IBNLive Chat: 'Brand Bangalore is about IT, global outlook '

IT'S THE WAY TO BE: For the West, Brand Bangalore is all about IT, software and a global outlook, feels Ramanujam Sridhar, CEO, Brand-Comm.

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Keywords: IT , Brand Bangalore

Ramanujam Sridhar: I agree with you .But does it make sense to force it on people? I think you are absolutely right in that we have taken more from this city than given to it. I think we should create an environment where every one of us, however small does his bit for the city.

Ratan: Many around the world have their eyes on India and am lately watching big cities like Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad battling it out, to be the key destination for investment. I am wondering how different is the brand strategy used by Hyderabad and Chennai to compete with Bangalore?

Ramanujam Sridhar: I think Bangalore lost its way in the marketing of itself over the last few years while Chennai particularly had a sharp focus. Bangalore still has inherent strengths, any company that wants talent can get it from Bangalore and will come here, if we make it easier and cheaper for them to come here

Bhuvana: In your view, with the slowdown on the IT front, where does Brand Bangalore fit in the large scenario?

Ramanujam Sridhar: This is a problem in the sense that Bangalore still is driven by technology unlike say Chennai which has more balanced growth. I see bio-tech as another big opportunity area, not to forget education. Bangalore could well be the knowledge capital of India and that is not only IT.

Chand: How can the new govt improve Brand Bangalore?

Ramanujam Sridhar: I think what we need more than anything else today is stability. The new government must demonstrate its keenness to recognise the importance of this city to the state and the country and not be guided by petty issues and politics that detract attention and interest in the development of the city and the state.

Anurag: Is Hyderabad a better IT spot than Bangalore now? What do you think? Can Bangalore win its old glory back?

Ramanujam Sridhar: Yes I am sure it can regain its former glory, we have certainly lost our way but the battle is not over yet. All we need is some leadership.

Rama: In your view what is meant by Brand Bengaluru?

Ramanujam Sridhar: Actually it should be Brand Bangalore and not Bengaluru as the politicians make it out to be. Brand Bangalore is about technology, software and a global outlook. It stands for that amongst western audiences, unlike any other city in India. It is sad that when we have recall and recognition for particular brand name, someone wants to tamper with it.