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Be it lotteries or diamonds, be it e-commerce or education, Sugal & Damani sets a benchmark in each of its business ventures. The group has grown from humble beginnings because of the ability to forge strong, long-lasting business partnerships. Innovative ideas and a zest to excel are just what it takes to team up with us. This has paved way for first generation entrepreneurs to grow with us. Whenever a capable person approaches us with an innovative business proposal we extend our cooperation and support in starting the venture. It is Trust that transcends barriers of community and holds our partnerships together. We believe in giving the people who joined us an opportunity to grow with the company by grooming them.
The flagship business activities of the group are lotteries and gaming. We pioneered the concept of selling traditional paper lotteries through computer terminals. As the technology used for hardware and software are completely indigenous, it has many advantages such as low operating costs and efficiency. The software developed in-house is customized to the needs of the local participants. We are the first Indian company to have used CDMA technology for data connectivity between computer terminals. As early entrants to the field, we have a thorough understanding of the working of lotteries. Having learnt the intricacies, we are able to ensure transparency in the entire operations; right from printing of tickets to prize distribution. This has lent credibility not only to Sugal & Damani but to the lottery industry as well. Presently we are operating lotteries for a few State Governments in India. It is because of this experience and expertise in the lottery and gaming business that we are the only company in India and among a half a dozen companies worldwide to qualify to participate in the bidding process for the UK National Lottery.
With increased business opportunities globally, a number of Indians are figuring in the millionaires list. But the sad thing is that the number of people living below the poverty line is still alarming. The challenge of the Government is to reduce this inequality in the distribution of income and to bring about social equity. We just cannot leave behind a large section of people while enjoying the benefits of globalization. Historically it is proved that such a situation is a recipe for social disorder. It is my firm belief that Lottery could be used effectively as one of the various methods to bring about social equity.
The common argument against lotteries is that it is the game of chance and hence a form of gambling. But so is speculation in the stock market, forward trading, the foreign exchange market, horse racing and commodities. All these have not been banned and the authorities are only trying to restructure them. Such being the case, it is only fair that lotteries are to be restructured wherever necessary and not banned. As for saying that lotteries are addictive; so too are coffee, browsing the net and even shopping. And we know that even nectar if taken in excess turns poison. Recent researches reveal that it is compulsive behaviour that leads to addiction. It is a chemical or biological problem, and therefore gambling by itself is not the problem. Not many are probably aware that traditionally by law; lotteries are banned in the UK. But the UK National Lottery has been introduced by a special act which is now helping the UK Government to raise substantial funds for good causes for helping the society. The lottery system in the UK is regulated with checks for prevention of underage and excess play.
The point to be noted is that the gambling instinct in man is natural.
The four basic human instincts are:
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 Hunger
Sexual urge
The tendency to dominate and
Taking chances (usually termed gambling)
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To satiate hunger, we indulge in intake of variety of food. |
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The institution of marriage has been created to take care of the sexual urge. |
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The keenness to dominate is met by a hierarchy such as government departments and other institutions were one is empowered to control others by means of position and authority. |
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As far as taking chances are considered, it is applicable to all aspects of life; right from education to choosing a career and a partner for marriage. And when one tries to quell a basic instinct, it manifests itself in various other often harmful activities. |
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The latest fad among business community is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). CSR is not just planting a few trees, giving some money away to the marginalized and getting some mileage out of it. It is the responsibility to transform the lives of the have-nots. How many of us are really doing this? It is time we realized that we have to find innovative ways and means to raise funds to help society in a tangible way.
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LOTTERY IS ONE OF THE METHODS THAT CAN TRANSFORM LIVES.
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