Holi as a source of business opportunity!

Fresh signboards had appeared outside a textile shop in Mumbai. "Special offer on T-shirts after Holi". On further investigation, the shop run by a former SIMSR student has decided to give 50% off on T-shirts during the weekend after Holi.

Says the proprietor, "On detailed market analysis by the esteemed agency PC Thomson, we are seeing a surge in demand for T-shirts just after Holi. It has been technically termed the tear-and-wear effect".

Not surprising considering how Holi celebrations have evolved over the years. Until recently Holi meant spraying colours on one another. But the more adventurous and other people in their path have culminated celebrations in new ways.

As people run out of colour but still full of adrenalin, they go for what we call the tear-and-wear effect. T-shirts are torn apart to the extent that they are not even fit to scrub tables. These torn pieces serve the purpose only as souvenirs of the celebration.

This explains the surge in demand for t-shirts as people unexpectedly lose them. But what with experience curve effects, the demand may surge before Holi next time as people shop for cheap t-shirts to wear on the day of the festival. One more reason for guys to develop six-packs!

A Subcontinental Feast!

India won the hockey gold in Olympics uninterrupted from 1928 to 1956, six in a row and a total record of 8 golds. India's cause was helped by Dhyan Chand and 10 other players. Pakistan has won the same honours only three times, but the World Cup four times. (India only once)

Strange that Pakistan have won fewer golds than India in Olympics. But India seems to keep its record, whatever may be the context. The Indian team in 1928, 32 and 36 was also fairly represented from Lahore and Karachi.

The strength of the subcontinent in hockey has been phenomenal over the years, and so has been the popularity of the game. As the skills waned, so did success in recent times. Neither country can boast of being favourites in the World Cup. As they meet again today, amidst all the rivalries, and misunderstandings, and prejudices, and terror threats, and security; a brand of hockey specific to a region will be unleashed.

Har santh kahe, sadhu kahe, sach aur sahas hai jiske mann mein, anth mein jeet useeki rahe!

Three cheers for India and Pakistan!