Let us be

We all are witness to the fact that one of the favourite pastimes of our elders is to point out negatives in us.

Agreed? If yes, let’s move ahead.

Socrates was in the habit of criticising the youth of his time. Yet the generation produced Plato, an equally great philosopher. Remarkably, Plato too criticised the younger generation of his time. But his generation produced Aristotle, a disciple of Plato. 

Aristotle, like his teacher, condemned the youth. However, Alexander the Great, who conquered a large part of the world, belonged to the same generation. 

Hilarious, isn’t it?

Here Bertrand Russell, one of the foremost philosophers of the 20th century, sees a pattern. The elderly have a tendency to berate the youth of their times. And they do it with great relish.

My grandfather often told me how he and his cousins were condemned by their senior relatives for slightest mistakes. My father too shared with me how his uncles used to lecture him.

Even today, our elders spare no chance to pontificate. Behave yourself. Rise early. Speak properly. Be the best in the classroom, brightest in the playground and smartest in the street.

As if...

People look down on our generation because we use WhatsApp and Facebook to communicate with family and friends. We write emails, instead of letters.

However, our elders should realise that our generation is using modern technologies. We also write a letter. And some of us write beautiful letters. Yes, the medium has been changed. We no longer use a pen and a paper. We shoot an email.

Sometimes my schoolmates and I get fed up with the rant: “hamarey zamaney mein to yeh hota tha” (Our times were so different).

As a matter of fact, every successive generation breaks free from the past. And creates a new path for themselves. This is how our civilisation moves forward and scales new heights. 

After all, there was a time when “mail-runners” used to dart to distant places delivering letters. Later, “post riders” (postal delivery system by horse-riders) were introduced and the population started to use them for communication. People stopped using these modes of communication once postal services came into trend. 

In fact, we try to adopt new modes, modern technologies and fresh ideas just like our forefathers did before in their own way.

So let us be. We won’t let you down.

We need to realise that our survival depends on how smartly we adapt. We have to move on with time and technology!

(Published in The Gulf Today on August 20, 2016)

Left is right!

Walter Benjamin, the German literary critic, essayist, translator and philosopher once said, “All the decisive blows are struck left-handed.”

Lefties. Left-Handers. Southpaws. They will be the same, irrespective of what you call this exceptional group of extraordinary people. Today, the 13th of August is a day dedicated to this unique set of people – the Left-Handers Day.

However, members of this exclusive group will always be odd-men-out, no doubt, as they are a minuscule minority in the world.

The concept of left-handedness seems to have been forgotten by the modern society. Awkwardly designed desks, modern gadgets designed for the right-handed and complicated scissors prove the point. Even the way some books are bound create hassles for the left-handed students.

Being a lefty, I would love to protest against this trend by punching my left hand in the air.

But at least this is better than the unfairness experienced during olden days when a lefty was considered a child of the devil. Being a left-hander could get you convicted for using witchcraft.

Parents used to tie the left wrists of children behind the chairs to discourage the use of left hands. Teachers smacked the wrists of students who used their left hand (thanks to God for not giving me such parents or teachers!).

Fortunately, these superstitions have subsided in the contemporary world. Probably that’s the reason today many famous personalities are lefty.

While surfing through the net on this topic a couple of days ago, I came across many internationally acclaimed left-handers. The list includes Queen Victoria, US President Barack Obama, Big B of Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Mahatma Gandhi.

The legendary artist Leonardo da Vinci was also left-hander. Some historians believe his left-handedness added to his genius, helping him observe everything from a different perspective.



After noting this quality among such great personalities, I am convinced that in today’s world, the “left hand” has the “upper hand.”

So Happy Left-Handers Day to all lefties in the world, which also includes yours truly!

(Published in The Gulf Today on August 13, 2016)

Expectation hangover

Expectations often hurt. Thus, one shouldn't raise it to unrealistic heights.

A parent, who wants his child to become a doctor, is bound to get disappointed if the child decides to choose another profession. Similarly, a student might get disheartened if he fails to score as much marks in a test as he had expected.

The other day, I noticed a waiter dashing here and there in a restaurant. He was trying to please his customers with impeccable service. However, he was a bit frustrated when they left without giving him a tip.

One can notice such disappointments among cine-goers as well. Fans of many film stars are often left dejected when a movie doesn't meet their expectations.

Recently, it happened with legendary Indian actor Rajinikanth’s latest film, “Kabali.” Although, the film did brisk business at the box-office, it failed to satiate the fan-following of the South Indian Superstar. They termed it “just another Rajini movie.”

This is what happened recently with many Harry Potter addicts as well.

As the much-awaited book of the Harry Potter series, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” was going to be released, many of them rushed to the nearest bookstore to claim a copy of the book. They waited for hours in the queue before the global release of the book.

The fans had been waiting impatiently for that remarkable moment. Everyone was curious to know about the heroic antics of an adult Harry Potter. They had been imagining the plot of the novel for a while.

But the “muggles” were disappointed when they noticed that the book wasn’t what they had expected. It was, in fact, script of an upcoming play.

Another disappointment came when they noticed that the super-wizard wasn’t the protagonist. It was his son who carried forward the legacy in the book.

Though the book was interesting to read, it lost the appeal as it failed to match the readers’ expectations.

William Shakespeare had rightly said, “Expectation is the cause of all heartaches.”

(Published in The Gulf Today on August 6, 2016)

So, WhatsApp?

WhatsApp. I wonder whether it has a secret enchantment to keep its users glued to it. No matter where you are, you would definitely notice WhatsApp users. Be it your house or café, school or a playground, office or a clubhouse, everywhere you would find people exploring this app for one reason or another.

No wonder, this app has gained more popularity than Facebook, Twitter and Instagram could ever reach.

But this was not the reason that fascinated me. I got awestruck when I came to know that its popularity has grown so much because it is used not just for socialising but also for professional reasons.

I had never imagined that tailors, mechanics and drivers would be using it for professional purposes. It was my cousin who brought it to my attention when she narrated her experience.

On Eid, she gave her festive dress to the tailor for stitching. Considering the unprecedented Eid rush, she was concerned whether the tailor would be able to deliver the dress on time. Worried, when she called to enquire, the tailor asked, “Do you use WhatsApp?”

Soon, she received a photograph of her dress on her smartphone.

My aunt too faced a similar situation recently. While moving to a new apartment, she contacted a shifting and transporting company. As she started explaining the location to the driver, he suggested, “WhatsApp me the location.”

After this experience, whenever my aunt needs to book a cab, she simply sends the time and location to the driver using this app.

These incidents constantly remind me how easy life has become due to the advancement of technology.

When my father came here, he used to frequently write letters to people back home in India. Calling every now and then was not affordable. Now it is a thing of the past, to some it may sound like I am talking about a bygone era.

The arrival of the new millennium has revolutionised the communication industry. I wonder what time will bring next?

Till then, keep WhatsApping!!!

(Published in The Gulf Today on July 23, 2016)

Water, water, everywhere…

A poor orphan boy was running across the street. Barefoot. Hungry. Thirsty.

He went from one shop to another, asking the shopkeeper for a bottle of water. The lack of money prevented the poor child from buying water. It restrained him from quenching his thirst.

He slowly wilted like a flower without water.

Water. It is a simple word among many others found in a dictionary, but holds more significance than any other. It is a root to life. It is a cause of death.

How ironic it is that many do not have access to it, because of lack of money.

Agreed, money is very important in one’s life for food, clothes, shelter and many such things.

But is money required even for a single drop of water? Is compassion not enough to lend a poor boy a glass of water to let him quench his thirst?

Is money so powerful that its power wipes out the strength of compassion?

Today, the world has reached great heights. The new technologies have made it possible to cross the boundaries of the universe. But sometimes I wonder whether it is worth it.

We have hi-tech gadgets to assist us in life, wonderful books to read, easy access to delicious food. Thinking about it, we have everything required for a peaceful living.

But there are many who aren’t fortunate like us. Instead of ignoring them, one should show compassion, kindness, generosity towards them.

Compared to these qualities, the materialistic objects are futile. There is no use of such royal things when one cannot develop a humane nature for others.

If one doesn’t have any such virtues, then despite having everything in the world, he has nothing.

(Published in The Gulf Today on July 30, 2016)

Tagline trivia

“I’m lovin’ it!” 

“Just do it.”

Do they seem like normal sentences to you? Or do these taglines remind you of the delicious meal from famous brands. 

There was a time when taglines were used to remind us of the products they represented. But with changing time and transforming culture, I noticed that the significance and usage of these lines have altered as well. 

One of those recent usages is becoming a source of communication. With the evolution of texting and various emoticons, they have managed to achieve a new chore. Besides reminding you of the products, they are now frequently used for chatting.

Instead of typing a long message, many people just text a symbol of the brand that might convey the message through its Tagline. 

The other day my friend commented about a burger on one of my photos. Confused, I asked her. She instantly replied, “I’m lovin’ it!” Sometimes while working on projects, upon sharing an idea, my friends would send an apple as if to say, “Think Different.”

It has also been used for code messaging. I often notice some of my friends sending devil emoticons to others. When asked, they replied that it was Onida’s devil. It conveys the message of someone being jealous through its Tagline, “Neighbour’s Envy, Owner’s Pride.”

I remember when my cousin was moving to a hostel, her sister sent her a symbol of two hands as if to convey the message of Allstate, “You’re in good hands.”

However, taglines have not only provided meaning and a new perspective to meaningless emoticons and pictures, but also to meaningless words. 

Many such taglines have become so popular that these meaningless words have earned a new definition.

One such popular Tagline is that of India’s leading D2H cable service provider, “Isko laga dala to life jhingalala.” (Once you subscribe to it, life will become awesome).

I doubt there is any literal meaning for “Jhingalala” in Hindi. But it is now used to define a happy gesture. 

Thanks to these popular advertising jingles, meaninglessness has become synonymous with optimism, prosperity and a new beginning. 

Bingo!!!

(Published in The Gulf Today on July 16, 2016)

Festive films

With the release of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s latest blockbuster “Sultan” on Eid, the superstar’s fans as well as the lovers of Hindi cinema have gone crazy. It seems as if the festival of Eid has a special effect on the wonderful movies of Salman Khan.

It is interesting to note how various festivals seem to have influenced the success of movies released on those occasions.

Diwali. Eid. Christmas. For the past fear years, these major holidays have been booked for the release of movies featuring the Bollywood heartthrobs - the Khan trio. Where Aamir Khan rules the box-office during the week preceding Christmas and Shah Rukh Khan proves to be the king of Diwali, Salman Khan releases his movies on Eid. It has become a trend. Very rarely would these slots be shuffled.

Successful movies of Shah Rukh Khan, popularly known as Baadshah of Bollywood, such as “Jab Tak Hain Jaan,” and “Happy New Year” were released on Diwali. Similarly most movies of the Bollywood Bhaijaan, Salman Khan, ranging from “Wanted” to “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” were released on Eid.

Aamir Khan’s record-breaking films such as “3 Idiots, Dhoom 3” and “PK” were released on Christmas. His upcoming movie, “Dangal” is also scheduled to be released during Christmas this year.

These festivals seem to bless the actors. Most movies of these actors not released on the fixed slot could not fare as well as the other ones.

Salman Khan’s “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo” released during Diwali holidays, or “Jai Ho” couldn’t receive as much credit as “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” or “Kick” that were released on Eid.

Similarly, Shah Rukh Khan’s “Dilwale” released on Christmas was not as popular as “Jab  Tak Hai Jaan” that was released on Diwali.

The actors probably choose these slots as they are major holidays and can provide a grand opening for their films. But if we observe these details, these particular days seem to be auspicious for them.

(Published in The Gulf Today on July 9, 2016)

Shopping Man-ia

Do you ever bargain from shopkeepers?

The American humorist, Erma Bombeck, once said, “Shopping is a woman thing. It’s a contact sport like football. Women enjoy the scrimmage, the noisy crowds, the danger of being trampled to death, and the ecstasy of the purchase.”

It is indeed the truth. Shopping and women are definitely interdependent. After all, women are the ones who love to buy as much as they can at a bargained price. They seem to be keen at following the motto, “Shop till you drop.”

Comparatively, men aren’t much interested in such activities. They tend to get distracted or eventually tire out within the first hour of shopping itself.

Or so I thought.

My perspective on male shoppers changed when a certain shopper proved that my hypothesis was wrong.

A few days ago, I came across a shopper trying to bargain with the shopkeeper as he wanted to buy a beautiful dress for his wife at a lower price. I noticed that both, the shopkeeper as well as the shopper, were adamant at the price each one of them quoted initially. After about half-an-hour, the shopper eventually emerged winner and bought the dress at a much lower price that the shopkeeper had initially quoted.

Later I came across the same person at another shop with loads of shoppers’ bags. Though his wife and daughter looked a bit tired, he seemed as fresh as a flower bud.

This surprised me. I often thought it were men who would eventually tire out from shopping. But here, it was the other way round. Very rarely have I seen a man participating enthusiastically in such an activity and a woman being fed up of it.

I agree people’s habits and perspectives change with the passage of time. But this was like witnessing the beginning of a revolution in the history of shopping.

So get ready to take your husband along on your next shopping spree, for a better bargain.

(Published in The Gulf Today on July 2, 2016)