Category: Down the memory lane

 

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.

Continue reading “Republic Day: Then and Now”

 

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.

Continue reading “Weddings get bigger and fatter”

“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.

Continue reading “Learning from mistakes”

 

While rummaging through my cupboard, I stumbled upon my personal camera that was my prized possession in not so-distant a past, but now has been lying unused for several years. With the coming of smart phones, personal cameras have become redundant. It is not just the cameras but there is a long list of items like the alarm-clock, watch, calendar, torch, transistor and calculator that have been rendered useless.

Continue reading “From loading camera-rolls to uploading pics”

 

Driving my own SUV, I thank God for giving me more than what I asked for. Could I ever have imagined during my growing up days that not just I, but all the members in the family would have their own personal cars?

Continue reading “The thrill of the first vehicle(s) and those nostalgic first ride(s)”