Meet Aditya Vikram Somani & Jerry Fernandes

Industrialist Aditya Vikram Somani is passionate about
the arts and started Inner Courtyard in 2002 to promote emerging artistes. Our
accounts manager Jerry Fernandes has been with CAP for the past 22 years and
maintains a balance of accounts and lazy Goan afternoons.When industrialist and
accountant got chatting, they unearthed a few golden nuggets of wisdom.

AVS: You have worked at CAP for the past 20 years. What is it about this
organization that keeps you here?

JF: The
support and cooperation that I have received from my superiors, the work
culture and CAP’s commitment to maintaining financial transparency and
accountability.

AVS: What is the personality trait that you
value most in a colleague?

JF:
Selflessness.

AVS: From your student days in Goa to your
life in Mumbai presently, what is the one positive, and one negative change
that you see in our world today?

JF: One
positive development, according to me, is that with advanced technology
 the world has come nearer to our homes. On the other hand, global warming
and unrest have been negative developments in recent times.

AVS:How strictly should we treat those who violate the law?

JF: I
think we should implement laws in the right perspective and without any
favoritism.

AVS: If you were given Rs 1 lakh to donate to charity, how would you
spend it?

JF: I
would give it towards the upliftment of poor children in rural areas.

AVS: If you were the Prime Minister of India what is the first issue you
would address?

JF: I
would attempt to bring about peace and harmony among the citizens of India.  

AVS: What are your dreams for your children?

JF: I
hope they become good human beings.

JF: You are the chairman of Everest
Industries. How do you manage to make time for philanthropic activity?  
        
AVS: Both my wife Padmini and I are blessed to have
been born in families where serving the community has been a part of our lives
since childhood, so I have never known otherwise. Philanthropy and community
engagement give me a deep sense of fulfillment. It also helps me understand
people. And when you enjoy something you also find the time and resources for
it. Attempting positive social change is very difficult, and sometimes
thankless, but finally, very fulfilling. I also encourage people in our company
to make time to support their local communities.

JF: Any philanthropist who is your role
model?                      
 

AVS: I am inspired by many people. Three of them are
from my own family; my grandfather Venkateshwar Somani who dedicated his last
three decades to creating quality education institutions, my father-in-law
Narotam Sekhsaria who has invested his resources and thought leadership in
capacity building in the fields of education, medicine and the arts and lastly,
my wife, Padmini, whose ability to grasp the complex development issues in our
country helps her to execute large-scale programs which have a huge impact.

JF: What is the
importance of relationships to you?            
                                    AVS: My family, friends and colleagues are my strength. I value
their presence in my life and the support they give me. I endeavor to give them
all I can offer. 

JF: Would you allow your underage children
to drive a car?

AVS: No. And I trust my children; they would never
expect any illegal or unreasonable liberties.

JF: What steps would you suggest to
eradicate poverty in India?                                             AVS:
Simpler laws that support and encourage private enterprise and capital creation
with minimal government intervention. That will generate employment across
society and eradicate poverty. Free dole only increases poverty. Complex laws
create inefficiency and waste resources.

JF: Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone,
which actress do you prefer?       
     

AVS: Both Priyanka and Deepika are very talented,
successful and beautiful. They are role models for many young girls. I would
choose Priyanka to be a brand ambassador for women’s empowerment and Deepika
would be great for creating awareness on child health and development
issues. 

JF: What inspired you to become a CAP board
member?

AVS: CAP has done such good work in our society and
helped nurture so many organizations. Our own charitable trusts and foundations
have benefited greatly from our interactions with the late Russi Lala and now,
Noshir Dadrawala. So, it was an honor  to be invited to join the Board.
The opportunity to build capacity motivated me to agree. I hope I am able to
steer more people towards philanthropy.          
    

JF: Now that you’re on the CAP board, do you
think any changes are required to strengthen CAP further? If so, in which area?

AVS: Most people are keen to give back to society and
help their communities, but they don’t know how to go about it. CAP must expand
its outreach to get more people connected, and build deep capacity and greater
compliance and accountability in existing not-for-profit organizations.