FDI in retail : war of perceptions

After that appalling “debate” that turned out to be quite a tamasha over passing the bill of FDI in Indian parliament last week, there is still lot of noise around it. Interestingly, arguments both by the ruling party and the opposition have been coloured with political interests. One needs to reflect and find clarity on the rhetorical question, "do we really need FDI in retail?" Why am I writing about FDI? I am not even remotely connected with the retail sector except being a smart consumer. Well, it seems everybody is deeply concerned with the issue. Whether you are at a party, office, social occasion or at home, people are talking about it. Even, one of the caretakers of our house, Lata seemed deeply disturbed by the FDI retail bill!

She looked sullen and tense for few days. Last evening, she shocked me with her innocent question, “maidam, ye kiranewale ki dukaan sab band ho jayegi kya? News me bata rahe the, government  koi phoren company India me la rahi hain jo  chhote ganvme jaakar sabji, fal aur dhaan saste me lekar munafa karke bechenge?”  (is it true that the local “kirana” stores are going to close down? I watched the news about government bringing some “foreign company" that would purchase vegetables, fruits and food grains from the smaller villages and sell it with huge profit?) Lata has studied only till 4^th standard but is a very smart woman. She avidly watches the vernacular news and has strong opinions about everything under the Sun! It was quite a challenge for me to explain her what FDI in retail would mean to India in terms of economy and how it would influence our life in general. Not sure she was convinced by my brief but she is no more panicky about the "threat" lurking over the bania who allows credit for her grocery shopping and her siblings back home in village who are farmers.

Retail industry in India is amongst the fastest growing sectors and according to Investment Commission of India, is expected to grow three times by 2015. Organized retail in India is 8% which is very low compared to rest of the world.  In India, organized retail sector caters to urban middle class consumer segment and it has evolved slowly for a simple reason that Indian households are used to flexibility and convenience of a kirana store.Then why all this hue and cry about FDI and its perceived threat to the ageold Indian kirana stores and rural economy? I am sure you remember the similar hue and cry two decades back when economic reforms started in 1991. We are all witness to how those very reforms helped India emerge as one of the fastest growing nations in the world and its sustained growth. 

The entry of FDI in retail is a welcome step. However, it is neither a magic wand offering quick fix nor a doomsday conspiracy for our economy. The foreign retail companies invest hugely in logistics, supply chain enhancing required infrastructure for procuring, storing, shipping and delivering the products. If you have ever bought fresh vegetables and fruits from the farms on the highways or outskirts of any big city, you would know how farmers and many other rural producers are at the mercy of a few buyers and traders who reign over the procurement chain in most product categories and exploit the farmers. Organized retail helps bring in the necessary transparency in this process creating significant room for competition which in end would benefit the consumer. The arrival of foreign retail also opens up lot of opportunities for employment which can boost our economy. One very important factor to consider is that most retail transactions conducted in typical kirana stores are in cash. In most of the cases at such stores, tax evasion (VAT) becomes rampant and is very common. Not sure if we ever realize impact of this malpractice on our economy.

Organized retail and kirana stores both can coexist in perfect harmony as both cater to different niche. According to a research, with the advent of organized retail, the traditional kirana stores have grown substantially in past few years. With FDI entering retail in India, it would be interesting to watch how traditional kirana stores adapt to make maximum out of the opportunity the growing market provides. I am all for the organized retail as it saves lot of time and gives me much cleaner, transparent  and better quality product compared to the traditional kirana store. I don't care if the lady at the billing counter knows me by my first name or exudes warmth. I need one stop shop where I have wider range of innovative products with world class quality, my shopping experience is comfortable and transactions honest. 

My only concern is that Lata might ditch me for some retail job. I did see a glint of hope in her eyes when I talked about employment opportunities even for people like her who are not much educated! 

My surprise date at the farmer's market, Dharavi !

It has been quite a while since I started sulking quietly for not being able to go for photo shoots and pottery classes. Hubby seems to have sensed it as he took me on a date; to the farmer's market, at Maharashtra Nature Park, Dharavi, a lovely surprise for me yesterday!  

Baludada from Nashik, selling farm fresh vegetables

Our Sunday sojourn turned out to be a relaxed, authentic and very distinct market experience. There can't be any better way to recover from a week long fatigue than to saunter at the farmer's market in the lush green environs, on a Sunday morning. 

Organic seeds at one of the stalls

With butterflies and baby squirrels dancing from one branch to another and chirpy birds singing lovely songs at the Nature Park, one feels very welcome as its exhilarating energy is rejuvenating! Winter is my favourite season. Winter for me, means, taking long walks amidst the Nature, sipping herbal tea, fresh fruits, tender greens, precious lettuce lazily leading to strawberry season. 

The crowd enjoying the shopping experience

The farmer's market had everything I love; fresh veggies, fruits, ice slush, snacks made from organic grains, hand crafted gifts, information about organic products, books on ecological issues, a live band playing music, a gentleman with the spinning wheel (a rare sight!) and best of all, happy, smiling people with families enjoying the experience to the hilt!

Gift articles made by women  prisoners, sponsored by an NGO

A group of friends performing at the market

I have always nurtured a dream of starting organic farming and my visit to the farmer's market, further enhanced it. Every time I read articles or hear people regaling with the travails of home gardens and their farm houses, I miss my childhood home that had a lovely garden surrounding it. 

Farm fresh veggies creating riot of colours in morning rays

Our modern life has advanced our civilization to such a degree that most of what we consume is industrialized and so far removed from anything natural. Being a huge believer in Nature, I am  in favour of sustainable organic living. 

Mr. Jayant, at the spinning wheel

Bok choi, lettuce, spinach and broccoli in varied hues of tempting greens

Yummy candy floss and ice slush, great attraction for kids 

The pleasant surprise my hubby gave me not only earned him extra brownie points but helped me great deal in understanding lot of things about organic options in food and few other things. Nature has immense power in healing. All we need to do is make smart choices. 

   

Colourful butterflies, a common sight at Maharashtra Nature Park during winter

When we returned home happy and content, we knew there would be many more dates on Sundays at the farmer's market till the season lasts.

Its 100th post !!!

Celebrating  100th post

To all the wonderful readers of this blog, we are 100 posts old today!  Writing is immensely cathartic  experience and it is liberating to find a voice on this democratic platform and share my experiences, views, emotions, vulnerabilities and see them resonate with many people around me. 

There are instances when I doubt my ability to write and sincerely think if anyone reads this blog at all! Sometimes, people ask me questions like, "why do you write about those ordinary people? Why not write about celebrities who will instantly grab attention and make your blog popular?" I am yet to meet any "ordinary" person in my life. Each person that has crossed my path has shown something remarkably and inherently beautiful about him/her. The challenge for me has always been igniting nurturing energies in this journey called life.

Writing is one of the many things I love doing and I am unapologetic about wearing my passion for life on my sleeve. There are times when it is difficult to decide which topic to write about as so many events unfold around me that it becomes quite a challenge to pick one topic! I like to invite others to walk through my experiences, observations and emotions no matter how trivial or profound or otherwise for the simple reason that engaging with energies of others brings in interesting perspectives and touches sensibilities of many in a meaningful way. 

We often meander through daily existence in obscure isolation without realizing that in the process, the most powerful spirit of our soul is being lost in that haze. My blog is one of the many ways that helps me keep my inner compass in check and keeps my conscience awake. 

So, cheers to beautiful life and thanks a lot for being part of amazing journey on this blog!   

   

The power of one : Aung San Suu Kyi, I salute you!

I happened to watch interviews of Aung San Suu Kyi with Barkha Dutt and Karan Thapar on television by chance. Listening and watching this phenomenal woman, sharing rare, important moments of historic relevance gave me new touchstones to preserve my optimism and keep my faith of goodness intact. 

Listening to Aung San Suu Kyi with her trademark flowers tucked in her hair, speak with measured precision from her experiences that define not just her core but also her political will, completely captured my attention and I was awe-struck!

The world has followed her struggle from the late 80s when she became political figure, within the political landscape of Burma. Ever since, she has pledged to bring democracy to the people of her country. While being asked about her experience of being expelled from her own party whilst under house arrest and India failing to support her, Aung San Suu Kyi seemed absolutely calm, devoid of any anger, bitterness or other negative emotion and narrated how that experience taught her valuable lesson of how essential it is to work together in spite of differences. For me, that was one of the rare moments when I have come across someone so spiritual. Aung San Suu Kyi emanates that spiritual vibe that comes from core of her being and is part of every facet of her life. I sincerely believe that attaining that level of calm and peace despite having gone through most difficult times, needs immense strength of character and great values. Her words are devoid of any pretense or posturing.  

Aung San Suu Kyi's path of political journey demanded incredible sacrifice and yet she never claims it as her virtue and refrained from the rhetoric of self-righteousness. She walked the talk of philosophy of faith that supports human dignity, human rights and ideals for freedom for her country. As a result, whenever one hears her speak, her words hold one's heart still, as simple truths in her words bring essence of her inner strength, her unflinching determination up close n palpable.

What Aung San Suu kyi has achieved in past two decades, despite the immense challenges has helped pave the way for her nation to find courage to hold its future and make it believe that its possible! Here are some gems that I gathered in bits and pieces from her interviews and lectures. These seemingly simple words have profound meaning and need to be contemplated again and again not only by politicians and leaders but also by everyone for there is a lot to learn from her wealth of wisdom.

"There is nothing more dangerous than the unprincipled politics; politics is tough...stick to your principles against all odds. If you can't, then get out when you are still unblemished..." 

"Nothing ages more than hatred."

"I was brought up to think of politics, that politics was to do with ethics, it was to do with responsibility, it was to do with service, so I think I was conditioned to think like that and I'm too old to change now."

"Well, I don't know about spirituality but I do have a sense of humour and I keep reminding people that helps a great deal." 

"I learned that I had to rely on myself and it is all right for me to be alone." 

Aung San Suu Kyi, you are one of the strongest, most razor sharp, dignified, intensely spiritual, smart, compassionate, beautiful human being and political leader the world has ever had! You are my role model and I salute you madam, Aung San Suu Kyi!

Happy Diwali !!!

I am back to Mumbai and life is slowly getting back to normal. With the city looking like a new bride, there is a nice energy bringing lot of positivity and joy. This year, I am not celebrating Diwali. Not out of any social compulsion due to my father's death but I just don't feel like celebrating. Maybe I am too tired and wish to withdraw and relax. 

At times like this when one is little withdrawn and needs time to cope with the loss and inevitable change, there are beautiful moments all around nurturing wonderful energy that translates into life changing spaces. I have some awe-inspiring tributes of love which are not off the shelf but have been made or found and delivered with exquisite tenderness. I must admit, it is greatest reward to have been blessed with so many friends, family members and extended family that never stops showering all their love, care and  rock solid, unconditional support. 

All I wish to do is thank God for all the blessings he has so generously bestowed upon me! With that note, I sign off today. 

May this festival of lights bring you lot of happiness, peace, contentment and may all your dreams be fulfilled. Wishing all my wonderful readers a very Happy Diwali! God bless!!