Nigel Albuquerque | The Champion of Collective Leadership | Inspiring Unity, Driving Change | Global TV

NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044

The City of Smile and Respect; Mangalore city is often described as the cultural and economic heart of coastal Karnataka. The city is also known as the intellectual capital of India. Mangaluru stands out for its vibrant traditions and for the commitment of its civic-minded citizens.

Nigel Albuquerque, the founder-director of the Mangaluru Civic Group (MCG), is a role model in many ways. His integrity and progressive action is well appreciated and well taken by and large by the community.

Recently, Nigel demonstrated his unwavering dedication to honesty when he found a lost bag near Lalbagh containing ₹1.5 lakhs. There was no identifying documents in the bag. But he conducted a private investigation and located the person who had lost his bag. It was such a joy when the bag was handed over to the rightful owner through the Barke police station. This act of honesty earned him widespread praise, reaffirming his reputation as a man of principle.

A Visionary Civic Leader

He is the convenor of the Mangaluru Civic Group with over 5,000 active members. Nigel is a civic leader engaged in initiatives enhancing the city’s civic landscape. The group’s influence is significant with their focus on bringing transparency in governance. His remarkable initiatives created a great impact in the grassroots civic network in the city with citizens asking for democratic processes in local governance. We can see a meaningful change in the city with the people engaged in appreciative inquiry models in social initiatives.

Nigel is relentless engaged in the pursuit of transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. He put efforts to identifying several illegal constructions and reporting them. His efforts have also played a critical role in the successful implementation of the Ward Committee (WC) system in Mangaluru. It was an exceptional achievement that are yet to happen in larger cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Hubli.

Championing Urban Development

Under Nigel’s guidance, MCG has spearheaded several initiatives aimed at making Mangaluru a more livable city. These efforts include advocating for improved public transportation, safer pedestrian pathways, and the creation of green spaces. “Our goal is to ensure that urban planning prioritizes the community’s needs,” Nigel emphasizes.

Transparency in governance is the cornerstone of MCG’s work. The group regularly organizes public forums where citizens directly engage with government officials, fostering dialogue on issues ranging from budget allocations to project implementation.

Promoting Environmental Awareness

Nigel’s environmental advocacy has made a tangible impact on Mangaluru’s ecological landscape. Notable campaigns include citywide tree-planting drives and workshops on waste management, which have educated thousands of residents on the importance of waste segregation and reducing single-use plastics.

Advocacy for the Ward Committee System

A staunch proponent of decentralization, Nigel has championed the Ward Committee system, which brings governance closer to the people. By educating residents about the system and encouraging their participation, he has empowered citizens to take ownership of their communities and hold their elected representatives accountable.

Integrity in Action

Nigel’s call for accountability extends beyond individuals to institutions. In his article for Global TV, he highlights the littering problem around clinics and diagnostic centers in Mangaluru. “If common decency doesn’t work, let’s talk about money,” he proposes, advocating for a hefty fine of ₹15,000 for those caught littering, with provisions for CCTV enforcement. He also urges clinics to take responsibility by installing waste bins, putting up signposts, and collaborating with waste management agencies.

A Civic Vision for the Future

Nigel’s future plans for MCG are ambitious. The group is working on creating a comprehensive database of civic issues to streamline problem reporting and improve government response. Environmental initiatives focused on promoting sustainable energy solutions are also on the horizon.

His rapport with lawyers, intellectuals, and local stakeholders positions him as a strong contender for a potential political role. There is growing speculation that Nigel may receive a ticket from either the Congress or BJP for the MCC elections, particularly for the Bejai constituency, where both parties currently lack strong candidates.

Learn the art of reverse thinking. Many complex concepts can be made easier with reverse thinking | Global TV

NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044

Microfinance institutions should come out of the banking stream of activities and do something better and more rewarding than microfinance. Non-Banking Finance sector should get into establishment of Career Organisations (CO) as an alternative to Non Governmental Organisations (NGO). These are the safe alternatives instead of opted out by the system automatically.   

The paperwork and operational costs associated with small transactions are no longer significant concerns today. Banks can now process small transactions efficiently and cost-effectively. We are simply creating names and thereby boundaries of operations without knowing that we are living in a boundaryless world. The rise of fintech companies like Bajaj Finance has no base at all. They are shining by offering paperless and automated lending solutions. They are but charging exorbitant interests from the people. Profits for them come from two sides. One is increase interest rates like 18% to 24% and the other from the sales commission offered by shops. Can you imagine buying a computer priced One lakh rupees with a Bajaj Finance of seventy five thousand rupees? 10% Commission from the sales and 18% from the finance for 3 years.  

Here’s the calculation: Let’s break it down:

• Computer price: ₹1,00,000
• Down payment: ₹25,000
• Bajaj Finance amount: ₹75,000
• Sales commission: 10% of ₹1,00,000 = ₹10,000 (paid to Bajaj Finance)
• Interest rate: 18% per annum for 3 years
• Total interest paid: ₹75,000 x 18% x 3 years = ₹40,500
• Total amount paid by the customer: ₹25,000 (down payment) + ₹75,000 (loan amount) + ₹40,500 (interest) = ₹1,40,500

The alarming truth about fintech companies like Bajaj Finance is that they’re profiting handsomely from unsuspecting customers. Take, for instance, a computer purchase priced at ₹1,00,000, with a down payment of ₹25,000 and the remaining ₹75,000 financed by Bajaj Finance. The customer is already paying a hefty sales commission of 10% (₹10,000) to Bajaj Finance. But that’s not all – they’ll also be charged an exorbitant interest rate of 18% per annum for 3 years, resulting in a total interest payment of ₹40,500. This means the customer will end up paying a staggering ₹1,40,500 for a computer originally cost them at ₹90,000. It is a matter of ₹15,600/- interest when a bank gives it in a transparent loan process. Total payment by the beneficiary is only ₹1,05,600/-  

What Microfinance institutions can do in the new global economy?

The role of local microfinance institutions can be elevated to the status of the kings in the Golden era of Indian Economy. They should run the Wearhouse and Godowns of local produce. Buy produce from the people at good price, process them, store them and sell them Globally at the best possible price. This was the revenue source of the Kings in India during the Golden era of Indian Economy.

There is recorded facts in the history about how India was a trade headquarters of the world. The situations remain the same with Indian people spread all across the world in key positions and well to do propositions. We should apply brain to understand the changed scenario and to make us fit to the new market conditions. The world is in a crossroads. Everyone is looking for cost savings. We can do a lot with a renewed understanding of what’s really happening in the world. A move from the chemical food culture to the organic living is very much required today.

Career Loans is the way forward for NBFIs

Non-Banking Finance institutions should understand their real advantage and use their brains to expand their streams of operations to Career Loans. For example, 75,000 Tourism Ambassadors across India is a brilliant Idea. To position 75,000 into tourism sector means you are making the tourism sector to become an organised sector from its present status of scattered and unorganised sector. What happens here is the opening of regional, zonal offices and training facilities. You are already having everything from Head Office to local offices. You can take up every sector and make people to work from their homes while they come to the nearest offices for training and facilitation purposes. To understand this need lot of thinking. Imagine the government decides today to dismantle the Head Office, Zonal Offices and Regional offices of all the Banks? This is not going to happen, but if happens, it will make the bank branches to become an unorganised sector and the entire industry will collapse within no time.

Learn the art of reverse thinking. Many complex concepts can be made easier with reverse thinking. Do something different when you want to achieve greater goals in life. Demographic dividend is the greatest resource that India can boost today. Can we spread net when there is abundance of fishes in the river and sea?    

Well Grounded and Professionally Trained | Lucky to work with great personalities | Stable and able to Face higher Targets and unprecedented Challenges | Global TV

In the silent coastal town of Udupi, a young boy grew up under the loving yet strict observation of his father. He was a man of tough discipline. He believed and outlived adversity that had shaped his character. He wanted his son to be nothing less than a brilliant success. More than that he had the responsibility of his three girl children to be taken care by his only son. That could be the reason he was in a strict disciplinary mode always when it comes to his son.  

The boy took it very sportively. Must not be knowing about the nuances of taking things in that spirit, but it had happened in that way. Sheshagiri, now a man of 55, often recounts how his father’s punishments was during his school days. Those moments of strict discipline had turned to become the great transformation in his life. When I was punished for my poor performance in studies, I took it as a challenge; he recalls with pride. “That mindset shaped who I am today.”

Graduating from Lal Bahadur College in Sagar in 1988, he faced a crossroads common to many young men from similar backgrounds. He had to address the pressing need to support his family. His sisters were still studying, and the weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his shoulders. That was but something that he would love to take on his shoulders. What disturbed him was the interreference and interpretations of irrelevant people around him on his future plans.

People had a habit of poking into others’ prospects without any logic for it? Insults over insignificant matters wounded his sensitive nature, driving him to seek a place where he wouldn’t have to endure humiliation. “I didn’t want anyone to insult me again,” he asserts. “So, I moved to Mumbai.”

Life in Mumbai was a whirlwind of challenges and opportunities. The bustling city, with its relentless pace and boundless energy, demanded more than just hard work. The city was demanding endurance. “I decided and I was sure that I would outwork everyone,” he says. “While others clocked out at six, I worked till ten, even on Sundays.” This relentless effort paid off, setting him on a path to success.

During those early years, he had the rare opportunity to interact with one of India’s most iconic industrialists, Dhirubhai Ambani. “People don’t believe me when I say I interacted with him almost daily,” he laughs. “I was in my twenties, and he was in his fifties. But those interactions taught me that growth has no limits if you dare to dream big.”

Despite his growing success in Mumbai, the routine of daily commuting and the city’s chaos began to take its toll. “I realized I was wasting precious hours just traveling,” he reflects. For a better work-life balance, he returned to Mangalore, a move that surprised many but proved to be a turning point in his life.

Back in Mangalore, he quickly established himself in the media industry, joining The Hindu in 1998 after a brief stint of less than a year with Canara Times. His role came with its own set of challenges. One of the turning point was around Metro, a supplement with The Hindu that had zero revenue. “Everyone had written it off,” he recalls. “But I saw it as an opportunity.” With innovative ideas, he made it a revenue model, bringing in Rs. 35 lakhs within a year.

His achievements did not go unnoticed. Awards and accolades followed, but he remained grounded, attributing his success to the lessons instilled by his parents. “My father always said that punishment should be taken positively,” he smiles. “When I became successful, he was proud that I had turned those moments of adversity into stepping stones.”

A Serendipitous Challenge: The Birth of a Motivational Speaker |

• From Traveler to Winner | The Unplanned Speech That Sparked a Journey of Fearlessness

Beyond professional triumphs, he found joy in meaningful interactions and community service. His involvement with the Junior Chamber International (JCI) led to an unexpected challenge. “I was just passing by when I heard about an on-the-spot speech competition,” he recalls. “Before I knew it, someone had entered my name, and I was being called to the stage.” Despite the surprise, he delivered a speech that won applause, proving once again that challenges, when embraced, can lead to unexpected victories. Let us watch the story minutely again.

It was an ordinary afternoon in 2004, the kind when life unfolds without much drama or expectation. Walking down with nothing in mind, a faint announcement sizzled over the speakers, calling for participants for an on-the-spot speech competition. He paid no heed to it, assuming it was meant for someone else.

The world of spontaneous public speaking was unfamiliar territory, and he had no intention of stepping into it. Suddenly, he heard his name being called. Startled, he looked around, confused. “That must be someone’s mistake,” he thought. “I didn’t give my name.” But the announcer was persistent, urging him to take the stage.

Someone, a well-meaning stranger perhaps, had submitted his name without his knowledge. A rush of panic set in. He hadn’t prepared a single word. As he hesitated, the crowd watched expectantly. “I haven’t thought of anything,” he muttered under his breath. But something within urged him forward.

As he ascended the stage, his mind raced. The topic was announced: “Speak about software-connected companies.” The theme was intimidating at first, but then a glimmer of hope surfaced. He recalled reading about Infosys, Wipro, and other tech giants in the newspapers. “I know this,” he told himself.

Taking a deep breath, he began speaking. Words flowed effortlessly, surprising even him. What had initially seemed impossible became a ten-minute speech that captivated the audience. He spoke confidently about India’s IT revolution, the global impact of companies like Infosys, and the rapid transformation of technology. When he finally concluded and stepped off the stage, a wave of relief washed over him. “At least I survived,” he thought with a nervous laugh.

What followed was even more surprising. He won first prize. The unexpected victory was more than just a moment of triumph. It ignited a spark within him, awakening a newfound confidence. “That moment changed everything,” he reflects. “It made me realize that I could speak on the spot, without preparation.”

This serendipitous challenge marked the beginning of his journey as a motivational speaker. He started receiving invitations to speak at colleges, organizations, and events. With each speech, his confidence grew, and so did his passion for inspiring others. Today, he is a sought-after speaker known for his ability to captivate audiences with spontaneous insights and stories of persistence. “That day was a turning point,” he says with a smile. “If I hadn’t taken that unexpected challenge, I might never have discovered this gift.” Life, he believes, often presents opportunities disguised as challenges. And sometimes, all it takes is the courage to step onto the stage.

Today, he stands with a broad smile and a positive mindset to take on to anything that pose a challenge over to him. His journey from a small town to the heights of professional success is shaped by challenges both big and small. All these stories offer a compelling narrative of triumph. “Success,” he says thoughtfully, “isn’t just about business achievements. It’s about taking care of your parents, meeting people, sharing ideas, and helping others grow.

Life is a mix of so many things. You cannot isolate a component and present them to show what makes life truly fulfilling.