March 15 is indeed a unique day. On this special day, the consumer is supposedly the king, and not merely in advertisements. Why so? That is because, in India, March 15 is the Consumer Rights Day.
For me, this day holds a few special memories. During my Ph.D days, i was a regular freelancer with the "Newstime", a newspaper in English of the Eenadu group. Every Wednesday, for the Features' Desk, I used to write an article about various aspects of consumers' rights. These articles were appreciated because they reflected the core meaning of journalism; namely, the public welfare.
In this series, I wrote two articles on mini gas stoves, a unique item in the Hyderabad market, obviously sold 'informally', and while hoodwinking the authorities. The stoves themselves were of inferior quality. Much worse was the fact that the tanks of these contraptions were illegally filled.
The operation obviously was highly dangerous as involved were underhand dealings of gas theft in extremely dicey conditions. Often the procedure led to explosions and, hence, to serious wounds. Neither was it safe at the user's end. I myself had burns because the knob was not stable, and, as a result, the piping hot oil fell on my feet, etc.
There was no option for householders though. However much one tried, gas connection and proper cylinders were just not available, either at the right cost or during a reasonable duration. Obviously involved was huge corruption.
My article opened up all these issues. As per the qualitative mode of research, I interviewed many consumers, discussed possible alternatives with them. The shopkeepers, of course, chose to keep mum, while the government officials were not forthcoming with answers.
A similar context, scarcity of gas cylinders, is apparently emerging right now, given the Gulf War. Hopefully, the government and its agencies/officers would handle the combustible issue with caution and sensitivity.
Pratima@Missing then were the umpteen fun memes, et al, with which the WhatsApp is currently flooded; in fact, is bursting to seams. Aai-Papa both believed in supporting the concept. So were bought the shares of Grahak Peth, a chain committed to consumer rights. I have continued the practice. I have, moreover, invested in the Grahak Perh FD scheme, a kind of win-win option, both for the Grahak Perh and the consumer.
Quote of the day: "Customers are the most important visitor on our premises... they are not an interruption in our work. They are the purpose of it," argued Mahatma Gandhi.
Word of the day: business ethics . These practices go beyond legal requirements to build trust, maintain a positive reputation, and ensure sustainable, long-term success with all the stakeholders.
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