The people trickled in and a lady presented idea about woman emancipation. The chair supported for his canvas was broad and all inclusive and we were to initiate the filtration process to pick idea that suited to the framework that we presumed that we had set for the chapter.

The second idea also centered on senior citizenship lifestyle betterment.

I was left wondering what we were doing here for the economically challenged people of the society.

It was told that we would be considering all and everything would be given due credit. Do you call that focus? A lady rightly pointed out that it should either better life of economically challenged or should be executed by the economically challenged.

The discussion kept on going no where but people were quite passionate about what they were talking about and less about what they were supposed to be doing next? Some call it lack of direction , purpose and clarity.

We can construct road where none exist and not tar road where one already exists.

The next day we met the mentor of the program and he totally agreed with what I believed and that is we should hit the road, we should get our hands dirty and become social conscious first than try to solve problem in unique and novel way from scratch. Once we have gained experience than we can go ahead and relate better to social causes and provide better fresh solutions. For now whatever expertise we have should be leveraged in transforming the existing social impact model and take them to next level. They may be running the show for many years but they may lack in growth, productivity, efficiency etc., which we may identify and advise them so that they can improve themselves and have a greater social impact. And as full time employees we are allowed to advise and cannot be held liable for failure of such enterprises.

We also need to build the framework but a 6 month process cycle will dissipate and people will lose interest and hence their fresh energy should be channelised effectively by continuously exposing them to activities on a continuous basis so that their involvement is sustained over greater period of time.

I think I know where I need to go now and not wait for the hands to take me there but make the legs walk in the direction where the will is taking them to.

Business enablers

Mobile Phone is used for connectivity between the tourist and the guide.

The tourist can be an urbanite who is curious for rural lifestyle. He could be a youngster just out of college and into job or it could be college educational trip.

There could be a direct connect between the tourist and the guide who is a local to the village and is aware of spots close by and arrange for folk activities at short notices.

Business Model

The tourist is the customer and thus finances the business model. The guide in turn can share with village folks who help him manage the stay.

1. Directly between guide and tourist

2. Channels like website/travel agents can provide phone numbers of guides with brief description and photo/brochure. They can charge guide per monthly or yearly basis.

3. Yellow pages that devote special section for guide numbers and their location with probably a photo of location. Could charge guide for the service.

Investment

1. Mobile phone

2. 2 cots, could be more if its to be a dorm

3. 2 beddings of the type used by villagers

4. a clean room/hall with a clean toilet/bathroom (preferable)

5. Young and enthusiastic Guide who loves local culture and respects rural folks.

Business/Publicity Partners

The government and anybody claiming to be fighting rural cause can be provided a reason to attach to and use them to publicize the cause along with the channel partners.

1. Rural universities. Educate students and spread word in academia.

2. Government agencies for rural transformation. Can provide tax holidays. Can also spread word.

3. Political leaders from representing the villages.

4. Channel partners like travel sites/yellow pages/travel agents etc.,

Activities

The activities could be a mix of rural taste and/or adventure based on tourist preferences and strategic location of the village.

1. local food

2. observe rural lifestyle

3. Participate in daily routine like driving buffaloes back home.

4. Arrange natural adventure activities.

5. Visit nearest tourist spot if any say bheemeswari.

Guide requirements

The guide would get employment as well be partner in revenue sharing model of the agency in case one comes up.

1. hospitality conscious

2. aware about local cuisines and the best cooks in village

3. good rapport with all alike

4. some sense of humor

5. Preferable know/understand hindi/English beside kannada.

Tourist requirements

A survey could be provided to interested folks to understand the genuineness of their rural curiosity and balance and sensitivity of the rural folk shall not be disturbed.

1. Basic amenities

2. Expectations should be rightly set.

3. Sensitizes to village issues.

Village requirements

The selected village needs to fulfill any one or more of these requirements.

1. Natural beauty

2. Lake

3. Hill

4. strong cultural roots

5. unique practice/attraction like handicrafts/bird sanctuary etc.,

Modus Operandi

1. Hit the road.

2. Visit 10 villages on each state and national highway.

3. Find a village at least 5 km off road.

4. Choose 10 villages on trial basis and observe response both from the guide/tourist/channel partner and rural folk perspective.

5. Make guide train and spread his team. Something on direct selling model.

Competition Analysis

The following could be competitors but most of them cater to mid to high end of social strata.

1. Room sharing providers/weekend outings specializes like Club Mahindras /Zest

2. Home stays say in coffee plantation.

3. Adventure providers like Jungle lodges or various agencies.

Our uniqueness would be

1. Low cost

2. Revenue sharing model (The guides co-own the business)

3. Rich cultural experience and exposure provider.