Horn Not Ok Please

As you walk into
Bengaluru-based Binary Systems it's hard to miss Edward Jeevan.
Sporting a usual smile on his face, he is one of the key factors to
Binary's success. Jeevan started his career with Binary after
finishing his post-graduation in Electronics. Although he wanted to
sail ahead on a different direction and
pursue a career quite different from the regular channel routine,
life had something different in store for him. Originally from
Mangalore, Jeevan pursued his degree in DVS College, Shimoga
district. Even before Jeevan became an engineer, he was freelancing
for many small projects during his student life. Jeevan was posted in
many upcountry regions like Hospet at the start of his
career and later on went to handle the Mangalore belt. This region
was critical since it used to bring maximum revenue to business.

Jeevan became adept in
negotiating with customers and adding more revenue generating areas.
During his tenure, Binary became the first exclusive partner of Wipro
way back in the 90's. Jeevan recalls, “Those times though we did
have limited options, I never thought of jumping companies. Once I
stick to something, it's difficult to change my path. I am
consistent and steady.” Jeevan grew the Mangalore team of Binary
from 10 to 50 members and surprisingly doubled the revenue. In course
of time, he was asked to come to Bengaluru and join the board, which
he did after much deliberation.

A man with only one
principle which is to help the needy, Jeevan sets a perfect example
for his peers. During his college days, Jeevan got his license to be
an amateur radio operator. He is extremely passionate about it till
today. Four years ago he met a gentleman-Sanjay Dave, Director of
KS Aiyer & Co who inspired him not use 'horn' while driving.
Initially Jeevan found it extremely difficult only on the first day
but since then he has not used horn till today. Infact his wife Smita,
who has just learnt
driving, does not use it too! When probed about the same Jeevan said,
“The purpose of horn is to make others react on road. But once you
don't have it in your car, you become more aware and responsible.
It has been four years and I am used to it now. Even you are in a
hurry or faced with traffic, you just need to drive sensibly.”

Blessed with a talented
daughter Shreya, Jeevan credits his success to his wife who supports
him in all his charitable doings. Like her father, Shreya started
driving at a tender age of six years. Go-karting, para gliding, river
rafting and hot air ballooning are some of her hobbies. Beaming with
pride, an exalted Jeevan said, “Not only adventure sports but
Shreya is learning Bharatanatyam too. Once in my home town she drove
a tractor all by herself when she was about seven years old. We have
never pushed her to do anything since children should learn by their
will. We are extremely proud of her.”

The family takes frequent
trips around the country. Their best vacation was in Manali last year
where Jeevan enjoyed river rafting with his daughter. Jeevan is part
of a group called BNI and is the Founder Director of a chapter called
Dynamics. The 38-member group meets every Tuesday morning to share
contacts and business views. The members take care that no two
businessmen share the same line of business. Jeevan has also
undertaken consulting projects in FLAME, Pune. He is also an active
member of Rotary and is the Secretary and life time member of
Mangalore Amateur Radio Club. When asked about work life balance,
Jeevan said, “You can make time for everything. I reserve
Sundays exclusively for my family. Rest of the days are hectic due to
the nature of business.” Always ready to help and encourage, Jeevan
supports two top scoring students in the 10th standard from his
hometown and rewards them. “One does find time to help the poor and
needy. Whenever we come across any kind of accident on road, we do
not think twice before helping. Who knows when I might require help,”
he added. Jeevan has also volunteered during many national
calamities.

Jeevan is also extremely
fond of pets. During his student days he had two squirrels, four
dogs, and a cat including wild cat as pets. He recalls, “I have
currently one cat by name Minu and she is part of my family. At any
point I want to be surrounded with animals as they give you
unconditional love. They have the right to live as much as we do.”
Concerned about the environment, he feels sad
with the number of trees being cut in name of development. Concluding
his remarks about the same, Jeevan said, “I am not against
development but disturbing ecological balance is not acceptable.
Bangalore can be developed without causing damage to the existing
green cover. If all of us can be responsible human beings, the world
will definitely be a better place for us and our children to live.”