Influenced by Influencers

Are you person who follows stock market influencers in Instagram? Even if not, read ahead !

There are many stock market influencers in Instagram, they post pics standing in front of multiple monitors, showing how they track the market, and gives advices on which IPO, Stocks , MF or portfolio to be invested !

After apps like Upstock, Zerodha, Groww, made investing in Stock markets easy, these influencers have been getting huge number of followers. They can easily make you influenced towards a particular company, and most of us won't be spending time to understand the jargons used in stock markets, tends to follow what these influncers say. Always understand,  there will be paid promotions of a company whenever they go into IPO or increase the market cap. So they will be promoting to subscribe to one such IPO or to one companies Shares etc.

I urge everyone who makes investments based upon such advices to be caution, it's like casino games, you earn now, might loose big later.

Stock markets are always subject to market risks and before investing in any stocks, a thorough analysis has to be made by reading articles from various sources.

The biggest example is Paytm IPO , the noises these influencer pages made before the listing was so huge, that the ipo got over subscribed, but when it went on listing at discount and later had a fall on the first, the same pages started calling it failed listing !

So never blindly believe these pages. Be careful with making investments of your hard-earned money ! Always remember to grow a tree than to be settled with a bush, because you need shelter for future.

Business Pandemic

 I remember my meeting with my friend in Chennai when I visited the city in January 2020. We were planning for expansion of our business from second quarter of financial year 2020. I also remember we were talking about 'some virus is spreading in China'.  Eighteen months since that meeting, when I am writing this blog, none of our expansion plans worked out and that 'some virus' had created a catastrophic second wave in our country. 

If we remember the first wave, we were all enjoying the time we got to sit at home, binge watch series and movies with family, cook new food, video call old friends, and the unlocking of the first lockdown was easy for us, we were fresh to start again, we had hope to start again, and to an extent, many business concerns were fortunate enough to come back to normalcy, except for the art and tourism industry. GST collections were touching levels  of the pre-covid era. The automobile industry showed signs of revival, as people decided to choose private mode of transport from public mode. Even housing sector started seeing a slight sign of recovery, as the home became the new office for many mostly working in the private sectors, and who decided to invest in houses. 

Things were working in the "new normal" way till the first week of April 2021. We cannot deny the fact that elections in various states along with mass religious gatherings triggered the devastating second wave in our country. The second wave came like a tsunami and wiped out the entire health system in our country, leading to thousands of deaths reporting every day. Slowly states started to implement statewide lockdowns. Lockdowns are essential for curbing the curve of covid spread, and as predicted the curves have been flattened in most states.

There is a saying "Health is wealth", but in reality unless there is wealth you cannot lead healthy lives. The expenses incurred at hospitals, and  dispensaries are on rocket rise and it is an undeniable fact that the people with average deep pockets only can now survive. There may be an argument, poor and below average people can depend on Government hospitals for treatment. But unlikely there is a huge number of middle class people who can neither be  BPL nor do they have disposible income , and they are squeezed like a patty in a burger.  

The second wave has literally destroyed hopes of survival to average business entrepreneurs which counts for 90% + of the total  business community in India. Restaurants, Trading concerns, homestays, small hotels, street vendors, etc are a few to name. The other day I saw a post of a lady entrepreneur from Kerala, about her raw materials being expired, and other financial issues including repayment of loans, payment of fees for her children's education. Her post is what a common man faces today, unfortunately the Government is showing very little empathy towards this niche community. I completely agree that the Covid wave has to be bended, but what we are seeing in the second wave is that, the bend is happening in the income, hopes and aspirations of the common man.

The advocates of lockdown are predominantly always the salaried , for whom the monthly  pay checks are not a problem . But the labourers, small trading concerns, auto drivers, taxi drivers etc, the need to earn for their everyday meal only is the predominant concern which will materialise into income only when their business is happening. The Government is providing with kits of food materials every month, but eating is only one facet of survival, other factors of living a life are also important, and unless there is regular income this will not happen. 

I urge the Government to brainstorm ideas from the discerning educated public to arrive at  a consensus for a permanent solution,  to ease the existing lockdowns, or increase the number of working days to ensure that normalcy is achieved at the earliest. Fast and speedy dissemination of vaccination to the public is the need of the hour. 

It should be borne in mind that prolonged lockdowns will only lead to BUSINESS PANDEMIC. 

Big Bazaar

As a small town boy, going to big shopping centers and hypermarkets were like achieving life goals. In my hometown we had a shopping complex with supermarkets , but it was Big Bazar in Trivandrum gave me a feel of hypermarkets or department stores, till then i haven't seen a place that sells clothing, sports equipment's, stationery,  furniture's, footwears, electronics, mobile phones,  utensils, vegetables and groceries under one roof. I had also not seen a place which had air conditioner and escalator placed in every floor in Kerala .Shopping malls were alien to Kerala at that time, and to some extend, Big Bazaars filled that gap.

Kishor Biyani, the founder of Future Retails under which comes the Big Bazaar, FBB, Brand Factory, Central, ALL, Tasty Treats etc, and his Future Group is under tremendous pressure to run the company for last one year and COVID 19 was another blow to them. Most of us have heard news that Mukesh Ambani led RIL has agreed to take over Future Retails, but now has hit a roadblock because of Amazon issue. 

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-tussle-between-future-group-amazonwhat-happens-next-6913824/

The above link will get you understand the real issue of Amazon-Future Group-Reliance Tussle. 

Last day I visited one of the two big bazars in Trivandrum, a place which is usually full of activities, especially people with trolleys full of items they purchased, ever since the outbreak of Covid this clustering of people was missing in most places, expect for few and the Big Bazaar being one place which has been affected seriously. The empty grocery racks, near to rotten vegetables & fruits, empty cold drink fridges, heavy discounts on apparels and utensils, electronics floor  remaining empty and most importantly drastic reduction in number of staff. Non-maintenance of building and equipment were apparently visible. I was emotionally so much down because, this was one place where we used to go as family and friends, spend hours climbing up and down, window shopping and real shopping things, and now it is turning into a near ghost building. 

There was huge cry when big bazaar was launched in Kerala, the main one was that small shops will get closed and thereby livelihood of thousand will be affected. It might be true for certain extend, however  in the long run, both small and big shops started to co-exist, for eg I would rather buy my penny groceries from nearby small traders than spend my money and time visiting Big Bazaar, but establishments like Big Bazaar was creating jobs in multiple of thousands. The future retail itself is employing more than thirty thousand employees even during this distress period. If it goes down, the livelihood of these people will be at stake.

The reason why I wish and pray that Future Retail should find a solution for it's deal is that, such establishments are wheels of economy, it provides employments to our youth, it pays all kind of taxes from municipality to GST and Income Tax, it promotes numerous small brands by giving them space in their racks, thus it influences thousands of families. I feel it is important that Central Government and it agencies should act proactively to find a solution for this dilemma, the country is already going through the worst economic crisis period now, and Future group turning non-performing and closing will be a big blow to the whole banking system, stock market and economy. As a consumer, I would certainly want to see more Big Bazaars like stores opening in many new cities co-existing with local stores and thereby making the wheels of economy move fast. 

Spread Love

During school days it is normal to tease and bully our friends or classmates. Some of us will take it lightly, but for some it might affect them emotionally and mentally. The scars of these bullying will be itched permanently in the hearts of these kids and most of them do not speak with their parents about this. 

 

Let me tell you my story, a story of a boy who was subject of teasing by his classmates throughout his school days. 

 

I am the only child of my parents and since my family is economically stable, I had the privilege to be alumni from the top schools of my town. I was obese (still I am) from my KG class to 12^th Standard, and I am dark skinned, so I was a victim of heavy bullying all my school days. I was called 'Aana' (elephant in malayalam) and 'thadiya (fatty in malayalam) and because of this continuous bullying I did not had any self-confidence to venture into any arts or sports events that happened in my school. I was afraid of what others would think of me, because of this even I was conscious while walking from the school main gate to my class room, as I always felt like I am being watched. Apart from all these I was not extra-ordinary in my studies. I was that middle bench student; I had no confidence to reach the front bench nor had the guts to be in the last bench.

 

    Adding to all the above events, while I was in the higher secondary, I was also bullied for my way of talking. Sometimes, I used to feel my friends forgot that every human will have some issues, and my issue might be with communication. During my two years in higher secondary, I lived consciously about me speaking a word fearing bullying. I would be unfair to mention I did have good friends who stood by me all time, who was not distracted by my flaws. I was moved to a co-ed school from an all-boys school , being a victim for all bullying  the  interaction with girls in my class was very bad.  Thus, my self-confidence got beaten like chicken for barbecue.

 

    Like for everyone I had a turnaround in my life to nurture, to bloom and to grow like a human being like I always wanted, to be a person brimming with confidence. After my school days I was moved to this beautiful city of Trivandrum, where I changed completely to a new man. I had the good fortune to be surrounded by people who motivated, supported, loved and cared me. I changed completely from an introvert to an extrovert. My friends gave me confidence to speak in stage, speak with a stranger and to handle people. I even start my own business and ironically, I am the same person who was bullied for my communication skills, making and handling clients including MNC’s. And to add I even did radio shows, and be part of large influencers group. 

 

    What I learned from my friends in Trivandrum is that a person should not be valued by his looks, or the way he talks, but with his quality.  I urge my fellow humans and all parents to teach their kids, to spread love and support people without being prejudicial on the looks or way of speaking. Be the catalyst of change for a person’s life.

#stopsbullying #spreadlove

 

 

Five Years of Making History

Five years back, a small group was started by a passionate foodie and a hardcore Triavndrumite. When the group was started neither did he know that he was creating history. He did not know that he is building a huge community,  and he also did not know he paved path for numerous new food communities and food bloggers from Trivandrum.  His name is Arvind Soju. 

Arvind always beleived in team work, he could have easily managed the group alone at the time when me, Aslam and Anjana was made part of the team. He made us dream his small dream, and we togther gave wings to bigger dreams. Most of them is reality now, and most of them still a dream. We are also blessed to have our team of moderators Aashamz ,Hari and Muhusin, our crew Silpa & Liza, our mentors  Dr Pradeesh, Dr Sneha, Bijus ikka, Sailnath chetan and Parthan Chetan, to be with us as Strong pillars of support. 

Over these five years of Eat At Trivandrum, our social media presence is spread across, Facebook, instagram ,twitter and a website. Our total followers across the platforms has crossed more than 2.1 lakhs. We have transformed ourselves into a quality, result oriented digital influencers. We have a motto of going slow and steady with generic social media growth. 

These five years, Eat At Trivandrum as team was fortunate enough to bring new kinds of events and social getogethers. We have Eat Ups, where like minded foodies meet, we have live Q&A, where we interact with our community regularly. We also organised a flea fest under the brand Summer of 19, an event which made bond like a team like never before. 

Eat At Trivandrum is the only food community in Kerala who has a member loyalty program through our Eat Loyalty Card. We are lucky enough to be partnered with great minds of the industry. Our loyalty program ensures discounts for our subscribers and footfall for our tie up restaurants. 

 Eat At Trivandrum is not just a Facebook or Instagram community group or page, it is a game changer with first of it kind programs and events, and charity programs.

 It has become a part our life and will be forever. I Can't thank Arvind enough for the opportunity he has given me to be part of this family.

Eat At Trivandrum is my family!

#HandsofPorotta

#HandsofPorotta

This is one of the trending hashtag in social media. Why? Because of reports that porotta has been put in 18% GST bracket by authorities.

So, I thought I should read about this very interesting ruling which was made on 22^nd May 2020, and understand why such a decision was taken! And here are my 3 points!

1)     The ruling was made by Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) against an applicant made by ID Fresh (Lets call ID Fresh as Applicant).

Who is an AAR?

AAR is an authority under GST who provides certainty in tax liability in advance and also classification of any goods or services under GST.  

Whom does this ruling applicable?

This ruling is applicable only to Applicant. In this case ID Fresh. This also means such advance rulings will not be applicable to similar tax payers in the state.

2)     What was the issue under AAR or rather what was the application made by the applicant?

The applicant was wanted to classify its “Ready to cook porotta” as Kharkara Plain Chapathi, or Roti , or under another classification as  “Prepared Food Stuff”. – both the classification under 5% tax rate.

3)     What was the judgement?

The authority ruled that Packed ready to cook porotta is not a prepared food stuff as it has further human intervention to make it consumable. The authority also ruled that the classification “Kharkara, Plain Chapathi or roti” will be not applicable as it means cooked roti or chapathi, again a “Packed ready to cook Porotta” is not a cooked food.  Hence the product is classified under “Preparations for use, either directly or after processing (such as cooking, dissolving or boiling in water, milk, etc.), for human consumption” which is under 18% GST rate.

Again, this ruling is applicable only to ID Fresh and not to any other person. This ruling is made upon by an application made by the company. There is news that ID Fresh will be moving to Appellant Authority.

I hope this has cleared all misunderstanding about the news heading you being hearing .

Here is the link for the whole ruling

https://taxguru.in/goods-and-service-tax/gst-preparation-whole-wheat-parota-malabar-parota.html

Retirement during Lockdown!

Every month end there will be a group of seniors retire from thier service. For them majority of their life time would have been spend in thier office along with colleagues. During every other retirement parties, they would have wished to have such a warm retirement.

But for people who retired on March, April and May, the would be different. The most difficult was for people who retired on March 2020, days before thier day of retirement, lockdown announced and most them was at thier own home and silently completed thier services, without having a chance to visit thier place of work for many years.

The social distancing norms and restrictions to conduct social get togethers, will restrict the retirement parties. I have seen my mom travelling distances to meet and cheer her retired friends on thier day of retirement. Such small joy and happiness will be missing now! Yes, for the good of all!

My heartfelt post retirement wishes to everyone!