GARLAPATI ASHOK
(HSE specialist-Koc)

-- by N.C.Mohandoss & S.Srinivasan

- “Never rest till the goal is reached, step up a notch or several notches, if necessary and achieve the target”. That is my strength reminiscences Mr. Ashok who holds the post of HSE Specialist in Exploration & Production Development Directorate at Kuwait Oil Company.

Hailing from a business family in Nalgonda, Andhra Pradesh, Ashok completed his schooling there, before moving to Kolhapur in Maharastra to attend college for his B.E Degree in Environmental field. His first stint at employment was with ENKEM Engineers Private Limited, Chennai for 4 years which set the stage for an opportunity to work at Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited.

Ashok, never to rest on acquiring further knowledge, obtained his Masters in Business Administration from Madurai Kamaraj University and a PG diploma in Industrial Pollution Management from Lucknow University. This personal interest in acquiring further knowledge helped him in his career when his employment at Chennai Petroleum Corporation required him to co-ordinate with the Ministry of Environment & Forests to obtain approvals for new projects. He was also instrumental in elevating the company’s activities and processes to get the ISO 14001 certification.

Ashok exposure to ISO certification did not stop there. In 2000, he moved to Kuwait to take up the post of Environmental Engineer at Kuwait National Petroleum Company. Ashok played a vital role during the ISO certification of the company.

He moved to his current position as HSE specialist in the year 2005.

He has achieved QEP (Qualified environment professional) certification and he is the one of the two in Kuwait to possess this certificate, which is awarded by the Institute of Professional Environment Practice (IPEP), USA after rigorous examination of the subject knowledge.

A simple person, Ashok is very compassionate coupled with intelligence. He achieves his goals with the help of his subordinates by respecting them and giving them full freedom. He is a team player and never differentiates between the 50 odd contracting companies in his section at KOC. He gets things done by giving them all help and support.

He attributes his success to the patience and encouragement of his wife, Mrs. Anitha. They have two siblings, a son Yashwanth and a daughter Sindhuja.

It is normal for people to have hobbies which are different from their day to day activities and work. But Ashok has consciously chosen to serve in a field of his specialization.

Ashok’s dream was to play a key role in ASSE (American Society of Safety Engineers), Kuwait chapter and work for the benefit of its members. But he achieved much more than that. ASSE is a prestigious association started in the year 1911 and reputed professional organization in the field of safety, health and environment. He is now the professional member of the society, which is given based on the experience in the field.

It was started in Kuwait under the auspices of the Kuwait Society of Engineers by the few dedicated HSE professionals. The chapter has got about 250 members. They provide training to the HSE Professionals on safety health and environment at a subsidized rate. The chapter also received the Chapter Star Award from ASSE-USA for its activities, for which he is instrumental.

Ashok has served as Secretary, Vice President and is currently holding the post of President of this premier organization. He commends the encouragement and support of his Team Leader at work for ASSE activities, training in schools, home safety, general awareness to public etc.

He has entered into President’s Court of membership Recruiment Honor roll (highest category) recently by recruiting more than 100 members. There are only 8 members in the President’s court (all within USA) and he is the first international member from Kuwait Chapter to enter into this court. Membership recruitment roll Honor roll is established by ASSE to recognize the members who are supporting the society by recruiting new members. The honor roll is categorized into President Court, President Council, President Circle and President Club.

ASSE has started to go global encouraged by its success in Kuwait. To this end, a Global Task Force has been set up and Ashok is representing from Kuwait Chapter. Ashok has also received Charles Culbertson award for his excellent service from ASSE, this award is provided to those members who serve the Society in its objectives and strategies.

Apart from his profession, Ashok also devotes time to other social issues. He finds time to concentrate on social causes and involves himself in cultural activities. “Keep helping the people, God will help you!” he adds. Ashok helps good and deserving candidates by providing opportunities for them in their related fields.

His next target! To qualify and become a Certified Safety Professional – a difficult target but which will elevate him to the next level in his professional career.