Bringing Hope to Tsunami-Affected Children

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2. images flashed on the television wouldhave brought the toughest to stop a moment to think how ephemeral life is. Vanishing in just a few minutes. That was it. Life was back to meetings and schedules. Business as usual. The call was at night well past the dream times. Shaking with emotion. “I really want to do something for those children Pat… those that have lost their parents... Let's go and bring them... give them a home... I have organized it... let's go.” He went on and on incoherent and charged. “Yeah... sure... we will” and I went back to my cosy sleep picking those sweet dreams from where I left them. What shook me backto reality was when I woke up the P.S. Pathanjali Vice President, New Business Development Writes Each one of us has experienced the pain of seeing some one dear in distress. It's a natural response. Normal. To be moved by the pain of someone unknown unrelated is truly human. Distinct. This is what differentiates the regular me-my-family-my-friends with the truly human. It is easy to share the cause of someone close. The identification is near complete. To shed a tear, to lend a hand, to mourn for someone who is faceless, nameless, unencumbered needs passion and a true heart. The tsunami struck. Destruction was widespread. I called anybody whom I thought was anywhere near the coast. No familiar names. None I loved, cared for were affected. Said a silent prayer to the lord. Thanked him. True, I shook my head in despair, stared into the open pondered over what must have been the last moments of someone dragged violently by the seas. Crashed dreams, homes, and livelihoods. The It started off as a small initiative but ended up as an Organizational effort. CA Anzar, Patanjali, Alfred, Reji, Benoy, Palanivel (from Salem) decided to start the New Year differently. It has to be recalled that Tsunami had snatched away all the celebrations associated with the offset of a new year. Keeping this in mind our people decided to give a new beginning to this year by visiting the Tsunami affected area. Find below a Firsthand Report of our Sami-ites who visited Nagapattinam, Nagore and Vellakanni. They were accompanied by our four drivers also – Joseph, Palanivel, Velu and Satish. 02

3. became a Canter worth. Sudhir said “I think we will take the Anju vehicle also.” Anzar was truly possessed. A word of caution. Vaccinated the gang for typhoid and cholera. Anzar, Alfred, Binoy, Regi, Palani, Joseph, Satish, Velu, my driver Vinayak and I. Loaded. Early morning on the first day of the year. Eagerness in the air. A hot tea from the Security and we were on our way. Poignant moments. Some peaceful driving brought the convoy of three vehicles to Salem. Palanivel, our man in shining armor. The network of contacts activated. An “Agri” as the Agricultural officers are called locally, inMannargudi was to contact his friend in Nagapattinam, “He knows someone in the Collectorate Saar... will help us to get things moving”. Bless his soul. Trichy, Tanjavur the stories became more morbid. Decided to stay over at Mannargudi for the night. The friend arrives. “We will leave at 8 AM. The collector arrives by 9. They will guide us to deliver the supplies so that it will reach the right people”. The next day a short drive takes us to Nagapattinam. Ground Zero. The sights of destruction evident from miles away. Clothes strewn on the roads. Grim looks on the faces. Very official looking people busy ferrying in their cars. Lots of Lorries. Banners, languages, sizes, shapes and colors. All said the same. Help. Tsunami Lorry. Rushing to reach whatever they thought those poor souls needed. Reached the Collector's office. We were in a queue. For once I was glad to wait in a long queue. A certain brotherhood existed among those that came. Groups of women were lamenting their loss. More running behind these Tsunami Lorries to collect rice, bread or whatever was there to offer. A foreigner in the premises was immediately mobbed. The open spacebehind the Collectorsoffice was a sight to watch. Clothes of every kind, color and material were thrown. Free for all. The supplies were next morning, the conversation I had seemed a distant memory. Must have been a dream... He called again. In office. “I have arranged for Rs. 10,000 please arrange to buy food... anything you think is necessary... let's go and deliver it”. Anzar set the ball rolling. It was not a dream. I called Regi. Seemed as though he just needed to be switched on. The usually quiet “administrator” was charged into action. Shrini (the Dr.) shared his wisdom. The 10,000 was soon breads, jams, milk powder... Sabil suggested Metro. Negotiations on. Regi came back with the numbers. We can buy 800 loaves of bread. Another call the money increased. We could have actually jumped. It was Rs. 25,000. Re-negotiated. The bread increased. Binoy came in eager. “May I join in”? More the better. Now the sequence was gaining momentum. The word went around. As if waiting for the cue, ideas poured forth. More suggestions. “Let's take water” “What about jam” someone mentioned “medicines”. A kind friend in the Pharma distribution was only too glad. Said the lot will be delivered the next morning. The trip was finalized. He called again. “Let's go tomorrow morning” “Doctor hasgiven me 10,000 more Pat... let's buy some more...”.A Qualis full of supplies 03

4. is all but a few walls. A car is washed away. “Four people died inside” “I could not save my mother… I saw her being sucked away” This man walks like he is in a trance. Hunger strikes. Fearing contaminated water in the affected places we devoured a couple of biscuits and a few bananas from the lot we carried. Dry bread and biscuits were delicious. We drove to Velankanni. One more decomposed body was being carted. The beach is washed clean. All the shops that were on the beach were washed away. A lone dog was rushing into every receding wave. Looking for somebody perhaps. People on the beach covertly looking away from the beach. A fleeting glance again and again beyond the water line expecting the sea to bring out the monster again. It is unimaginable how this gentle sea with that innocuous froth of waves could have transgressed its borders and left so many destroyed and dead in its wake. Whom do we mourn? The dead or the living dead like the man who is still unforgiving himself for having not saved his mother. Women who went toshop while their children were washed away. Men who went out to sea to come back unable to recognize a clean patch of land where once his village stood. Or was it anger. Angry that we were attacked in stealth. Angry that the coward took away our children, our old. Angry that some unspeakable wretches who ran along with the withdrawing waters to pillage into the homes of the dead to loot from the ravaged homes and the bodies of the dead. Drained. Emotionally and physically. Set our course back home. A strange sense of fulfillment. Mixed emotions. Heartening to see that there are so many who felt the way we did and came there. In sheer numbers it was a drop. But we were there. We shared. We mourned the death of a few unknown. Somebody has recorded this. A strange thought occurred. Kabir has said, that we pray when we are in trouble, but not when we are happy... Should you pray when you are happy... Why would one be in trouble at all? We gathered, collected and shared. Humane. Do we need a Tsunami to wake the human in us? When is the next time we will help someone. When disaster strikes classified, perishable and the ones that could be stored. A grateful note from the Collector acknowledged the receipt of the supplies that were received. “Could you take the perishable to the camps directly please”? We were more than happy. Drove into town. Drove to a camp. Small children oblivious to the tragedy that has struck playing, rejoicing the sudden holiday. Men and women with fear and despair writ on their faces accepting the hot meal handed to them by a group of volunteers. Silent groups. Went along with Ravi a businessman who has converted his house as the central point for the volunteers to stayand cook these people. Ravi escorted us to the central warehouse where we unloaded the bread and bananas. Unloaded the water tank. A precious commodity. Thanks Kunigal. A quick tour of the city - 3000 bodies were placed here…. The complete area is washed away… Huge trawlers had floated right past a few buildings and were placed oh so delicately on the main road. One look at the probable way and one is shocked at the height the wave must have carriedthis over the buildings. Broken houses,mangled steel a horrible sight. Went to the Nagur Dargah. People, children everywhere.The shrine next to theshore 04

5. helpless and appalled. They all crowded around every vehicle for a drop of water and a loaf of bread. We were strictly notified by the Collectorate officials not to distribute any of the goods in the Collectorate premise. Any how we got a Guide to help us to help the helpless. We started from the Collectorate to the camp where we came across serpentine queues. People were waiting to get a morsel of food. There were many who did not have the energy to stand, so lying they became a part of this waiting line. We delivered them food and water. Later we visited few of the camps where we distributed clothes, medicines, food articles etc. We also visited Nagore and Velankanni. It was unbelievable for a person who has already been to this place. Tsunami had swallowed what used to exist there and had given the place a disheveled look. With everything taken away by the Sea, the very Sea which was food, water and shelter to them, what we encountered there was a horrendous picture of human beings snatched off their rights. Alfred and Regi Administration Drop a Line We started from the Corporate office at 6 in the morning with two trucks loaded with bread, rice, bananas, glucose, medicine, milk powder, curry powder, sugar, grains, water, clothes etc. Our first stop was at Salem from where Mr. Palanivel joined us. From here we traveled to Mannarkudy near Tanjavore where we spent the night. Next day early morning we started from Mannarkudy and headed towards Nagapattinam. As you all know, Nagapattinam was the worst hit by Tsunami or the Killer Wave. On the way, the officials at the various police check posts directed us to the District Collectorate. Accordingly we went to the Collectorate from where we got permission to distribute the goods we had carried along with us except for the rice and medicines, which we were asked to submit at the Collectorate. The Tsunami victims were crowded around the Collectorate. Each one had a painful story to narrate. They looked We were told that nearly 850 shops were destroyed in Velakanni. Can you imagine that people did not even have a glass to drink water or plates to hold their food? We spent the whole day there and drove back to Salem by night. A special mention need to be made about Mr Pathanjali who drove the vehicle all the way and led the team. Not to forget Mr. Anzar, who was actively with us through out the trip inspite of the fact that he was not keeping well. Last but not the least; we would like to thank all the employees who contributed for the Tsunami Relief. 05

6. Dr Muhammed Majeed recently participated in the third Bharatiya Pravasi Divas in Mumbai. Find below a profile of Dr Majeed which appeared in The New Indian Express. Sami Labs to expand operations in EU, Lattam Joe Scaria Economic Times Standardised herbal extracts, fine chemicals and nutraceuticals maker Sami Labs has decided to expand operations in Latin America and Europe in the immediate future keeping in tune with its strategy to consolidate its position in these markets How difficult was it to make it big in America? Lalitha Suhasini The New Indian Express Muhammad Majeed, a 23-year-old B. Pharm student from Kerala left for US with $8 in 1975, and established Sabinsa Corporation in 1988. ‘‘My friends told me coming back to India would be my biggest mistake, but I believed Bangalore had great industrial climate,’’ Majeed said at the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin meet in conjunction with the third Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Mumbai. ‘‘Today, I would ask NRIs to wait before starting operations in Bangalore because it’s not conducive to growth — there are terrible traffic jams and the prices are escalating,’’ said Majeed, who founded Bangalore-based Sami Labs in 1991, with manufacturing units in Kunigal and Nelamangala, an R&D unit in Singasandara and a corporate office in Peenya. But how difficult was it to make it big in America which is fixated on Indian herbal treatments? ‘‘The word Ayurveda was a tongue twister in 1991,’’ claims the 54-year-old, whose company won its first Indian National Award in Basic Drugs in 1995. 06

7. Sami Labs Limited participated in the Indo-American CME, organized by the Association of Kerala Medical Graduates, USA (AKMG) at Thiruvananthapuram. Dr Muhammed Majeed, who presented a paper on “Emerging Nutraceutical Era in India – A glimpse at the Ingredients, Formulation, Therapeutic Claims and Regulatory Status,” was in the media glare following his talk on the subject. We carry below the paper clippings Sami Labs to unveil new brand of cosmetics Sankar Radhakrishnan Business Line The Bangalore-based Sami Labs Ltd is preparing to launch its own brand of cosmeceuticals in the country by March next year. Dr Muhammed Majeed, Managing Director, Sami Labs Ltd told Business Line that the new products will be introduced under the Johara brand and will include a range of skin care products. The company is looking at adopting a multi-level marketing strategy to retail the Johara brand of cosmetics, he added. Recast sends Sami Labs up IT path Sarita Varma The Financial Express Sami Labs has decided to take an IT detour. Predictably, it is the growing global healthcare solutions pie that has the Bangalore-based biotech behemoth going the software business way. A stand-alone IT company, is part of the Sami Labs’ Rs 60 crore expansion and diversification plans for 2005, according to its Chairman and Managing Director Muhammed Majeed. 07

8. Sandesh Desk had asked “Voice Your View” from all Sami-ites on their New Year Resolution. Whether they believe in New Year Resolution? If No, Why? If yes, what is their New Year Resolution? • “I would like to make my career and growth opportunities wonderful this year. I am in the process of making a significant value addition in my personality through good learning skills, dedicated hard work and by way of excellent inter-personal relationships,” said RAMESH CN, Deputy Manager – Accounts. • The ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT has made a combined New Year resolution for themselves and also for the Sami-ites. To quote them: • “Friends lets bring real value addition in our personality and in building strong relationship with a new set of resolutions. • We feel very happy to wish each and every employee of “Sami Group” with a new approach. It is a great joy for us and we take this opportunity in proposing a relationship building year with which we can understand each other better, strive hard jointly and make “SAMI” witness yet another excellent successful year. • On this special occasion, let us share and care for entire “SAMI FAMILY” • 01. Eat Healthy and Think Better Your Health is very important. • 02. Be creative and constructive in each of the things you execute. • 03. Keep smiling and reciprocate heartily for feelings and wishes. • 04. Be proud to give your complete contribution for “SAMI”. • 05. Bring a good name and fame for ”SAMI” by your special talents. • 06. Time is very important. So plan everything within time. • 07. Remember always that plans are nothing but planning is everything. • 08. Be simple and adjustable with other colleagues. • 09. Keep sharing knowledge with others. • 10. Be happy for the fact that by rendering your valuable services, you are making a value addittion to your own career. 08

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11. For the attention of the readers, this column is intended not to harm anybody's feeling. So it is requested not to take the writer's comments in the offensive. Let's begin with a blast. Exactly this was what had happened when it was Ahmed's birthday. Where Ahmed had intended to celebrate his birthday rather very conventionally…. ie cut the cake and share the piece with his colleagues in the department, it just turned the reverse. The yummy - yummy birthday cake was coated all over our Birthday Boy by Neeraja Shetty. Quiet unexpected but it was fun for the viewers. Yet another birthday passed unnoticed, though the day turned to be a day of double significance to Vinod Kumar, CEO Sabinsa Business Solutions. The second of January was not only the birthday of Vinod Kumar but it was a milestone event in his career. Yes, he took over as the CEO of the IT division of Sami Labs Limited on his birthday. On the other hand Jacob George VP Corporate Communication celebrated his birthday along with his wife and children in Kerala. Any guess where? According to reliable sources he cut the cake in a popular Toddy shop somewhere in Pathnapuram in Kerala. Now it's known that toddy shops don't supply cakes. So Jacob what was it you had in Pathnapuram Toddy Shop. 11

12. It wasn’t just birthdays in January, but a month when few of the Sami-ites entered the spousal relationship. We had Jagdeesh, Rekha from the Systems, Geeta and Alpana – Anurag from the R&D division getting married. Congrats to all. Anurag – Alpana are the next to join the Sami marriage. What’s Sami marriage? Well it’s a Sami employee marrying another Sami employee. Simple. The duo are just back to work after a short visit to Ooty, the famous honey moon spot in the South. If this jodi went to Ooty, Rekha traveled even further. Their destination was Goa. Geeta was visiting all her relatives along with her hubby. As for Jagdeesh it was Munnar. Anyway all the Sami-ites join you in wishing you happiness throughout. Very soon our corporate website www.samilabs.com will get a new look. So wait and watch. Simultaneously log in at www.sabinsa.com.au to visit Sabinsa Australia website. This is a new corporate website created recently. Providence took the shape of Anil Rajesh (Executive Assistant to Chairman) for Jacob George. According to Jacob George he feels more at home in Bangalore than in Kerala. Any guess why? Anil Rajesh, happens to be a great cook, not just a great cook but he is extremely interested in that ART called COOKING. From Schezwan Chicken to simple but delicious curd rice adorn their dining tables every night. 12

13. More than medical treatment, it’s our mental strength which brings cure. This was established beyond doubt by Geeta of Biochemistry Department. Hours after an accident, where she fractured her leg she was seen in the office with a heavy plaster on her leg. Inspite of the various counsels that came her way, Geeta adhered to her resolution of coming to office with the plastered leg. Result she has now limped into normalcy. For Ram Navaratna HR General Manager his passion is public speaking. This time he spoke on Time Management at the Corporate Office. Where we speak of Health as Wealth, according to Ram, Time is Money which has to be invested judiciously. Tapan Ray, CEO & Director of Sami Labs Limited inaugurated the new annex at our Corporate Office on 28 January, 2005. 13

14. We Welcome Anagha Godbole Anju Prasad Arun Kumar S Murugan S Pillai Pavithra Rao Syed Salim Veena S Vishwanatham G Ramitha K Kareem K S A Velukuttan S Ravi K R Tarun Reddy Lakshman Reddy P B Executive Assistant to CMD Marketing Co-Ordinator Electrician Business Development Associate Secretary General Manager - Production Secretary Manager - Accounts & Finance Trainee R&D Business Development Associate Marketing Officer Manager - Production Executive- H R Trainee - Production Corporate Corporate Corporate Corporate Corporate Corporate Corporate Corporate Corporate R&D Formulations - Kerala Formulations - Kerala Kunigal Kunigal Nelamangala 14