Vivek Vyas, Co-founder and CEO of Shradhanjali.com passionately seconds No Sir No Madam movement in India. Shradhanjali, India’s 1st tribute portal helps to acknowledge the lives of ancestors and departed loved ones. Here one can upload, store, publish, and share biography, family tree, videos, and photos. Mr. Narendra Modi, Indian Prime Minister has also praised the creative Shradhanjali portal for its services.
Vivek has spent the majority of his career working for banks, particularly in the insurance sector. He stumbled on the idea of instituting Shradhanjali when he noticed someone’s obituary column page being used for serving snacks. To maintain the sanctity of our deceased ancestors, he conceptualized Shradhanjali.
He instilled No Sir No Madam culture in his office upon realizing the benefits of it personally. “People can connect in a better manner when they communicate on a first-name basis. It also imbibes a sense of belonging in your employees. As a result of which they take the onus of executing work sincerely. Moreover, it allows employees to express their ideas as first-name convention eradicates any communication barrier.”
He shares the example of the famous ad-maker; Piyush Pandey, who was benefited from hearing an idea given by his junior employee. The junior suggested to make a slight change in the ad for the company ‘M-seal’ which was much appreciated by everyone.
Having worked in both, private and public sector banks, Vivek describes the difference in culture that people adhere to. He enumerated — People in public sector banks strictly follow ‘Sir/Madam’ culture. They unfortunately think that respect can only be given by greeting people with salutations. There have been instances when employees merely respected their seniors in their presence.
However, in their absence they would not hold the same regard for them. Ergo, I believe that ‘Sir/Madam custom only creates a fake sense of respect in subordinates. They follow it because they have no other option.
Likewise, Vivek shares his thoughts on the prevalence of ‘Sir/Madam’ culture in the government sector. He states — People force themselves to refer the bureaucrats with a salutation. They are scared that not addressing them as ‘Sir/Madam’ would lead to complications in their work.
Although, it is our responsibility that we work towards eliminating this hierarchical culture and instill No Sir No Madam doctrine. He reckons that it is the responsibility of younger generation to carry forward this cause.
Furthermore, he speaks on the issue that blue-collar workers face daily. People from lower-economic backgrounds are subjected to discrimination for no fault of their own. Subsequently, Vivek recommends, people who hire such workers should communicate with without any salutation mandate.
Employers ought to create a culture wherein, they too feel equal. We, however, refer them by their first-name. So it is fair that workers too should be allowed to address us without the pronouns.
Vivek ponders instilling No Sir No Madam edict into people can be achieved quicker, if kids are taught about it. He advocates that schools should adopt first-name culture and make students aware about the positive effects of it. Students are the ones who are going to be future leaders of the country.
Therefore, they should be educated about respecting people without being prejudice. In addition, it would enable them to be more confident about themselves. As they would not be bullied into following ‘Sir/Madam’ tradition under the pretext of giving respect.
Overall, Vivek concludes, “Remove salutation decree, form personal and close bonds with people around you. It will help you in forming cordial relations with your peers and improve the productivity of your organization. As together, everyone achieves more.”
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