I was in for a pleasant surprise when I visited Sector 17 Shopping Plaza a couple of weeks ago- all spruced up, free of the clutter created by the vendors who had virtually seized the entire area around the fountain, pavements and also the corridors in front of the showrooms.
Republic Day: Then and Now
I belong to the generation born a decade or so after independence that was lucky to have opened its eyes in an India high on the euphoria of newly acquired freedom. It was the time when memories of freedom struggle were still fresh in the minds of our parents and elders. Inspired by the stories of freedom fighters, we grew up steeped in patriotic fervor. As kids we were enthused by the patriotic songs like “Nanha munna rahi hun desh ka sihahi hun…,” ‘“Kar chale hum vida jane tan sathiyoan , ab tumare hawale vatan sathitoan..” Many of us would recall watching patriotic films like ‘Shaheed’ and ‘Haqiqat’ with the school mates as a part of the school outings.
Lessons in traffic discipline from Down Under
Traffic snarls are never pleasant, but if there can be so much discipline in traffic jams, I never knew. On our way to Paris by road, we were caught in a traffic clogged highway which is infamous for the worst traffic jams in Europe. During the peak rush hour in the evening, vehicles inched slowly in stop-and-go movement, but amazing was the army like discipline with which the traffic moved in an orderly manner. No bumper Continue reading “Lessons in traffic discipline from Down Under”
Weddings get bigger and fatter
My marriage was solemnized in early 80s, an era of simple weddings-‘Band, Baaja and Baarat’ sans over-the-top extravagance of today. My wedding was, in no way a mega affair but definitely, a gala family union. Relatives-close and distant-came from far and wide but no elaborate arrangements were made for their stay. No hotel bookings, most of the guests were adjusted at home and the rest were accommodated by the friendly neighbors. No caterer, but an elderly woman was engaged to do the cooking for the whole lot of guests.
Learning from mistakes
“Mistakes are painful but as the time goes by, they become a collection of experiences called lessons.”
As I read these lines , I am reminded of a classic instance of my immaturity, rather stupidity, dating back to the time when I had just joined a college as a lecturer on probation. At the age of twenty three, while I was still pursuing M Phil in Economics (dissertation was yet to be submitted), I started teaching. Overnight my status changed from that of a taught to a teacher but my conduct and behaviour remained essentially immature and brash for quite some time.
