Category: Uncategorized

All Night Business Centre in India

~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment
Work culture of Indians have changed. First came the 24/7 call centre support, then the IT services which operate round-the-clock. The changes in work culture has impacted with other aspects of our life, such as our recreation, eating habits, healthcare, daily needs, etc.

But despite the all night work culture in many cities like Bangalore, there’s hardly any support services which cater to these people. For instance, a person who returns from work at 3:AM is left with no option for entertainment or dining. Many of these people go hungry to bed, or resort to some cup-o-noddle kind of food. In Bangalore, after 11:PM, only thing  that’s functioning are the are the tea sellers who sell tea and cigarettes. There are few guys who sells omelette near Domlur. Apart from these, there are no shops to enjoy a relaxed dining. What a shame!

So, what the solution for people in cities who are working in nigh shifts? From what I see, I think all the Indian cities should have one business centre or a shopping mall which should be open all night along. While there are security issues, it should be addressed by installing a very efficient monitoring system.

An all night business centre should have the following:

  • Food court with stalls serving tea to dinner options
  • Mobile repair and recharge store
  • Subway store
  • Pharama Store with essential medicines
  • Photocopy and printing services
  • Internet services
  • Waste paper collection centre
  • Sleep pods
  • Party store ( hire and sell party goodies)
  • Cobbler at night 
  • Tailoring shop for alteration to stitching new dresses
  • Video game consoles
  • Instant dry cleaning centre ( 2 hr)
  • Indoor play area ( football, TT or Caroms)
  • Pool Table
  • All Night open dental clinic ( For emergencies, denture fixing, etc)
  • Clinic with a doctor
  • ATMs, Cash Deposit Machines
  • Spa ( for body relaxation)
  • Household provision store
  • Type puncher shop
  • Car mechanic store
  • Vegetable store
  • And more…

An all night business centre will be a big blessing for all kinds of people, Just imagine that you realized that you need an urgent copy or printout at 12:PM and you can’t wait till next day morning. Or think of a lady who has run out of sanitary pad, or a person suffering from severe tooth ache, or that a person’s denture has broken. Or it could be just that you want to have a tea at 4:Am with your friends from work.

I’m not sure if such a concept is there in western countries. But, if it comes to India, it would also mean addition boost to our economy and it keeps our city alive, day and night.

What’s your opinion about it? Do we need a place which remain open in midnight? Do you think it’s a good idea to have such a place? How will you convince naysayers?

Varkala Views

~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

Pictures from Varkala taken during our visit in Feb 2016. We choose Varkala as part of a last minute decision and reached when the sun was setting. A wrong time to reach a touristy place and search for a budget place.

After couple of knocks at various hotels, hill top hotels, we settled at Santaclaus. Most of the places we had asked were charging 1.5 to 2k for rooms, which were beyond our daily budget.

Highlight of Varkala Trip – Places Visited

We enjoyed few places for beer, food and music. Restaurants and coffee shops visited – Temple Cafe, buttermilk at Bohemian Art Cafe, etc.

Looking forward to another visit!

How to Make Money From Vizhijam Project

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Vizhinjam Port View

 Pic source: Azim Rashid ( Flickr)
The good news at-last for Trivandrum. After, long long years of delay, deliberations and red-tape, Vizhijam harbor project is on the start mode. Finally, we see a harbor project coming to ligh with the agreement by Government of Kerala and Adani Group. While, politicians in Kerala still argue about the feasibility of the project, I hope this one will benefit in some way to the people, providing employment, and cash to this beleaguered state.

When I say beleaguered state, I mean this – just have a look at our empty coffers. The only money which flows are the money from spirits. One is the holy spirit and other the real spirit. Of course, NRI remittance to Kerala is a big blessing. .

Apart from it, the Industry wise sector contribution is not sufficient to sustain an overall development. So, let’s look for this new harbor project to see if we can make money or prosper out of it.

#1 Invest in land and property

   It’s an obvious way to make money. I’ve heard how politicians rich beaurocrats bought big tracks of land around Bangalore International airport. The moment the news of such a plan became public, moneyed guys and opportunistic fellas invested in key areas in places around yelanka, and North Bangalore. On the same lines, you too can invest in property. But, the problem for most of us is the shortage of cash. If you have some gold reserves, you can sell a portion of it and invest in land which can appreciate in few years.

#2 Research on what all business thrive around harbors

    Do your homework to know the kind of businesses that will thrive in a harbor area. For more ideas, you visit Cochin port, or other ports in India like Bombay, or Calcutta Port. These visits and your interaction with people associated with this place will get a first hand idea about it. While you are in the research mode, you can collect all the information related it it. Later you can create a booklet or make a guide for people who are hunting for business opportunities.

#3 Manpower Sourcing Agency

     When a port starts functioning there would be a need for workers, technicians, engineers etc with specialized skills. Can you start collecting data of similar profiles. It could be handy when companies look for recruits.

#4) Start a North Indian Restaurant

     I’m sure most of the workers and skilled people will come from Hindi speaking part of our country. These people will find our boiled rice, a big no. Given a choice, they would love to start have rotis and sabji kid of food. What about starting a North Indian food chain. Or a better idea could be a dabba. Get trained punjabi men and women to work for you and make hot roti, tandoor chicken, etc. What about Tandoor beef for mallus. Just an idea for beef eating mallus.

#5) Start Homestay 

     Convert your spare room or create separate hall on the terrace to make a dormitory style accommodation for people visiting Vizhijam for employment.

6) Freight Transit and Employment Opportunities

   All the container ships docking in Vizhijam harbor will require some kind of manual or technical assistance from people. From minor repairing to major maritime related work will be done in this dock. Also, the dry 7) docks will  employ thousands of laborers and technical crew.

7) Start a Logistics Course 

   I heard from a young chap that many young people are doing logistics courses in the hope of securing a job in middle-east and in Singapore. And, later I found that most of the openings abroad are for folks with experience. But, with a port coming in our city, there will be demand for people with these skill sets. If you’re already running a logistics institute then you can cash in the demand for such courses.

Here’s one such institute which came in google search – Indian Institute of Logistics

How to Capitalize on Development Projects in Your City?

Advertisement in Toilets – Who will Buy?

~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment
We Indians have a poor track record on cleanliness. For proof, all you need is to visit a public toilet or even toilet inside restaurants. What a shame – when you see unclean, dirty smelling loos? But, it seems people aren’t bothered by it.

Sometime last month when I visited Trivandrum, I went to coffee house which is located opposite to Trivandrum Medical College. There I went to pee in their toilet. Again, it’s such as a sad thing to see the toilet without the toilet seat. Is it b’cos these co-operative guys don’t have the money to buy a toilet seat? Why are we so callous when it comes to public hygiene or cleanliness.

Okay, let’s assume that a biz is lacking in funds to maintain a clean loos. In that case, there’s another way out – get someone to sponsor it.

I was thinking of this marketing stuff, after I saw a poster in one of the well maintained loo at Garuda Mall in Bangalore. On each of the toilet door, there was this poster about cure for impotency. So, did this hospital pay for placing this ad on such a strategic location. Probably, yes!

Toilet Marketing Gig

Now, imagine, a company which manufacturers toilet cleaning liquid like Harpic or Lix Floor Cleaner, Lizol, or Domex or even aromatic, or companies like Hindware, Jaguar Sanitary Ware, Parryware Sanitary Ware, Cera Sanitary Ware, or Hindustan Ceramics, etc do with this real estate space.

Imagine if any of these companies take ownership of maintaining a public toilet or even a toilet in a small restaurant. Imagine, if they transform a dirty loo into a fabulous restroom where it’s maintained clean, and dry. What if they can employ people in different cities and use this campaign to market themselves?

Well, in return of their money and effort, they get to advertise inside the loo. Display their logo, or even use it as a story to promote their brand. Won’t it be a great brand building exercise? Now, imagine if these companies sponsor a loo at Kovalam Beach or at Baga beach? How many eyeballs will hit their adv, experience the goodness they are doing to the society?

I think, these companies must have thought about it, but why haven’t I seen any of it? Do you have any idea if it could be done?

Btw, there’s a website where you can post complaints about civic problem in Bangalore. it’s called http://www.ichangemycity.com/. Check it out!

Overcoming Plateau – Surging Ahead

~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment
This year – 2016 for a change has given me a sprinkle of hope. These hopeful aspects are just b’cos of new routines I picked up and which I’m sticking my guns at. For instance, I started regular walking and pushups in the morning. My intention is simple – not to get those chisel cut finish, but to appear healthy. Not the typical pot belly look.

So, how’s the progress? On the outside, progress looks very shallow. I haven’t seen any visibile physical signs to call it a victory. It’s just that I’m doing my bit to stay healthy. With regular practice of walk and jog, I hope to see a positive reflection of change.

But, how long in this stagnant work-in-progress mode?

Change don’t happen in a jiffy, says all the big motivational books.The progress is not like a gradual climb like the simple upward graph. The growth is often like steps. It’s like this. Initially when you start doing an activity, you’ll notice sudden improvement, then for a long, long time, it will be in the same state. It’s the Pateau stage of development. It’s the learning time, where a new system is being tested. Very often, it’s this stage, most of us give up. There’s no visible progress.

For instance, a friend was taking about saving money by giving up smoking. He said that’s not seeing visible results. And due to this, he went back to his old smoking habit. It told him about what Seth Godin calls it a dip. A dip before you realize the result.

For people, each has its own plateau stage and a time when you see yourself achieving results.

Walk in the Park Idea – Drones

~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment
Reports say that mornings are the best for heighted productivity. For me, it’s the time when I get so many ideas on the shelf (brain). Going with this philosophy, I find myself shooting or picking new ideas during mornings.

So, today I’m sharing the idea I picked when I was walking in one of the parks near ESI hospital, Domlur. And, today’s idea is about surveillance in urban combat zone. Before I profess this idea, I have a feeling that must be in blueprint stage and probably trial runs are underway.

Genesis of This IdeaThis is how I thought of this plan. Recently, I saw a Whatsapp video which showed some guys (probably militant gang) shooting from a terrace. One guy who was shooting took a big heavy machine gun. But, before he could aim his gun, a part of his skull was chiseled from a sniper attack or a stray bullet. He falls down with blood oozing out on the floor. He’s apparently dead with a brain off its place. Yes, it’s a gory video to see.

I felt bad for the fallen guy on video – a young chap who lost so soon. Whatever, this idea is from the background of this video.

So, what’s the big plan:

How to conduct surveillance in elevated areas and conduct targeted attacks?

There are many problems when it comes to combating in residential locations – one, target is hidden in one of the terraces, two, operation should be done in a precise manner, else, innocent victims will be caught in the fire.

Here’s one solution which can be done in the cover of darkness:

1) Launch a drone which is assembled at the spot. For instance, two people carrying two parts of the drone is fixed.
2) This drone is fitted with night vision which makes it easy to spot targets in the night
3) Apart from using the drone power to take off, a mini rocket can shoots the dorne into a certain high and release it
4) Drone takes it sweet time to hover in one location, taking pics of the area, or even release one or two guided missile or location spotters. ie a rubber ball which has gps or location indicator. It will be a innocent looking item which will pinpoint the location.
5) Apart from drones, helium balloons can fit into this job. Not sure how. It could be nicknamed as eye in the sky.

Another question:

Recently Republic Day parade showed dog squad. Can we expect a robot squad in the next year? Or a drone squad?

Miss You Kalpana

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Kalpana 


Malayalam film industry looses yet another talented actress – Kalpana.

As soon as I heard her demise, my mind raced to few scenes which is still etched on my mind. In this case, it’s her role in Dr Pashupathy as an Upper Division Clerk (UDC) in a government office. I recollect how another colleague in my office who frequently used to say to another UDC. Well, that was ages ago.

Missing Kalpana

Now that she’s history, we’ll collectively lament the passing of this star. What’s left of Kalpana’s are the various comedy movie clipping which bring her back to life.

Another worrying factor is the rise of cardiac death in women in Kerala. Recently I heard the news of my neighbor’s aunt who passed due to heart attack. Why is it that women are joining the ranks of men who succumb to sudden cardiac arrests.

Is this problem arising due to the change in our diet?
Or due to stress factors?

Tradionallly, heart related problems hit men more than women. But, the rising facalities in our state show a different tale. And this is a cause for concern for medial fraternity and for the society. Let’s hope that there will be research and study in this aspect. And more importantly, let’s do something collectively to spread the awareness of this problem.

Finally, bidding adieu of this star who made Malayalees forget their worries and laugh heartily.

Btw, What’s the Big or Small Idea here?

1. I feel film organization like AMMA, should conduct some health screening camps or make it compulsory for all members to have regular checkups and even ensure that all members have medical coverage.

2. I would like to see a modern museum on Malayalam movie industry. A well organized place which houses prints, even memorabilia, autographs, video clips, reels, souveniers, photographs of stars ( Black and white print, Techno Color, etc) and even conduct regular screening, discussion on movies, directors, etc.

Worries at the Time of 40’s

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Worry Factor!

Pic Source Flickr: Alon

Do you get this useless kind of feeling or as if you wasted your life, when you oversleep your evening siesta Along with this awful feeling, I thought what it’s to be in my 40’s when my youth is far behind me and my grey cells and hair are gaining ground!

This inflammable thought brought me to this idea on the worries that commonly cloud people who are in the 40’s group:

  • Worried about the finances ( reserves not sufficient to meet contingencies)
  • Grey hair overtaking the black 
  • Current work not taking anywhere
  • Not able to contribute to the family as once thought
  • Lack of bonding with extended family members
  • Feeling empty about the relationship 
  • Limited social circles and boring lifestyle
  • Not able to spend time on things which are important ( like reading, listening to movies, etc)
  • Disorganized desktop and clutter 
  • Sex life taking a nose dive
  • Worried about the usage of prescription drugs
  • Not getting time to take holiday breaks
  • Growing belly, and not able to spend time for healthy pursuits
  • Loosing or fading charm ( there’s a new kid in the block)

Measure Happiness
This also got me thinking of people around me who are really happy, settled in life. From the outside, they seems to look happy, content, doing things they like to pursue….but, is it true that they are happy? Are they a free bird, or are they carrying untold miseries in hidden sacks? Just wondering if there is a place to measure happiness? What if couples and individuals measure or track their happiness in a programmed way? What if there’s an appraisal to measure happy state?

Kalpana Another Versatile Actress Passes

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Sisters – in their Prime Time

Malayalam film industry looses yet another talented actress – Kalpana.

As soon as I heard her demise, my mind raced to few scenes which is still etched on most film goers mind. In this case, it’s her role as an Upper Division Clerk (UDC) in a government office. She was referred in that movie as UDC. I recollect how another colleague who frequently used to like this world – UDC.

Anyways, she is history now. We will collectively lament the passing of this star. Now, we’ll only have those movie clippings as the reminder of this person.

Another worrying factor is the rise of cardiac death in women in Kerala. Recently I heard the news of my neighbor’s aunt who passed due to heart attack. Why is it that women are joining the ranks of men who succumb to sudden cardiac arrests.

Is this problem arising due to the change in our diet?
Or due to stress factors?

Tradionallly, heart related problems hit men more than women. But, the rising facalities in our state show a different tale. And this is a cause for concern for medial fraternity and for the society. Let’s hope that there will be research and study in this aspect. And more importantly, let’s do something collectively to spread the awareness of this problem.

Finally, bidding adieu of this star who made Malayalees forget their worries and laugh heartily. .