HEMENDRA KOTHARI: Striking a different deal

One is a merchant banker and the other, a corporate chieftain. The former is 54 years old, and the latter, seven years younger. But those differences aren't stopping friends Hemendra Kothari, Chairman of DSP Merrill Lynch, and Ajay Piramal, Chairman of Piramal Enterprises, from joining hands to help a cause: protect India's wild life. Their newly launched Indian Wildlife Conservation Trust plans to raise funds from corporate India and act as a catalyst in furthering the objectives of the Ministry of Environment and Forests-in particular, the National Wildlife action plan.

It turns out, both the gentlemen are avid lovers of nature. While Piramal has been horse riding since he was 10 and still dabbles in wild life photography, Kothari has been passionate about tigers right from his college days. Not suprisingly, then, the holiday destinations for him

AJAY PIRAMAL: Giving back to nature

and his family have usually been wildlife sanctuaries in Kenya, Tanzania, as well as Kanha, Ranthambhore, and Corbett National Park in India. Over the last year-and-a-half, the man-often joined by his family-has been devoting almost three hours every week to conservation efforts. So, when in doubt if it is 27 or 28 tiger reserves that are threatened, he simply picks up the phone and checks with his daughter. Says Kothari: "Achieving financial self-sufficiency could ensure the long-term protection of crucial wildlife habitats." Adds Piramal: "I wanted to give back a little to nature, having enjoyed it over the years."

For starters, their Trust will focus on Maharashtra, especially the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve and Sanjay Gandhi National Park at Borivli. At the same, some work will also be done for other sanctuaries such as Melghat, Pench, Nagzira, and Navegaon. By ecologically restoring the parks and enhancing the visitor experience, Kothari sees the sanctuaries unlocking their tourism potential. Besides protecting tigers, such parks in Maharashtra serve as vital watersheds that ensure water security of the state. Considering that 55 per cent of existing tigers in the world are in India, there will be plenty for Piramal and Kothari to do.

Man Interrupted

KISHORE CHAUKAR: No dearth of support

As the managing director of Tata Industries, Kishore Chaukar wears many a hat at the Tata group. He is the man responsible for putting together the group's Rs 14,000-crore telecom plan. He is one of the three members of the group think-tank, the Group Executive Office. And till a month ago, he was also the Vice Chairman of Tata Finance. It is the last job that is spelling bad news for the affable and voluble Chaukar. A report by a f Ferguson, appointed by the Tatas to probe irregularities at Tata Finance, accuses Chaukar of trying to hide material information from the company's board. The controversial 'page 60' he is alleged to have smothered mentioned Tata Finance's damning exposure to Nishkalp Investment and Trading. While Chaukar was unavailable for comment, group Chairman Ratan Tata told reporters at the recent Telco AGM that Chaukar had his full confidence and support. Good auditor, better boss.

SUMANT SINHA: There's more to him

Like Father...

An investment banker joining a top corporate house is hardly any news-unless, like Sumant Sinha, he can boast of a minor detail. That he is the son of Yashwant Sinha, India's former finance minister and currently, the external affairs minister. But that detracts little from Sinha Jr.'s own achievements. The 37-year-old, who recently joined the AV Birla Group as President of group corporate finance, beat 24 other contenders from across the globe to bag the job. While his critics may want to read more into his appointment, the fact is Sinha carries an impeccable CV. He's an engineer from IIT Delhi, a management graduate from IIM Calcutta and, to top it, has a master's degree in international banking and finance from the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University. Starting his career as a management consultant with Tata Administrative Services, Sinha moved to Citigroup Securities as assistant Vice President, and then to ING Barings as a director. As an investment banker, he did the first capital market deal for the government of Sri Lanka. So what brought him back to India? "The group is evolving and it provides a kind of opportunity to be part of the change process," he says with a shy smile. Watch this man.