I was travelling on my bike to my grandparent’s place in Shuntikoppa, Coorg. As I neared Goonadka, a small village in Sullia, the sky turned into a dark gravel-grey colour. Big fat rain droplets started plummeting to the ground accompanied by the sound of ominous thunder. I didn’t have a raincoat on me. I found shelter under an old banyan tree at the side of the road. As I was waiting for the rain to stop, my thoughts began to wander. I had an ‘Issac Newton’ moment.

The majestic banyan tree was providing shelter to not just me, but so many other people, birds and animals. The banyan tree is also known to be one of the best-oxygen producing trees. Yet, we never realize its importance, while comparing it to other trees such as sandalwood. Sandalwood is known to provide wealth. The Banyan Tree gives us health. As the age old saying goes “Health is Wealth”.

I immediately decided that my company Market Bird should be a banyan tree. It should be an entity that supports many local businesses, providing employment to a number of people.

2020 has been quite a year. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all in one way or the other. The Indian economy crashed. There was heavy disruption in demand and supply chains. With the lock-down in place, schools, shops, industries big or small were forced to close down. A few days ago, regulations were reduced and the economy reopened. These 3 months have been difficult for local businesses and they have suffered huge losses. What can we do as a citizen of India to help our economy?

Our Prime Minister has recently called for a “Atma-Nirbhar Bharath” (self-reliant India). The hashtag #VocalforLocal is a revival of the Make in India movement. It is a call to all citizens to support local businesses by putting their buying power into products and services that are ‘Made in India’.

Market Bird has reached out to help support local businesses, by marketing their products through our Market Bird EStore. The Market Bird EStore is an online platform which sells #Indian_made products at #Cheapandbest prices. Check it out at www.facebook.com/marketbirdestore and www.instagram.com/marketbirdestore. Show your support to local businesses and help our Indian economy grow.

Let’s #MakeinIndia.

Jai Hind.