The Bombay Rail

The long, blue train that sped past

Left me gaping and aghast

As I stood lone on the platform

On that bright Monday morn.

The speed of the train left me praying,

And reminded me of the saying,

"A train on the track is worth two in the yard,"

As sung by many a Bombay bard.

A large congregation gathered beside the tracks,

With full briefcases, luggage and packs,

Which left me chuckling at the thought

Of whether they get on with all that lot.

But yet again, I was proved wrong,

For these people seemed athlete-born!

One lift of the foot,

And one kick of the boot,

They sprang into the moving train,

As they do when it does rain.

Bursting at its seams, the train sped away,

With people safe inside, all merry and gay.

But this train is truly a lifeline,

For all those who race against time.

I smiled as I stood on the platform

On that bright Monday morn.

Bottom of the Pyramid

There is always this reference to CK Prahlad and his 'Bottom of the Pyramid' sectors - The sectors that are fundamental to an economy and society.



However, the challenge in all these is developing a viable Business Model. I believe that if this is cracked, there can be numerous entrepreneurs all across the country. Not just throwing up entrpreneurs, but it would have a vast and significant impact in moving up vital parameters such as BPL, life expectancy, infant mortality, etc. For, touching the Bottom of the Pyramid immediately impacts the consumers.



I am currently in the Education services segment. This is a segment that is considered to be one among the bottom level segments in the Pyramid. While we are delivering our service to the overseas market, we continue to break our heads on coming up with an effective delivery model for the Indian market.



My wife and I continue to reflect similarly for the Health care/ Health informatics segment and we are yet to come up with a commercially viable Business model.