Tea Talks: Lessons from the Northeast's Leaves | IB Ubhadia | TEDxAssam University
When I.B. Ubhadia took over as Manager of Roskandy Tea Garden, the estate was facing a crisis—poor productivity, weak morale, disorganised operations, and financial losses had become the norm. But within a few years, the narrative shifted. Roskandy is now a profitable, efficient, and motivated workplace—proof that strong management can transform even the most struggling organisations.In this inspiring journey of revival, Ubhadia shares how decisive leadership, restructuring, and people-centric management became the cornerstones of the turnaround. Instead of applying quick fixes, he focused on long-term systems: improving worker-management relationships, enforcing accountability, investing in quality, and introducing modern agricultural practices.From introducing structured plucking schedules and reducing absenteeism to revamping the supply chain and aligning departmental goals, every move was guided by strategic thinking and empathy. His emphasis on training, communication, and transparency created a culture of ownership among the workforce.Roskandy's revival is not just about numbers—it’s about hope, discipline, and vision. It reflects how a manager who listens, leads, and learns can rebuild an institution from the ground up.This story is a powerful reminder that management is not merely about overseeing tasks—it is about crafting a direction, aligning teams, building resilience, and continuously adapting to change. For every organisation in distress, the story of Roskandy and I. B. Ubhadia offers a playbook of possibility. Ishvarlal Bhudarbhai Ubhadia is the General Manager of Rosekandy Tea Estate in Cachar, Assam, bringing over 40+ years of experience in the tea industry. He has also served as Chairman of the Surma Valley Branch of the Indian Tea Association, where he addressed challenges like labor absenteeism affecting tea productivity in South Assam. Under his leadership, Rosekandy Tea Estate, established in 1860 and spanning 560 hectares, produces approximately 14 lakh kg of tea annually. Ubhadia's tenure has seen both advancements and challenges, including labor strikes and administrative inquiries, reflecting the complexities of the tea industries. He also holds the director roles at solanah Tea Pvt. Ltd. and Prithvi Tea Company Ltd. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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