Most of those who build bungalows and commercial establishments do not have houses

What happens when some Worker doesn’t get his daily wage?

(Hypothetical case) Today, Kishore didn’t get his wage because of regular exploitation by his contractor. Returning from work, he had to buy medicines for his ailing wife, get his child admitted to a local school the next day and get his old mother some warm clothing for the winter. A daily wage earner like Kishore would be deprived of serving his family apart from lack of food at home if this exploitation continues.

Am I depriving Kishore of his basic right? There are 4 Lac workers in the city. Many of them are living a life unfulfilled and unsatisfied.

When I spoke to Kadambari few mins back, she brought forth the context of “Project Aawaaz” in front of me. I’m living in the reasons of people and have forgotten that I’m depriving workers in the bargain!

Unfortunately these families are prone to several diseases like Cancer due to chewing tobacco or smoking, diseases like AIDS, social issues like Child Labour & Gender Discrimination (Girl Child), Lack of Education for their kids, lack of hygiene & health-care, or even their Rights under The Building and Other Construction Worker Act, 1996.

If this continues for them and we don’t act upon this, the people who build the wealth of the city would be deprived of access to living a great life.

“Aaawaaz” is about contributing to this group of families and bring awareness to them about each of these above issues and be part of their life altering experience where they can enjoy their work and their families could be happier and content being in our space.

“Aaawaaz” will conduct street-plays, hold placards and distribute information about the rights of these workers – to these workers at their construction sites & colonies. “Aawaaz” will encourage workers to register themselves under the Building and Construction Workers’ Act of 1996.

It pains to see the apathy of the builders of “New India”.

How can we bring about a difference?
• Make groups of 10 volunteers
• Choose a cause which inspires the volunteers
• Practice a street-play with this cause as the theme (Aawaaz team has ready scripts for practice)
• Conduct Street-plays at different pockets of the city, where construction workers live & work. (Aawaaz team has identified such locations in the city of Mumbai)

To be part of the initiative, ring us…
Chirag Dedhia – 9323366945
Kiran Sukhija – 9323861060
Shashank Shetty – 9820214307
Jalay Pandya – 9769600711
Amit Behal – 9987828237
Swagata Karmalkar – 9819883310

Other links to Building and Other Construction Workers' Act, 1996
Link 1
Link 2
Link 3

Is the Indian Real Estate Market really on fire?

So what’s happening on the realty front in the recent days?

The local realty market is still hot. Prices aren’t really going down. The waiting for the home-buyers isn’t much working in their favour. The house property market is still buoyant and the developers are sitting tight with the prices that are set in different parts of the country. Infact property prices across the country have increased by more than 50 % and there are no signs of this slowing down. The US sub-prime issues haven’t still settled but that hasn’t deterred the demand in the local Indian market.

In the meanwhile, the same developers are having a tough time to raise capital for their upcoming projects. The developers aren’t getting steady PE funding for their projects and are seeking newer ways to raise capital.

India’s fourth largest realty developer by market value, Indiabulls Real Estate Ltd, floated its Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) in Singapore (REIT is not yet allowed in India). Indiabulls seeks to raise S$388.3 million ($284 million) from selling 353 million units at between S$1 and S$1.10 a piece. The funds will help the company develop, acquire or invest in office space in Mumbai and around. DLF Ltd, India’s largest developer, is slated to release its REIT in the coming months. Unitech Ltd. is expected to follow soon.

On the other hand, many corporates having surplus land in India continue to hold on their assets in anticipation of appreciation of the land value. Companies like ACC, Ranbaxy, Pfizer and Rallis chose to sell off some assets and have earned extraordinary profits on their Balance Sheets. While some like Bombay Dyeing, Godrej Industries choose to create huge assets while keeping their land-banks.

Bombay Cyclists !!

Good Morning!

Our morning was really early today!! And i really want to share this excitement with you!
Shetty and myself went on an amazing Cycle Trip today b4 dawn.
We managed to get two cycles last night and thats how the week-long plan actually took off.

So shetty came to my place in the morning at 4.30am and we left from my house at Wadala for the Point (Nariman Point). Its about 12-14 kms drive (one way).
We were running high on spirit and we reached in less than an hour at medium speed. Our route while going was the Central Mumbai (Wadala - Dadar - Parel - Chinchpokli - Byculla - Mohammad Ali Road - VT - Fountain - Churchgate - Point)

While coming back we took the Western Route (Point - Marine Drive - Peddar Road - Haji Ali - Worli - Prabhadevi - Shivaji Park - Wadala).

And we actually met a celebrity! For more check out the pics at the Photo Album
The name "Bombay Cyclists" is highly inspired by Bombay Bikers Club ! :P

We wish to see more of you on our next trip. :-)
Awaiting your comments....