Zonal Manager -Bancassurance | NBFC Relationship | Driving Sales and Partnerships | CSC | Certified GROW® Performance Coach- Inside Out Development
From a reader's perspective, this post offers a vivid glimpse into how resourcefulness and an entrepreneurial mindset can transform a challenging situation into a lucrative opportunity. Several key takeaways emerge: 1. Adaptability in Adversity: The rising waters of the Ganges, which halted the traditional boat-viewing business, created a significant disruption. However, the entrepreneurial instinct of the locals allowed them to quickly pivot and offer a different, yet equally valuable, experience—viewing the Aarti from a terrace. This highlights the power of adaptability and being open to alternative solutions. 2. Maximizing Limited Resources: The story showcases how a small, old house with a terrace was turned into a highly profitable venture by packing in 55 people into a 120 sq. ft. space. It emphasizes the importance of maximizing existing resources, even when they seem limited, and turning them into a viable income source. 3. Supply vs. Demand: The negotiation between the tourists and the boy who offered the terrace seats illustrates classic demand-supply dynamics. With the high demand for viewing the Ganga Aarti and limited supply due to the absence of boats, the locals were able to command a premium price for an alternative viewing experience. 4. Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: The operation of the guide boys who direct tourists to these terrace spots shows how even those without direct ownership of the resource can participate in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. By earning a cut from each customer, they, too, benefit from the ingenuity of the house owners, creating a small yet thriving network. 5. Undocumented Economy: There’s an interesting undercurrent about the informal economy—no invoices, no taxes—which shows how entrepreneurship can thrive in gray areas. However, it also poses questions about the sustainability and ethics of such models in the long run. Overall, this Post offers a refreshing real-world example of entrepreneurial thinking. It underscores the idea that entrepreneurship isn’t limited to Silicon Valley start-ups or large-scale businesses; it’s a mindset that can be applied anywhere, even in the crowded lanes of Varanasi. This local ingenuity and resilience provide a powerful reminder of how opportunities can always be found, even in the most unexpected places.
This post is not about #varanasi Neither is it about #gangamatakiaarti It was September 18th, 2024, 6.15 pm. We jostled and waded through the cacophony of visitors, traders, buyers & peddlers, the busy road leading to dashashwamedh ghat, where the famous Ganga Aarti takes place every day around 6 or 7 pm, depending on time of the year. One of the best views, one can have of this aarti is from the river side, seated on a ferry or boat. However, this time since the waters in the river had swelled, boats were not allowed. Clearly the income of the boat owners have taken a severe hit. But in every adversity, there is someone who finds an opportunity, a boon. As we neared the ghat, we were approached by young boys, who promised us a great terrace exclusive view of the Aarti at Re 500/- per head. We tried to negotiate a lesser price for the two of us. As we were contemplating, the boy gave us a final warning to decide or leave. Demand vs Supply. We agreed, and he maneuvered us through small lanes to an old, two storey house, and then we had to carefully make our way up to the terrace through, narrow dilapidated steps. There an old lady (owner of the house) asked us to quickly find a spot that is available. There was no place to sit. She had successfully managed to squeeze in around 55 people on a 120 square feet terrace. And no one was complaining. That is Re 27500/- for a 45 minutes of a very far & side view of the Aarti. Re 8,25,000/- in a month ◇◇◇● No invoice, no GST, & mostly no tax. (The guide boy gets around Re 50/- per customer & he works for 3 to 4 such houses with such vantage view) It was a supermoon day & the view of the moon reflecting on the Ganges and the Aarti on the ghat complementing was a view worth it. As we walked down and made our way back, we couldn't stop appreciating how an entrepreneurial mindset has turned adversity into opportunity.
