464. Franchise Opportunity

This is a new business opportunity. It has good profit potential. I think it will be good if we can venture into this" said Ponraj.

"Our existing business is doing well. What is the need for us to venture into this?" asked Chakrapani. 

"Sir, our textile business has become well established. The business is growing on its own, every year. However, there is not much scope for us to expand this business. I have been thinking what new line of business we can venture into. I came to know of this opportunity through a friend of mine. Since I think this will workout well, I am bringing this to your notice."

"Mr. Ponraj! After appointing you as the General Manager, I have been sitting relaxed, with no need to feel concerned about the business. But, you want me to launch a new business, that too in the field of education, about which I have no knowledge. Do we need to go for this?"

"Sir! I am suggesting that we take up this activity, not for the sake of earning more money. Entering into the field of education will bring you high reputation, recognition and honour. Most of the people running educational institutions are not educationists. They have been engaged in some other business activities. Yet, some of them have earned the title 'father of education!' I think it will be good for our society, if a person like you, who considers business not as a means to earn money, but as a service, enters the field of education. It is only with this objective that I have evinced interest in this proposal" said Ponraj.

"Okay. Tell me more about this opportunity" asked Chakrapani, relenting.

"Sir! This opportunity is about our running a school, as a franchise of a large educational institution, based in Mumbai. You have been telling me since long that you have a fairly large extent of land lying idle and that you want to put it to productive use. We can establish the school in that land. We can start running the school in about six months' time, after constructing the buildings. The Mumbai firm has designed a scheme of education, in tune with the new education policy introduced by the government recently. The system of education created by them is comprehensive, involving a wide range of activities including preparing the students for various entrance examinations like IIT Entrance, CAT, NEET etc, even from lower classes and training students in extra-curricular activities like Music, Dance, Sports, Handicrafts etc. The plan of education prepared by them has the potential to prepare the students to face any challenge in life. I have information that some of the reputed schools in our city have been trying to get this franchise opportunity. But considering the good name you have, the firm wants to give the franchise to you" explained Ponraj.

"Listening to the details given by you makes me feel that this could be a good opportunity. Give me the brochure carrying full details about the opportunity. I will go through the details."

After two days, Chakrapani summoned Ponraj to his cabin.

"Mr. Ponraj! I went through the brochure. The terms say that all the teachers including the Principal of the school will be appointed by the firm and that the school will be under the control of the Administrative Officer appointed by the firm. Then, what is our role?" asked Chakrapani.

"Sir! We will be collecting the fees from the students, paying the salaries to the staff and for other expenses required to run the school. We have to pay a percentage of the fees we collect from the students to the firm. The remaining profit will be ours..."

"I am not talking about the profit, Ponraj!" intercepted Chakrapani. "I find that the school will be run by us only for namesake. We will have no control over any activity. But if something goes wrong, we will be responsible. Secondly, I am not convinced of the practical aspects of the educational system created by the firm. In the name of preparing the students to meet any challenge in life, the plan seems to be overburdening the students. It is mentioned that students may have to attend classes in the late evenings after school timings and also on weekends and other holidays. I am not sure whether this will be for the good of the students. I am also concerned that this kind of a rigorous curriculum may affect the students physiologically and psychologically. If the students are affected in some manner, will it not mar our reputation and bring a bad name to us? Considering all these factors, I feel that venturing into a field we are not well-versed is not advisable."

Thirukkural

Section 2

Materialism

Chapter 47
Acting After Due Consideration

Verse 464 (in Tamil):

theLivu iladhanaith thoDangAr iLivennum
EdhappAdu anjubavar.

Meaning:

Those who fear the stain of ignominy will not take up an activity about which they don't have clarity.

(This is the English version of the Tamil story 'vENdAm indha vAyppu' by the same author.)

Verse 465
Verse 463