This time Dusherra break was in Baroda. It
has been more than a month now, but the hangover still remains, especially of
the Mangal bazaar that we visited on the last day. Baroda has its own charms - small city, safer for women, historical background and colourful Gujarati culture & food. But, my co-brother and sis-in-law
who reside in Baroda, had promised that our visit will not be complete if we did not see Mangal bazaar. Naturally we were curious and decided to
visit the landmark place.
The ‘Mangal Bazaar’ was a terrific (could
also be read as terrifying) experience. Mangal in hindi means ‘good in every
way’ or ‘the one that brings good luck’. I have never seen any more ironical
name than this. Anyways the best thing about Mangal Bazaar is that all laws of Newton
can be experienced in that place.
A view of Mangal Bazaar
Newton’s first law also known as the law of
inertia states that ‘…any body continues
to be in a state of rest or motion until and unless acted upon by an external
force’. The bazaar runs into narrow lanes that is packed with so many
people that once you are inside the bazaar, even if you are in a state of rest,
the rest shall ensure that you are put into motion and if you are in motion,
you could be brought to a grinding halt anytime, in vertical or horizontal
alignment with the ground.
Newton’s second law of motion states that 'Force = Mass × Acceleration'. The
greater the push (mass of the person from whom you get the shove) and depending
upon the direction and speed that the ‘shove’ is moving, you shall be forced-propelled
in some direction.
Newton’s third law of motion states that 'every reaction has an equal and opposite reaction'. How true! If you try to move in the north direction, an
equal effort tries to take you to the opposite south direction in the bazaar.
We could survive Mangal Bazaar and
our experience of Baroda is wholesome now. Those who opposed FDI in retail should be
brought to this bazaar and they will understand the futility of opposing the same.
No form of organized retail can pose any threat to small shopkeepers here. They
have captive customers who would come-in there, as much for the cheap stuff, as
much for the ‘mangal experience’. The shopping seems so much complete to them
after all the struggle and haggle.
Anyways the point that I am trying to make is that Baroda or Vadodara is a different city! Travelling
from one end of Baroda to the other end takes less than an hour. The city is
small and has a relaxed motion and demeanor. For nine days in a year people
play Garba without any guilt.
Work-Life seems perfectly balanced here. The bazaar charms are add-on combos.
The needs of the people are radically different in places like Baroda then here
in Bangalore.
Accommodation, transport, commute, social support, school distance
for kids all these are hardly an issue. Considering the affluent & enterprising Gujarati
community and the presence of large number of small and medium scale
industries, contemporary HR practices, organization culture, work environment,
development opportunities, career progression seems to be required more for the
thousands of people employed in various such units.
Like many other things, engagement
solutions can also not be generalized. Mangal Bazaar and Forum Mall are two
different worlds!
