Celebrating Creative Genius

Celebrating
Creative Genius
In the following pages, we bring together select Indian musicians who dared to see beyond
the obvious and pursue their convictions; an ode to their creative contributions that changed
the face of Indian classical and contemporary music. Each of the maestros featured here has
revolutionised the music and the instrument he plays, elevating it to a higher realm.
To further enrich this tribute, Edelweiss commissioned young and upcoming artists from
across the country to capture each of the musicians in their element, through a series
of paintings. These paintings seamlessly mesh the musician with the artist, the latter
attempting to evoke the spirit that guides the former.
It is both a privilege and a pleasure to present here an artist's rendition of an artiste.
All efforts have been taken to maintain exclusivity in this piece of work, right from the careful selection of the musical geniuses
to the artists who have captured them on canvas. It is to be noted however, that their presence in these pages should not in
any way be construed as an endorsement of Edelweiss or its views.
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Ustad Bismillah Khan
A man of great tenderness and humility, the late Ustad Bismillah Khan brought the sweetness of the Shehnai, a
wind instrument, from Indian weddings to the centre stage of Indian Classical Music. Khan was one of the finest
musicians of the post-independence era and a symbol of India's religious pluralism and harmony for people of
different faiths.
Leading the Way
At Edelweiss, winning is not as stimulating as preparing to win.
Invigorated by a progressive environment, we have constantly put our
ideas and convictions to test. The senior team has strong roots in this
young company and has had the opportunity to build and lead
different businesses to record growth. Our businesses benefit from
the culture of Co-Heads, creating a fusion of strengths and expertise
and bringing continuity and stability to the organisation. Our simple
belief that the edge will gravitate towards those who possess
different ideas on how to do the same things and those who possess
the same ideas to do different things, is apparent in our culture.
At Edelweiss, ideas will create and values will always protect.
One of the fastest growing financial services companies with a 5-year
Revenue CAGR of 144% and PAT CAGR of 291%. A record 148%
growth in revenue for 2006-07. Amongst top 5 domestic Brokerages
and top 3 Derivatives Desks in India. Pioneered Quantitative research
in the country. Only full-fledged financial services company to have
been created ground up in the last decade.
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Mixed media by Prashish More - Mumbai. A JJ School of Arts graduate. He currently works as an art director for a fashion magazine and also as a freelance artist.
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Water Colour on Paper by Nilesh Dilip Jadhav - Mumbai. A JJ Institute of Applied Arts graduate. He holds workshops and exhibitions across the country.
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Pandit Ravi Shankar
A man ahead of his times, Pandit Ravi Shankar dared to break the shackles of tradition, taking criticism in his
stride. The world first witnessed this Sitar maverick's creative streak in 1987, when he introduced New Age
music with his unique method of combining traditional instruments with electronics. It is his relentless pursuit of
doing something new and innovative that keeps his music exciting.
Ahead of the Curve
In the fast transforming trillion dollar economy that is India, efficiently
connecting capital to those with ideas is a role that we seek to perform
to perfection. We identify and convert new opportunities by thinking big and
beyond, an intrinsic part of the Edelweiss DNA. This sheer entrepreneurial
aspect of our philosophy is leveraged in our every intent and act. With our
clients at the centre of our existence, it is their aspirations that feed our drive to
be better, faster and constantly future focused.
Entry into adjacent business opportunities that optimise existing capabilities
and competencies. Pioneered the introduction of arbitrage and derivatives
products in India. First Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP). First Alternative
Investment Market (AIM) - LSE listing. Leadership in structured finance.
Pioneered the concept of quantitative, alternative and thematic research
leading to early identification of emerging industry themes. Pioneered the
Edelweiss Analyst Programme (EAP) in 2003 - a steadily growing organisation
wide pool of high-energy intellectual capital.
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Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia
An innovator, a traditionalist. Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia adapted with the changing times. Today he is synonymous
with the Bansuri or bamboo flute. His unique style and experiments have given the North Indian bamboo flute a wider
appeal. He is one of those rare musicians who expanded the peripheries of classical music by taking it to the masses.
Innovation powered by Knowledge
Innovation has been variously defined as idea selection, development and
commercialisation. In our case, it is ideas founded on knowledge coupled
with an organisation-wide desire to creatively disrupt and challenge what
is commonplace and standard. While incremental innovation is critical to
grow market share and sustain growth targets, substantial growth over
the long horizon requires breakthroughs of the sort that only
discontinuous innovation can bring.
One of the largest research teams. Maximum width and depth of
coverage - over 200 stocks in 18 sectors. Combination of long-term
fundamental and technical research with short-term quantitative and
alternative research. Close interaction with over 500 companies - a
unique holistic view of companies. Set up an independent Strategic
Think Tank to guide industry leaders, policy makers and the investing
community. One of the largest range of advisory services based on
fundamental research.
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Pastel by Lalit Sakhuja - New Delhi. A self taught artist.
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Mixed media by Bhumika Singh - Varanasi. She is currently pursuing a degree from Banaras Hindu University.
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Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma
A fiery vision and relentless passion drove Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma to re-engineer the Santoor - an acoustic
labyrinth, to a higher melodic instrument with percussive sensitivity. This adjustment took the Santoor beyond its
traditional limitations. His persistence paid and from being regarded as an obscure string instrument, the
Santoor today enjoys pride of place in concert music.
Our People are Your People
Success comes from walking a few kilometers inside the client's
gumboots - perhaps the only cliché Edelweiss has happily imbibed
in practice. As custodians of our client's assets, we ensure that our clients
are at the core of every decision we make and any initiative that we
undertake. Right from training our talent, enhancing technology and
setting up systems and processes that meet stringent compliance
guidelines. All of which ensures a single minded dedication to help create
and consistently manage our client's wealth.
Customisation around client needs in terms of tenure, cost, capital
structure and risk appetite. At the forefront of emerging industry trends.
Innovative structured products. One stop life-time investment advisory.
Life-cycle financial solutions. Sweeping product range for all risk
appetites. Strong fundamental research and analyses based transactions
to minimise risk. ISO 9001 certification for our depository services.
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Ustad Amjad Ali Khan
Under the awning of tradition, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan strummed out beautiful music from the glittering instrument
called the Sarod and became synonymous with it. Through his introspection and ingenuity, he created many new ragas
that have further elevated Indian classical music in the global arena.
Strong Earthing
An appetite to venture into uncharted areas needs to be
balanced by a responsible management of the risks related to
them. The financial strength of Edelweiss ensures long-term
sustainability of every risk related decision.
A P1+ CRISIL rating validates our risk management ability and
significant, strong and stable financials. Institutionalised risk
management system, protected by knowledge on one end
and processes on the other. ISO 9001 certification for
depository services. The ability to process transactions that
carry credibility of comprehensive information diligence and
responsible price finding.
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Mixed media by Bhumika Singh - Varanasi. She is currently pursuing a degree from Banaras Hindu University.
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Pastels and Photo Colours on hand made paper by Rajan Gore - Mumbai. A JJ School of Arts graduate. He currently works as a freelance illustrator.
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Dr. L. Subramaniam
Receptive to new ideas, yet deeply rooted to the foundations of Carnatic music, Dr. L. Subramaniam attracted many a
western player to perform with him. Crowned with the title "Violin Chakravarthy", Subramaniam's tryst with the queen of
musical instruments has brought rapturous moments to an international audience as he popularised orchestral fusion.
Our Heartbeat - Our People
We are rigid beyond norms when we recruit potential Edelites. Potential employees at Edelweiss
undergo several rounds and levels of evaluation to determine their drive, values, competencies
and attitude. Equally important, is the alignment of the persona to the ethos, ideology and culture
of the organisation. After all, our employees are a mirror of our business principles
and philosophy. When we speak the same language, our clients experience not only satisfied
employees, but committed Edelites.
Instituted EAP (Edelweiss Analyst Programme) a strategic talent acquisition strategy. One of the
first in the financial services space to run recruitment drives from graduating students. Instituting
Fountainhead - a state-of-the-art Training Academy based in Alibaug, Maharashtra. Fillip learning
and development across businesses through CLIMB (Creating Leaders in Managing Business)
initiative. Knowledge sharing through ShotT proprietary training framework. Work-life balance
through interactive employee events under Colour Groups - VIBGYOR. A rigorous selection
procedure involving 7,360 interviews this year and 8 rounds prior to selection.
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Ustad Zakir Hussain
Deep knowledge of his domain and a restless desire to outperform himself, the flamboyant Ustad Zakir Hussain is one
of the chief architects of the contemporary world of percussion. He has been credited with single handedly bringing the
Tabla to the foreground of music as we know it today. This maestro's youthful energy and uncanny intuition in fusing
both Eastern beats and Western scales has created a following that transcends borders and styles across the world.
Execution = Performance
What is sacrosanct to superlative performance is
relentless execution. At Edelweiss, we raise our level of
performance to exceed our client's expectations. It is
only when performance exceeds ambition, that the
overlap is called success.
Complex product creation skills leading to a 'stitched
transaction'. Response to transitory opportunities with
trading speed. Expertise in domestic and foreign
issuances. Agile Sales Team to handle any peak load.
High success ratio in block trades. Consistency in
generating a superior return over fixed income
instruments for a lower risk profile. Highest speed to
market, from conceptualisation to execution of
innovative products.
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Digital Painting By Prashish More - Mumbai. A JJ School of Arts graduate. He currently works as an art director for a fashion magazine and also as a freelance artist.
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Mixed media by Suresh Kumar - New Delhi. A College of Arts gradute. He currently works as a freelance illustrator & designer.
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Trilok Gurtu
Unshaken self-belief, and a conscious unlearning of conventional methods; Trilok Gurtu - the perfectionist, known for
his radical approach, crossed over into jazz-rock fusion and world music. With his constant experimentation with both
musical instruments and unconventional sound instruments, he has transformed the concept of melody and beat.
Partnership Soul in a Partnership Body
All of us at Edelweiss live by the same values of integrity, partnership
and ownership. For us, partnership is not just limited to the
remuneration structure but is a way of life within the organisation.
This democratic nature is complemented by a robust entrepreneurial
mindset. It is this culture that creates a collaborative spirit, engaging
all to work together - clients, employees and partners.
One of the largest employee-owned financial services companies
in India. Every business is spear-headed by two senior executives.
Institutionalised system of sharing, learning and teaching. Long-term
relationships with clients within all businesses. Seamless delivery of
varying services, across business segments, to the same client.
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A. R. Rahman
The name itself evokes melody, excellence, energy and instant hummability. A.R. Rahman - composer, singer
and instrumentalist, elevated Hindi film music from being a mere filler to becoming the highest order of artistic
expression in a film. His experimentation with different vocal styles, unconventionally grouped instruments and
a variety of genres has made music a fusion of art and science.
A little Help, a lot of Hope - EdelGive
An initiative that imbibes the spirit of giving, into our ethos,
encouraging and nurturing a social conscience in Edelweiss.
Every Edelite is encouraged to get involved in a cause apart from
making regular monetary contributions. To ensure our support will
make a genuine difference, we research every organisation before
we work with them. Ultimately, we are driven by a singular belief that
we are responsible for a better tomorrow.
EdelGive - 6 different ways for an employee to contribute.
1 systematic process to channelise all these contributions.
7 members including representation from the top management.
Association with 30 institutions working in the area of education,
child rehabilitation and medical aid. 100% growth in contributions to
charity organisations and involvement at ground-level activities.
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Ink and Brush on paper by Nilesh Dilip Jadhav - Mumbai. A JJ Institute of Applied Arts graduate. He holds workshops and exhibitions across the country.
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Edelweiss.
Sound Solutions in
a Noisy World
This piece of work draws inspiration from 'innovation in music' - which requires creative genius,
knowledge, talent, relentless passion and the courage to tread off the beaten path. Qualities we
have imbibed over the years. Interestingly, the Indian capital market, as we know it today, is also
becoming one of the most visible forces of creative energy. Recognising this potential and the
attendant opportunity has helped us become one of the fastest growing financial services
companies in India. The combined excellence of each of our businesses and the fervour we possess
to better our performance year after year will ensure we have an exciting journey.
What will take us forward in this journey are our ideas and what will help us sustain our
performance are our values. However, the endeavour to create something new for our clients,
for our people, for the organisation and the industry will remain constant. Like the maestros, we
too believe that landmarks are achieved by creating a symphony of ideas.
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