ONGC will smell just as sweet
William Shakespeare wrote in his play Romeo and Juliet, "A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet."
In other words, names do not matter - it's the essence that counts. However, it seems the government of India evidently feels that names do matter and has issued a directive that the organisation formerly known in its complete form as the Oil & Natural Gas Corporation should only be referred to as ONGC going forward.
On May 16 (2024), ONGC's chief of corporate communications and group general manager Debasish Mukherjee sent instructions to use only "ONGC" in all communications. "ONGC is transitioning towards a more diversified energy portfolio," explains Mukherjee.
"In line with the ongoing change, our communication practices have to be streamlined; we are presently integrating changes to the Brand Identity Manual 2.0, and the updated version will be shared shortly after formal approval." Mukherjee tells employees to adhere to this new convention in all communication, including emails, letters, presentations and reports.
"Our logo is already used in different colours for different purposes," says a source. "Now it is further updated by removing the name."
One former officer speculated the present administration made the change because ONGC was the brainchild of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Under Nehru, the Oil & Natural Gas Directorate was raised to a commission with enhanced powers in August 1956.
In October 1959, parliament converted the commission into a statutory body. In February 1994, it was transformed into a company, and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation was born.
Others say the latest rebranding aligns with a move away from oil and gas towards renewables. On February 27 (2024), the government incorporated ONGC Green Limited, a wholly-owned ONGC subsidiary.