Voices

``Normally, people do not look at the positive side of the economy while painting the gloom.'' -- Dr Bimal Jalan, Governor, Reserve Bank of India.

``Hindustan Lever would put a disproportionate share of its marketing muscle behind 30 power brands sieved from a total of 110 and accounting for 70 per cent of turnover.'' -- Mr M. S. Banga, Chairman, Hindustan Lever.

``Much of the US is in recession. If the situation does not change before the half-year stage, there is a risk of a domino effect where the rest of the world will be imminently affected.'' -- Mr John Chambers, CEO, CISCO.

``I do not care if we do not look like a five-star bank. But we must look clean, immaculately clean.'' -- Mr V. Raghunathan, President and CEO-designate, Vysya Bank.

``I feel Rs 200 per share is a fair price to expect.'' -- Mr H. M. Bangur, Joint Managing Director, Shree Cement, which is to rope in a foreign company as a strategic partner.

``A joint venture with Bajaj Auto represents a decisive step forward in our strategy to establish the insurance business in India.'' -- Mr Michael Diekmann, Board Member, Allianz AG.

``Engaging Gartner _ an international IT consultancy firm _ as technology partner is part of the bank's initiative for a paradigm shift from manual to electronic banking.'' -- Mr P. S. Shenoy, Chairman and Managing Director, Bank of Baroda.

``Hindustan Lever is trying to increase the overall market for its products. Our shampoos are used in just 10 per cent of all hair wash occasions.'' -- Mr M. S. Banga, Chairman, Hindustan Lever.

``The real effect of the government's privatisation policy will become visible in 2001-02.'' -- Mr Nimesh N. Kampani, Chairman and Managing Director, JM Morgan Stanley.

``HDFCrealty.com simplifies the tedious process of acquiring or selling a property. Buildhomeindia.com is the second phase in our effort to be an online one-stop shop.'' -- Mr Naresh Nadkarni, CEO, HDFCrealty.com