Post Pakistan’s
attacks on Pathankot and Uri, the public outcry was immediate. Then, in a surprise move, India
gave a befitting reply by conducting surgical strikes against Pakistan. While
the animosity between India and Pakistan is nothing new and sort of
‘legendary’, throughout these tense times, China has, more often than not,
stood steadily on Pakistan’s side. And this was made very clear at the recently
conducted BRICS summit in Cavellossim where China plain refused to acknowledge
Pakistan’s role in fuelling terrorism. Now, with anti-Chinese sentiments being
at an all time high in our country, most Indians want to teach our Eastern
neighbour a lesson by boycotting Chinese products this Diwali. But is this
thought realistic? Are people practising what they preach?
Despite the centre
having imposed a ban on sale and use of firecrackers made in China, a few years
ago, Chinese firecrackers and lamps were a big hit in most parts of the
country. Having said that, contrary to the scene in most metros where Chinese
products rule the roost, in Goa, India-made firecrackers continue to dominate.
Some vendors even refuse to keep Chinese products. Kashinath Parab, a
firecracker vendor at the Panjim market, says, “We do not keep Chinese crackers
as the demand among the regular customers is less. People prefer safe goods and
do not let cost affect the decision at all.” Some are happy that the anti-China
sentiment has brought better days for the retailers. Atul Chauhan, another wholesaler,
says, “The ban on Chinese crackers has helped our profits. Chinese crackers are
cheaper as they are made with inexpensive and unsafe materials. The Indian
brands are better, safer, and a little more expensive. The profits are better.”
However, the situation is not as flowery as it seems. Made from
minimal manufacturing costs, Chinese lamps sport a far lesser price tag as
compared to its Indian counterparts. The ‘value for money’ factor of Chinese
products still makes them sought-after for many. “If the 50 different types of
LED lamps that I sell were available from say, Surat in Gujarat, at a cheaper
rate and at my doorstep, why would I go for Chinese lamps? If I had to buy
these in India, this collection would cost me double,” questions a lamp distributor
and retailer in Panjim, requesting anonymity. After moving a few steps ahead,
at Lucky Electricals that stocks everything from LED lights and lamps to gift
items and artificial flowers, we find a person complaining to a fellow vendor
about the move to ‘ban’ Chinese products. He says, “A 10-metre Chinese light
string is available for Rs 80. The Indian ones that we get are for Rs 300. Why
should we opt for Indian products then? Everyone is saying don’t stock Chinese
products, but what about our losses,” he snaps. On a parting note, he says,
“The Indian government should increase import duty on Chinese goods. At least
if we keep the prices competitive, then Indian goods can get a fair play in the
market. Or else, soon we will start seeing ‘Made in China’ Narkasur too!
