Pros
Very high technology
Cutting edge of optics
Extra-ordinary attention to quality
Exceptional colleagues (although most have moved on)
I would strongly recommend anyone to give business to General Optics (Asia) Ltd for the exceptional quality standards.
Pondicherry provides an exceptionally good quality of life - numerous cultural activities (art galleries, musical performances etc), exceptional places to eat and travel locally - possibly the most cosmopolitan small city in India.
Cons
I don't know where to begin!
Bizarre management style, entire company is focused on the ego of one person - the Managing Director, who is not just a control-freak, he is a control-maniac! People are encouraged to "tell on each other", personal loyalty to the MD and his chosen minions (3 key people) are rated above professional abilities.
Extra-ordinarily huge communication gaps.
Fabulously long meetings with no agenda other than long monologues and diatribes by the MD.
Wasted opportunities too numerous to mention.
I would not recommend anyone to work at this company unless they wanted a time trip to the 80s, I did not have a computer of my own (despite being in senior management) for the entire duration of my employment!