to the situation and they back us at all times. They have never allowed me to feel alone.”
Hailing from Surajgarh in Rajasthan, Jai’s better half is Vandana, a homemaker, and they are blessed with two sons, Keshav and Diyan. When not fighting COVID-19, Jai loves to drive and watch movies.
Satya Narayana Choudhury,
Executive IR
For young, Satya Choudhury at his first project with L&T – the WDFC CTP‑3 R, Package 3A – it has been a stern baptism as he is playing an active role in the fight against COVID-19 but feels empowered with the support his Company has given him. “The opportunities that L&T has given me in this fight, I will remember all my life. L&T has supported me in every part of this fight, providing approvals in terms of cost and care. I am proud to be fighting against this pandemic outbreak and ensuring full safety to my family and society. I am proud to be an L&T‑ite!” His sense of empowerment is commendable.
“My main challenge,” shares Satya, “was to identify risks and safeguard our workmen residing at their camps. There was also the threat from the nearby villages as people from there had come from other countries and states during the lockdown. A CRS (COVID Response Section) was formed, merging the communication to the workmen and to the villages where they were residing.
“We were always connected to them and responded quickly and promptly to address their issues. Primarily due to this effective communication we do not have a single suspected case across our entire project stretch that has been appreciated by the local authorities also.” His pride of achievement is obvious.
“We conducted meetings, awareness programs, and illustrative demonstration regarding tactile effects of COVID-19 every day to make our workmen self-safe and ensured social distancing,” he says. “Our admin In charge, I Malai Megu & OPS, Jayakumar ( Safety) have been my arms to get the necessary approvals and suggestions to help create a safe and healthy environment for our workmen, following the theme, ‘Solve at the First Step’ which was set at our first meeting before the lockdown was declared by Government.”
Hailing from Rayagada in Odisha, Satya’s life partner is Subhadarshinee Choudhury, who is a homemaker, teacher and social worker all rolled in one. “With fear in her heart, she stands at our doorstep every day feeling proud, and with a big smile tells me, “Praying for you to reach back safely and her smile has boosted me with more enthusiasm to protect my workmen, society and my family against this pandemic,” he declares forcefully.
Satya loves playing badminton and any energetic games to keep him fit and active and while he has a couple of memorable moments, perhaps top of the list is predictably, his marriage!
R Udaiyappan,
Senior Engineer — EHS, Heavy Civil IC
“I’m a lone safety engineer in this package,” states
R Udaiyappan, working at Heavy Civil IC’s CTP 3R Project – Package F at Vadodara, Gujarat. “But my managers in TFL and seniors from other packages have gone out of their way to help me on several occasions that has encouraged and motivated me and made me feel that I am not working alone in my department,” he shares with feeling. “During this COVID-19 crisis, we have formed an Emergency Response Team and all the members have shared their responsibilities equally,” he adds with satisfaction.
Udaiyappan is on his first project with L&T and has been with the company for three years. “Previously, I was with the Chennai Metro Rail Limited in charge of tunnel track work construction, monitoring the safety of more than 200 workmen at site,” he informs. “Here, during this crisis, one of main challenges has been to advise the workmen about the situation and convince them of the importance of not leaving the safety of the camp. Since this is a linear project, workmen are located at various sites a certain distance apart and therefore I must regularly visit all these sites to check about their health and other needs. Also, as the RSW staff are staying on their own, we have created a COVID-19 WhatsApp group to monitor their health, requirements and share updates of the virus.”
He mentions with a certain amount of fear about the instances when he has had to venture into hotspot zones to take a workman for a health check-up.
He shares that all the mandatory precautionary measures have been taken at site be it providing awareness training on health and hygiene to remain safe or putting up awareness posters or even conducting thermal temperature checks of the workmen and staff. “I have diligently followed all the SOPs,” he declares, “and I have also prepared a flow chart on ‘Steps to re-start operations after the lockdown.’”
Still single, Udaiyappan hails from a small village in the Sivagangai district of Tamil Nadu, named ‘Vetriyur’ that means ‘Victory land’, he stresses meaningfully. “Like all loving parents, mine too advice and sometimes even scold me not to go outside but I convince them by defining my job role and responsibilities and the measures I take. I even send them a photo of myself wearing PPE!” he laughs. “Now, even they tell me to advise my workmen to follow the rules so that no one gets affected by COVID-19.”
Apart from regular hobbies, Udaiyappan has a peculiar one of finding out ‘unknown facts’ and though he has many memorable moments, what takes the cake is when he joined L&T.
Jadav Madhav Ashvinkumar,
Executive — Industrial Relations (Heavy Civil)
Having joined L&T on 26th September 2016, Jadav Ashvinkumar is still relatively new and on his first project with the company at the Mumbai Metro Line 03 – UGC Package – 1. “L&T is a great brand and everyone’s dream to work for,” he shares excitedly, “and I am looking to grow as a person with L&T!” At site, during these days of COVID-19, Jadav’s areas of focus as an IR professional, have been to manage the workmen, their health, meet their requirements including food, essentials, medicines all towards keeping them engaged and committed to be ready to return to work when the lockdown is relaxed. “We have been one of the first sites to resume operations in May when we received the green signal from the client and the authorities,” he shares with satisfaction.
“We worked very well as a team to fight this virus always supported by our seniors,” says Jadav, extolling the merits of good teamwork. “We were able to face the challenges to get the required approvals to provide the rations, materials, disinfection spraying materials, PPEs, medicines and such like quickly and promptly.” The team distributed Vitamin‑C capsules to workmen and Homoeopathic Medicine — Arsenicum Album-30 among the staff and workmen recommended by the Government of India (Ayush Ministry) to help the people build their immunity levels. “We introduced a helpline through an online consultant that was open 24x7 for all our people,” he adds. “They were connected through WhatsApp, video and audio calls that really helped.
Other areas that required Jadav’s attention were maintaining good housekeeping at the labour colony, sanitizing the buses transporting the workmen safe, ensuring screening of all workmen and maintaining discipline at their office. “Opening a grocery shop inside the camp was a good move to prevent workmen from going outside,” he says. “We stopped the entry of all outsiders into the camp and we had a fulltime doctor and nurse to do check-ups and monitor their overall health,” he says ticking off other aspects he was coordinating at site. “We were also monitoring the health of the staff and workmen though our L&T Safety App.”
Hailing from Surat in Gujarat, Jadav is married to Hinal, who has the responsibility to look after their home. “I like playing football and cooking,” he smiles and adds, “my most memorable moment was purchasing gold for my mom with my first salary!”
H S Pruthviraj,
Assistant Officer – Accounts (Heavy Civil IC)
Working at Heavy Civil IC’s Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) project has its own share of challenges as Mumbai is a ‘hot zone’ and people have to be doubly careful not to catch the infection. With additional responsibilities on their shoulders, H S Pruthviraj and team got down to the business of keeping the staff and workmen safe at their site. “First, we made the workmen aware of what was the threat posed by COVID-19, what they should do and not do to remain safe,” he explains. “We stopped all movement of labour outside the camp and provided all the necessary materials at their doorstep even though there was a scarcity of materials in the market.” A big issue that the team was facing was to procure supplies of PPEs and food from vendors during the lockdown.
Having done the basics right, they started to build on them. “We built a sound ecosystem of the staff and workmen who were active during this pandemic situation and connected them through phones and WhatsApp to understand their needs and keep their morale high.” Through static communication like posters and pep talks, the team stressed on the benefit of social distancing and maintaining hygiene. “We were all in it together,” says Pruthviraj, lacing his fingers together, “and that is why we have been successful in our effort. As always, my site management, Admin and FAA Heads instructed and guided us properly,” he shares. “By collaborating with my IR team colleagues Umesh Tiwari, Siddartha Mukerjee and Pabitra Parida, and following my immediate superior, A M Patrawala’s instructions, we as a team, were able to handle the situation successfully.” Pruthviraj acknowledges the merit of teamwork.
Hailing from Balehonnur, a small town in Karnataka’s Chickamaglur district, Pruthviraj’s family is his father, Srinivas H K, an agriculturist, his mother, Sudha N C, a homemaker, and younger sister, Pruthvika. “After the virus broke out, initially I did not even inform them because I am staying away from them and if I shared about my job, they would get scared. Gradually I convinced them about the nature of my work and the duties assigned to me at site during the lockdown of making arrangements for the staff and workmen.”
“I play table tennis and badminton,” he shares about his hobbies, “In fact, in office we have a TT table and good partners to play with. Every day we play for half an hour after lunch and badminton on weekends by booking an indoor court.”
Finally, about the company, he says, “I am proud to be a part of this esteemed organization and wish that L&T will be my first and last organization!”
Himanshu Shekhar
Engineer, EHS (Heavy Civil IC)
Mumbai has been in the eye of the COVID-19 storm and therefore all projects in the Maximum City have had to be doubly cautious in their fight against the pandemic. EHS Engineer, Himanshu Shekhar is working at the Mumbai Metro project – UGC Package 7 near Paleshwar Temple in Andheri (East). On his first project with L&T, it has been tough going for Himanshu and his team, but he is delighted that he has joined a company that cares. “During the lockdown, L&T sheltered 800 workmen and have ensured their basic necessities at the labour colony that shows the affection of the Organisation for human beings that has made me feel proud to work here,” he declares squaring his shoulders. “I am also moved by the care and concern shown by my seniors who regularly follow up with me about my wellbeing and whether I need any assistance. It is very touching,” he shares emotionally.
One of the major problems facing the entire nation in the fight against COVID-19 has been the spread of false and fake information that can have a disastrous effect especially on the workmen who are already on edge. “Due to the sudden outbreak of the virus, rumours were badly influencing the workmen and a few staff at site, some of whom were compelled to leave the site due to family sentiments. It was a challenge to convince and train the workmen to avoid getting infected. We formed the emergency team that is responsible for essential works at site as well as the Labour Colony.” The pressure on Himanshu and team is increasing as during the lockdown some essential services had to be kept running and now with the relaxations, operations have resumed. “We need to be even more careful and work strictly following all the SOPs taking all the necessary safety precautions,” he says, like a true EHS man.
Apart from the usual measures, “we created a COVID-19 awareness booth at site near the entry gate with posters about the precautions to be taken, dos and don’ts, contact details of COVID-19 Emergency rescue team and details of activity wise designated COVID Marshalls for the staffs and workmen,” he informs.
Himanshu hails from Patna, Bihar and his small family is presently just him and his wife, Divya Rai who is a homemaker. “My family understands my commitment and encourages me for my noble work.” About how he spends his free time, “my hobby is reading spiritual books,” he smiles.
M Vignesh Kumar,
Assistant Officer — Accounts, Heavy Civil IC
With COVID-19 creating havoc across the world, the people in the ‘hot spots’ are most at peril. M Vignesh Kumar, presently working at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project 3&4 Main Plant Civil Work Package is bang in the middle of one as the Tirunelveli district has been declared a ‘hot spot’ but that has not deterred this youngster to give his best to safeguard the health of 190 employees, 2,100 workmen and 300 of their family members at the site. “With over 2,500 people at site, our precautionary measures have to be very stringent to ensure that none get infected,” warns Vignesh. “We have put in place SOPs and are driving them with full vigour.”
Having joined L&T in 2013 as a Graduate Commercial Trainee, Vignesh spent the first four years of his tenure at the Cochin Metro Rail Project handling Industrial Relations and Administration. Ever since, he has been at the Kudankulam project. “One unique thing that we have done here in our fight against the pandemic is to create a group of volunteers through whom we are able to implement our SOPs more effectively,” he shares. “While all the essential materials are being regularly supplied, an important point at this time is for our workmen to be aware of the correct situation. It is very easy for them to be swayed by wrong reports and fake news. We have thus been spreading awareness and educating our workmen on the do’s and don’ts through posters in regional and national languages.”
Vignesh is full of praise for the internal support he has been receiving to succeed in his endeavours. “I would like to thank my seniors and the top management for this opportunity,” he says earnestly. “Whenever I put up a request or any sort of ideas, my senior management and team members have always motivated me and appreciated my efforts. Our Project and F&A heads guide me at every step. Personally, I would like to share that it is my team members who have acted on my thoughts and views. The round-the-clock duty allocated to them is the real reason for our success.
On the home front, though still unmarried, Vignesh is extremely close to his parents and his younger brother. “My mother is my inspiration and motivation,” he shares emotionally. “My father is a driver and my most memorable moment was when my father gifted me a car on my 27th birthday! I celebrated that day with orphans of an old age home which was a very moving experience for me.” His likes a game of volleyball when he can find the time for it and loves long car drives.