Of course, it is a common denominator for physical and non-physical uses. But what power does money have? I think since it is a common measure for literally everything, it has the power of helping you acquire or pioneer whatever you are feeling.

As an individual, first of all I look at low-risk, high-interest investment, debentures and so on. Then I concentrate on mutual investments, and finally on the stock market. But it's not much really. I wouldn't call it trading as such. Anyway, we don't encourage trading in the stock market. Whenever you're weighing between liquid and real investment, I think real estate in India has matured into a market where appreciation is related to other returns. Firstly, I don't take speculative positions so I don't really need outside advice. In any case, there isn't really all that much money! But I wouldn't say.

I'm money-savvy either. That would be someone who can maximise on his returns.

Am I a spendthrift or a miser? I wouldn't put it either way. I'm reasonably conservative. I don't indulge in lavish things. But yes, one compulsory vacation a year! I do wear a nice watch, but it's not that I keep a range of watches. Maybe it's due to my background. I come from a conservative family.

It is difficult to say what was my most extravagant deed. Maybe buying a Yashica camera as a student, given my resource then. Or, the first time the whole family went abroad on a tour. Or, the time I bought a huge Swarovski pineapple for $3,000 knowing fully well it can't generate anything.

I think most houses have this clear demarcation about who controls the purse strings at home, so revenue expenditure is what my wife takes care of, while capital expenditure is my department.

Money, first of all, spells security. Then comfort, and finally power. It all depends on what value you attach to money and how you deal with it. I believe that if you have treated it more like a means of security or comfort, it would not affect a relationship. Actually, it also depends on the person, his own value system. There are people who use money for very productive or benevolent purposes.

What if someone left me a million dollars? Well, a million dollars is not big money! But if someone did give it with no strings attached, I'd use use it to promote entrepreneurs in this country.

I guess our economic situation will improve. The tragedy is we are not a nation that uses money or assets efficiently. At the stage we are in, large capital investments are required, and I don't see anything wrong in getting the money from outside. When money comes in, your efficiency, competitiveness, everything improves.

Do I like money? I would say yes. Honestly, yes.

(Ramesh Gelli is chairman, Global Trust)-As told to Punam Mohandas