1. Message from the President
Dear Member,
Let me wish you and your
family a happy and hassle-free
2010.
It is gratifying to note that
though the year just gone by
started off on an ominous note
for India Inc., just before the year came to a close,
there were clear signs of revival in most sectors.
Despite these “ups-and-downs” scenario, we were
able to successfully carry forward our agenda for the
year.
We kicked off our prime and pet project “Educate the
Girl Child” with the inauguration of training in soft
skills for the students of Jija Bai Industrial Training
Institute of Women, New Delhi in January this year.
I am quite confident of this project being taken
forwardwiththerequisite momentum itdeserves.
A highlight in 2009 was our delegation’s visit to
Scandinavian countries where we met the Danish
Industry, Carl F International, Farma Holdings AS,
Norway India Chamber of Commerce (NICCI),
Innovation Norway and other trade bodies. It was a
learning experience of high order for all our delegates
and Iam sure I havetheirconcurrenceonthisview.
The visit of the Swedish trade delegation to India in
December last added a new dimension and
significance to the India-Sweden Entrepreneur
Exchange Programme, a collaboration between FLO
and Nyforetagar Centrum, Sweden (Entrepreneur
Centre,Sweden).
The launch of the training program in Italian lace
making for around 40 inmates of Rajahmundry
Special Prison for Women, Rajahmundry, Andhra
Pradesh was held in January this year. The program is
of 3 monthsduration.
My periodical conference calls with all the Chapter
Chairs has been keeping me in constant touch with
the happenings in all the chapters and I am thankful
to all the Chapter Chairs for keeping me updated on a
regularbasis.
I look forward to a year in which we shall all
vigorously and religiously pursue our stated aims to
empower women.
FICCI LADIES
ORGANISATION
FLO
FICCI
BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF FICCI LADIES ORGANISATION (FLO) January, 2010
Empower-times
A group of 27 young entrepreneurs visited Bangkok to explore new business
opportunities. The trip was particularly aimed at women entrepreneurs from 5
different industries like interior designers and architects, fashion designers or
Boutique owners, wedding planners and event managers, gems & jewelery industry
& spa and resort related industry.
The 5 day trip started on a positive note with a lunch meet with Mr.Korn
Dabbaransi (former deputy prime minister, Thailand) and his team. This meeting
was followed by high tea with her Excellency Ms. Latha Reddy (the Indian
Ambassador to Thailand) at the Indian Embassy where we met up with fellow
entrepreneurs and got more insight into the business community inThailand.
On the 2nd day, the young entrepreneurs visited a trade show on furniture and
fashion at impact auditorium. The delegation started the 3rd day with a meeting
with the businesswomen committee of Thai chamber of commerce headed by Ms
Sirina chokwatana pavarolarvidya, where we met our counterparts from the Thai
chamber of commerce. The high point of the meeting was meeting representatives
from the five set industries.
The highlight of the delegation was the
meeting with Her Highness Princess
Sirinthorn at the palace where the
chairperson Parvathi Reddy discussed
about the trade between the two
countries, where pochampalli cotton
and silk and Indian education system
were highlighted along with the 5
industries. On the 4th day we had one to
one meeting with representatives of
various industries. Women were divided
into groups according to their respective industries and visited specialized locations.
On the whole it was a wonderful learning experience where FLO members got a
chance to exchange notes with businesswomen from Bangkok.The trade delegation
raised awareness of delegates in a target market and further enhanced their local
contacts which would not be possible through an independent visit.
Bangkok Delegation
Kavitaha Dutt
President
Warm Regards

2. Empower-timesFLO
FLO took a high-powered trade
delegation to Denmark and
Norway under the leadership of
Ms Kavitha Dutt, President
FLO from August 24 to
September 1, 2009. The
delegation comprised of 26 FLO
members from across the nation.
The delegation explored
business prospects in these
countries as per their interests and also looked into business collaborations there.
The delegates from India met the representatives of The Confederation of
Norwegian Business and Industry (NHO) and were apprised of their objectives
of Gender diversity and Gender equality with the goal of getting more and more
Women into Management and into Boards. The meeting with Innovation
Norway was also very fruitful for the delegates as they discussed about the
possibilities of promoting women entrepreneurship in both the countries.
The itinerary also included many more interesting talks, business interactions,
visits to museums, art shops, sightseeing, theatre etc.
FLO DELEGATION Denmark & Norway
August 24 –September 1, 2009
India-Sweden Women Entrepreneurs Exchange Programme 2009
FLO Visit to Sweden
June 4-11, 2009 , November 15 to 20, 2009.
FLO, in collaboration with Nyforetagar Centrum, Sweden (Entrepreneur
Centre, Sweden) has brought together a Businesswomen Entrepreneur Exchange
Programme between Sweden and India. The aim of the project is to empower
business women in India and Sweden towards economic self-reliance and create
economic possibilities for women at different levels so that they contribute to the
development of their countries.
The target group in this project are Swedish women and FLO Members across
India who have been in business for 3 years or more. The first and second
exchange programme took place in India in which 5 to 6 delegates per visit came
from Sweden to India, to establish business contacts according to their business
interests. FLO was invited to take its first delegation of 4 women entrepreneurs
and 2 office bearers to Sweden in June 2009 and the second delegation from
India visited Sweden from November 15 to 20, 2009.
During their stay, the delegates met number of Swedish entrepreneurs and
explored the prospect of business collaboration.
FLO organized a talk by Mr. Ravi V.
Melwani for its members on May 26,
2009 at FICCI Federation House, Tansen
Marg, New Delhi. Mr Ravi V. Melwani,
fondly known as RVM, is a “positive life”
philosopher and a philanthropist, besides
being the owner of Kidskemp, Big
Kidskemp and Kemp Fort and CEO of
Humanitarian Network. The talk
revolved around the RVM philosophy of
Rejoice, Value life, and Make a difference.
RVM shared with the audience 15 of the
100 Secrets of Success that are part of his
upcoming book and are derived from his
life experiences. The audience learnt how
to plan for and achieve long-term success
in simple easy-to-do steps.
Secrets of Success By Ravi V. Melwani
May 26, 2009
FLO NATIONAL
FLO organized a talk by Mr. Yogendra
Durlabhji on “The Romance and Mystique
of Gemstones” for its members on July 23,
2009 at The Park, 15 Parliament Street, New
Delhi.
Mr. Yogendra Durlabhji, a world-renowned
colored gemstones leader from Jaipur who is
also known as the Emerald King, talked
about his foray into the business-world and
his success in the gems and jewelry sector. He
also spoke of his deep involvement with the
family hospital.
The Romance and Mystique of Gemstones
July 23, 2009
2

3. Empower-timesFLO
A Richer Lens in association with FLO screened Land Gold
Women (English/98mins), a film directed by Avantika Hari, at
the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The
film was well-received by the audience. For more about the film
and tocatchthefilmtrailerclick http://aricherlens.com/.
FLO organized a talk by Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State
for External Affairs, Government of India on “Women
Empowerment: A Global Perspective” for its members on
August 18, 2009 at IILM Auditorium, 3 Lodhi Institutional
Area, New Delhi. Dr. Shashi Tharoor, described as one of
India’s best-known voices worldwide, addressed the audience
of FLO and YFLO members and IILM students. He shared his
experiences at the UN and in the ministry with respect to
women and women empowerment. He reiterated his oft-stated
belief thateducatinggirlsempowerstheentire family.
The programme ended with vote of thanks by Ranjana
Agarwal, SeniorVice President, FLO.The event was sponsored
byVeena Horaand DrRubinaMittal, Members, FLO.
FLO & A RICHER LENS
Aug 6, 2009
Women Empowerment:
A Global Perspective
By Dr Shashi Tharoor
August 18, 2009
Women Wellness - Part I
September 7, 2009
FLO organized a talk on Women Wellness - Ageing Bones and
Joints and Obesity for its members on September 7, 2009 at
FICCI Federation House,Tansen Marg, New Delhi. Dr. Mathew
Varghese, MS, Head, Department of Orthopaedics, St Stephen’s
Hospital, Delhi and Dr. Sandeep Malhotra, M.D., F.A.C.S.,
Consultant - Laparoscopic General and Bariatric Surgery, Artemis
HealthScienceswerethespeakers.
Dr. Sandeep Malhotra, an expert in minimal access weight loss
surgeryandadvancedlaparoscopicabdominalsurgery,gaveacrisp
presentation on Obesity – disease of the affluent in India. Dr.
Mathew Varghese, Former Director and current Head of
Orthopaedics Department at the St Stephen’s Hospital, followed
with a detailed presentation on ageing bones and joints. He
informed the audience about the many diseases associated with
ageing bones and joints, such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and
spondylosis, and also emphasized the importance of pain as an
indicator in early diagnosis of arthritis and degenerative diseases.
The talk was followed by an interaction between the audience and
the speakers wherein the members clarified their doubts regarding
obesityandageing-relatedmedicalailments.
Gender – Genesis – Genetics
September 2009
FLO in collaboration with Gallery Espace organized an art show
by all women artists, Benitha Perciyal, Gayatri Gamuz, Mona
Kamal, Surekha, Vibha Galhotra, Parvathi Nayar andTejal Shah.
The artists in this show use their personal journeys and
experiences as their raw materials to celebrate their womanhood,
critique gender disparities or even contextualize the visual art
practice,especiallydonebythewomenartistsinIndia.
3

4. Empower-timesFLO
FLO organized a panel discussion on “Should
Corporate India Use Media for Lobbying?” on
September 30, 2009 atFICCI,NewDelhi.
Avantika Dalmia, Governing Body Member,
FLO compered the event. After the welcome
address by Kavitha Dutt, President, FLO,
eminent speakers, namely, Mr Shekhar Gupta,
Editor-in-Chief, Indian Express, MrT N Ninan,
Editor and Publisher, Business Standard and Mr
Balbir Punj, Rajya Sabha MP (BJP) and
Columnist,addressedtheaudience.
They discussed the pros and cons of corporates
using media for lobbying, from the perspective of
media, corporations, and the government. Kamal
Chugh & Neha Garg, FLO Members sponsored
theHi-tea.
SHOULD
Corporate India
Use Media for Lobbying?
September 30, 2009
Climate Healers
How to Tackle Climate Crisis
October 20, 2009
FLO held a talk with Dr. Sailesh Rao, founder
of Climate Healers, an NGO based in
California, USA and trained by Mr Al Gore,
Former US Vice President and Nobel
Laureate, on October 20, 2009 at FICCI,
New Delhi.
Dr. Sailesh Rao discussed his organization’s
plans for tackling the climate crisis with the
FLO members. Climate Healer’s objective is
to facilitate reforestation while minimizing
fossil fuel use for cooking and lighting systems
in low income neighborhoods throughout the
world with a self-sustaining business model.
Climate Healers provides solar cookers, LED
lights and cell phones at no cost to people
who are off the electric grid and pays them for
using the devices. They partner with NGOs
who work with these people on forest
stewardship and pay the NGOs for
maintaining Forest Stewardship Council
(FSC) certification of their village.
4

5. Empower-timesFLO
CONSUMER: Know Your Rights And Responsibilities
November 11, 2009
FLO organized an interactive session on “Consumer:
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities” for its members.
Ms Rajyalakshmi Rao, Member, National Consumer
Disputes Redressal Commission, Govt. of India and
Governing Body Member, FLO was the speaker.
Ms. Rajyalakshmi Rao has done her post graduation in
Advertising from the University of Illinois, Urbana
Champaign, USA. She has the unique distinction of being
the only person who has worked in all three tiers of
Consumer Protection - as a member of the District Forum,
State Commission and presently in the National
Commission. She has authored a book titled ‘Consumer is
King, Know Your Rights & Remedies’.
In the session, she discussed with the audience the
importance of knowing one’s rights as a consumer and the
various courses of action one could easily take when those
rights were violated.
The interactive session ended with a vote of thanks by
Ranjana Agarwal, Senior Vice President, FLO.
Sharda Goyal, FLO Member & Director RDS Project,
RDS Project Ltd.-Infrastructure Project, Civil
Construction and Engineering sponsored the Hi-tea.
FLO organised an interactive session on
Vaastu Shastra “Improving Well-being
through Vaastu Shastra” on October 26, 2009
at FICCI,NewDelhi.
The event was sponsored by Jaypee Greens,
Golf-centric Real Estate Developers and
Shivangi Group, India’s Premier Real Estate
Consultant.
Pandit Gopal Sharma, world-renowned
Vaastu, Feng Shui, Astrology, and
Numerology expert and Founder President of
the Institute of Vaastu And Joyful Living, New
Delhi was the main speaker at the event. He
stated that everything has an energy grid
which can be optimised to maximise growth,
well-being and prosperity, and anything that
makes use of the principles of Vaastu grows
andis prosperous.
The event also had one-to-one interaction
with experts on Vaastu / Real Estate /
Astrology /Numerology.
Improving Well-being through
VAASTU SHASTRA
October 26, 2009
5

6. Empower-timesFLO
Empowerment of Women in the 21st Century
New Delhi: July 20, 2009
Speakers: Honorable Ministerof RuralDevelopment, Ms. AgathaSangma
RajyaSabha, MP and AIMCpresidentDr. PrabhaThakur
BJPYouthwing President, Ms.VaniTripathi
Moderatedby Ms. SoniaSinghof NDTV
YFLO National started the year with an invigorating discussion with prominent women in politics. Recently elected to the 15th Lok
Sabha, Ms. Sangma, charmed the audience with her with and
intelligence.
Vani Tripathi, BJP Youth Wing President felt that the root cause
of women lagging behind is socio economic deprivation rather
than political representation. Various other aspects that made the
session interactive were hard facts surrounding female foeticide,
domestic atrocities and dowry deaths. Dr. Prabha Thakur
reflected, “Against general beliefs it is seen that the notion that a
girl-child is a burden is more common among the urban educated
people”
They all agreed that the women reservation bill should be passed
and that primary education till the age of eighteen must be
ensured forwomen toenable trueempowerment.
YFLO NATIONAL
YFLO NATIONAL
Scientists studying our weather pattern have become ever more convinced that human actions are changing the world's
climate.With global warning becoming the reigning theme of global discourse today. YFLO Chairperson, Priyanka
Agarwal and the committee took an initiative to provide a platform, wherein members could gain an informative insight
about climate change and transform public attitudes to climate. In this perspective, an interactive session with Dr R K
Pachauri, Nobel Laureate on ‘Climate Change: How on Earth Can We Make a Difference?’ was organized at Federation
Dr R. K. Pachauri, Nobel Laureate on Climate Change:
How on Earth Can We Make a Difference?
New Delhi: August 20, 2009
House on Thursday, August 20, 2009. Many people are
concerned about global warming, but names such as Dr R K
Pachauri have become a force to be reckoned in the field of
environment, who brought Nobel glory to India as head of the
Intergovernmental Panel onClimateChange(IPCC).
Dr Pachauri has also headed the New Delhi-based think-tank
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) since its inception
25 years ago. As a member of the Prime Minister's Advisory
Council on Climate Change, Dr. Pachauri is playing a major
role inshapingIndia'sresponse toglobal warming.
6

7. Empower-timesFLO
Gaining rapid popularity across the globe,
Osteopathy is a form of complementary
healthcare that involves a variety of gentle manual
techniques to restore mobility, relieve pain and
promote overall health. Osteopaths work in
conjunction with medical practitioners, dentists,
podiatrists, dieticians andnaturopaths.
YFLO took the initiative to enlighten the
members about Osteopathy and invited Dr Keerti
Mathur, a renowned practitioner of Osteopathy
from the United Kingdom, where he practices out
of the Gait and Posture Centre in London's
prestigious Harley Street.
What is Spirituality? And how does it help us in
facing life’s challenges? YFLO took an initiative to
delve into this intense interactive session on “Life’s
Challenges: Spirituality the Way Forward” on
September18,2009.
Who could be a better speaker on such a subject
than Ms Neerja Birla, who is an extremely talented
person, an epitome of effortless grace and quiet
strength. Neerja serves as a Director on the Aditya
Birla Group Companies and is passionate about
children, education and the performing arts. She
spoke on spirituality and its impact on our
everyday life. She said that spirituality is difficult
to define but it can be primarily understood as an
ideal that reckons all reality in essence as spiritual.
According to her, if spirituality is understood as
the search for or the development of inner peace or
the foundations of happiness, then spiritual
practice of some kind is essential for personal well
being.
The interactive session at the end of her talk was
highlyenlighteningfor themembers.
Life Challenges:
Spirituality the Way Forward
September 18, 2009
Osteopathy: A new dawn in
Preventive Healthcare”
New Delhi : November 20, 2009
7

8. “Change of Guard”
June 16, 2009 Venue: NCPA
FLO MUMBAI
Venue:Welingkar Institute
FLO & TIE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) conducted a workshop on” Overcoming
challenges to Scale your Business“
The current financial crisis presents a real need to challenge ourselves and to
rethink the way we do things in our enterprises. Women entrepreneurs also face
restrictions hampering their mobility & often are stonewalled by institutions or
governmental agencies hindering growth. As a result, many women
entrepreneurs tend to operate only among clients that they know. Products are
sold to relatives and friends and suppliers tend to be people already known to
them. A more extensive network is lacking and expansion or scaling is not
considered with enthusiasm.
Venue: Welingkar Institute of
Management and Research
The TiE–TSS in association with FLO
organized a session on Networking with
a focus on why one should seize every
networking opportunity – even those
that are unpromising, unexpected and
dull– and be proactive in increasing the
concentric circles of influencers around
your self and your enterprise.
The secret of good networking is not
looks, power or money alone, though
these certainly help. The secret of good
networking is really about being truly
interested in other people.
Venue :Times of India building
FLO lived up to its promise and brought
auniqueeventtoits members.
Two very bright minds, Narendra
Kumar Ahmed and Siddharth
Dhanvant Shanghvi kept the audience
captivated.
Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi was born
to tell stories...his first novel, The Last
Song of Dusk, translated into ten
languages, won the Betty Trask Award
(UK); the Premio Grinzane Cavour
(Italy); and was nominated for the
IMPACPrize.Hewas22yearsold.
Narendra Kumar Ahmed, who has
created a niche for himself in the fashion
industry globally with his innovative
avant-garde designs, also delighted the
audience with his frank and
introspective view on fashion as an
industryandasacareer.
Udaan August 15, 2009 Venue : Rosemary and Thyme’s office
FLO Bombay Chapter has initiated "Udaan", a comprehensive training programme for
young women who are unable to cope with the rigors of school or have been denied an
opportunity tofinda career for themselves.
The first session was inaugurated by FLO and Mr. Mukund Aparajit at the premises of
Rosemary and Thyme on August 15th. It was attended by several hopeful candidates who
have been identified over the last few months. Mr. Mukund Aparajit has kindly consented
to impart comprehensive training for three months to these young ladies. During their
training they shall be taught several aspects of catering, starting from hygiene right upto
baking pastries.This training shall make them capable of setting up their own
entrepreneurial ventures.
Workshop on
Overcoming Challenges to Scale your Business
Saturday, 27th June
The Art of Networking
29th July, 2009Every year FLO Bombay tries to focus
on an issue that is important to the
‘Mumbai Woman’. We kick started
2009-2010 with a heated and
humorous panel discussion on whether
women were actually stressful and
successfuljugglers!
Participating in this lively discussion
were Madhabi Puri Buch, Dr Nisheeta
Agarwala, Chhaya Momaya, Suchitra
Pillai, Dr Rishma Dhillon Pai, Meera
Sanyal to name but a few. The panel
discussion was wittily moderated by Mr.
Anand Halve who kept us delighted
withhistongue-in-cheekhumour.
This event saw NCPA packed to it
capacity, a powerful presentation of
FLO and its achievement and it also
served as a platform for Ujjwala
Singhania to take on the new year with
hernewteam.
A Chat in Time
13th August, 2009
Empower-timesFLO
8

9. FLO in association with iDiva organised a one-of-a-kind
finance workshop for women on how to handle your personal
finance with noted financial planner and columnist Gaurav
Mashruwala.
The Workshop answered many of our money-related queries,
like planning financial goals, cash- flow statement, statement
of net worth, retirement planning, contingencies and
contingency planning, insurance, spreading of risk and
sharing of losses, personal, property and liability risks,
iinvesting and investment vehicles, monitoring and reviewing
our financesor our relationship withmoney.
Venue: Raymond Ltd
FLO Bombay hosted Mr. Lars Hasle - the Board Member and Chairman of NICCI, the Norwegian-Indo Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, Ms. May Sorlie from DnB NOR the biggest bank in Norway and Ms. Desiree Vikse from Innovation Norway for a special
interactivesessionexclusively withmembers ofFLO.
Mr Hasle is an exceptionally engaging speaker and his presentation was not purely economic, but also multidimensional, encasing the social
and cultural aspectsofNorwegiansocietyas well.
This year, FLO’s international delegation had met Mr. Hasle in OSLO and there is a strong possibility of FLO tying up with the Chamber to
dointerestingworkinIndia, including hereinBombay.
Venue:TheHealthAwarenessCentre
Asaprerequisitetoahealthylifedrinkingwaterisvital.
The Bio Disc has been evaluated by various institutions
and is known to reduce water surface tension value.This
inturnmakeswatermorehydratious.
To demonstrate its benefits FLO conducted a workshop
withMs.TanaazKothariandMs.AshaSood.
Venue: Nehru Centre
FLO and The Health Awareness centre (THAC) in association with Timeswellness.com organised a workshop with Dr. Eric
Pearl to present his powerful work with Reconnective Healing. The subject of his international bestseller The Reconnection:
Heal Others,HealYourself,nowpublished in over 30 languages.
Workshop with Gaurav Mashruwala
on personal Finance
September, 19th, 2009
An interactive session with the Chairman of NICCI, the
Norwegian-Indo Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
September 22nd, 2009
Bio Disc Workshop
October 12th, 2009
The Reconnection By Dr. Eric Pearl
November 4th, 2009
Empower-timesFLO
Venue: Mayfair Banquets
9

10. Empower-timesFLO
The newteam took overfor theyear 2009-2010
The theme for the year RADAR ( Raising Awareness &
Developing Achievable Resources ) and the logo for the year
were presented and explained by the incoming Chapter
Chairperson Dr.Prithika Chary This was followed by a feel
good exercise where members wrote compliments about
each otheronpapers pinned totheirbacks
Change of Guard
April 2009
FLO CHENNAI
On 22nd July a cobranded event with Duchess Club
Chennai was conducted.Terrorism has come to stay as part
of our lives and any of us could be caught up in a situation
like 26/11, hence an antiterrorism expert Ms Geeta
Madhavan addressed the members in a lecture on “Survival
Strategies during a terror attack” She shared a lot of
practical tips and advice which was well appreciated by the
attendees which included 35 FLO members and 85
Duchess members
FLO Chennai started the year with celebrating World
Environment Day which falls on 5th June by having an
ECOMELA on the 10th of June. This was a day long
event with small and medium entrepreneurs dealing
with ecofriendly products showcasing and selling their
products. This was preceded by a talk on the vedic
perspective of preserving the earth by Chapter
Chairperson Dr.Prithika Chary and an Ecoquiz for the
members. The event was well attended and generated
income for the entrepreneur and a percentage of the
sales for the chapter. Ms Kavitha Dutt Chitturi was the
Chief Guest and was felicitated on her taking over as
nationalPresidentofFLO.
Ecomela
June 10, 2009
Survival Strategies during a terror attack
July 22, 2009
Know Your City Love Your City
August 19, 2009
Madras week is celebrated in August every year
and FLO Chennai participated in this. The newly
launched Hop On Hop Off bus of theTamilNadu
Tourism Department was an opportunity for 26
members to have a half day tour of Chennai city.
The program was called “Know your city, Love
your city” and consisted of the tour and a visit to
the Madras Museum and Fort St.George museum
under the guidance of an expert historian Ms
ChitraMadhavan
10

11. Empower-timesFLO
Outsourcing and Offshoring is a business activity
which has helped the Indian economy boom in recent
years. The recent recession especially in the United
States has impacted world economy. A talk on
“Outsourcing – Boon or Bane” was given by
Mr.Chandu Nair President and Co-founder of Scope
e-knowledge centre, a knowledge and data
management centre headquartered in Chennai, India.
21 members attended and the discussion was very
active.
Outsourcing Boon or Bane
September 2009
Storytelling and Women’s Health
October 19, 2009
October being Breast Cancer Awareness month with World Elders Day on
the 1st and World Osteoporosis Day as well, a health related meeting was
held on 19th October 2009. Ms Ruth Stotter a professional storyteller
from California extolled the necessity of women taking care of the health
through interesting stories in a talk titled “Storytelling and Women’s
Health”. The meeting was hosted by the Apollo hospitals and attendees
were given a discount coupon to avail of specially designed women
orientedhealthcheckups.
Chennai
Notes
FLO members were also
invited guests for a public
forum on “Osteoporosis
and Bone health” conducted
by the Endocrine Society of
India at Chennai on 23rd
July2009
A HSF workshop on
“Personal Branding” was
conducted on 30th of July
2009 by three well known
c o r p o r a t e t r a i n e r s ,
Mr.Mohan Raman, Mr.
Ganesh Anantharaman and
Ms Nina John. The event
was a great success with
morethan40 registrations.
11

12. Empower-timesFLO
FLO HYDERABAD
FLO Hyderabad had a change of guard ceremony
on the 8th May. The outgoing Chairperson Ms.
Sarita Reddy handed over Charge to the new
incoming Chairperson Ms. Ajita Yogesh and her
new Committee. Ms. Kamini Saraf handed over
the reigns to the new incoming YFLO Chairperson
Ms.ParvathiReddy
The Speaker for the day was Mr. T.N.Seshan,
Former Chief Election Commissioner for the
Country.
Addressing the ladies Mr. Seshan spoke of the
legislative, executive and the judicial systems in the
country having failed miserably and were hence
responsible for the poor state of Governance
prevailing in India
Change of guard program with
Mr. T. N. Seshan
May 8, 2009
YFLO Hyderabad invited Mr. Manish Tripathi,
Chairman, Dabbawala Foundation, to throw light over the
broad details of their mystifyingsystems.
It began with a Parsi banker who first hired someone to
deliver his lunch, because home cooked food was better for
health and wealth, but the organization came into being in
1890 with a strength of 35.Today 5000 dabbawalas service
Mumbai area,allshareholders.
An informative and vastly entertaining address, the
eveningconcluded overcocktails and a sumptuous dinner.
The Dabbawala Program
July 4, 2009
Leadership and Entrepreneurship
September 22, 2009
“A crowned maharaja”, Jyotiraditya Scindia, M.P. from
Guna , Union Minister of State for Commerce and
Industries, was the chief guest at the FLO session on 22
September and the Guest of Honor, Mr Vara Prasad
Reddyof Shanta Biotech.
At the Marriott, a session of members with their spouses
was largely attended andfollowed by dinner.
The program was covered very well in all the business
pages of all the local and national papers and television
channels.
12

13. Empower-timesFLO
Mithali Raj, former caption of the women’s Indian Cricket team, ranks second
in the ICCWorldWomen’s Cricket rankings, the only Indian woman cricketer
in the top 20 of the world, who’s thrilled cricket gazers with scintillating
batting.
Pullela Gopichand, winner of the prestigious, All England Badminton
Championship at London, who runs his own academy and is the main force
behind the emergence of badminton player, Saina Nehwal on the international
scenario.
Javagal Srinath, ‘The Mysore Express’ who’s played in four World Cups,
frequently displayed the entire repertoire of the fast bowler’s art and cruised
Indiatomorethanafewvictories.
Steered deftly by moderator Dr. M.V. Sridhar, the incumbent Vice-President,
and Secretary of Hyderabad Cricket Association, who often interspersed the
afternoonwithalivelyvarietyofanecdotesandpresentations.
There’snomagicformulaforsuccessinsports,butifsomeoneistocomecloseto
one, then its to start at an early age, seek opportunities, no short cuts, and clock
inmorethan10.000hoursofpractice.
A Tryst with Sports Champions
July 27, 09
Thailand Awaits
August 09, 2009
At YFLO’s session on Aug 9th, members welcomed His
Excellency Mr Korn Dabbaransi, Mr Chattan, Director
Tourism, Thailand, and National President FLO, Ms
Kavitha Chitturi.
It carried the hint of a prophecy, was certainly gracious, and
it rhymed. “Trade will flow with FLO” said Mr
Dabbaransi, Former Deputy PM of Thailand, inviting
FLO andYFLO members to explore business opportunities
in hiscountry,The KingdomofThailand.
Uniquely positioned between China and India,Thailand is
the only country to have a FreeTrade Agreement with both
the two countries. The country offers a broad spectrum of
business opportunities in areas such as thai jewellery,
specially sapphires, jade and gemstones, handmade
handicrafts, furniture, fruits, and flowers, facilitated in
large by daily flightsfromThailand tothemetrosof India.
Parvathy Reddy, Chairperson YFLO announced the launch
of the YFLO website : www.ficciyflohyd.com for the
convenienceof members.
Fellowship program
to Leonia
September 12, 2009
Between the FLO learning sessions over topics such as
entrepreneurship, women empowerment and leadership
lessons, the FICCI ladies took Saturday the 12th Sept to
bond and ‘get to know’ their fellow members. For this
event, the resort chosen wasThe Leonia Holistic Resort,
whichincludedanidyllicdrive totheoutskirtsofHyd.
13

14. FLO JAIPUR
FLO Jaipur held an interactive seminar workshop at Arch
Academy of Design, on "Entrepreneurship Thru Design "
for FLO members on 6th April 09 at the Arch campus, to
promote entrepreneurship among women. The
Entrepreneurship cell at Arch facilitates and coordinates the
On the 17th July 2009 FLO Jaipur and Delhi
members visited Bikaner. The stay was at the
beautifulHeritageHotelLaxmiNiwasPalace.
After a traditional lunch the indigenous industry
of cement tiles manufacture was visited at K G
Tiles Factory which was started in 1943. Insights
into the whole process were provided by Mr. Arun
Jhawar.
The hot summer sun did not deter the participants
from going to Junagadh Fort and Deshnoke
Temple. In the evening the Fellowship Meeting
was followed by Folk Music and Dance and
everyone enjoyed local delicacies like Baraf ka
Chatta, Bela sherbet and Paan.The next day began
with a Factory visit to Shivdeep Food Products.
The FLO members were welcomed by Mr.
Shivratan Aggarwal of BIKAJI. The state of art
machinesandlevelofhygienewereaneyeopener.
This was followed by a visit to a traditional Jadau
KundanManufacturingandDisplayUnit.
Entrepreneurship Thru Design
APRIL 6, 2009
Bikaner Factories Visit
July 19, 2009
Taabar
May 30, 2009
On May 30th 2009, members of FLO Jaipur visited Taabar. At
Taabar boys lost in and around the railway stations are cared for
and repatriated home. It is supported by the Police and also the
Dutch. FLO Jaipur has made available to Taabar- 2 Computers
with Tables and Chairs and several new mattresses (sent by Mrs.
NamitaGautamof Sleepwell)
Other NGO’s also attended the programme. Prominently
Akshay Patra, Eye Bank, Akshar, etc. A move to make a local
NGO directory with their wish lists was initiated by Chairperson
Indira Bagri. Ms. Timmie Kumar- President Taabar gave a
heartfelt voteof thanks.
industry internship,
f i e l d v i s i t s , a n d
workshops and liaison
with the industry
related activities.
M s . I n d i r a B a g r i
Chairperson addressed
the session and said that
Entrpreneurship is all
about mind set and the
abilitytocreate.
Empower-timesFLO
14

15. Empower-timesFLO
FLO Jaipur had a hugely
successful programme with Dr.
Kiran Bedi. It was a packed house
w i t h m e m b e r s o f t h e
Bureaucracy, Government,
Industry and FLO members. A
special presentation was shown
on her life. The evening ended
with a networking dinner. The
event was held at The Hotel
Fern.The Sponsors were AKFD
andArchAcademy.
Launch of Business
Consultancy Cell
Leadership For
Transformation
August 22, 2009
A Business Consultancy cell has been started at the FLO
office in Jaipur. Leaders of Commerce and Industry are on
the Consultancy Panel. The cell provides consultancy
services and networking to potential entrepreneurs. Alka
Batra- FLO member from Jaipur is helping potential
entrepreneurs to connect with the right sources for their
businessrequirements.
As part of the Save and educate the girl child
programme, FLO Jaipur participated in an event held
for “Nanhi Kali”, on the 12th and 13th August,
which provides education to underprivileged girls.
FLO members played an active role in organising the
Event.PrincessDiyaofJaipurinauguratedtheShow.
Educate the Girl
Child- Nanhi Kali
Signing 100Cr Global Deals & Other
Secrets of Business Etiquette
September 18th 2009
A very successful afternoon programme was held
atThe Rajputana Sheraton Hotel at Jaipur. Abhijit
Bhaduri, the speaker is a Human Resources
consultant who helps firms craft a HR strategy to
reflect their business needs. The session was
exclusively for FLO members and a lively
interaction on Business etiquette in different parts
of the world took place. Abhijit also read from his
books which were bought by FLO members. The
sponsorwasAegisJobsPvt.Ltd.
15

16. FLO GIVES at JOYPUR
September 30, 2009
An effort for the underprivileged, the specially challenged, the differently abled, the visually impaired, Mother Earth
and its creations.
GreenThumbTheUniquetreeplantationprogramme.Trees weredonatedby FLO
members and others. Green thumbs were proudly stamped on a canvas and signed. The Donor was given a Certificate of
Donation. The trees were priced according to the size and variety. The cost included the cost of the tree, plantation, care,
making a Tree Parent, Progress Report and photograph of the Tree Parent and Tree. Trees will be planted by the Donors at
OldAgeHomes,BalikaSadan,Disha,etc.
Educate The Girl Awareness & Educative programme for underprivileged girls, supported by free vocational training in
differentinstitutions,forCareeroptionsandjobplacement.
All participating NGOs & Organisations Akshar, Akshay Patra, Disha, Eye Bank Society, Food for Hungry, Help in
Suffering, Jagriti, Jaipur Cancer Relief Society, Mainstreaming HIV RSACS, Make A Wish Foundation, Muskaan,
Rajasthan Netraheen Kalyan Sangh, Saraswati Shiksha Sansthan, Taabar, etc. gave their presentations and were open to
interactions.
Each NGO/ Society Head sat at their own table with their teams and outlined their aims, the beginning, the difference and
the future they foresaw. Many of them were not aware of the Good Work the others were doing and it was unanimously
declared that FLO Jaipur had pioneered this platform and the effort must not be in vain.They vowed to come together on a
single platform to be stronger.The slogan was Collaborate and Collate, not Compete. Not be short sighted, but concentrate
onTransparencyandMorals&MoraleBuilding.
FLOMembersgavetheirservicesFREE-BusinessConsultancy&HandwritingAnalysis.
ParticipantscamefromaroundRajasthananditwasverywell covered bythemedia.
Empower-timesFLO
16

17. Empower-timesFLO
Change of Guard
June 2009.
FLO COIMBATORE
October being Breast Cancer
Awareness month with World
Elders Day on the 1st and
World Osteoporosis Day as
well, a health related meeting
was held on 19th October
2009. Ms Ruth Stotter a
professional storyteller from
California extolled the necessity
of women taking care of the
health through interesting
stories in a talk titled
“Storytelling and Women’s
Health”. The meeting was
hosted by the Apollo hospitals
and attendees were given a
discount coupon to avail of
specially designed women
orientedhealthcheckups.
Industrial Visit.
September 2009.
FLO Coimbatore organised a
visit to the Needle Industries at
Ketti in the Nilgiris.This was an
excellent opportunity for
members to visit India’s only
Needle factory in the organised
sector and the largest in Asia.
They make 45 kinds of needles
from sewing to knitting needles,
etc. This concluded with a
networking lunch at Conoor.
They also visited a Cheese
Factoryin Conoor.
Breast Cancer awareness program
August 2009
FLO Coimabatore conducted a HSF programme on Improving
Leadership Skills for Personal and Professional Excellence” by Professor
Mr.RatnamfromHyderabad.Thiswasattendedby44 delegates.
TreeplantingdriveUptodate1050 treeshavebeenplantedinandaround
Coimbatore.
Coimbatore Notes
HSF Programme
Flo Coimbatore
held a camp. 300
ladies attended
our camp in
K a r a m a d a i .
Screening is
being done at
G K N M
Hospital for
those who wish
tobescreened.
17

18. Empower-timesFLO
FLO KOLKATA
The Journey to Motherhood and Beyond
June 23, 2009
YFLO, Kolkata, in association with the Bhagirathi Neotia Woman and Child Care Centre
organized an open panel discussion for members with leading practitioners on 23rd June,
2009, 3-5pmatTajBengal,Kolkata.
Speakers included Dr. Rustum P. Soonawala (Mumbai), India’s premiere Gynecologist, Dr.
Nutan Pandit (Delhi), India’s leading pre-natal care specialist, Dr. Rohit Gutgutia
(Kolkata), Kolkata’s leading
IVF specialist and Mrs.
Manali Mehta (Mumbai),
leading child psychologist
and Principal of the Shrishti
School.
The medics had much to
say on dispelling old-
fashioned ideas and
heralding change in the
mindset of women looking
to start and manage their
familiesin today’stimes.
F I C C I L a d i e s
Organisation, Kolkata
Chapter had its first
fellowship meet for the
new year 2009-10 for FLO
and YFLO members :
VANITY FAIR, at the
lifestyle, fashion store 85
Lansdowne. Members
joined in to participate
into several exciting
activities lined up for the
a f t e r n o o n . F r o m
Sabyasachi Mukherjee
showcasing his creations
representing different
states of India to Bhuramal
Rajmal Surana jewellery
display by members, fine
art potrait by Leena
Kejriwal, hand scrubs and
chocolate massages by
Pulse, the new spa at The
Kenilworth, Floral designs
by Kavita Poddar, Shaun
Kenworthy on summer
menus, Sobha Agarwal on
table presentations and
caricature paintings by
artists... the show was
absolutely a sellout with
high tea and FLO
c h o c o l a t e s b e i n g
distributed. It was a
wonderful beginning,
with very good response
and turnout from our
members.
FLO Fellowship
“Vanity Fair”
May 8, 2009
FRANCHISE SEMINAR – May 28, 2009
YFLO Kolkata, in association with the Indian Franchise Association (IFA) presented a one-
day Franchising workshop at Conclave on 28th May, 2009.The objectives of the workshop
were to develop entrepreneurial skills in women, offer expert advice to entrepreneurs
interested in venturing into the franchising business and to provide them with the necessary
education & business skills to make informed decisions. The program included
presentations with leading business and franchise owners in the spheres of education,
beauty,healthandfoodservices.
18

19. Empower-timesFLO
FLO, Kolkata presented "Too Far West is East" an innovative & interactive fashion
presenration with acclaimed designers Ravi Bajaj & Rina Dhaka at The Hyatt
Regency. Indian design has been the inspiration for almost every design house in the
West. And the further west you go, the more amazing is the way our design and
cultural ethos has been amalgamated into their design and culture. Featuring
supermodels Sonalika Sahay, Sahil Shroff and Sanjukta, the show was
choreographedbyMeenuandMeetu.
This programme also had the change of guard for FLO.With this event FLO Kolkata
introduced a series titled: "I, the woman, make the difference" - this will highlight &
provide a platform to FLO members who have dared to dream. This event invited
Shradha Saraf, FLO member, to highlight her success story of Cherry Orchard, an
lifestyleexhibitionbeinghostedatthesame venueonthesame day.
“Too Far West is East”
YFLO Introduction
and Orientation
May 20,2009
Y F L O K o l k a t a
organized an orientation
for old members and
interested member. This
was to talk to them
about FICCI, FLO and
YFLO – the roles, goals
and objectives. The
introduction of the new
committee was made
and program flow for
theyearwasdiscussed.
FLO & EIILM
HSF programme
June 25 & 26
FLO from New Delhi
organized a two day
workshop on Effective
Marketing Strategy –
Domestic and Exports
with EIILM at The
Park, in Kolkata. Mr
A s e e m B h a t i a ,
academician & exporter
was the faculty from
NewDelhi.
“The Balancing Act” with Dr. Ron Rosedale
August 6, 2009
FLO Kolkata presented “The Balancing Act” - A talk and presentation by world
renowned physician Dr. Ronald Rosedale from Aurora, Colorado, USA. Dr.
Rosedale practices Bariatric medicine and is a well recognized expert in nutritional
and metabolic medicine. His work in diabetics is truly groundbreaking. His latest
interest and research is around body ph balance. One can learn more about Dr.
Rosedaleonhttp://www.life-enthusiast.com/index/Articles/Rosedale
The event was by invitation for FICCI-FLO members and their spouses. It was a
goodturnoutof above100 peopleandthetalkwas followedbyhightea.
A Rendezvous at Souk
September 7, 2009
Master Chef Simone from Syria at Souk took the members of FLO on a truly exclusive gastronomic journey of the
rich flavours of Lebanon, Morocco, Syria and Turkey. He demonstrated three traditional cooking styles with
vegetarian recipes fromtherobusttastes of theregion
Thiswas followedbylunchatthecool,quietchicof northernMediterranean interiors ofSouk.
19

20. Empower-timesFLO
The Young FICCI Ladies Organization (YFLO) organized an alluring evening rendezvous for members at the
AmodaSpaBaron24thJuly,2009.TheFellowshipwasorganizedprimarilytowelcomenewmembers,andcreatean
opportunity for the young ladies to get to know each other, their organization, and this year’s committee a bit better.
The interiors of the beautiful and subtly styled spa was the perfect foil for the ladies who came appropriately dressed,
intheirbold,brightandbeachybest,tosuitthethemeof‘Caribbeanfiesta’.
Think Pink with Dr. Arun Kurkure
September 19, 2009.
FLO “Think Pink” was an event in discussion with India’s leading breast cancer surgeon and gynaecological
oncologist,Dr.ArunKurkurefromMumbai,forthefirsttimeinCalcutta.
Dr. Kukure specialises in research and treatment of breast cancer and conducted a session on awareness and
treatment of breast cancer particularly with reference to urban lifestyle, food habits, dispelling myths,
awareness on early detectionandpractices,preventionandcurewithlatesttreatmentmethods.
YFLO Caribbean Fiesta
July 24, 2009
20

21. Empower-timesFLO
Developing Leadership Skills
MAY 2009
The HSF workshop ‘Developing Leadership Skills for
Professional and Personal Effectiveness’ was held from 29th to
30th May 2009 at Hotel Nandan, Guwahati , was a roaring
successwith63participants.
The workshop had a good representation from both private and
public sector and various corporate in Guwahati. It drew an
enthusiastic participation of 63 delegates from premier
organizations such as Indian Oil Corporation, Airtel, Reliance’s
C Johnson, Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre, Assam Air
Products, Ma Foi Consultants, Assam Roofing and Jet wings
Institute.
Dr R P Banerjee conducted the 2 days workshop. The
valedictory ceremony was presided by Mr Prateek Hajela,
Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup Metropolitan and certificates
werehandedoverbyhimtoalltheparticipants.
In June 2009 ,Mrs Manju Bora ,our recipient of the National
Women's Excellence Awards for 2008 ,invited FLO members for
the premier of her latest film Aie Kutu Naai (I am Nowhere )" in
Guwahati.
The movie dealt with the complex problem of boundary disputes
in the northeast but ultimately, Manju shows us the triumph of
basic human values over greed and petty distrust. Dubbed with
English subtitles, FLO recommends this movie for the national
network.
Film Premiere – June 2009
FLO NORTHEAST
Self Defense
Techniques for women
August 30, 2009
A woman is raped every 32 minutes in India, murdered
every 22 minutes, and molested every 15 minutes.There
is a case of domestic violence every 11 minutes. Crime
against women are growing by day, but most women still
shy away from learning self-defense skills, they rather
reactnegatively andseeitastomboyish andunladylike.
YFLO Kolkata organized a wortkshop with Master A.
Bhargava, one of the youngest masters in India, who is
also the only Indian Instructor who has trained the
United States Marines for a period of 9 months post
September11 attacks.
Spirit of the
Graceful Lineage
July 21, 2009
FLO Northeast hosted the national award winning
documentary Spirit of the Graceful Lineage, based on the
matrilineal society of Meghalaya.The young talented
Assamese film maker Prerana Baruah Sarma was present
to interact with theaudience at theGauhati Club.
Asha Choudhury, Reader, Department of English and
teacher at Women Studies Research Centre at the
university interacted with the filmmaker and the
audience to discuss the insights on this unique institution
of thecountry.
Art of Living
November 28, 2009
On 28 November 2009, an Art of Living teacher Ms Savita
Bhutani gave a good hour and half of her time to speak with FLO
Ms Bhutani’s insights on life, on spirituality and on inculcating
practicesintoourdaytodaylifeprovedinspiringtousall.
21

22. Empower-timesFLO
Instructor for Shelter Home for Women
September 2009
With FLO’s intervention and the cooperation of Central,Silk Board , FLO could get the sanction for a fully funded weaving instructor to
work FULL TIME for its adopted Home for Women (run by ngo Gold). This intervention was the best practical help with the Central
Silk Board sanction of a weaving instructor at the salary of Rs 75,000/- per annum. Interestingly this Home had ten looms lying idle for
wantofinstructorstillFLOintervened.
FLO (the women’s wing of FICCI) Northeast chapter has introduced a series of socio-economic initiatives in its adopted village Kating
PaharinNorthGuwahatisince2008,withthesupportofvariousgovernmentagencies.
FLO had contributed to the building of a bamboo bridge to connect the village. Only this year Kating Pahar has been connected by a
puccaroaduptoitsLPschoolcompound.
NSIC (National Small Industries Corporation) Regional Manager Mr. P K Mahatma in October 2008 first supported FLO by taking in
14 of its village residents in a three month training programmers in bags stitching and footwear making.This was conducted free of cost
and FLO bore the travel allowance for them for the three months of commuting from North Guwahati. A second batch of candidates
willundertakeNSICsthreemonthtrainingprogrammestarting17August2009.
CBTC (Cane and bamboo technology centre) Director Mr Kamesh Salam arranged for an awareness camp in North Guwahati to
apprisethevillagersofthebenefitofskilledtraininginthiscottageindustry.
FLO resource person for Kating Pahar, Mr Dibakar Sharma has consistently motivated the village residents and a total of 33 men and
womenofthevillagegaveuptheirdaysdailywagestoattendthecamp.
The CBTC trainers Mr Pulak Kr Mandal (Training Manager) and Mr Gopal Mahanta (Instructor) generated interest among the
participants.NinecandidatessignedupandhasstartedtrainingwithCBTCfrom 18August2009. TAtobebornebyFLO.
The MSME (Ministry of Small, medium, micro enterprises) conducted an Industrial Motivational Campaign at the village school
buildinginKatingPaharon5thAugust2009.
This was conducted by Mr Surajit Barua, assistant manager DIC, Mr Siddharta Shankar Barua,asst Director MSME and Mr Kamaljyoti
Bhuyan, investigator MSME saw an enthusiastic attendance by over 60 interested participants .MSME officers highlighted the training
skillsbeingofferedinplumbingandelectricialskills,inbasiccomputerskillsandinancillaryplasticsunits.
With the department of SOCIAL FORESTRY with FLO undertook a tree plantation drive in the govt aided Kating Pahar LP School on
10 August 2009.The school children participated in the environmental importance of the tree plantation drive and promised to raise the
100saplingswithpersonalcare.
Kating Pahar Initiatives
It was found that in the shelter home the
survivors were provided counseling service,
medical care and also some legal aid. What was
interesting was that some of the girls were quite
skilled in weaving. One of the girls had even
completed a short course on Hotel management
in Mumbai, when a shelter home had rescued
her from a brothel in Mumbai. Some of the
inmateswereundergoingschooleducation
This effort has been appreciated by UNODC
United Nations office on Drugs and Crime Dr
Pushkar Singh who had introduced ngo Gold to
FLO.
On Diwali day , FLO members brightened up
the festival of lights by visiting our adopted
Home for trafficked women (run by ngo
GOLD ), by distributing a box of sweets and
new saree to each inmate which made their day
(andour’stoo).
22

23. Empower-timesFLO
Personal Branding.
Recognizing your Uniqueness
SHILLONG, OCTOBER 23-24, 2009
On 23 and 24 October 2009, FLO held its first outstation workshop .Supported by HSF, FLO conducted a 2 days workshop in Shillong,
thecapitalofMeghalaya.“PersonalBranding.
Recognizing your Uniqueness” workshop was inaugurated by Hon’ble Speaker of Meghalaya, Charles Pyngrope. The Hon’ble Speaker
highlighted on the usefulness of organizing such Workshop in a place like Shillong. He also applauded the commendable activities
undertakenbyFLONE.
On the 12 November 2009, a Mentor Mentee programme on
culinary skills was conducted by FLO Secretary Hussina Salam in
her own 'Silk Route' restaurant. Keeping in mind the preferences
and food choices of the majority of the members, Mrs Husina
skilfully demonstrated how to prepare vegetable spring rolls, veg.
momos and a sublime Thai cucumber salad. Thanks must go to
Hussina for making the time and effort to teach us, at the cost of
closingtherestaurantforthatperiod.
Culinary skills
November 12, 2009
Calender of Events January to March
FLO-ITI Inauguration of CSR Training Jan 6 New Delhi
FLO-HSF Challenges of Brand Building Jan 11-12 New Delhi
FLO-HSF Culinary Skills: Japanese Cuisine & Continental Desserts Jan 16 New Delhi
FLO-HSF Developing Leadership Skill for Personal & Professional Jan 19-20 Bhopal
Effectiveness
YFLO Talk by Rujuta Diwekar, celebrity fitness expert Jan 20 New Delhi
FLO Fellowship at Namita Gautam’s Residence Jan 27 New Delhi
FLO Interstate Meet Jan 29-Feb 1 Coimbatore
& Cochin
FLO-HSF Developing Leadership Skill for Professional & Personal Feb 2- 3 Trivandrum
Effectiveness
FLO Delegation Feb 13, Khajuraho &
14 & 15 Orchha
FLO-HSF International Marketing by Dr Veit from Germany Feb 22-23 Feb 25-26
Chennai
Hyderabad
FLO Exhibition Mar 5-6 New Delhi
FLO International Women’s Day March 5/8 New Delhi
FLO-HSF Communication Skill March 12-13 Lucknow
23

24. Empower-timesFLO
Editor’s Note
EACH New Year’s Day lots of
people make plans to do more
exercise or give up smoking. But
by January 2nd many of them
have not moved from the sofa or
are lighting another cigarette.
Such triumphs of optimism over
experience are common enough.
But like other examples of
repeated procrastination, they are hard to explain using
standardeconomicmodels.
These models recognise that people prefer to put off
unpleasant things until the future rather than do them
today. Asked on January 1st to pick a date for that first
session in the gym, say, you may well choose to start in
two weeks’ time rather than tomorrow. But the standard
models also assume that your choices about future
actions are “time-consistent”—they do not depend on
when you are asked to make the choice. By January
14th, in other words, you should still be committed to
going to the gym the next day. In the real world,
however, you may well choose to delay your start-date
again.
In a 1999 paper on the economics of procrastination,
Ted O’Donoghue and Matthew Rabin pointed out that
people are often unrealistically optimistic about their
own future likelihood of doing things—such as exercise
or saving—that involve costs at the time they are done,
but whose benefits lie even further ahead. Mr
O’Donoghue and Mr Rabin showed that this sort of
behaviour can be explained if people are time-
inconsistent. “Present-biased” preferences mean that
people will always tend to put off unpleasant things
until tomorrow, even if the immediate cost involved is
tiny. As long as they are unsure of the precise extent of
this bias, they believe (incorrectly) that they will in fact
“do it tomorrow”. But since they feel this way at each
point in time, tomorrow never quite comes. Such a
modelcanthereforeexplainendlessprocrastination.
It can also suggest ways to change behaviour. In recent
field trials in the Philippines some smokers who wanted
to quit were offered a “commitment contract”. Those
who signed up put money into a zero-interest bank
account. If they passed a test certifying that they were
nicotine-free six months later, they got their money
back. If not, it went to charity. The contract increased
the likelihood of quitting by over 30% over a control
group.Thosenew-yearresolutionsneednotturn toash.
Archana Garodia Gupta
Chief Editor
Archana_Garodia@hotmail.com
FICCI Ladies Organisation
Federation House, Tansen Marg
New Delhi - 110001 INDIA.
Tel: 011-23738760-70 (Extn. 416),
Fax: 011-23752259.
E-mail: flo@ficci.com.
Website: wbconline.com
Advertisement Charges Rs. 2000/-. Per Issue
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Workshop on Developing
Leadership Skill for Personal &
Professional Effectiveness
Workshop on Effective May 21 Meerut
Marketing Strategy
Workshop on Export Documentation May 25-26 New Delhi
Developing Leadership Skill for May 29-30 Guwahati
Personal & Professional
Effectiveness
Effective Marketing June 25- 26 Kolkata
Strategy-Domestic & Exports
Effective Marketing Strategy- July 4 Agra
National/International
Effective Marketing Strategy- July 17- 18 Lucknow
Domestic & Exports
Innovative Business Strategies & July 23-24 Bhopal
Leadership During Recession
Visit of Dr Hegemar/ July 27 New Delhi
Introductory Meeting
Workshop on Personal Branding July 30 Chennai
Leadership, Inter-Personal Skills & August 10- 11 Bhutan
Change Management
Developing Leadership Skill For Sept 14-15 Coimbatore
Professional &
Personal Effectiveness
Sweet Tooth: Learn to Cook Oct 9 New Delhi
Exotic Desserts
Personal Branding: Oct 23-24 Shillong
Recognising your Uniqueness
Effective Marketing Strategy Nov 2 Madurai
Developing Leadership Skills For Nov 4 Cochin
Professional & Personal Effectiveness
Fashion as a Career Option Nov 7 Ludhiana
When your brand is your business Nov 13 Bangalore
Release of Study on Marketing
Achievement & Challenges Nov 25 New Delhi
Faced by Women Entrepreneurs in
Delhi NCR.
Meeting with Dr Theodor Rathgeber Dec 2 New Delhi
Evaluation Programme of
Workshops held in 2008-2009 Dec 3 New Delhi
TOPIC DATES PLACE
May 4-5 Nagpur
Flow-HSF Workshops May to December, 2009