What is our beloved AOH known for in the neigh-bourhood? Good amenities, lots of open areas around making for a great view, terrible ground water (sorry about that), snakes (and many ladders these days), but most of all, for our entrepreneurial spirit!
We all like a place which is a world in itself, with a solution to every challenge, and a product/ service which one would not even expect! That is the beauty and diversity of the denizens that constitute it. This is evidenced by so many groups in WhatsApp which are dedicated to our entrepreneurs selling different goods and services.
Of course, food is something we all know and keep trying every now and then from all those who have something to offer. However, there are others, who have the most exquisite clothes, including traditional attires, jewellery and accessories, home textiles and decorative, and so many other things…
How do we know what they do? Because every now and then, for the last many years that we have been living here, these entrepreneurs exhibit their offerings, for the residents. It is making good use of the clubhouse space when it is not engaged, provides a great platform for showcasing their products and is a great way for residents to mingle.
For some reason, apparently because a few residents had complained that commercial activities should not be encouraged, it was decided to ban exhibitions. All this while, we thought that if you had one group of people doing something good, as long as it was not to the detriment of the society and not causing any harm, it should be allowed, because for everything that is encouraged, there will be those that will be unhappy.
The world over, entrepreneurship is the buzzword including in India where Prime Minister Modi himself endorses it with an emphasis on Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Entrepreneurs and startups, especially women entrepreneurs, are being given more platforms (like Shark Tank) to showcase their goods and services.
Given the above, we request the BOM to reconsider the ban on entrepreneurs’ exhibitions. Or, at least, if we want to evaluate the tide, please conduct a vote/referendum on this. That would be a good way to proceed, and also give every side a chance.
