Beef Vindaloo

After the controversy in recent weeks regarding the lead content in toys manufactured in China, the country can breathe a sigh of relief. Ironically, the saviour comes from the most surprising quarters – India. Several thousand orders have recently been placed for Ganesh idols to be manufactured in China and the surprise of it all is the fact that the people who have placed the orders insist that there be a high lead content in each idol. Chinese manufacturers are rejoicing because for once, the lead could be put to good use as it would contribute to quicker immersions of the idols.

The cancellation of Mattel orders had caused a lot of damage to the livelihood of several Chinese manufacturers. Losses to the tune of $1.2 million were caused from this one account alone, let alone the loss of respect for the world-renowned cost-effective Chinese products. An order of this kind will definitely inject new life and hope into the Chinese product manufacturing world and the Chinese government can look to a renewed effort in ensuring that their underpaid and overworked workers do not get any respite from their desolate workplaces. The Indian order for 200,000 idols is due to be filled by the middle of next month, in time for the Ganesh festival and the account is estimated to be worth nearly $2.3 million.

“It is actually a very simple business transaction,” said Dinesh Mehta, Chairman of the Indian Ganesh Mandal Association, “we require a massive order to be filled in a very short time and who best for that kind of service than our brothers from across the border.” Mehta said that Indian workers have been building Ganesh idols for the festival since May but have not been able to complete the promised work in time. A deficit of around 250,000 idols was estimated and there would be no way that Indian workers could be trusted to finish this work on schedule. China therefore seemed like a gift from God as they are not only filling the order in time but at also one-third the cost compared to their Indian counterparts. “How can anyone pass up such a good bargain during Ganpati time,” Mehta added.

The lead content of these Ganesh idols would be around 48%. Environmentalists who have complained about the environment pollution caused by toxic material used to manufacture the idols, most of which don’t even immerse completely are very happy with this decision. The idols that wash ashore a day after the immersion choking beaches and waterfronts will soon be a thing of the past as the new idols will sink quickly and immediately. And faced with the prospect of the idols being much heavier than usual, there is also the additional benefit of either the idols will no longer be as large or that a devotee or two will follow the idols’ immersion path.

As the Indian business community gears up to face the losses caused by employees not showing up for work and orders getting postponed and delayed due to traffic and religious negligence, the board room in China is gearing up for celebrations. And 2007 may well be remembered as the year of the Elephant Man.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Share This