A few years ago when the retail outlets of the Indian corporate giants sprang up in the neighborhood market, in the close proximity of the mom and pop stores, threat perception gripped the small shop owners who feared that the big players would swamp the market crowding out the small retailers. There was anxiety writ large over the face of my Karyana shop Bania as his trusted customers started drifting Continue reading “My flirtations with modern retail”
Instant Anxiety
There was a time when postmen were eagerly awaited and letters by post used to be the main medium of communication. Unlike today, when there is instant connectivity, in my growing up days mobiles were unheard of and even fixed line telephones were rare. Away from home I would be residing in the hostel, for days together my parents had no idea about my wellbeing till the time they received a letter by post. Continue reading “Instant Anxiety”
Dare devils on the roads
“Is the traffic light there just for your entertainment?” asked Oprah Winfrey,the American talk show host icon on her recent visit to India. Quite clearly she was aghast at our utter disregard for the traffic rules.
Much Ado about Nothing
A decade ago when seminar mania had not gripped the city colleges, my exposure to the seminars was limited. I had heard about seminars but never attended one. That was the time I had an exalted notion about seminars. But I was in for a (c)rude shock when I attended the first seminar of my life. Continue reading “Much Ado about Nothing”
Bending the Rules
‘Bend D Rule’, reads the sticker on the front windscreen of a neighbour’s car. In fact, all his cars, old and new, big and small, flaunt the same motto. What a style statement! But isn’t taking pride in bending the rules and breaking the law an Indian syndrome? Not only do many of us blatantly flout the rules but have the audacity to boast about our utter disregard for the rules. Continue reading “Bending the Rules”
