Sept24 Blore Mysore Walkathon Blog 2

2. Same People, New Learnings

The urban-rural divide in men’s attire for the young is completely eroded. Denim pants, colourful printed shirts, and premium branded t-shirts like Gucci and Armani, though pirated versions, can be seen everywhere. If jeans pants democratised fashionable attire a few decades ago, the past few years have made the latest designs in shirts and t-shirts available all across locations, thanks to online shopping and the presence of small retail outlets selling surplus and export reject garments.

Looking beyond the obvious, the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship too is visible across Indian landscape. Getting our cup of tea was the main challenge in starting our walk at 5am. The first two days we got it within 500 meters of our hotel at bus stops, where floating population can be found at this time of the day. But in Mandya on the third day we met a young and unique entrepreneur running Naveen Tea Stall. Operating only for four hours from 4 am to 8 am each day, a hundred meters away from the main road, Naveen the entrepreneur, has captured a niche market as his thriving business at 4.45 am showed us. Speaking to Naveen, we discovered that he drives his own auto from 8 am for the rest of the day. Naveen’s enthusiasm and drive could be seen in the quality of tea served. Further his sensitivity was reflected in the tea he served us, which was personalised with lesser sugar without even asking for it.

I for one will keep my eyes out for Naveen as I am sure in the days to come, he will attain greater success as he has all the qualities-drive, energy, ability to spot unique market needs and  sensitivity to personalise that is required for a successful and sustainable entrepreneur.

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