The government rejoiced as the World Bank announced, that India had risen up 30 places to reach 100 on the 'Ease of doing Business' ranking. However, it was not equally concerned about the fall in in the Press Freedom ranking, a drop caused by growing nationalism and a spree of journalists murders.
May be in this era, business was the fourth estate of democracy.
But, in these times of joy and sorrow, arose two heroes. One had business in his genes. The other had knowledge. What they saw was not a problem but an opportunity, for they were optimists!
A few power-points, some networking and a few days in a swanky-chic co-working space later, they had their brain child:
RWB Securities [Reporters with Barbwire]. A premium security agency that provides 24X7 security to all journalists!
Thanks to the ease of doing business, they could register this company in just one day. To top that off, they could do all this online! All that they needed now was money. And so, they began their pilgrimage (or should I say 'pillage'grimage) to the venture capitalists.
Their pitch began with the horrific images of murdered journalists, then turned to logos to persuade about the beauty that is democracy, and then hit the target by shooting bulls eye at return on investments. Their pitch was so perfect, that the doors opened and an angel investor descended into the conference room. It was not a dream, it was the supreme leader. "I want to invest" said Ambani, and the flood gates of champagne opened.
The Times of India (TOI) was following this story closely. It too was an optimist, for it saw an opportunity. So TOI proposed in its signature style "Give me 40% of your shares and I shall take you where eagles dare!" The heroes could not believe they were getting such strong investors. Gods were on their side.
With TOI on board, and Ambani being the angel he is, India woke up to headline after headline about the need for security for journalists. Editors of other newspapers panicked, and started to cover more about violence against journalists. With the Ambani backed money, ads of RWB ran on the broadsheets and shortwaves, on idiot boxes and smart phones.
Journalists started to worry and hired RWB. Some who were brave, were coerced by genuinely worried family members to hire RWB. The government gave the contract to RWB to ensure journalists' safety. No other 'journalists security agency' could compete, for RWB had all the money.
RWB went public. The patriotic citizens of India invested in RWB for they wanted a strong fourth estate. The heroes were so famous and rich by now, that they were on panels to advise the government on policies.
Amidst all this optimism, a lone journalist wrote a story about this business and how it did not make sense. Urgh! The pessimism of an anti-capitalist!
The heroes were worried. RWB was about to receive its second round of investments, Ambani was pouring in more, the company had a steady growth rate of 12%, the investors were happy. Now was not the time for such nonsense.
After careful consultation with Ambani & co, and the government, RWB sent a notice to the journalist, stating they would remove his security and he would be on his own to defend against senes (armies) of nationalism. Or, he could withdraw the story and enjoy the presence of life. The journalist was caught between ideals, morals, family, and fear. The clock was ticking.
As the sun rose the next morning, the story disappeared like the dark of the night.
Democracy was yet again safe, in its coffin, six feet under.
India rose to rank 50 in the Ease of doing business.
May be in this era, business was the fourth estate of democracy.
But, in these times of joy and sorrow, arose two heroes. One had business in his genes. The other had knowledge. What they saw was not a problem but an opportunity, for they were optimists!
A few power-points, some networking and a few days in a swanky-chic co-working space later, they had their brain child:
RWB Securities [Reporters with Barbwire]. A premium security agency that provides 24X7 security to all journalists!
Thanks to the ease of doing business, they could register this company in just one day. To top that off, they could do all this online! All that they needed now was money. And so, they began their pilgrimage (or should I say 'pillage'grimage) to the venture capitalists.
Their pitch began with the horrific images of murdered journalists, then turned to logos to persuade about the beauty that is democracy, and then hit the target by shooting bulls eye at return on investments. Their pitch was so perfect, that the doors opened and an angel investor descended into the conference room. It was not a dream, it was the supreme leader. "I want to invest" said Ambani, and the flood gates of champagne opened.
The Times of India (TOI) was following this story closely. It too was an optimist, for it saw an opportunity. So TOI proposed in its signature style "Give me 40% of your shares and I shall take you where eagles dare!" The heroes could not believe they were getting such strong investors. Gods were on their side.
With TOI on board, and Ambani being the angel he is, India woke up to headline after headline about the need for security for journalists. Editors of other newspapers panicked, and started to cover more about violence against journalists. With the Ambani backed money, ads of RWB ran on the broadsheets and shortwaves, on idiot boxes and smart phones.
Journalists started to worry and hired RWB. Some who were brave, were coerced by genuinely worried family members to hire RWB. The government gave the contract to RWB to ensure journalists' safety. No other 'journalists security agency' could compete, for RWB had all the money.
RWB went public. The patriotic citizens of India invested in RWB for they wanted a strong fourth estate. The heroes were so famous and rich by now, that they were on panels to advise the government on policies.
Amidst all this optimism, a lone journalist wrote a story about this business and how it did not make sense. Urgh! The pessimism of an anti-capitalist!
The heroes were worried. RWB was about to receive its second round of investments, Ambani was pouring in more, the company had a steady growth rate of 12%, the investors were happy. Now was not the time for such nonsense.
After careful consultation with Ambani & co, and the government, RWB sent a notice to the journalist, stating they would remove his security and he would be on his own to defend against senes (armies) of nationalism. Or, he could withdraw the story and enjoy the presence of life. The journalist was caught between ideals, morals, family, and fear. The clock was ticking.
As the sun rose the next morning, the story disappeared like the dark of the night.
Democracy was yet again safe, in its coffin, six feet under.
India rose to rank 50 in the Ease of doing business.
