Wayanad Landslide and Destruction - Are we Prepared in 2024

 

Rice Cooking - From the truck bed

Last time it was the 2018 floods that left a havoc in Kerala. And, now in 2024, we have another catastrophic incident in Wayanad. It's all shocking to see how much of land has been scarred, and wiped out. While I write, the search and rescue operation are yet to reach many areas. 

So, this post is not about why and how of the nature's fury or how we can stop these from happening. This post is about how we can organize, prepare a team with all equipment, technology backup- so that many lives can be saved.. 

Disaster Management - Rule Book

Here's a question that should be asked?

• What are we learning from each disaster
• What new steps did we do this time?
• What did we lack?
• Did the team coordination improve?
• What tools did we lack and which things has helped us this time? 
• What tools can we have in our kitty so that our ground force will become more resilient to face such situation? 
• How to mobilize funds, manpower and essentials to the site?
• How to give proper rest facility for the crew? ( Very important)
• How to keep their morale high and bring people to work in this mission?
• I wish there's an online resource book which could be referred by such teams. Imagine, such a online documents which can help teams to make checklist and get things done. 

Disaster Management - Camp Office in Every District

Looking at the frequent occurrence of landslides, flooding in our state, we require a full fledged camp in each district. These teams will coordinate with local authorities to reach each site and start working out the plan of action. Also, each team should possess state of the art tools, ropes, lights, safety harness, jack hammer, chain-saw, rappel device and locking carabiner, climbing helmet, climbing harness.flashlights, stretchers, tents, portable loo, etc. \

What all are the modern tools for disaster and relief work?

Thermal Imaging Cameras: These devices detect heat signatures, allowing rescuers to locate people trapped in dark or submerged areas.

Drones: Equipped with cameras and sensors, drones provide aerial views of flooded areas, helping teams to assess situations and locate individuals.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): Used to detect structural damages and locate trapped individuals beneath rubble or debris.

Satellite Phones: Provide reliable communication when traditional networks are down.

Two-Way Radios: Essential for team coordination, especially in areas with poor cellular coverage.

Incident Command Systems (ICS): Software platforms that help in managing and coordinating rescue operations and resources.

High-Visibility Vests: Ensures rescuers are visible to others and protects them from accidents.

Waterproof Clothing: Keeps rescuers dry and protects them from the elements.

Respirators and Face Masks: Essential in situations with hazardous conditions or polluted water.

Pumps and Water Removal Equipment: Used to remove excess water from buildings and streets.

Portable Generators: Provide power to essential equipment and lights in areas where electricity is unavailable.

Medical Kits: Equipped with supplies for treating injuries and providing first aid.

Robotics: In some advanced operations, robots can be used for navigating debris and performing tasks that are too dangerous for humans.

Real-Time Data Sharing Platforms: Enable teams to share information, updates, and coordination details quickly and efficiently.

( ChatGPT ☝️ Answer based on a prompt) 

How to get power on such camp sites when normal power is disrupted?

Long back I saw a video of big round blobs with light attached to strings used to bring light. In times of such disaster, when natural light is less, then one option is to use generator or batteries. Apart from that, power could be sourced by solar panels. But, it's bulky. Best options would be of power generators carried on truck beds. It might be noisy, but that's one way to get power on the site. 

What are the dry foods which can sent as donation to such relief camps?

1. Energy bars ( From kappilandi muttai, to bars made of nuts and seeds is ideal for people who are on the forefront of rescue. It will give them good energy supplement)

2. Biscuits ( Kids will find some solace)

3. Milk powder and tea, coffee powder

4. Breads ( limited life) and jams 

5. Tapioca ( raw ), Sweet potato. This can be prepared at the camp site and served hot in the evenings.. Also dried meat could give good energy. Or small onions and kandhari as a side dish. 

6. Rice and dried fish. All relief camps would require rice. 

7. Eggs ( Best form of energy ). I think a boiled ethaka (banana) and egg could give good energy to people in relief camps and . ( I think other districts should collect this and send it to relief camps. 

8. Noodles ( Magi can donate it) Nestle corporation are you listening. Btw, there are other noodle brands, such as Top Ramen, Knorr, Ching's Secret,, etc. All of them can set-up noodles food truck at the site! Noodles, with chopped veggies, beef slices, or egg. It could be a good supplement as evening snack. 

9. Milk ( Packeted milk ) like Nandini, Good Life, Muralaya ( and condensed milk) or Milma, Amul can donate milk packets to relief camps.

10. Water - Bottled water, water for sanitation. Water tanker will play a key role in the supply of drinking water to the site. It could be used important to carry water for bathing, for toilets and washing hands. 

Other portable facilities required at the site

1. Mobile wash rooms

2. Tents and temporary rooms for monitoring and for relief operations

3. Place to get dry and have a good bath. 

4. Resting Place 

Clothing Required

1. Towels ( Contributions from Kitex to Khadi to private manufactures) 

2. Undergarments ( This is essential for men, women and children) Hope the undergarment manufacturers form a group to send required items to camps and other centres)

3. Tshirts, women's pyjamas, cotton shorts and Nightie 


Novel way to prepare food at camp sites!

This is something I thought today. One aspect of such disaster area is the lack of facility to prepare food at relief camps and food for people who are in the forefront for search and rescue effort. Often, food will be prepared at a location in a safe zone and brought to camps and distributed to people. 

Here's another option! 

We have seen how concrete mixers work and turn the concrete on the way to the site. Similar way, I was thinking of a lorry or a pick-up truck, which have facility to prepare food on the truck bed are. So, here are the three types of food that can be prepared. (such vehicles can cook the food with the power from portable generator or gas cylinder)

1. Rice 

2. Kappa and sweet potato 

3. Bananas ( Nedrakaya) and Egg 

So, here's the modus operandi


Here's how it works. We require truck or mini trucks to run this operation. The bay area has to be modified with big steams for boiling bananas, gas stainless steel rice bulk cooker for making rice and space for keeping other vessels.

So, just imagine a pick up truck or bigger one, modified with such fitting will make food hot and serve it to people in the camp. Probably, IZUZU DMAX owners of Kerala can plan such a stuff. Here's the link to a gas based stainless steel rice cooker. 

 Ys. So, at the spot, each such truck will prepare food such as rice, kappa, bananas, egg etc. Wow!! People would really love to have food hot, especially when they are tired, mentally drained and looking for some solace.

So, if we have three such vehicles - one used exclusively for preparing food. The power will be generated by the vehicle or gas cylinders which will power the requirements.

There will be space to store water in overhead tank and also space to keep raw materials. There will required ramp for people to work safely and facility to drain water ( after boiling the rice, banana, or kappa ( yuka, tapioca) 

What do you think of this plan? Is there any such modified or working truck which makes food. It could be thought as a modified food truck for large scale food preparation on the site! . 


Drone Support from Private Individuals

I saw one Govt post on their facebook.post telling public to avoid visiting disaster area. It's done for a reason - such disaster attract people who wishes to cover and post it on their channel. And, such kind of involvement can hamper many relief efforts. 

How about requesting ameture drone experts to fry drones and find 

Stainless Steel rice Gas Based Rice Cooking Vessel

AI generated image of a truck preparing rice

Dmax Izuzu - Pick Up Truck
( Dmax owners in work on this idea & supply food at the relief camp)

Govt can ask for help from off-roaders ( Jeepers in Kerala), Pick Up Truck ( Dmax ) owners to support in transporting and getting materials to camp sites and rescue sites. 

This will be a big help for the rescue operations, if private volunteers can join in. However, proper planning as to done, and tracking of all movement of vehicles should be monitored in a command centre. The command centre could be started in a Wayanad - probably a big auditorium where they have big digital screens and white board to track the flow of material, support staff is monitored. 

Imagine,  a mission Wayand is set-up to the level of a Tesla Rocket launch command centre. Here all stages are meticulously planned, which has all the inventory tracked from govt officials, volunteers, military support, and other teams. 

But the question is do we have such a planning system? How is the current plan being taken?
Who does the tracking of people, movement of food, transporting of injured to the hospitals? I hope, it's all going on war-footing! Question is, whether it's all done with proper coordination all teams on the groud!

For example, this team in the control centre can call for food delivery, requirement of water other essentials, etc.

 Also, in another instance, there was a video of a politician who was telling that all the required stuffs are available and there's no need for any food. However, a RJ Feroz mobilized people in Trivandrum to send an ambulance with food, dress and other stuffs to Wayanad. So, the question is how we get to know the right situation on the ground. 

We Need one official source will be the right one! It's just that one person putting a short negative video about the event and it being shared around. 



We need a round the clock, announcement using a YouTube Live, or Facebook LIve which can come in every hour, updating the requirement. This must be the primary source of information which will also provide details of things required and where to reach, etc. 

A live portal, with the information from each spot - activities of that spot! 

Right now, there's a lot of negative news of CMDRF and how the funds for 2018 floods got diluted, etc. So, to dispel all these, govt can go on a reboot mission and unite people of Kerala for one big purpose::

1. Get all teams to do fast and effective search and rescue

2. Provide mental, financial and relocation of people displaced by the landslide

3. Provide a long term mission to support such operations in future.

4. How to effectively mobilize funds from public and track the flow of funds. ( Transparent use of funds)

5. Provide one-source information. Govt can set up a spokesperson to provide accurate and timely information. A team of anchors, supported by data will be ideal. Round the clock monitoring of materials, flow of donations, from all sides.

6. MLAs and MP's can show a proactive step by donating one month's pay or more to this cause. ( Be the role model)


Question is, how transparent and correct will our system grow? 


How to Provide Lighting at Night?

For all such operations, we require many portable generators!

Just image this kind of modification on the bed of Dmax pick up truck - a 9 foot pole with lights! The pole is a collapsible one ( Telescopic pole) , which can be folded to a 3 or 4 feet pole.

The lights on the pole will be powered by generators. The purpose is to give power and lights to the camp site and places where search team is camped.  

The Dmax owners in Kerala can propose such an operation to the Govt. The cost will be borne by the volunteer. All that is required is the right coordination, and information about where they have to reach and how their services will be used. 

AI Generate Image of Pickup Truck with Lights

Volunteers with Pick-up-truck -Lights at Night

I Have a Dream - I see a Boat on the River

What's your Dream

 
For long, long time in my life, I wanted a sail boat or any time of boat. It's just my one of desire, happy thought I keep revisiting. And, so when I saw this picture of this katamaran, I saved it for my vision board!

So, what's pulls your sails and what are your little fancies of this life? 

Face Body Relaxation Tips - Insta Influencers Collection

 

Stimulate Vegus Nerve

getmetherapy

• Fjellson Weber•Magie des fleurs


Face Scrub 

Face Scurb

s

Time To Leap - July 31st 2024

 

Seth Godin's Quote

I've been trying to figure out how to make a change in my life. All along, I have been distracted by many jingles, but now the time has to come to focus on key areas so that it reflects on my wealth, health and well being. 

So, if you're in a ground zero, like I'm, where will you start? How will you form a tracking point to see how things are progressing? 

Do you make a list or do you just start doing without tracking the activities? Somehow, I feel the need to note things and start from that point? 

Let me see, how things are going from this point onwards! 

Wish me luck to a new beginning! 

When the world shifts - Whatcha gonna do?

Steampunk: Revisited!

Do you like steampunk concept? I do! It's a crazy mix of aeronautics, nautical, industrial, futuristic, merged with Victorian style! 

Oh, I don't know how to explain it. It's been for you to see it. 

Btw, I had long-long back seen a stempunk cabaret dance. Wish I can find it again on YouTube! 

Garden Project Plant Planter - Easter Island Face Planter

 

Planter - Cool One

Easter Island had fascinated me. I wish one day I could visit that island and stand by one of the stone faces on the island. No one know the real reason why the indegenous people sculpted such statues on that island. Many theories has be flunged, but none seems to be convincing enough!

So, now the question is how to make a planter with the shape of the Easter Island statue. Source: mysiagarden Instagram

Face Glowing Exercises - Insta Collection

 Off-late, I have started hoarding many insta videos relating to motivation, exercises, TED talks, face yoga and other sundry stuffs. The purpose of sending a copy of it to Whatsapp is to use it save it and to revisit it. However, the purpose of revisiting hardly happens. 

To make it more organized, and to make it easily accessible, I thought of creating a post just for sharing these link! 


Face Exercises - Glowing Skin Tips

Face Glow Exercises 

athirabalaji

Face Exercise

claudiabuenno_

Exercise for Drooping Eye

your.faceyogabff

Face with Frozen Cucumber

soumaicol 

Face Glow - Applying Curd

home_remedies_malayalam_ 

CORRECT TONGUE POSTURE 

naturalfacebible

Rice Water Tips

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-AzdIsI1i7/?igsh=cTc1YmZ5ejJ3b2ls

How to Tame the Risky Driving of Private Buses

 

Screen grab of Private Bus accident ( Reddit Post)

Needless to say, accidents due to over speeding by the private buses in Kerala are a regular happening. Last time when I was Malappuram, I was thinking why these fellas go at breakneck speeds at roads which is just small enough for two cars to pass.

One obvious reasons is just profits! Why in the name of some meager profits they do all these? Is there any other way in which they can maintain profits and yet slow a bit down? How else can bus operators earn money? Can they cross-sell other services while  people are in the bus? But, sell what? What about selling fresh bananas, tapioca, drinking water, pickled items, snacks in packets, etc.

Well, we have to find a way, these bus operators can make same profits, but without the over-speeding?

The bus Limited stop bus drivers of Kottayam-Ernakulam route are murderers. Especially the likes of Ave Maria. The roads are not suitable for even 40kmph but these go at extreme speeds, even blindly overtaking at curves and bully other vehicles on this route.

The Ave Maria guys tried to kill me every morning for a year. We both pass at the same time through a busy place and it's always them overtaking on the wrong side and not caring if I have space.

Wait, there's a bus service called Ave Maria that does dumb shit? Lol, this is comedy gold. No one can fault them for staying true to the lyrics of the song

Pray, pray for us sinners, Now and at the hour of our death, The hour of our death The hour of our death, The hour of our death Hail Mary.

The way these buses overspeed every day, this was bound to happen sooner or later. Regular people can't even drive safely on the road because of these private buses and their reckless driving. It's as if they think they own the road.

( replies to the thread in Reddit forum r/Kerala  


Btw, when will private bus owners start using electric bus like the ones used in Trivandrum ( Smart city project) 

 

Docendo discimus by teaching we learn

 

By teaching We Learn!

I like teaching, which I realized a bit late! It's not about the conventional teaching, but about short courses, tips, and hacks! My current journey in about learning to make reels and teaching them! Wish me luch!

What do you like to teach?

Keeping Garbage Area Clean! What Hacks can you device in India!

Other day I stopped to have coffee at a busy and popular tea shop in Trivandrum. It was a thriving shop, with many customers having kadi, idli and hot beverage. And, right outside the store, they had placed a waste basket. And, in one look at the bin, we know the care given to it!

The general notion around here is it's after all it's the trash that's going inside it. So, why make it clean? Also, similar thought on general cleanliness apply with public toilets, and waste bin of our houses! .

What do you think? 

So, here's an appeal to profit making hotel or restaurant or money making kutti kapi kada - keep your waste bin sparking clean. Haven't you seen how they the cleaning staff at Lulu mall keeps the garbage bin, floor, and toilet space clean. 

Trash Can - with dirt around

Make it shine like your tea counter stand!

=====================================
 Acrylic Splashback Installation- protection to the wall behind the waste bin, hob, sink or bath!

In the video shared above, a lady shows how she fixed an acrylic type material (  Acrylic Splashback ) on the wall to protects the wall from getting dirty. .

Now, the question is where can we buy similar material in India? When I checked online using random keyword, I came to know of this material -Acrylic Splashback. As the name suggests, it's a material used on the walls keep your walls clean and damage-free! 

Next question is this -   Is it available in Amazon and what keyword to use to get such an item?Also, in search I found another product Peel-and-Stick Backsplash! I think, now in Amazon.in, we have different options of material to serve this purpose.

Wall Stickers Wallpaper Kitchen Backsplash Wall Protector Transparen, Adhesive Sticker for Cupboard Doors Walls Kitchen Dining Room, Transparent Wallpaper, Self Adhesive for Dishwasher Countertop

( Products available on amazon.in) ☝️

Another question from the above thought is this - is there any deep cleaning service provider in Trivandrum or B'lore or elsewhere which does the service of fixing it on the walls?

 So, based on it, here are the ways deep cleaning companies in Trivandrum or in Kochi or in Bangalore can offer the installation of removable Acrylic Splashback or  Peel-and-Stick Backsplash material in kitchen areas!:

1. Handy sQuad at Kulathoor or Urban Clap in B'lore Can Provide this as a Service - We fix Acrylic Splashback and Peel-and-Stick Backsplash

When I checked online about installation of Acrylic Splashback in Bangalore, I couldn't find good results. One of the result was Splashbacks & wall panels provided by IKEA. 

So, based on my little search, I feel that deep clearing service providers can add this as a new service - Fixing Acrylic Splashback and Peel-and-Stick Backsplash 

As a first step, a customer awareness campaign could be launched in social media, and website.  A short video or a poster explaining the benefits would give customers - utility of this material. Next, they can create ads promoting this as a service.

Another tip to get more customers is by training your staff to cross-sell this to customers. To make this happen, the cleaning staff at client's place can propose the idea to the customer. Also,  while pitching this plan, another worker can bring a sample material and show how how this material can save the walls from getting dirty!

To make such a pitch, workers at the site should be prepared with a good marketing pitch and also they should carry the material with different shades and types. Viola!

By, strategically showing the value of the material and its use, there're chances that customers can understand the benefit of using it and you can bag additional biz.

Give incentive your workers( Monetary incentive to the staff will motivate them to pitch this biz to customers) 

 Btw, one more question to deep cleaning service providers - do you guys carry fresh waste bins, trash cans, mops, liquid cleaners, waste bin covers, fragrance dispenses in your vehicle, so that it can sold to customers.  

2. Hygiene Shop near Museum Trivandrum. 

   They have a good collection of all types of mop, big and small and industrial type waste bin. But, in the collection of cleaning material, I haven't seen splashbacks in their shop.

Probably, they can add to the shop. Btw, as they have a shop in the heart of Trivandrum, with so much space, they can create a small team of well-trained and equipped clearers who can do house visits for  deep cleaning service. What do you say, Hygiene Shop, Trivandrum. 

Curious Konnections

Keep the Shine on!

 

Where's the spark?

While sitting on a Sunday mass, I was thinking why, why there was no epiphany moment. Then I  told myself to calm down, be patient - not all days are the same! 

Somewhere towards the end of the mass, I felt the urge to pee. Well, I recently started the habit of drinking a bottle of water, after waking up. Luckily, today I just drank a glass of it. 

So, for the first time in this church, I looked around for the loo to relieve my bladder. And, down the stairs I spotted two small rooms which looked like urinal. First room I peeped inside had a commode - with dirty and un-kept floor. I skipped it. Then walked to the next room, which had two wall mounted urinal. Ha! 

I closed the door and took my own time to let go in full steam! Meanwhile, during the process I scanned around. The floor not clean. And, it appeared that this ceramic urinal was not scrubbed for at least a week! What a Shame! 

While I finished my biz, I was thinking why we Malayalees or Indians has no regard to keep public loo clean? Do we keep our house loo like this? Or do we have double standards! After all, it's not in my house! Why should I bother about anything outside my house when my house is in order!

Raise the Bar! May Our Urinal Shine!

I wish there was a brush and toilet cleaning liquid. I would have done a good job under 5 mins. And, I would have done it it happily, giving this ceramic urinal a much needed spark! Well, I don't have any inhibition to do this and I have done it couple of  times  - at another church in Trivandrum, scrubbed the wash basin of a public toilet at Kanakakunnu, a loo at a restaurant in Goa ( I was drunk then) ! 

Another Revelation at the Church

When the priest read out the announcements, I heard something about micro entrepreneurs or something like that. When he read it, I missed the point he shared. Then I thought, it would be great if the church places all the contents of the announcements, including the band announcement on the church notice board. Also, each week's announcement can be shared on the Whatsapp group or Facebook page of the church! ( What you say?)

I don't know if there's a practice like that. For instance, there are many information shared during church announcement, such as job vacancies, free training and learning classes. If all these are kept on the notice board or shared on Whatsapp community page, then there's more chances of it reaching a wider audience! 

Unclean Urinal at the Church

P.S -  The Revealer The Revealer is an award-winning online magazine that explores religion and its many roles in society and people’s lives. ( Just came across this article) 

Cherry Picked Data and Posts

 

Cherry Picked - A Phrase Gets the Attention

Saw this news headline on The Hindu. Took a pic and shared it here as it resonated. How much we cherry pic on different things in life. We often highlight certain aspects of our life, ignoring the rest! Why do we do that? Is it to make us more important, valuable or to inflate our ego?

From Chaos to Pattern - This Blog Thrives on it

 

Seth Godin Blog

Check this post on Seth's blog. 

On reading this, I felt this blog when I'm writing too share on finding pattern and using that pattern to make some improvement. Gad to see such posts!

Brain Gym Exercise Collection

 

Screen Shot of Brain Gym

From Insta, I keep watching many interesting video about brain and metal agility strengthening excises. I often save it to my Whatsapp, but it gets lost in the pile of such videos. And, so I decided to post few on this blog so that I can revisit it for practice. This is a clip from drbrodymiller Insta page. Here's the Instagram link:

Breakfast pics - What's your fav breakfast?

 

Fusion Kerala Breakfast

Puttu and Beef ( Any fans here)

Puttu Beef, Payaru and Pappadam

Quote for Daily Reflection

 

Quote to Remember

Suffer the pain of discipline or suffer the pain of regret.

🌟 Freedom through discipline! 🌱

Cultivate self-discipline to break free from the chains of impulsivity and seize control of your destiny. 🌟

✨ Reflection Points:

1️⃣ Discipline liberates you from being at the mercy of your emotions and desires.

2️⃣ Procrastination only leads to regret—start cultivating discipline today.

3️⃣ Embrace the power of self-discipline as the foundation for achieving your goals and realizing your dreams.

Ready to plant the seeds of self-discipline? Share your thoughts below! 💪

Speaker: Eliud Kipchoge 

“We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”

― Jim Rohn 

Source: entrepreneurboost 

• Instagram Link to watch - https://www.facebook.com/reel/3778509879080938 (  codiesanchez ) https://linktr.ee/codiesanchez 

Beatroute Circle Jam 2024 July Edition at Trivandrum

Beatroute Circle - Let's Jam

 
After a long break, I'm attending on the music show which are primarily organized by the big boys of Indian Coffee House! 

It was a good evening, well spent seeing familiar faces, and not so familiar ones. Most of the faces of ladies were new and few gentlemen too. The location, and hall was not very appropriate as the sound was coming out distorted. Moreover, the parking space was full and we had to park the car outside.

I have couple of beers with Boo on my side. My wifey was taking whiskey on rocks! She seems to have suddenly fallen over whiskey after we had a scotch a week back!

How I lost my Path and Went to GM's Room 

I had two learning or suggestions from this visit. One is a suggestion for organizers - that is to keep clear route to show the loo room. So, here's what happened! You see I'm bad with direction. My sensor is weak on that front! After a beer, I went to to loo which is by the side of the fellowship room. I took a left or right, and then saw a person going and reached the loo. And, from the loo, on my way back I lost my way and went to a room. Looking up I saw the board GM. The funny part is that I made the same mistake twice. And, twice I reached the glass door of GM's room. Cool isn't! 😎

Lesson - Pls keep some arrow or direction to show the path to loo and back! This could be point for event organizers as well as the hotel managers! Btw, no one wants a stranger to be inside GM's office! Is the GM of KKM International, Thycaud, Trivandrum listening to this?


Second takeaway - No Starters - Then Start a Starter sort of a Counter!

As this was a low budget event, where the organizers were uncertain about the guests, the food too reflected it. There were hardly any good starters. Probably, there were peanut masala! Well, I didn't see what some fellas were munching! Anyways, my wife was saying during dinner that there were no starter dish, and fish curry was not prepared well. I tasted chicken and it was well prepared! 

And, so what's the next best option! 

If there's a lack of thing, then it's better to get it fixed. So, based on it, I was thinking - why don't I start a momo counter! With a steamer, I can steam the momos and sell it to customers - hot, HOT!

I'm not sure, if hotel which supplies food will allow it or if the organizers will allow it. My take is that I will make momos ( dumplings)  and start a small counter in similar gathering. 

Probably, in here or at weddings or family functions I will take with me a small stove, a steamer and I'm ready to serve hot, and fresh chicken or beef or veg momos! 

How does this idea sound to you? 

So, when will I make momos and put a stall or give for people to taste and approve? By August 15th! Time starts now!

Who Needs a Lift in Life and Biz

 Here's a hypothesis, a plan which I recently conjured. The spark for this plan came from a visit to a kutti hotel near my office. And, this idea hinges on the plan that a little help, lift, financial support can go a long way to support a small biz or help an individual overcome certain life crisis.

Here's the story and plan!

Recently I went to have lunch at a small hotel at Kolathoor jn. This place is like any other small restaurant with a board which says "Meals Ready". And, this is my second visit to this restaurant. 

This place place looks like any other typcial hotel and only difference was that a lady in her 40's - fair looking and smart was running this place. Usually, we don't get to see such type of women in this role. Anyways, that's not important. The matter is about the a way to attract more cusotmers to this hotel, provide tasty food, create a good flow of cash and provide remarkable service.

The price of meals with netholi fry is just Rs 100. This time, the small netholi served on a steel place  fried to the core. It was like biting to some twig - especially when most of my good teeth is missing! 

Also, they don't have paripe curry, but sambar, and pulisheri. As a person who likes to start meals with pareipe ( dal curry), I thought they are not supplied due to the cost of the ingredient. Also, in other similar hotels where they have parupe, the taste of it is just average. 

So, from this question, follows my biggie heart-ed plan to improve this hotel by giving some aid in the form of goods and cash. And, it's on the hope that people who run the hotel will move to the next level and create more wealth for themselves and for the employees!

How to help this hotelier ( with funds and goods) and teach few best practices!

Plan goes like this ( Provide running capital (Cash) and provisions as Donation)

1. Buy them good quantity of dal, a good supply of coconut, coconut oil, so that they can make tasty parepe curry.

2. Get them good supplies of tissue paper, hand wash, automatic fragrance dispenser, etc

3. Give them cash of Rs 10K

4. Arrange a reliable and good quality fish vendor who will supply them with fresh fish for Rs 500 or so on a daily basis. ( money will be paid by the donor)

5. Get a service to deep clean the inside hall. This should be done on a fortnightly basis. ( Hire HandySquad clearning service which is situated on the same road) Just saying!

6. A tissue dispenser near the wash basin and clean waste bin.

7. Maintain a super clean loo. Make it the best loo in the locality. Keep an automatic fragrance dispense inside the loo so that it smells good. Moreover, keep some to check the cleanliness of loo in every half hour. We Indians are known to make the loo messy ( either splash water all around, or spray pee around). Try to keep it dry as possible. Use a Gala mop to mop excess water on the floor and use a tissue to wipe water on the toilet seat!

 Also, place the  board to clearly show the location of the toilet. Keep the board in the right place, to help customers to find the loo without asking a hotel staff. 

8. Buy new vessels, glasses for water, casserole to keep food warm, etc. 

This a hand-holding project intended to support a struggling hotel/shop which are in the beginning stages or those who finds it difficult to grow to the next level.

As a first step, a donor has to provide all above mentioned items to this hotelier. One thing I missed telling earlier is this - speak to the hotelier and ask if her or she is interested to take additional effort, to unlearn many steps, be willing to put more hours in the biz, and only those who are not willing with the status quo!

Only if they agree to your plan and objective, then you should go ahead to shortlist the hotel for the hand-holding plan.

If the hotelier agrees to all the conditions, then we can execute the plan. Also, the money and goodies given are on a gentleman's contract. Meaning, if they are able to really create steady cash flow, earn profits, money to set aside for future events, then they can refund the donation, along with an extra fee.( There is no compulsion here! It's just an voluntary act b'cos if it's repaid, then that money could be used to invest back to someone else's hotel project in future.. 

Also, a two day orientation on the different aspects of developing sales, how to maintain quality of food, how to serve to customers and how to maintain cleanliness is provided. A clear cut process is given! 

So, as per this project, this hotel has to follow these steps:

1. Make and serve tasty paripe curry. While serving a generous portion of parippe, depute a young chap to put ghee. Imagine the sight of good parippe on hot steaming rice and then a portion on flavorful ghee on the parepe! Fantastico! 

2. Fish fry options - netholi or whatever fish ( two variants - one typical deep fried one, and another medium fry) 
   Other fish fry - Either ayala ( mackeral) or Koyala ( again two options - one typical fry and anther shallow fry and also one option to fry in banana leaf ( limited quantity) and choora curry in coconut gravy.

3. Omelette ( hot, hot omelette) for those who likes egg ( Single and double). 

4. Serve a piece of fried salted fish ( Karivadu). This is a thing I copied from Goan fish thali. They have a dish called Kismoor which is a Dried Prawns side dish. 

In our case, we can keep a small piece of ribbon fish (vala karivadu fry) or silver bellies (Pony fish) also known as Mullan (Karal) in Malayalam, ( source - Wiki) 

A small portion of fried fish is given along with all meals. It's an added thing and once in a while, fried Pavakka (Bitter Gourd) 

5. Each table will have clean glass jars, which will hold medium hot water karikali vallam.. Customers can refill it at anytime. 

6. Curries will be kept in each table so that it be used by customers 

7. Each table will have a remote button which customers can press to call the waiter. 

Now, imagine, if all these items are provided and supported for such a restaurant for a period of 2 months!

So, the hypothesis is that in two months time, this restaurant should attract enough customers based on the tasty and quality meals to customers. After two months, this restaurant will increase the price of meals by Rs 10, considering the additional cost of dal, and ghee used. Also, the price hike will be required for meeting the other costs.

The price of fish dishes will slightly be more than the price charged by other shop keepers. The reason is that only fresh fish is sourced and all fish will be cleaned well. No scales here and there!

Also, in the plan, there's an option to have kattan chai after lunch. 


Do You Think It will Work?
So, what do you think of this plan? Will it work? Suppose we provide such support to 10 small restaurants, how many will turn a new leaf and flourish, and how many will slowly revert back to the old ways of running a hotel. 

Whatever, I feel this would be an interesting social experiment or a business experiment?

So, are you ready to fund for this project?

Probably, someone with extra cash, or a venture capitalist looking to experiment, a generous person who's willing to try and ready to loose money, or someone with money and patience and love of small biz.

Btw, we can't people who invest in such project as venture capitalist, but some other name. What do think they should be called - which type of investors? 

Hey there! 🙋🏽I want to hear you

 It's been almost 2 months that I started to blog! I'm happy for the great beginning, and the flood of posts that I keep writing. However, one thing I noticed is that visitors to my blog is just a trickle! Yes, just few people has seen my posts and most visitors on the analytics are my own visits! 

Well, I don't have to complain as it's just a baby, a baby takes it own steps to grow!

Building a blog from scratch is slow, takes time and not very sexy, but that's only way to grow network, traffic - brick by brick. 

A blog with good readership is powerful, and it's great platform to build connection. That's what I keep telling people -but hardly people listen! And, that's the reason, for this blog! I gonna prove it!

One of the main reason for starting this blog is to meet, interact with people - far and near. And, so on that front I haven't go anywhere closer than I was two months back. However, I'm known to have patience and that's my little virtue. 

Hey there!  want to hear you! 

Malapuram Bus Depot KSRTC Makeover Plan

 

Malappuram Depot 

Bus parked in Malappuram Bus Depot

In July, 2024 , I revisited Malappuram. During this trip, I stayed at Paris Mount Hotel ( Name sounds like a fancy hotel in Paris) located right at the heart of Malappuram town. The vantage location of this hotel makes it easy for me to catch a bus towards Manjeri and to reach KSRTC bus deport at Malappuram for my journey to Angadipuram.

Well, this intro is just a primer. The key topic of this post is about the big audacious plan to give Malappuram KSRTC depot an extravagant makeover! Here's how I visualize the new Malappuram KSRTC bus depot to look like.

This plan may sound unreal to you. However, I want your opinion about this big renovation plan to make Malappuram bus depot a truly world-class. Also, it should be a public space which all Mallapuramites will be proud of!!

Malappuram - New Vistas for Future!

While working in this hilly town, a person once asked me a question, don't you love Malappuram. Isn't' this a beautiful town which will make you stay here! I replied by nodding my head. I wanted to say that I like and love different cities, towns as each place has it's own charm. But, he was a person who deeply in love with his hometown. So, I let him with his thoughts! 

I know for sure, there are many like him in Malappuram, who really, really love this hilly town! And, so this post is for all the people of Malappuram who're deeply in love with their native town.

An Eye Sore of Malappuram - KSRTC Depot

Right in the centre of this town there's a wide expanse of land belonging to KSRTC. Being at the centre of the town, its's seen by anyone who passes this town. The lone office inside the depot stands lost and struck in 80's. The grayed one room office building, broken tarmac, unfinished building inside the depot all casts a gloom of a glorious past.

My question is  - can we do a grand makeover of Malappuram! Can we renovate, build, add greenery, provide more conveniences and make this infrastructure project a shining examine of public participation in improving  govt facility!

We're in 2024 not in 1984 

The goal of this blog post is to see a transformation of Malappuram KSRTC depot - from the current broken-down state to a well-maintained and a beautiful spot of Malappuram.

How is that possible?

The main problem with this is money. We all know how much KSRTC is struggling to pay salary for its employees, pension for the retired staff and also money is running short for managing it's operational expenses. So, how can we expect this road transport corporation to fund a major rennovation of its bus depot?

This is where we require a big involvement of public to make this mega renovation project a big success. First of all, it's not a small project, it's a plan which can easily cost some 100 cr. And that's a big money for a such an audacious project!
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KSRTC Mallapuram Depot Makeover

So, here's my yet another plan which is based on the community involvement, public contribution, and right planning.  Basically, such big funds can be raised by crowdfunding by the people of Malappuram.

And, we know that's possible, if there's the right plan, right kind of team and leader and finally the focus to achieve the big audacious plan.

Rich Fat Weddings of Malappuram and Luxury Car Owners of Malappuram

Recently, I came to know through YouTube videos about the grand scale of weddings, housewarming parties and programs in Malappuram. While I worked in this town, I wasn't aware of such a lifestyle of big monied people living in this town, nor I was invited to any such flamboyant dinners! 

But now, I have a different idea of this place from things I see shared. There are many people who are super duper rich, who host big fat wedding in this hilly town. Also, there are many high-end car owners! So, all these wealth can be of big help in this project. 

Based on this, my first thought was this - ask for a huge contribution from high-net-worth individuals of Malappuram to fund this project.  

I feel that, if the plan is prepared with clarity, step by step plan, along with the acceptance of public, it will be 💯success.

How to Crowd-source Funds for this building renovation of KSRTC Depot and repair Project! 

Step-by-Step Plan for Crowd-Sourcing Funds and Implementing the Building Renovation Project ( ChaptGpt's Answer) 

Step 1: Develop a Comprehensive Plan

Needs Assessment:

1. Conduct a survey to identify the specific needs and expectations of citizens, MLAs, and other stakeholders such as KSRTC management, staff, public
   
   
2. Identify the specific areas requiring renovation and new facilities to be added. List out all facilities in an order. For instance, repairing the tarmac, rebuilding the office room, creating clean washrooms, rest room for staff, building a multi-stored building to house all facilities, petrol and electric charging points, etc
   
   
3. Create a blueprint or an artists impression of how this place will look after rennovation. Such a  model will give a definite idea for the public and will help in fundraising such a big amount Btw, this project should be projected as the proud project of Malappuram. ( Catchy slogan should be made with the help of adv or PR team)

Draft the Proposal:

1. Create a detailed plan of renovation work, the size and scale of new construction, and added facilities, etc.
   
   
2. Include specific features like AC rooms for staff, clean bathrooms, an entertainment room, a rooftop garden with a café, and more.
   
   
3. Specify budget requirements and timelines for each phase.

Get Approval:

1. Present the proposal to relevant government authorities and obtain necessary approvals.
   
   
2. Ensure compliance with local regulations and standards.

Step 2: Create a Crowdfunding Strategy

Platform Selection:

1. Choose a reliable crowdfunding platform that supports large-scale projects.
   
   
2. Ensure the platform can reach both local citizens and expats globally.
   
   
3. Choose offline marketing - such as hoarding, notices at offices, etc
   
   
4. Get sponsors to promote the plan on newspaper, TV, YouTube, etc 
   
   

Campaign Planning:

1. Set a realistic fundraising goal based on the project budget.
   
   
2. Establish a clear timeline for the 7-month fundraising campaign.

Compelling Campaign Content:

1. Create engaging videos and visuals to showcase the current state and future vision of the bus depot.
   
   
2. Highlight the benefits to the community and the improved services and facilities.|

Step 3: Mobilize Community Support

Community Meetings:

1. Host town hall meetings to present the project plan to the community.
   
   
2. Gather feedback and build consensus on the renovation plan.

Engage Local Business People, Influencers:

1. Involve local leaders, celebrities, and influencers to endorse and promote the campaign.
   
   
2. Share personal stories and testimonials to build emotional connections.
   
   
3. Coordinate with local celebrities and influencers to create reel, videos which can be shared. 
   
   
4. Create a catchy slogan which can go along with each campaign. 

Volunteer Teams:

Form volunteer groups to spread the word and assist in fundraising efforts.

Assign specific roles such as social media management, event organization, and outreach.

Step 4: Launch the Crowdfunding Campaign

Online Campaign:

1. Launch the campaign on the selected crowdfunding platform with compelling content.
   
   
2. Use social media, email newsletters, and local media to reach a wide audience.
   
   
3. Regularly update backers on progress and milestones.

Offline Events:

1. Organize local fundraising events such as charity runs, bake sales, and community fairs.
   
   
2. Set up information booths in busy areas to attract contributions and inform the public.

Expat Outreach:

1. Create targeted campaigns to reach expats from the town living abroad.
   
   
2. Use social media groups, expat forums, and cultural organizations to spread the word.

Step 5: Implementation and Maintenance

Project Execution:

• Hire experienced contractors for the renovation and construction work.
  
  
• Ensure transparent procurement processes and regular progress monitoring.
  
  
• Involve local artisans and suppliers to foster community engagement.

Transparency and Reporting:

• Provide regular updates to donors on the progress of the project.
  
  
• Publish financial reports to ensure transparency and build trust.

Maintenance Plan:

• Allocate a portion of the funds for ongoing maintenance and upkeep.
  
  
• Schedule regular inspections and preventive maintenance activities.
  
  
• Develop a preventive maintenance plan for the facility.
  
  
• Establish a maintenance team and allocate budget for repairs and upkeep.
  
  
• Implement a cleaning and sanitation program.

Revenue Generation:

Implement strategies to generate revenue from various sources (e.g., rent, advertising, food and beverage).

Monitor and analyze financial performance.

Continuous Improvement:

• Gather feedback from users and stakeholders.
  
  
• Implement improvements based on feedback.
  
  
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices.

Sustainability Measures:

1. Implement eco-friendly practices such as waste segregation, recycling, and energy-efficient systems.
   
   
2. Promote the rooftop garden and café as green spaces to enhance community well-being.
   
   
3. Make a space for a eco-friendly bag production unit

Benefits to Highlight

Enhanced Community Pride: A modern, well-maintained bus depot in Malapuram will be the pride of Malappurmites. And, it will foster community bonding and committment.

Improved Services: Better facilities for staff and passengers will enhance the overall travel experience.

Economic Boost: The new café, hotel, spa, shopping centre, will create job opportunities and boost local businesses.

Health and Safety: Clean and well-maintained facilities will improve public health and safety.

Environmental Impact: The rooftop garden and sustainable practices will contribute to environmental conservation.

By following this step-by-step plan, the project can effectively mobilize community support, secure necessary funds, and create a lasting positive impact on the town's public transport infrastructure.

-

NB -

1. While writing this, I was thinking of the spot where this depot is situated. One thing is that it is on a hill top, which is a spot which allows beautiful view of this town. Utilize this terrain to build a viewing gallery, a tower to see entire Malappuram and Calicut. Make space to keep telescope and other gadgets to see places afar.

2. A roof top garden, cafe could be designed on the building. By saying garden, it should embrace it in all aspects of a garden. The garden cafe brings in people to have coffee, tea, other beverages, snacks, lunch and dinner options. This space will be designed as a food-court, where an Indian Coffee House outlet, a Veg restaurant, a broast chicken store, a KFC or Burger spot, a momo shop. 

Apart from that this garden cafe will have a nursery where people can buy potted plants. The roof top will be around 5000 to 10000 sq ft of size. The building will be of 7 or more floors high. In one floor, KSRTC can house it's staff, rest room for its employees, entertainment room such as table tennis board, caroms board and a gym. 

3. One floor of this building will be the lodge facility with ac and non ac rooms for public to stay.

4. Also, a mega solar installation on the roof will enable this building to generate solar power, thereby saving on electricity cost. It will also have the state-of-the-art surveillance facility. 

5. There will be a signage on travel spots of Malappuram and 24/7 spot where people can hire cars and auto-rikshaws. 

KSRTC beautification has been done at few depots. Here's one such initiative. 

Fb Reels by SuchitwaMissionKerala/reels 

Here's another goodwill and suggestion post for Malappuram. Click this link to visit the post about Malappuram 

P.S - Check out my earlier post about KSRTC Makeover Plan