Kids without school and no agenda or direction can be a recipe for mayhem and madness. While summer vacations are a much-deserved respite from the academic year, a child’s restless energy must be channelized creatively, away from constant digital distractions like video games, Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube.

Truth be told, gated communities provide the golden opportunity for your kids to develop essential social skills, learn teamwork, and spend time outdoors. With this they learn to be a part of a lively and thriving network of well-adjusted children whose first experience of positive contribution to the society began early at home, leading to happy and healthy adulting in the future.

If you live in an apartment complex/gated community, you’d probably have umpteen kids from all ages idling away their time throughout their summer break. Why not bring them all together to create an unforgettable summer filled with stories, adventures and oodles of fun? We’ve put together a list of summer activities that check all the boxes for what’s considered a wholesome young Gen Z vibe, adding fun, learning, health and community outreach to the mix.

1. Movie Screening

Weekend movie screenings at the community hall or garden with delicious refreshments and snacks are always a good way to engage children and adults. Pick from animated children’s classics (Ice Age, The Lion King, Frozen, etc.) or play the latest superhero movie installment. The projector, screen, and sound system can be sourced and rented locally for a fair price.

2. Personalized Treasure Hunt

Instead of standard party treasure hunt, personalize an epic quest for children of all age groups. Pair them according to their unique skills and talents and create multiple levels of the game with educational and skill-based clues throughout the duration of the summer with plain in sight hiding places within the building premises.

3. Costume Party

There’s no dearth of costume rentals that cater to every character preference your child may have, be it Spiderman, Flash, Hermione, or even a Fortnite Skin. As a DIY alternative, encourage children to create outfits by themselves and go prop hunting together.

4. Karaoke Night

Children don’t need alcohol or an idyllic beach setting to let go of their inhibitions. Hook them up with a karaoke machine for an evening, they’ll lap it up with their own renditions of the latest chart-toppers like no tomorrow.

5. Game Night

Mark a day in the week to play new and exciting games, a classic formula for engagement. Apart from the usual charades, Pictionary and card games, try Jackbox Party games that include Trivia Murder Mystery or Cranium – fun game for all ages. Make things more interesting by giving surprise gifts and creating leaderboards.

6. Mini Marathon

Organising a 2k or 5k fun run for a cause can indeed be a healthy and engaging activity to pique children’s interest in fitness as well as social awareness. Generate support for free pit stops from local businesses on the marathon route.

7. Yoga/ Martial Arts Workshops

Yoga improves memory, cognitive functions, coordination, and stress management in kids while Martial Arts are good for self-defense, stamina, and discipline. Learning with other children helps develop healthy social interactions that kids should naturally adapt to growing up. Hire instructors after thorough background and credential screening for the safety of your children.

8. Sports Championship

Colony cricket and football tournaments are all the rage in Indian cities as they hold massive entertainment value and spread the spirit of healthy competitiveness. Get together with nearby buildings/communities and organize a championship trophy series at the local sports ground. Other options include hosting swimming, tennis, handball, basketball, hockey and kabaddi tournaments at sports clubs and gymkhana.

9. Cleanliness Drive

Want to inculcate strong moral values and civic sense in your little ones? Participate in a local cleanliness initiative (with the local municipality, PWD, state hospitals/schools, NGOs, etc) or organize one independently in your neighborhood after hiring an external specialist agency. Children can learn segregation of waste, recycling basics, appropriate waste disposal and hand washing techniques, prevention from toxic/biomedical waste, composting, etc.

10. Bake Sale/Cook-off

A family that cooks together, stays together (and occasionally wins a contest too.) Bring together mothers with their kids for some quality bonding time at baking/cooking competitions MasterChef style. Set up temporary open-air kitchens in the building garden. Once the contest is over, turn the mouth-watering delights into a potluck party. Alternately, organize a bake sale and award the highest-selling confectionery maker from among the participants.

11. Flea Market

Children love DIY projects although they need to be trained in working with both their left and right brain hemispheres to balance critical thinking with their creative flair. Organize a craft fair (weekly/monthly basis) where they are encouraged to sell their own creations such as everyday objects/tools, new and innovative inventions, paintings, photographs, jewelry, toys, wall art, accessories, wallets, etc. Their very first financial earnings in the form of sale proceeds would be their most memorable.

12. Career Day

Make the summer productive and informative for your children in the most immersive way possible. Select residents or parents from across your apartment complex to give a small presentation on their careers and later hold a Q and A session for follow up questions for children to ask. It’s best if you pick a diverse group of presenters, that represent a range of modern, relevant and fun occupations, not limiting options to only Engineers and Chartered Accountants.

It helps if you set aside a good amount in the society’s Annual Budget for summer activities while also forming a special committee beforehand to manage, execute and supervise all planned activities. To increase participation from all residents, invite suggestions and ideas at society meetings. All in all, make every vacation day brim with joy and action before your little ones get busy with academic routines again. Children emulate adults; the more involved and enthusiastic you are, the more excited they will be to do their best and have a good ol’ time.

MyGate is today at over 6,000 gates, processing a million entries for over 1.2 million homes every day. Each of these million entries represents the valuable saving of time or effort in an increasingly chaotic urban India. As you can imagine, this is an effort on a mammoth scale. The MyGate app and our 700+ workforce spread across our cities are certainly at the forefront, but we’re by no means alone. Joining us on this journey are tens of thousands of security guards who define a major part of the experience for our users and each of their visitors.

In case you’re wondering how they are able to operate the app, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the training process for our guards.

Initial Training

Before our systems go live, each of the guards at the society receives in-person training from MyGate personnel over four to six days. In the month of June 2019 alone, over 800 such training sessions were conducted.

We begin each training by explaining the purpose of MyGate and then move on to a demo of the guard device (note: this is a locked device on which only the MyGate guard app runs). Once the guards are familiar with its interface, we get started with the four main modules.

These are interactive sessions conducted in smaller groups over two hours across the week. To ensure that guards are not overwhelmed by the information, we have split up the training into the following modules: Profile Creation, Approval & Pre-Approval Creation, Pre-Approval, Leave at Gate and Overstay Alert.

At the end of the week, a test is conducted to assess the comfort level of the guards with the MyGate system. Until the guards do not clear this test to our satisfaction, our systems do not go live. In the past three years, over 1.5 lakh guards have completed their training. The ones that do exceedingly well here receive certificates of appreciation.

Certificate of Training awarded to a MyGate guard

Knowledge Monitoring & Re-training

For the bulk of the guards, this single training is sufficient, and it’s common for the majority of check-ins to be error-free from the first week itself. However, a single test can’t guarantee success. Therefore, our team also monitors guard performance on a regular basis. The first clue to inadequate guard performance is delays in the check-out process.

In case we find that a particular society is checking out visitors, particularly delivery executives, after a significant delay, another training is immediately scheduled. But this isn’t the only reason we go back to retrain our guards. There are even instances when guards themselves have asked for another training because they are keen on learning more advanced features on the app or wish to improve their performance.

Encouraging Better Performance

The MyGate guard app has a simple interface and is as intuitive as any other app with a high usage rate. To ensure that guard interest remains high at all times, we have also gamified the app to some extent, with a monthly leaderboard. Every month, in each of our cities, the guards stand a chance to win a cash incentive as acknowledgement of their good performance under what we now call the SuperGuard Programme. Since its launch six months ago, we have noticed a significant improvement in guard performance across the board.

A few of MyGate’s recent SuperGuards

Of course, no training would ever be sufficient if MyGate didn’t make the job of the security guard easier, more interesting and more impactful. From the feedback we collect from them, we know that it does all three. And if there’s one thing that makes us happier than good feedback on the app from our users, it’s hearing about the MyGate experience from our guards – the most active users on our platform. It is they who ensure convenience and security over a million times each day for our users.

Intercom systems are costly, outdated, and, yet, everywhere. The reason for this is that they’re assumed to be part of the package when buying a home. The reality, as we all know, is that it’s a dreaded device that usually goes unanswered. Why? Because the residents at most housing complexes are aware of the reason for the call and know that there will be no change in outcome whether or not it is answered.

If there’s a person asking for them at the gate, they will be let in regardless or the visitor will eventually call. But still, a lot of money is spent on the intercom, first on installation and later to maintain it.

In this article, we will discuss the case a replacement devised by the team at Mygate that makes the intercom relevant once again and requires no hardware.

The cost of an obsolete system

Wired systems are more of a hassle than a smart solution for the time that we live in. At around Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,500 for installation of each device, the system, which is usually taken for granted, ends up costing tens of lakhs and takes two to three weeks to go live. As if that isn’t enough, housing societies typically end up shelling out 5-10% of the original cost on an annual maintenance fee! All while there’s a system that can get the job done at no cost whatsoever.

The Mygate replacement

As part of Mygate’s app-based security and community management solution, residents get complete access to a feature called ‘Connect With Residents’, which is a flat-wise directory of all the residents in the community. Simple as it may seem, it is hugely beneficial. Here’s why:

1. Benefits for residents

• Always connected: Whether the residents are home, at work or on vacation, they can always stay connected to their home with the Mygate app. Two numbers can be listed to ensure that, in case of an emergency, they can always be reached.
• Always within reach: Very often, the intercom goes unanswered because it is fixed to a certain location, whereas most people aren’t used to changing their position to answer their phone. With a mobile-based intercom facility, this goes away, too.
• Zero hardware: All residents are connected via the mobile app. To reach out to another resident or the main gate, all they need to do is scroll through the list of flats and hit call. There’s no need for a wired phone connection.
• Low Cost: There is no cost attached to the intercom feature, as it comes bundled with the Mygate solution, which currently makes life within a housing society more convenient for over 600,000 homes.

2. Benefits for developers

• Massive savings: At even Rs. 5,000 a device, the intercom system comes with a huge price tag, which would be justified if it were used. However, in most cases, the system is underutilised. The MyGate solution keeps everyone connected at almost no cost, with a much higher usage rate.
• Minimal set-up time: Instead of waiting three to four weeks to set up an intercom system, the eIntercom system can be set up – along with a host of security and community management features – in just a few days.

The cost of communication are far lower than ever before. Given that the intercom was built for a time that has passed us by, it makes little sense to invest in such a system today. Learn more about the Mygate solution, used by thousands of communities across urban India.

The bathroom is a dangerous place. Over 80% of all falls occur there, and the elderly are most likely to be the victims. Particularly due to the presence of sharp objects (faucets, for example) in the bathroom, these falls can also be very dangerous. While there are standards in place for baby-proofing the home, there aren’t any for making the bathroom safer for the elderly. However, there are several steps you can take to do so. Here are a few of them:

1. Install grab bars

Most Indian bathrooms are fitted with towel bars, but these cannot endure body weight. Instead, install grab bars strategically (the shower area and the toilet seat) to help support balance. Also, avoid the ones with the gloss finish to ensure they’re slip resistant. Bolted on bars are preferred over suction cup bars for durability. A tension pole is a good alternative, in case retailers in your area do not have grab bars.

2. Use a shower chair

For an elder with difficulty in balancing and standing for long periods of time, shower benches are an ultimate stability tool. A quality shower chair comes with rubber tips on the legs to prevent sliding, while others have armrests, suction cups and height adjustment options.

3. Deploy non-slip mats

A bathroom is a slippery area. Stepping on to a towel while heading out of a shower is even worse – the towel can easily slide away, leading to a fall. To avoid this, get non-slip mats and adhesive strips. The mats must be placed at the entrance of bathrooms, in front of toilets and right outside to the shower area. Slip resistant tiles are costlier, but, of course, safer as they are placed across the bathroom floor.

4. Raise the toilet seat

Simple tasks such as getting on and off the toilet seat can be challenging for the aged. Due to lack of strength and balance they may have difficulties lowering themselves down to sit on a low seat and rising up to a standing position. Elevating the height of the toilet seat ensures that their knees remain straight and stable, thereby reducing the risk of falling.

5. Store toiletries within reach

Elders should be able to access all toiletries without having to stretch or bend. Install a cabinet by the shower area and incorporate a soap dispenser on the wall of the shower. This way, you won’t have to worry about shower gel bottles or bar soaps slipping from their hands during use.

6. Improve lighting

Is the pathway from the bed to the bathroom dark? A poorly lit pathway can cause severe accidents. Also, overhead lightings are a bad idea as they cast shadows and do not illuminate certain spaces. A better option is to add multiple lights so that all areas of the bathroom receive light uniformly. Additionally, use contrast colors to demarcate different sections of the bathroom. Instead of high-gloss vanishes, choose matte since former may cause a confusing glare.

7. Outward swinging bathroom doors

Where does your bathroom door swing to open… outward or into the bathroom? Such a minute detail but makes a lot of difference in case of medical emergencies. Doors that swing outwards will always allow caregivers easier access in the event of a serious fall against the door.

8. Install a bathroom phone

A waterproof phone in the bathroom can be considered in case an elder lives alone or is frequently home alone.

9. Consider labelling products

The visual perception of the elderly is often impaired. Labeling bathroom products, particularly medication, can make it easier for them to find what they’re looking for.

10. Eliminate clutter

If you live with an elderly person, you must declutter and place shower gels, drugs, toothpaste, lotions, and other bath items in places where they belong. More importantly, get rid of dirty, unused rugs and any products that are never used, and keep the shower area clean and dry.

The mysore cooperative housings society is a landmark colony in Mumbai’s Chembur area. An oasis in the crowded city, it comprises over 100 bungalows and many lush green spaces across several acres of land. This is no antidote for all of Mumbai’s problems, of course. Like all large communities, it also needs to deal with the growing footfall at the gate, the threat of water-borne disease, and much else, particularly given that the majority of residents here are senior citizens.

Jayaram Sharma, who has been the Chairman of the society for four years and has lived here since the 1960s, discussed with us the various ways in which the 10-member management committee ensures a healthy, secure, and happy community.

What is the role that the management committee plays at The mysore co-operative housing society?

The majority of residents here are in their sixties and typically live alone. Therefore, the management committee’s job is to provide every assistance to ensure their lives run smoothly. To give you a few examples of what we do:

• The housekeeping staff cleans common areas regularly and are also trained on waste segregation.
• We maintain gym and yoga facilities and encourage our residents to leverage these for better health.
• Each house within the community has a water sump to battle water scarcity; we offer tank cleaning facility twice a year.
• We arrange regular pest control activities to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay.
• The last saturday of every month is dedicated to a community gathering with snacks and music.
• We have provided Optical Fibre-based connectivity to each house, which means residents get internet access.
• We also have a wet waste management system that is used to compost green waste.

All of this is done at a very low maintenance charge.

What measures have been taken to increase security?

There are about 24 CCTV cameras installed across the premises. To ensure foolproof security, we regularly monitor them to identify any abnormal activity and take necessary action. Each home has an intercom facility. In case of an emergency, the residents can press 1 and get in touch with security instantly.

Also, our society is surrounded by lush green gardens with walkways for the elderly to walk and jog. There have been instances in the past when the residents have tripped or slipped while walking around. In order to avoid this, we have installed rubber tiles to offer a slip-resistant experience.

What made the committee feel the need for a solution like Mygate?

With the constant inflow of unfamiliar visitors at our main gate, including cab, taxi, and rickshaw drivers as well as household staff and service providers, managing entries efficiently has become a key priority. We wanted a system that would provide greater visibility and control over daily access, ensuring that every individual entering the premises is properly verified and authorized.

Broadcasting communications across the society members was another area of concern as most of the announcements would happen on WhatsApp and residents would tend to miss. We are leveraging Mygate’s Notice Board feature to avoid any loss in translation.

Additionally, we were looking to integrate some kind of technology with existing CCTV cameras that would allow easy entry for vehicles with automatic boom barriers. This is where we find Mygate’s ANPR feature extremely helpful and our discussions to implement it are in the final phase.

What are the challenges you face as a member of the committee?

In a society with our kind of demographics, the biggest challenge is bringing about a behavioural shift whether it is the residents who are used to a certain kind of lifestyle for decades and prefer it that way or the security guards who are accustomed to saluting familiar faces and letting them walk in and out of the society without questioning them.

In such an environment, trying to introduce a modern system requires a radical shift in mindset. But still, we are off to a good start and with user-friendly, intuitive solutions like Mygate, we will arrive soon!

Most people become part of a cooperative housing society with the intention of becoming lifelong members. But what happens when a member decides to opt-out of the membership, transfer ownership, or passes away?

Under what condition membership can terminate?

A membership can be considered terminated under the following circumstances:

• Upon resignation: If a member decides to resign and his resignation is accepted by society, his membership is considered withdrawn and ceases to exist. However, the original member is required to give a three-month notice period to the managing committee and give a written request, explaining his reason for withdrawal. An associate member, on the other hand, can resign at any time (in writing) without a notice period. In both cases, the society duly reviews the resignation after an internal discussion. Cessation of membership does not absolve the member from any financial or other liabilities he has as a member. No society accepts resignation from a member unless they have paid their dues to the society in full. The member who resigns is still entitled to be paid back his share value from society. However, the law puts limitations on the maximum amount to be refunded in a period of one year.
• Transfer of shares and interest in the capital/property of the society: If the member decides to transfer his ownership shares in the society to another member or a new person, his membership is considered terminated. However, such a member is required to give a 15-day notice to the MC of his intention along with the prescribed form, consent of the person to whom the shares are being transferred, and a set of documents required to be produced by the bye-laws of the society.
• Upon the society’s dissolution: If the society is dissolved, terminated or if its registration is canceled (for whatsoever reasons), the individual membership also comes to an end.
• Upon death: When a person passes away, his membership in society ends. However, since the members have the right to nominate others to whom the ownership is granted in the event of his death, his shares are legally transferred to that nominee. The amount is to be refunded by the society according to the bye-laws or by the agreement made between the inheritor and the society, but usually, it is within 6 months after the death of the original member.
• Upon expulsion: If a society decides to expel the member due to internal conflicts, repeated breaches by the member with respect to defaulted payments, breaking of bye-laws, involvement in criminal conduct, or other irreconcilable differences that qualify for the expulsion of membership under the bye-laws, his membership is considered terminated. However, such a decision has to be made in agreement with the other members and the case of expulsion has to be presented to the Registrar, who then investigates the matter and hears both the parties. If and only if the Registrar approves the expulsion, the membership can be terminated.

When is an associate membership terminated?

An associate member ceases to hold membership in the event of death or resignation. However, even if the original member’s membership has ceased to exist, the associate member still continues to remain the member if he/she holds ownership/title in the share and property of the society.

When is a nominal membership terminated?

If the original membership ends due to death, resignation, expulsion, the person who is a nominal member also ceases to be the member. If a tenant or sublettee lives in the original member’s residence under a tenant’s agreement, his nominal membership ends at the end of the expiry period of the agreement or if the original member (owner) decides to terminate the agreement.

Things to remember

• All decisions regarding resignations, expulsions, and other reasons for termination are to be officially recorded during general meetings in the form of minutes of the meeting.
• All of these correspondences have to be communicated between members and committee members in the form of official written correspondence.
• The committee of the society is expected to remove from its register the name of the member whose membership is terminated due to any reason.
• If the society fails to do so, the Registrar may take the necessary action and make it mandatory for the society, a decision it has to comply with.

It should be pointed out here that the cases of resignation or expulsion are few and far in between. Most memberships are passed on from generation to generation as nominees inheriting the ownership. As such, housing society memberships are a beneficial commitment. However, under any pressing circumstances if there needs to be the cessation of membership, both parties, i.e the member and the managing committee should follow the bye-laws/regulations specified in societies act with respect to refund and transfer.