Category: Kharcha paani

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Learn

99acres goes all out after ‘No Muslims’ ad furore

After the controversy, website is working with the National Commission for Minorities against religious prejudice in the real estate sector.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

It was a seemingly innocuous ad posted on the real estate site www.99acres.com, for a flat in an upmarket, “cosmopolitan” locality. However, two words inserted by the broker who posted the ad – Jacintha Estates – caused a furore all over Mumbai and outside, too – the ad stated that “No Muslims” would be allowed to purchase the flat.

A flurry of official statements from 99acres sought to lighten the controversy, but the damage was done. The social media erupted after the ad was discovered, and though the offending words were removed from the ad almost immediately, newspapers and other media were quick to highlight the issue. In Mumbai, the issue of apartments not being rented or sold to members of the Muslim community is an old one; however, the blatant refusal to entertain queries from Muslims shocked and angered the public.

And now…

The company and Shehzad Poonawalla (founder, AIMA) are now set to work together with the National Commission for Minorities against religious prejudice in the real estate sector. “Based on Shri Poonawalla’s suggestions for specific action points during the discussion and 99acres.com’s own commitment to the plural values of India, both parties jointly met up with Wajahat Habibullah, Chairman, National Commission for Minorities today in Delhi where they agreed to work with the National Commission for Minorities to develop policy recommendations against practices in the real estate sector that discriminate on religious/ethnic grounds,” a press release from 99acres said.

As per the points agreed on during the meeting, 99acres will “evolve a good practices advertising code for the real estate sector vis-a-vis religious prejudice and submit it to the Minorities Commission for consideration. This code would include a glossary of terms to be avoided when advertising real estate online,” the release said. It added, “99acres will also spread awareness among the real estate broker community and educate them to avoid discriminatory practices in the real estate sector. Towards this end, 99acres would carry appropriate messages and banners on its site and also reach out to real estate brokers and disseminate information about avoiding discrimination.

“After this unfortunate incident, 99acres is also introducing a software check where if a listing carries the name of any religion, caste or community it will be flagged to the 99acres.com content team for review. We have examined all the other listings on 99acres and have sanitised any (either deleted or edited) that was felt to be either clearly discriminatory or could be interpreted to be discriminatory.”

Poonawalla had earlier petitioned the National Commission for Minorities against the practice of barring certain communities on the basis of religion from the real estate. He had also vocally campaigned on social media and in the print and TV media against such practices and had suggested the gathering of all stakeholders of the industry to create a Fair Housing Policy that prohibits discrimination not just against Muslims but all other communities.

After the meeting, Habibullah said, “I am glad that a positive action has resulted from this controversy.”

Poonawalla said, “Such discriminatory practices have no place in today’s India. We must work against the root cause and not the symptom of the disease. It is the ghettoisation of the mind that leads to such discrimination. We are one society and we must learn to live together. I hope that other portals that carry such offensive advertisements will follow the example set by 99acres. I also believe that this is a first move towards evolving a Fair Housing Policy will ensure that discrimination against all communities and not just Muslims can be brought to an end.”

(Picture courtesy www.mangaloretoday.com)

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Become

Two sewing machines and a loan

That was how fashion designer Anita Dongre started her business, a multi-crore enterprise today. Anita talks about her incredible journey.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Anita DongreAnita Dongre (50) always knew that her true calling was in fashion. She also knew that her vision – for women across the country to have access to affordable, trendy wear – would hold her in good stead. From initial hiccups to a business that is now synonymous with chic, reliable and gorgeous design, Anita has come a long, long way.

Her journey, where she began her business from her bedroom to today, where she is slowly going global, is the kind of story that should inspire others with a similar dream. Anita spoke to The Metrognome about her work, walking the ramp for the first time, her favourite designer and what it really means to dream big.

Excerpts from the interview:

When was the first time you realised that you wanted to be a fashion designer?

Ever since I was a child I knew I would become a fashion designer. Also during my growing up years, I spent a lot of time in Rajasthan and developed an almost divine connect with the place which was also a source of inspiration for me, and continues to be so.

What was your family’s reaction to your fashion aspirations?

Making a career in the fashion industry was definitely not a common choice back then, and of course, I had to face a fair share of opposition from Interpret- Hot Pink Palazzo pants and Raw Silk Bandimy family who were resistant to the idea of me becoming a fashion designer – they did not take me seriously. No woman in my family had worked before and it was an unheard-of concept when I broached it more than two decades ago. My conviction and relentless pursuit of my dream changed their mindset.

What were your fashion studies like? How did the training help?

I studied fashion design at SNDT fashion institute in Mumbai. A formal training definitely gives you a better understanding of the industry and helps you hone your creative skills.

How did you start working? Didn’t you start with two sewing machines in your bedroom?

I did start small with two sewing machines in my bedroom and seeing my drive and passion for fashion, my father finally offered me a small loan to kickstart the business. I started AND in 1998 at a time when women used to get their outfits tailored. I wanted to give them a ready-to-wear affordable brand, offering western contemporary wear – [something] that they could visit and pick up outfits straight from the shelves. Moreover, the affordable pricing ensured that the wearer never runs out of options.

Block Print tunic with palazzosFrom a small start, you went on to retailing at malls under the AND label. What was that journey like?

It continues to be a very exciting journey. My vision, when I launched AND, was to reach out to every woman in this country with styles and designs that were not only pocket-friendly but bang on trend, [and which were] versatile and comfortable. The idea was to make AND a part of every Indian wardrobe and that could be achieved with accessibility of the brand. Today, we have 41 standalone AND stores and continue to retail from 250 points of sale across multi-brand outlets like Shopper’s Stop, etc.

So many labels to your name and a multi-crore business…how did you make this possible?

My conviction and relentless pursuit of my dream has made all this possible. And to date, it is my unrelenting passion and drive to be a creative fashion force that makes me what I am today! Along with a supportive husband, I have supportive in-laws and my parents who chipped in and helped me out whenever I needed them. The business is managed jointly by me, my sisters and my brother- they have been a huge support system in my life

What are the values you stand for at the workplace?

Hard work and passion is my mantra. If you’re passionate about what you do, working towards your goals is an effortless exercise and roadblocks seems like minor obstructions leading to a glorious, satisfying destination. The biggest example of this would be the three different and diverse labels that we launched since 1999 (AND, Global Desi and Anita Dongre, with sub-brands Timeless, Interpret and AD Menswear) and the growing reach and visibility of each brand, so much so that we went global this year with the launch of the first Global Desi store in Mauritius.

Please tell us about an interesting incident from your formative years as a designer.

I remember when I was just starting out as a designer, a close friend of mine pointed out how most Indian women either got westernwear tailored or bought clothes during foreign visits. That’s where the seed of launching AND was planted in my mind and I thought of creating a label that offered stylish westernwear, was affordable and would cater to the fashion Timeless- Ink Blue Raw Silk Lehenganeeds of women across age groups and sizes. And so AND was born.

Which was your first fashion show (that used your clothes?)

My first fashion show was when I was studying fashion design at SNDT. I also walked the ramp for that show! It was an exhilarating experience and a truly memorable one

Who are your favourite designers?

I have always admired Giorgio Armani – for his creativity, his philosophy of style and the subsequent empire that he has created. I love his simple, clean and classic silhouettes, where he acknowledges the elegance of the uncomplicated.

What has been the biggest compliment you’ve received thus far?

That my clothes make women feel confident and great about themselves.

What’s next for Anita Dongre?

On my wish-list was a bespoke jewellery line, and after a year of creative labour, my wish was granted. I launched a line of jadau gold jewellery called ‘Pinkcity’ in association with Pradeep Jethani of Jet Gems. I started out designing jaali work-inspired gold buttons and cufflinks for men, and eventually did an entire collection for both men and women! Pinkcity is a natural extension of our fashion line as jewellery forms an integral part of the wedding trousseau.

Anita DongreOn a larger scale, my vision is to go global with all my brands – AND, Global Desi and Anita Dongre. This endeavor too, is taking shape since we have very recently opened the first Global Desi store in Mauritius

What are your words of advice for other aspiring designers?

There is a lot of scope and opportunities for young designers to showcase their talent today. You have to be passionate, driven and always remember that there is no shortcut to success. Learn and imbibe as much as you can from your seniors in the industry.

(Pictures courtesy Anita Dongre)

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Kharcha paani

Want to see Sachin play? Get tickets online

There is a clamour for tickets for the Wankhede Test match from all over the world. Ticket sales begin today.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Sachin Tendulkar is retiring soon, and there is a growing clamour for tickets to see him play for the last time, from all over the world. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is reportedly fielding calls from Indian and international VIPs, as well as citizen and religious organisations, for tickets.

The initial plan was to sell tickets exclusively through the ticket windows at Wankhede, where Sachin’s last match begins on Thursday, November 14 – however, given the high demand for tickets, tickets will now be sold online. Ticket sales begin today.

It is learnt that the Australian High Commission is among the international VIPs asking for tickets. Even the press box, which accommodates 250 journalists, has over 1,000 applications this time. Politicians from across party lines, sportspersons and embassies of other cricketing and non-cricketing nations have also put in ticket requests.

As of now, there are only 5,000 seats open for the general public. Wankhede seats over 32,000 people – however, the BCCI has 2,500 tickets, 12,000 tickets are to be given to gymkhanas and Garware Club members, Sunil Gavaskar has asked for 75 tickets and Sachin himself has been given 500 tickets by the MCA.

The price range for the online tickets is Rs 500, Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,500. Only two tickets will be issued per person. The ticket pick-up counters will be set up at the Mumbai Hockey Association (next to Wankhede) November 12 onwards.

Read more on the story here.

(Picture courtesy www.ipl-6.com)

Categories
Trends

Four Campa Cola residents go on hunger strike

Campa Cola building society is about a week from demolition; residents want CM Prithviraj Chavan to intervene in the matter.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

With just one week to go before the demolition of their homes, four Campa Cola residents today went on an indefinite hunger strike till Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan intervenes to save them from being homeless.

The Campa Cola demolition issue is about to take centrestage once again as the demolition date nears. The apartments were constructed on land leased to Pure Drinks Ltd in 1955, which was permitted by the BMC in 1980 to develop it for residential purposes. Without getting the plans approved, Pure Drinks, along with builders Yusuf Patel, BK Gupta and PSB Construction Co. erected seven buildings, two of which were high-rise buildings of 17 and 20 stories. During the construction period, the authorities issued notices to the builders to stop work. The builders were fined and they paid the penalty and resumed work. After the construction was completed nobody prevented the buyers from occupying their apartments or the buildings from forming co-operative housing societies.

Four Campa Cola residents go on hunger strike

Unaware of these violations, the residents bought the apartments believing that they would get the occupation certificates in due course, as was the norm 25 years ago. Since 2005 the residents have been in litigation with B.M.C. trying to defend their homes and save their families from being thrown on the streets.

The four residents who are on hunger strike are Kamal Parikh, (42), Surendra Kumar Daga (49), Vinaychand Hirawat (67) and Kapoorchand Daga (67). The residents have also requested CM Chavan to intervene in the matter and come up with a solution to save the homes and lives of hundreds of residents.

Vinaychand Hirawat said, “So far the Chief Minister has been very cooperative with us and everyone here is expecting a positive response from him. We have taken this drastic step as we do not have much time and we don’t know what lies in store for us. As days are passing by, our fear and heartbeats are rising. We are unable to sleep and neither we are able to concentrate on our daily routine work. This is our last attempt to save our homes.”

Apart from these four residents who are on a hunger strike, other residents are planning a one day relay hunger strike.

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Learn

Insure your relationship

City-based breakup helpline ‘insures’ your relationship during troubled times for a fee; a counsellor will set you right in days.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Whenever there’s trouble brewing in our relationship, all we want is something to make it work and set it right again. If you’re really invested in the relationship, you want to repair the cracks in it before everything goes awry.

The city-based Breakup Helpline, founded a year ago by four Mumbai residents to help people across the country tide over the heartbreak of a breakup, is now going a step ahead in its initiatives. The Helpline is now offering ‘insurance’ for a limited period, during which a counsellor will help you resolve your relationship blues.

The Breakup Helpline is the world’s first website offering help during the breakup phase. “We inevitably have ego issues with our partner, fights when we are together and the question eventually pops up in our minds: ‘Is the relationship worth it?'”, says Ankit (in pic onAnkit from the Breakup Helpline left), one of the founders of the helpline. “Sometimes, at that point of time, you don’t really have the power to think straight. Suddenly you begin to act suspicious, come up with imaginary situations and block your mind with stupid thoughts. So we thought, why not bring you Breakup Insurance? We help you protect your relationship and guide you to do the logical thing.”

For a fee of Rs 1,000, the troubled person will get a unique ‘key’ that can be used for seven days. During that time, a counsellor will be available at all times to help out during the rough phase. “You have to register on our helpline and say that you want breakup insurance,” Ankit explains. “Once the package fee is paid, the person gets unbiased, round-the-clock advice on setting things right.”

For more details, email ankitanubhav@gmail.com or call +91-98338 31984.

(Pictures courtesy www.sheknows.com, newindianexpress.com)

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Kharcha paani

Less shopping for Mumbai this year?

Survey says that the economic slowdown, job uncertainties and high interest rates are likely to dampen festive shopping this year.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

This Diwali, there is every chance of shopping malls in the city doing really thanda business. Shopping malls, which are already suffering from relatively less footfalls, are expected to see a sharp decline of 35 to 40 per cent in footfalls in the ongoing festive season as the economic slowdown, high interest and job uncertainties have dampened the shopping spirit this year. This was revealed by an ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry) survey.

The survey, titled ‘Shopping malls fail to draw footfalls this festive season’ indicated that economic slowdown, galloping inflation and interest rates have upset the festival shopping plans of all the consumers this festive season. The ASSOCHAM team interacted with about 650 leasing managers, representatives of malls’ management, strategists, marketers and supervisors in Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Ahemdabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Chandigarh and Dehradun. However, Mumbai’s shopping spirit was found to be better than that of Delhiites (33 per cent), Ahmedabad (31), Chennai (30), and Hyderabad (27).

less diwali shopping this year?Commenting on the trend, DS Rawat, Secretary General, ASSOCHAM said, “The trend is on expected lines as the economic recovery is rather slow and consumer confidence is low.”

As per the ASSOCHAM estimates, roughly 250 to 300 malls came up in the country over the last two years but 70 to 80 per cent of the spaces in these malls lie vacant. The economic slowdown has landed especially heavily on the shopping malls. The survey further reveals that the slowdown, job cuts and devaluation of the rupee against the dollar is also making imported raw material and finished goods costlier. It will also impact consumer spending in a significant way. The currency fluctuation is a major challenge for the consumer electronics industry because imported consignments come at a higher cost. The dinnerware and cookware companies have already started offering attractive offers and discounts to boost sales, adds the survey.

More than 47 per cent of the total mall space in nine cities is vacant, the survey found.  Delhi-NCR tops the list with 55 per cent of malls being vacant, followed by Mumbai at 52 per cent, Ahmedabad at 51 per cent and Chennai at 50 per cent. In order to lure retailers, many developers started giving rent-free period for up to six months for big brands.

While some malls are operating at 60 per cent occupancy, others are struggling with less than 20 per cent. “Vacancy levels are due to poor location, poor design and poor parking facilities while some are operating at 60 per cent occupancy,” the survey said. The industry is also facing problems like multiple taxes, lack of clarity in policies and shortage of experts in areas such as supply chain and store management.

Both retailers and consultants seem convinced that the mall magic seems to have disappeared in a puff of smoke on the back of the economic slowdown, poor revenue models, low footfalls-to-sales conversion and lack of special purpose malls, adds the survey.

(Pictures courtesy www.thehindubusinessline.com, news.in.msn.com)

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