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Bandhs: Does the cost of citizen inconvenience justify the message?

Pune, 3rd November, 2023:- In a democratic country like India, everyone is born with freedom of speech. It is every Indian’s birthright to voice issues, queries, concerns, and grievances. However, raising a voice at the cost of disturbing the economy, the ordinary public’s convenience, emotions, and daily life is unsettling, is what I feel. Simply put, such situations are known as Bandhs or Strikes.

Bandhs in India are often treated as a medium to communicate issues to the authorities. Political parties, communal fraternities, or interest groups usually announce Bandhs to highlight their demand actions on particular issues, and put the authorities on the back foot to address grievances. Bandhs are indeed an influential tool for advocacy, although they frequently come at a sheer cost that usually creates turmoil in society.

So, the real question I would like to ask is, do the Bandhs have an equally strong alternative medium to voice issues that will not harm the human ecosystem?

Let us understand the gravity of this common issue!

During a Bandh, protesters stride the streets with roaring vehicles, block roads, scream slogans, force shop owners/businesses to shut their ‘Dukaans’, and ensure day-to-day activities go on an indefinite pause. The crux of this action is to manipulate the authorities to take the message or demands more seriously.

How do Bandhs impact society on different levels?

  1. Economic Impact: The economic impact on businesses and individuals is one of the most stringent costs of Bandhs. When businesses are forced to shut, productivity falls, and financial losses pile up rapidly. Unfortunately, daily wage workers, small shop owners, and self-employed individuals face the wrath of Bandhs at large, as they lose income they cannot easily regain.
  2. Disruption to Daily Life: Bandhs devastate not only the daily routines of citizens but also create fear in their minds. Especially while traveling via public transportation, there is a high chance that protesters may attack transportation vehicles, leaving innocent public shiver with fear. Most of the time, protesters also halt transportation services, making it hard for people to travel to work or access essential services. During Bandhs, schools and colleges often remain closed, disturbing the educational regime.
  3. Healthcare and Emergencies: Bandhs can severely affect healthcare services and emergency facilities. For instance, if a critical patient needs urgent medical attention, due to Bandhs, he/she may not get it on time. Even for hospitals, it becomes challenging to maintain a whole staff.
  4. Inequality: Bandhs barely affect some individuals as they can easily remain untouched by the chaos. On the other hand, Bandhs highly influence those whose livelihood depends on daily income.
bandhs-does-the-cost-of-citizen-inconvenience-justify-the-message

Source: Times Citizen

Sameer

While Bandhs serve as a medium for voicing issues, they unsettle many lives and negatively impact the economy. Bandhs create fear in the general public and obstruct essential facilities like public transportation, healthcare services, etc. Daily wage workers and small business owners are the ones who face the wrath of Bandhs the most.

Sameer Desai, Founder & Managing Director

Considering the consequences and possible outcomes of Bandhs, I feel the debate about Bandhs is encircled by complexity and diversity. In a nutshell, protesters should choose a less disturbing path to express their concerns to the authorities. Peaceful protests, digital campaigns, and being open about an issue through established channels can be the efficient means of communication minus any inconveniences. A Bandh undoubtedly is an integral tool to shed light on important issues to bring it to the notice of the government. Although, it shouldn’t obstruct citizens’ inconvenience and create serious, moral, and functional questions. Those who organize Bandhs need to reconsider the way they protest. Their methods shouldn’t harm innocent citizens.

Governments should also become more responsive and responsible towards addressing the issue raised by protesters to avert the repetition of Bandhs. Ultimately, the message is of invaluable significance. But how it is conveyed should not cause a threat to society.

What Is The Best Spot For A Hoarding? Let Citizens Decide!

Pune, 13th September, 2023:- In the bustling streets of India, hoardings have become an intrinsic part of the urban landscape, conveying messages, promoting products, and shaping the consumerist culture. These tall structures play a significant role in advertising, but they have come under fire for obstructing views, causing safety concerns and distractions, and impacting the aesthetic appeal of cities.

To address this issue, it is imperative to consider the opinions and preferences of the citizens who directly experience the visual barrage of these hoardings daily. Public consultation is not just a box to tick; it is a powerful tool to foster transparency, sustainability, and a sense of ownership among citizens.

Imagine a cityscape shaped solely by corporate interests and government officials without regard for the preferences and concerns of the people who live there. Hoardings placed haphazardly without public input can obstruct views, create visual pollution, and even pose safety hazards. Public consultation offers a vital counterbalance to this top-down approach, empowering citizens to actively participate in shaping their environment.

Engaging the public in hoarding placement helps identify safety hazards like obstruction of traffic signs and driver distractions. By consulting residents, authorities can identify areas where hoardings might enhance the overall appeal and where they could detract from the city’s charm. Eventually, this would encourage responsible advertising practices that minimise negative impacts on the city.

It is important to understand that hoardings are not just ads; they are a part of the cultural and visual identity of a place. Placed insensitively, hoardings can trigger controversies. Involving citizens in decision-making would provide insight into diverse perspectives, ideas, and preferences. Moreover, it would be easier to identify potential pitfalls and navigate sensitive issues, reducing the likelihood of negative public reactions.

Implementing a successful public consultation process concerning hoardings is not without its challenges. Encouraging citizens to actively participate in the decision-making process is tough. Utilising social media campaigns, interactive surveys, and public events can generate interest.

Sameer Sir

Advertisers who demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility and community welfare through their consultation efforts create a positive brand image. This can strengthen their reputation and brand loyalty among consumers. Hoardings that align with the values and aspirations of the local community are more likely to be noticed and remembered.

Sameer Desai, Founder & Managing Director

Conducting public consultations also requires time, effort, and financial resources. However, long-term benefits in terms of improved city planning and public satisfaction outweigh these initial costs. Then there is the challenge presented by diverse perspectives. The fact that different communities will have distinct perspectives is a given. A comprehensive approach that respects these diversities is essential. It would then make sense to form public forums before installing hoardings. Citizens can express their opinions, concerns, and suggestions at these forums, which can be conducted virtually too. Surveys through social media and online polls can serve as valuable tools to engage citizens.

Hoardings, when thoughtfully placed and designed, can add vibrancy and character to our urban spaces. However, their indiscriminate installation can lead to visual clutter, public discontent, and, worst of all, accidents. Public consultation on hoarding placement and removal marks a transformative step towards citizen empowerment and responsible urban development. By putting the public at the heart of these decisions, authorities can create a win-win situation for all stakeholders. When strategically positioned, hoardings have the potential to enhance a city’s liveliness and allure while maintaining safety, preserving cultural values, and protecting the environment.

‘Responsible behaviour is a moral imperative for today’s brands’

Seagull Advertising The Start-up Brand Launch Accelerator Of Pune An Evening To Successfully Showcase The Launch Of Upcoming Start-ups

Mumbai, 07th June, 2022 (GPN):- Seagull Advertising, a branding and advertising agency in Pune has successfully hosted the “Seagull Brand Launch showcase” event on 6th June 2022 in Pune. This event showcased the launch of new start-ups like Redeemption, Toilet Seva, and Fundook. This event was held at Billy’s BrewStirs, between 4:30 to 7:30 PM in Aundh where they celebrated and showcased some of their most innovative business ideas. The event also held an interactive session for exchanging thoughts for better growth.

Startup brand like Redeemption, India’s first KYC-compliant crypto token platform based on Binance Smart Chain protocol also showcased their disruptive ideas on the crypto token. They offer unique selling propositions and operate with a visionary purpose of accelerating economic growth and catalyzing the growth of disruptive, tech-oriented startups and SMEs.

Toilet Seva, a GPS -based tech solution for users to discover hygiene and safe toilets nearby, to make ‘har toilet clean toilet’. A social enterprise, aiming to address an age-old problem in India, regarding clean toilets. The newly invented app (iOS/Android) is uniquely designed to help travelers, commuters, students, the elderly population, women, and anyone, looking for usable washrooms. Such washrooms may be located inside hotels/cafes, petrol pumps (gas stations), schools or may even be paid private/public toilets.

 

Sameer Desai, Managing Director of Seagull Advertising – File Photo GPN

Fundook, a thrilling high-tech sport, Fundook delivers a real shooting experience with its laser-based, AI-powered technology that makes it 100% safe, accessible, cost-efficient, and easy to play. Anjali Bhagwat, Olympian, professional Indian sport shooter, and Former World no 1 along with her team of brainy engineers designed Fundook, a modified shooting sport that can be played safely in homes, offices, schools, colleges, or clubhouses.

Sameer Desai, Managing Director of Seagull Advertising commented on the event saying- “It has always been an objective of Seagull Advertising to be the go-to Start-up accelerator in Pune. We are honored to be a part of the success journey these new brands are aiming for. We have always helped brands to establish their niche in the market and I am sure with time all these brands shall scale new heights which we are excited to witness in the near future”

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