Respected Min Bahadur Gurung, Namaskar.
Let us learn from you to get up when we fall. History will remember you for the way Bhatbhateni rose after the Genji movement. You have taught those who say that everything is over how to fight and rise. For this, I salute you not one, but a crore! However, the scene that I saw a few days ago when I went to Bhatbhateni has made my heart sour.
As the owner of Nepal’s largest department store, your name is associated with the trust of millions of Nepalis. From family members to small children, everyone goes to Bhatbhateni for shopping. So what is put in your store, how it is placed and who is targeted is not only a matter of business, but also a matter of social responsibility.
In department stores, items such as chocolates, biscuits, toys are usually kept in a place where children can easily see and hold them. Because these items are related to the interests of children. I’m also a fan of your business style. However, it is the responsibility of department stores to keep items that are not used by children or that may be harmful to them. It is also a universally accepted basic practice of retail.
However, in some branches of Bhatbhateni, a deadly energy drink for children named ‘Extreme’ has been found on the rack containing the most sought after chocolate. Children looking for chocolates are more likely to end up with the same drink. Attractive packaging and sleek design can attract more children. Think for yourself, what happens if the child eats that extreme?
The question here is – is it just business? Is it right to prioritize sales over children’s health? Without your knowledge, this would not have happened. And now think to yourself, ‘Did this work go well?’
Parents take their children to the store to buy chocolates, not energy drinks. But when chocolate and drinks that are considered unsuitable for children are kept in the same place, it creates a situation of deceiving parents.
With years of hard work, you have made Bhatbhateni a brand of trust of Nepalis. But how appropriate is it to put such products in a targeted place for children, questioning that belief?
We’re not trying to blame you. Rather, we are trying to draw your attention as a responsible businessman. As a businessman who understands that you shouldn’t do anything for money, we’re just trying to remind you that if a product isn’t suitable for children, it shouldn’t be placed with chocolates and children’s supplies. We are trying to remind you that the health and safety of children should be put above the strategy of increasing sales. You are a grandfather, if your young granddaughter tells you to drink a lethal liquid like Xtreme, can you give it? Yesterday, you didn’t mind keeping other energy drinks like Red Bull like that, and now you don’t have the slightest problem with Extreme. Your wish is next.
Min Bahadur Gurung,
You are a parent yourself. Do you want your own children or grandchildren to get their hands on such beverages when they are looking for chocolates?
If you don’t want to, show the same sensitivity to the children of millions of Nepalis.
Business should make a profit, but that profit is not at the cost of children’s health.
With the same expectation,
A concerned parent and the voice of a responsible society.
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