Bridgital India unfolds during the pandemic
When you search Saroj Didi Google shows 1, 77,000 results in 30 seconds. Other popular keywords like Saroj Didi’s kitchen, Saroj Didi Food pop up in suggested searches. Who is Saroj Didi and why is she popular on the internet?
Her Dream
48-year old Saroj Didi supports her three children, cleaning and cooking at households in Bangalore. She is like many other domestic workers she lost household jobs during the lockdown. With dwindling income and debts to pay Saroj Didi was looking for additional work.
Having moved to Bangalore at the age of 10, Saroj Didi use to run a snacks stall in India’s Silicon Valley. She had to take up cooking and domestic work following her husband’s death. Her dream of starting a food business remained unfulfilled.
But soon Saroj Didi is going to operate from her own kitchen, start daily tiffin service and a weekend menu.
Saroj Didi’s Kitchen
Saroj Didi’s inspirational story began with a humble Tweet, making her a popular name on the internet and social media platforms. Recognising her talent, Ankit, at whose house she works, decided to help Saroj Didi with some additional income. Fond of her cooking Ankit posted a Tweet about Saroj Didi and her fabulous crab curry. The 2 kg crab curry was sold out in no time, with additional requests for the orders.
In next 4 days together they sold 50-60 meals. Encouraged with the response Ankit decided to offer his kitchen and bought additional ingredients for Saroj Didi’s kitchen. In return Didi invested in bigger utensils to dish out some yummy spread. Almost a month later, she has sold 150 meals and is ready to expand and scale her venture along with the Chief Eating Office – Ankit.
Bridgital India
I was following this fascinating story on my Twitter feed. It was yet another example of the fond bonds we build with our support system – house helps, drivers, watchmen etc. This was also symbolic of the rise of home chefs we have seen during the lockdown. From big cities to small towns, the pandemic has uncovered journeys of inspiring home chefs, showcasing their work with the use of technology.
My mind also wandered to a book I read few months ago – Bridgital Nation, written by N.Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Roopa Purushothaman, Chief Economist of the Tata Group. The book propagates a technology-based approach of turning challenges into opportunities. It reimagines how services can be delivered if people are able to use their talent differently with the help of technology.
While reading I was fascinated with this Bridgital India approach of addressing India’s socio-economic challenges digitally, especially of job and access to services. Covi-19 and the lockdown has accelerated the adoption of this approach, perhaps at a much faster pace. How else could India have survived the lockdown and fight Covi-19? During these trying times technology and solutions enabled quick access to essential services like healthcare, telecommunications, education, government services, etc. Mobile phones became our connection to the world.
Everywhere Entrepreneurship
The book envisages an ‘Everywhere Enterpreneurship’ movement in India; where local SMEs, salons, restaurants will use the tried and tested business models to solve local problems. These ventures may not become large corporations, but they will become integral to the country’s future. Using digital technologies, the authors believe in extending Bengaluru-like start-up services to local businesses across the country.
Isn’t Saroj Didi’s story an example of Everywhere Enterpreneurship movement? Ankit spotted her talent. He used his skills differently and propogated them with the help of technology. This small gesture is giving birth to a new venture. It has opened an exciting opportunity for Saroj Didi to fulfill her dream.
If we look around India is indeed becoming Bridgital. Like Saroj Didi, there is small shopkeeper trying to go online. Another spice shop has catered to customers using WhatsApp and deliver apps. Somewhere a social organisation is trying to find technology solutions to seek student applications online. The pandemic has changed the mindsets of small and large businesses, leading them to adapt digital tools at a rapid pace.
Stories like these are the main purpose of The Winning Spirit. Highlight the compassionate spirit of encouragement and self-discovery. Help readers see that glimmer of hope in difficult times. Encourage them with content that will inspire them to take that small step towards positivity.
Do you know of a Saroj Didi in your neighbourhood? Connect to share their Winning Spirit.
Meanwhile, if you are in Banguluru checkout @ankitv on Twitter for latest yummy updates from Saroj Didi’s kitchen.
Nurture Winning Thoughts!
Tejal
