Au revoir, Isaac....

Today's Kaleva, the local newspaper in Oulu, had a wonderful report about Isaac Sundarajan, retiring CEO of Codenomicon Oy, who is going to devote the next year of his life to help his wife, Nalla, to get one of her life's ambitions, to help the depressed and abused women in India, to find a footing and become self-reliant.

Isaac's immense management and financial expertise will help Nalla to establish something lasting in that part of India that both Isaac and Nalla originally hail from, Tamilnadu. But their work will not end there.....







We older CHAFF Participants had the good fortune to hear about it directly from Isaac on Sunday evening as he joined us directly from the airport to share a few moments with us and he hosted a small dinner for those who have come to love him here in Oulu.

My special thanks to Hasim and Kasim of Goreme Pizzeria in Ranta-Kastelli for the great food they served us on this occasion!

Codenomicon Oy, under his stewardship, grew from a small Oulu centered company into an international entity winning several awards along the way. The centre of excellence for "network security" has become Oulu, thanks to the efforts of Isaac, supported by a wonderful bunch of researchers and experts in this small city.

The work culture that Isaac fostered was easy and relaxing, motivating his colleagues to give off their very best while yet enjoying their environment.

This was especially portrayed in the wonderful compilation which was given to him by the colleagues yesterday, a small booklet highlighting the personal relationship he had established with his team members.

Isaac is the embodiment of CHAFF even at this moment. His last act in Oulu yesterday was to ring me as he was walking back to his hotel to tell me that he had some wonderful warm coats to give to anyone who may need them. When I joined him at the hotel at around 10 pm, he was waiting with a bag of things which was his parting gift to the needy in Oulu!

Thank you, Isaac, for being part of CHAFF and O-India. You will remain in our hearts and minds as wonderful example of a human being with a heart.

Many of us will be there in spirit, prayer and person, to help you during this year of transition. Rest assured of that.

Taste of Morocco in Oulu

Posted on my Jacob's Blog and the Oulu CHAFF Blog.

When Isaac Sundarajen, CEO of Codenomicon Oy, let me know he was over in Oulu for a very short trip, we agreed to meet over the weekend to have a meal together.

Tony demoing a computer game. Photo Copyeight: Jarmo Kontiainen, Kaleva, 8th September 2007.

I asked son-in-law, Tony, also to join us to get him away from his gruelling schedule of launching his new company, Ludocroft OY. (His new book on the approach to creating games, was also released last week.)



On Saturday evening Tony suggested we go to the Marrakech restaurant, the new Moroccan one opened by an old friend, Sayeed. Tony had been there with Joanna in the summer and he vouched for the food. I had visited the restaurant a couple of times before it was opened and had found the simple decor really appealing.

When we arrived, at just past 6 pm, we found the place packed to the brim. Luckily Sayeed was there when we arrived and he quickly cleared a table for us in the far corner, so that we could eat and talk in peace.

I was quite amazed that in a very short time the restaurant has become extremely popular. The decor is tasteful. There is a real feeling of a north African flavour. The waiters are dressed perfectly in Moroccan clothes. It was obvious that all the customers there were really enjoying their food.

We were each offered a very neatly done menu book (English and Finnish separately). Each of us ordered based on level of hunger.

The service was very friendly, the food arrived quickly and was piping hot and served on crockery suited to the cuisine. I had the choice of having either rice or freshly baked bread with chicken with olives and lemon. I chose rice, but the Chef sent me BOTH!

We were able to eat slowly, each of us enjoying well prepared food, talk at length about many many issues and finally enjoy a pot of piping mint tea served in a siler teapot, a slightly sweetish African version. We even got a refill - free!

We spent a good 3+ hours in this very comfortable atmosphere. When we were leaving, we noticed that Sayeed was still busy with a large group in an ante-room. As he saw us leave from the corner of the eye, he was outside in a flash to bid us goodbye.

From this first experience here, there is no doubt that this restaurant is going to be an outstanding success. It is no wonder that Ildikó would like to have our CHAFF meetings here. I have no hesitation in recommending this suggestion.

Please get a move on and tell Ildikó which day and time you would prefer so that we can get CHAFF meetings restarted!