What allegations did Shravan Venkataraman make against the RWA committees of high-rise gated communities? What happened to Shravan when he asked for CCTV footage after the theft incident in Hyderabad? In this debate that went viral on social media, what arguments did the youth and the elders give regarding the rules and environment of gated communities?
ComeLiving in large gated communities has become a sign of status and luxury. But, the bitter experience shared by software engineer Shravan Venkatraman brings to light the dark truth behind these gleaming walls. In a long post on His post has now gone viral across the country and has sparked a huge debate.
Life like strangers in one’s own home
Shravan argues that the ‘Resident Welfare Association’ (RWA) committees of big apartments are mostly filled with retired elderly people. Their main allegation is that these people use their free time to control the personal lives of others. These people impose unnecessary restrictions on the lifestyle of the youth, guests coming to their home, eating habits and even the right to complain. If anyone questions the absurd decisions of these committees, he is humiliated in front of everyone. In particular, these people consider tenants to be money-giving machines, not residents with equal respect. Because of this, many youth have to live like strangers in their own homes.
Got angry when asked a question in WhatsApp group
This debate started from an incident that happened with Shravan in Hyderabad. When there was a theft in his house, he asked for CCTV footage for security. But he received the irresponsible reply that the CCTV cameras were not working. When he informed about this in the residents’ WhatsApp group and advised to install personal cameras for security, RWA officials became furious. The next day he was called to the club house and instead of taking action on the lack of security, the President shouted in front of everyone, “You are bringing the dignity and respect of the society into disrepute.” This incident highlights the serious lapses in management in today’s apartment culture.
Debate broke out on social media
As soon as this post went viral, thousands of youth shared their experiences of moral policing and violation of privacy. Some people complained that security guards subjected guests to excessive questioning and profiling. On the other hand, some elders defended the committee, arguing that “such strict rules are necessary to maintain discipline, peace and security in a place with thousands of people.”
In the end, Shravan’s advice is that, “It is better for the youth to live in small buildings with 25-30 houses instead of big societies with excessive surveillance and kitsch.” This matter has now turned into a big conflict between the old traditionalist thinking and the personal freedom of the new generation. If this trend continues, gated communities will become mere concrete prisons.
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