Some Thoughts from Reuben Abraham ...

I stumbled across a couple of interviews with Mr. Reuben Abraham (Executive Director, Center for Emerging Market Solutions). Actually I liked the first one in The Economist and that led me to search for other talks he might have given.

In the interview with The Economist, Mr. Abraham is not saying anything dramatically different than what I have heard before. Defining the interview is his statement - you cannot redistribute poverty; you can only redistribute wealth and business is the only agent capable of doing this. In other words, for-profit organizations, having the right intentions, can do more to end poverty than any other means. Even if you already knew this, it is still worth listening to, since I found it a bit thought-provoking as well, especially his thoughts on entrepreneurship and "three types of entrepreneurs".

In the second one below, Mr. Abraham touches more about education reform, urbanization, and social mobility. The reason I share this with you is mainly on his views on urban migration and how it is beneficial for the migrants. Now, this is one subject I know, where there is no dearth of divergent views. So, listen to him and let me know what you think.

Enjoy!

Arvind Gupta: Turning Trash Into Toys For Learning

I watched this video a few months ago more in context of learning aids for primary education. Today I remembered it and I look at it through the prism of sustainability and re-usability. Arvind Gupta, the presenter, offers these simple "handmade" toys using readily available items like safety pins and match-sticks as learning aids for children in rural areas. These not only help in understanding basic science concepts, but also are fun, creative, and imaginative. Check out the doodling box for blind children - that's my pick.




Watching this video, I am also asking myself whether this is only about low cost learning aids for kids in rural areas. Wouldn't you take some of these ideas for doing some fun projects with kids around you...bringing art and science together? And a lesson in sustainability too, when the kids see that these toys can be made by re-using potential trash items like paper clips or old newspapers.

Importance of Choice

Came across this interview with Prof. Peter Singer in the German Retail Blog (of Lebensmittel Zeitung), which I wanted to share with you. Reading it, I felt it was quite a provocative interview - the interviewer trying to challenge Prof. Singer's views on ethics and Prof. Singer, in turn, challenging the audience to think differently. 

Reason for highlighting this interview here: there are a couple of thoughts in there I'd like to reproduce here, which also relates to what Kalakosh stands for.

"At the end of the day, you have a choice and can vote with your pocket. That determines what is going to be produced. Producers will only provide such food, if you keep buying it."

Lifestyle is about daily choices we make - some big, some small; some easy, some not so easy. As consumers, we are spoilt for choices - though I feel that we too often forget to exercise those choices consciously or conscientiously. Now, as I learn more and more, I realize what I have missed. 

Which brings me to the second thought from the interview:

"I very much doubt whether you will ever be that [a saint], but the important thing is not to say, “Well, I can’t be a saint, so I shall just throw up my hands in despair and won’t bother trying.” Instead, you should say to yourself: “Look, I can improve!” 

As consumers, despite the choices we have, it is easy to succumb to our favourite brands or to peer pressure or to the price tag - I am probably the best example of that. But I am learning that we can all make a difference - through any action, big or small. One doesn't need to be a saint.

So, after a bit of a philosophical post, I leave you with your thoughts ... remember, every decision you make counts!

post-script: if you are considering giving up meat as I am at this point, you might also wish to refer to our earlier post on the relative cost of consuming various food products in terms of carbon emissions.