Anubavangal: Arakkargalin Rajyam: "ஒரு இலட்சியத்திற்காகத்தான் நாங்கள் பாடு படுகிறோம் என்று அவர்கள் நம்புகிறார்கள். ஆனால் லட்சியம் இருந்தால் நல்ல வழியை தானே காட்டும். காட்டுமிர..."
Showing posts with label Public Sphere. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Public Sphere. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Toothbrush in the Bathroom
This is in public interest. Since I have noticed this in many houses, I am making a post of this (and escaping thinking too deep).
Whether true or false, this is one thing that I am not debating. Since most of our washbasins are placed alongside toilets, please make sure your toothbrushes are kept closed within a shelf or in a case. Within six feet of the commode, everything is vulnerable to infection by the germs around it, and I believe even the flush splashes enough muck in microcosmic proportions to pollute whatever lies around it.
Another old world wisdom? Keep toilets separate from bath/wash areas? Yeah, but till architects and designers do it, or we start demanding it, let's make these small adjustments.
Whether true or false, this is one thing that I am not debating. Since most of our washbasins are placed alongside toilets, please make sure your toothbrushes are kept closed within a shelf or in a case. Within six feet of the commode, everything is vulnerable to infection by the germs around it, and I believe even the flush splashes enough muck in microcosmic proportions to pollute whatever lies around it.
Another old world wisdom? Keep toilets separate from bath/wash areas? Yeah, but till architects and designers do it, or we start demanding it, let's make these small adjustments.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Anubavangal: Ippadiyum Silar
Anubavangal: Ippadiyum Silar: "என்னடா இன்னும் ஒரு முறைக்கூட நான் வேலைக்காரியைப்பற்றி எழுதவில்லை என்று நினைத்தீர்கள் என்றால், கவலை வேண்டாம். இதோ, எழுதப்போகிறேன். ஆனால் அவள்..."
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Taller, Stronger, Sharper
This is like the genetically modified brinjal. We debate about it no end, but don't worry that we are playing with our children's hormones. If he or she is taller, stronger, sharper, better, a top ranker - no matter what his genetic history is - then that must be for the best.
And so we give them whatever it takes to compete in the rat race.
But I heard that a "sure" winner that makes children stronger, also modifies girls' hormones, causing gynec problems later in life - early onset of puberty being one of them.
And then I came across someone yesterday who told me that she had hyperandrogen something problem where her androgen production had shot up. She is a mother today, and this was before she got married. The cause? Depending on a complete planned diet product that made one - well, taller sharper stronger. This is what her endocrinologist suspected. Just an aside here, men and women both have male and female hormones, but only one of them is the dominant one depending on your gender.
If the ad says studies show such children are taller, do studies show the other changes that happen? I suspected, and this lady's story confirmed to me, that if you touch the growth hormones, something else is going to be affected too...
And, by the way, the discussion got underway because she told me her son loves soy foods. Now, I was a great fan of soyabean myself, and the nutrinuggets. Again, I have no scientific proof, only a question. If soya is so good for women and oestrogen, then, what happens to the men? And even to the women, for that matter.
Just a thought - maybe it is time to check out if food natural to the local soil and a balanced diet are good enough to cope with the normal demands of life.
And so we give them whatever it takes to compete in the rat race.
But I heard that a "sure" winner that makes children stronger, also modifies girls' hormones, causing gynec problems later in life - early onset of puberty being one of them.
And then I came across someone yesterday who told me that she had hyperandrogen something problem where her androgen production had shot up. She is a mother today, and this was before she got married. The cause? Depending on a complete planned diet product that made one - well, taller sharper stronger. This is what her endocrinologist suspected. Just an aside here, men and women both have male and female hormones, but only one of them is the dominant one depending on your gender.
If the ad says studies show such children are taller, do studies show the other changes that happen? I suspected, and this lady's story confirmed to me, that if you touch the growth hormones, something else is going to be affected too...
And, by the way, the discussion got underway because she told me her son loves soy foods. Now, I was a great fan of soyabean myself, and the nutrinuggets. Again, I have no scientific proof, only a question. If soya is so good for women and oestrogen, then, what happens to the men? And even to the women, for that matter.
Just a thought - maybe it is time to check out if food natural to the local soil and a balanced diet are good enough to cope with the normal demands of life.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Full Circle?
May 21, 1991: A national leader killed gruesomely and the local government suspected of turning a blind eye deliberately.
The same party becomes a partner at the national level, with the party whose leader was killed. The national party's real head is the wife of the killed leader, but she smiles through it all. The local party even dictates terms, and she bides her time.
May 20, 2011: Two decades later, the local party leader's daughter faces corruption charges of unheard of magnitude. She is sent to jail without bail.
Is this divine justice, revenge time or just plain political gimmickry?
The same party becomes a partner at the national level, with the party whose leader was killed. The national party's real head is the wife of the killed leader, but she smiles through it all. The local party even dictates terms, and she bides her time.
May 20, 2011: Two decades later, the local party leader's daughter faces corruption charges of unheard of magnitude. She is sent to jail without bail.
Is this divine justice, revenge time or just plain political gimmickry?
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Power Struggle
The people may have given a clear verdict in the elections, but they are still the losers. There is no power in the state!
On any day, between 11 and 4, none of the traffic signals seem to be working, even on main roads and important junctions.
On some pretext, there is going to four hour power cut during the day, staggered into one hour each. Though it was shelved indefinitely, since yesterday, it is going to be two hours - one hour each, twice in a day. Today, 9-5 maintenance.
Well, well, AC all the rooms, or even put air conditioners, build skycapers and have multiple lifts. Where is the power to keep them going?
Inverters and generators, you say? Well sir, petrol and diesel don't grow on trees exactly.
Back to dark ages soon? Aah, we won't need the time machine at all! Isn't that comforting?
Getting Used to the Luxury; Turtle Walk
On any day, between 11 and 4, none of the traffic signals seem to be working, even on main roads and important junctions.
On some pretext, there is going to four hour power cut during the day, staggered into one hour each. Though it was shelved indefinitely, since yesterday, it is going to be two hours - one hour each, twice in a day. Today, 9-5 maintenance.
Well, well, AC all the rooms, or even put air conditioners, build skycapers and have multiple lifts. Where is the power to keep them going?
Inverters and generators, you say? Well sir, petrol and diesel don't grow on trees exactly.
Back to dark ages soon? Aah, we won't need the time machine at all! Isn't that comforting?
Getting Used to the Luxury; Turtle Walk
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Seen to be Doing
As against doing. Every field today is plagued by this. Is it because of the numbers out there, giving us competition? The need to be ranked somewhere? Not just because it brings contentment to us, because we are good at it, but because others can see how good we are at it?
So we do all that it takes to be seen - the doing can wait, and sometimes be skipped completely. It is in recognition, in how many people see us that our focus is. Not on what impact our action has, how does it benefit us and others, and our chosen field...
If we are not seen, does it mean any less?
We struggle yes, but to shoot to fame, and not to get the job done well.
Read also: In High Places ; A Framework for Children; The Sound of Music
So we do all that it takes to be seen - the doing can wait, and sometimes be skipped completely. It is in recognition, in how many people see us that our focus is. Not on what impact our action has, how does it benefit us and others, and our chosen field...
If we are not seen, does it mean any less?
We struggle yes, but to shoot to fame, and not to get the job done well.
Read also: In High Places ; A Framework for Children; The Sound of Music
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Education vs. Intelligence
Strange how within a span of three days, I had this discussion with three different people - and all had the same thing to say. Not rocket science, you say? You are right! And yet, the way marks and performance are discussed, the way mothers give up stuff before boards for kids, the way mothers start visiting temples during exams - one would think there was a connection!
I am not saying high scorers are duds. Let's accept they are intelligent. But those who score lower, are they duds?
Now, having had a bindaas attitude through school and college - crying on the morning of getting the report card in the ninth in Cal is ruled out because that was the first time I encountered serious education, and in subsequent years, went back to being bindaas - I am quite amused and confused about the way education is increasingly becoming a pressure point. 100% cut off! For a humanities student, it is a far fetched dream. But even if one can score in commerce...is that what we want - only the top, the rest go drown? Already IIT coaching starts from 9th. Next what? From UKG?
We need utopia in more ways than one!
Let Children Enjoy; Framework for Children; Bringing Up
I am not saying high scorers are duds. Let's accept they are intelligent. But those who score lower, are they duds?
Now, having had a bindaas attitude through school and college - crying on the morning of getting the report card in the ninth in Cal is ruled out because that was the first time I encountered serious education, and in subsequent years, went back to being bindaas - I am quite amused and confused about the way education is increasingly becoming a pressure point. 100% cut off! For a humanities student, it is a far fetched dream. But even if one can score in commerce...is that what we want - only the top, the rest go drown? Already IIT coaching starts from 9th. Next what? From UKG?
We need utopia in more ways than one!
Let Children Enjoy; Framework for Children; Bringing Up
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Preserving the Innocence
We were watching the Karachi besiege. My daughter said, "I am scared! Why are they doing this? Will it happen to us too?"
"Let's hope not," I replied. But more can we say any more in today's world?
"But why are they doing this? Do they want to have power, rule over others, or others to listen to them? What is it they want?"
After a brief pause, I said, "They are just made that way. They just destroy thinking that is the only way."
"That's what," she said triumphantly. "So we can teach them not to be like that."
I paused to look at her. A chip off the block?
Read: Gora; or does the solution lie only in destroying: Raktabeeja?
"Let's hope not," I replied. But more can we say any more in today's world?
"But why are they doing this? Do they want to have power, rule over others, or others to listen to them? What is it they want?"
After a brief pause, I said, "They are just made that way. They just destroy thinking that is the only way."
"That's what," she said triumphantly. "So we can teach them not to be like that."
I paused to look at her. A chip off the block?
Read: Gora; or does the solution lie only in destroying: Raktabeeja?
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The New Terror
When a child walks out of the house to go to school or to play, every parent will, consciously or unconsciously, worry about their safety. The dangers in the outside world are on the rise, and till they return, the anxiety runs high. Maybe it is latent because of habit and routine.
A five minute delay can have one looking at the clock.
An adult - especially a stranger - talking to the child can send alarm bells ringing.
Snacks offered by strangers - an absolute no-no.
Crossing the road alone? Wait, the child is not old enough.
Commuting by public transport? Hmmm... Maybe in a couple of years.
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
How early do mothers, whose children become suicide bombers, decide that their children are old enough for the job? Are they there when the trainers tell the innocent children that they will not die, only those around will? Do they also believe in it?
Or do they die before sending their children?
A five minute delay can have one looking at the clock.
An adult - especially a stranger - talking to the child can send alarm bells ringing.
Snacks offered by strangers - an absolute no-no.
Crossing the road alone? Wait, the child is not old enough.
Commuting by public transport? Hmmm... Maybe in a couple of years.
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
How early do mothers, whose children become suicide bombers, decide that their children are old enough for the job? Are they there when the trainers tell the innocent children that they will not die, only those around will? Do they also believe in it?
Or do they die before sending their children?
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Raktabeeja
Raktabeeja was blessed with a boon - from every drop of his blood that fell on the ground would come another Raktabeeja. When Goddess Durga fought with him, every time she killed him, thousands of Raktabeeja took his place.
Goddess Kali was evoked and she drank every drop of his blood falling from his wounds before he finally died in the battle.
Osama has been killed but there have been several Osamas before and after. Already the succession plan would have kicked into action, and back up plans being worked on.
Which goddess is going to incarnate to join this battle against terrorism and perpetrators of terror? Will there be a Kalki coming soon to root out evil?
Like with Kali, when the killing becomes indiscriminate, innocent and the guilty alike caught in the bombing, will there be a Shiva to bring peace?
Will there ever be true peace?
Goddess Kali was evoked and she drank every drop of his blood falling from his wounds before he finally died in the battle.
Osama has been killed but there have been several Osamas before and after. Already the succession plan would have kicked into action, and back up plans being worked on.
Which goddess is going to incarnate to join this battle against terrorism and perpetrators of terror? Will there be a Kalki coming soon to root out evil?
Like with Kali, when the killing becomes indiscriminate, innocent and the guilty alike caught in the bombing, will there be a Shiva to bring peace?
Will there ever be true peace?
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Mixing Classes
But back to this Delhi school. Because many of these children from poor families were first generation literates, their standard was very poor and marks normally in single digits. To help them, better students like me - ahem - were encouraged to spend time with these children helping them learn at least the basics. I had Tamil medium till 4th, and from 5th to 8th, Tamil was compulsory. Again, that is an aside.
Did it bring my quality of education down in any way? Many of my classmates who completed their education there are in senior positions in multinationals. My own brothers - from a different branch - did their engineering at IITs and one did MBA from IIM and the other is in the US after having completed his MS/PhD and now a research scientist. When I was in 7th or 8th, 14 students from the 12th that year had got into IIT. One of the seniors got state rank in the boards - I know of only that for it was a target I was not practicing for so had no interest in knowing more. There could have been more then, later and earlier too.
I don't know whether to laugh or cry at the letter some principals have sent to the parents on RTE. They believe that the standard of education will fall if poor students are allowed to study in their schools and fees will have to be raised - a veiled threat to create public opinion against this?
I know many "good" schools in Chennai retain their image because they have filtered out average performers. I wonder, if the role of schools is only to bring out toppers, or impart education? What if some student is an average performer or less? Doesn't he still have right to access the resources. Maybe the marks are low, but is that the only measure of intelligence and capability?
And if you filter out the average performers, then is it to the school's credit that there are only toppers? Aren't the genes of the better-performing students to be credited more for their performance? What is so great about shining an already shining diamond? Isn't it the duty of the teachers to help the below average and raise the level to the extent possible.
In India, teaching is a thankless, low paying job... But if our focus itself is only fame and money, is it to be wondered at? Who is to blame for this? Parents, who want only the "best" for children and queue up day and night in front of some schools for forms, or schools that ensure that their fees and selection criterion give them an edge in bagging high performers?
A note: My Delhi school - with its 7 or 8 branches - is in poor condition. Needless to say, the government subsidies have been cut. And no marks for guessing that no part of that 200 crore is being diverted to improving it.
You may also like: Bringing Up; A Framework for Children; Getting Used to the Luxury
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| DTEA Mandir Marg Entrance |
My brothers and I studied in a school in Delhi. It was subsidised by Tamil Nadu government and meant for the labourers who had migrated there. So a typical class of 40 till the 8th would easily have at least 50% "poor". I don't know how many studied beyond because I think education was compulsory till 13 years of age.
I was one of the brighter students, and I wonder if it weren't because of the class composition. For when I moved to Calcutta in 9th and went to one of the "better" schools, I was given provisional pass in 9th. It's a different story that I passed with disctinction in 10th and so probably wasn't so bad.
But back to this Delhi school. Because many of these children from poor families were first generation literates, their standard was very poor and marks normally in single digits. To help them, better students like me - ahem - were encouraged to spend time with these children helping them learn at least the basics. I had Tamil medium till 4th, and from 5th to 8th, Tamil was compulsory. Again, that is an aside.
Did it bring my quality of education down in any way? Many of my classmates who completed their education there are in senior positions in multinationals. My own brothers - from a different branch - did their engineering at IITs and one did MBA from IIM and the other is in the US after having completed his MS/PhD and now a research scientist. When I was in 7th or 8th, 14 students from the 12th that year had got into IIT. One of the seniors got state rank in the boards - I know of only that for it was a target I was not practicing for so had no interest in knowing more. There could have been more then, later and earlier too.
I don't know whether to laugh or cry at the letter some principals have sent to the parents on RTE. They believe that the standard of education will fall if poor students are allowed to study in their schools and fees will have to be raised - a veiled threat to create public opinion against this?
I know many "good" schools in Chennai retain their image because they have filtered out average performers. I wonder, if the role of schools is only to bring out toppers, or impart education? What if some student is an average performer or less? Doesn't he still have right to access the resources. Maybe the marks are low, but is that the only measure of intelligence and capability?
And if you filter out the average performers, then is it to the school's credit that there are only toppers? Aren't the genes of the better-performing students to be credited more for their performance? What is so great about shining an already shining diamond? Isn't it the duty of the teachers to help the below average and raise the level to the extent possible.
In India, teaching is a thankless, low paying job... But if our focus itself is only fame and money, is it to be wondered at? Who is to blame for this? Parents, who want only the "best" for children and queue up day and night in front of some schools for forms, or schools that ensure that their fees and selection criterion give them an edge in bagging high performers?
A note: My Delhi school - with its 7 or 8 branches - is in poor condition. Needless to say, the government subsidies have been cut. And no marks for guessing that no part of that 200 crore is being diverted to improving it.
You may also like: Bringing Up; A Framework for Children; Getting Used to the Luxury
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Feast - A Short Note
It started with paal poli - milk, luchi and sugar. Then came kheer, then fruit salad. Beans usili, Aviyal and potato curry...Raita followed by three types of pickles. Savouries and sweet followed by chips, curd vadai and papads. A separate cup for rasam and a matka of curd.
Puliyodarai, Sambar rice, plain rice, dal, mor kozhambu...
The guest's mouth started watering. He put in a morsel and was gratified that it was high class.
"Everything nice? They served you everything?" Asked the host.
"Yes," said the contented guest. "Very good service, very good food."
The host moved on, happy he had not stinted on any expense at his daughter's wedding.
He left to welcome other guests, his back to the dining hall.
He did not see half of all that was served going into the dustbin. He expected it would. But if he had served one dish less, there would have been questions. "No usili? Only one sweet?"
The guest will eat what he can and throw the rest away.
No one will ask, "Is this extravagance necessary? Why waste food when so many go hungry?"
Puliyodarai, Sambar rice, plain rice, dal, mor kozhambu...
The guest's mouth started watering. He put in a morsel and was gratified that it was high class.
"Everything nice? They served you everything?" Asked the host.
"Yes," said the contented guest. "Very good service, very good food."
The host moved on, happy he had not stinted on any expense at his daughter's wedding.
He left to welcome other guests, his back to the dining hall.
He did not see half of all that was served going into the dustbin. He expected it would. But if he had served one dish less, there would have been questions. "No usili? Only one sweet?"
The guest will eat what he can and throw the rest away.
No one will ask, "Is this extravagance necessary? Why waste food when so many go hungry?"
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Animal Farm
Somehow, I think this masterpiece will never be irrelevant. Have seen enough of it in a microcosm and at bigger levels. At the heart of every individual hides a desire for power - over something, anything.
I voted today and then wondered if I had selected the right candidate. After all, when in power, will he or she behave any differently? Maybe, initially, yes. But after a while...it will be like the old regime.
After all, wasn't one party kicked out and another voted in with sweeping majority in TN? Yet, history repeated itself and we had corruption on a grander scale, at national level...
If you vote for a new candidate, there is the risk of splitting vote and a weak head of government. If you vote for a powerful party, then you strengthen it further...giving it more gumption to openly cheat...
Hobson's choice?
***
I voted today and then wondered if I had selected the right candidate. After all, when in power, will he or she behave any differently? Maybe, initially, yes. But after a while...it will be like the old regime.
After all, wasn't one party kicked out and another voted in with sweeping majority in TN? Yet, history repeated itself and we had corruption on a grander scale, at national level...
If you vote for a new candidate, there is the risk of splitting vote and a weak head of government. If you vote for a powerful party, then you strengthen it further...giving it more gumption to openly cheat...
Hobson's choice?
***
On another note, saw a short piece on animal planet - a weak old lion resting when a herd of buffalos attacked it and killed it. In Tamil, there is a saying: யானைக்கு ஒரு காலம் வந்தால் பூனைக்கு ஒரு காலம் வரும்.
There is a time for everyone - if the elephant has its day, so does the cat. This short film seemed so appropriate with regard to power dynamics. Even the powerful become weak one day, and the weak will have a field day. But it seemed more pathetic than when I see lions killing a deer. For there is a purpose to that death. This seemed mindless. But these are animals! Why does man behave the same way?
Monday, April 11, 2011
Yet another victim of automation
My gas agency was one place where I could call, give my customer ID, be told when to expect my gas cylinder and be done with it in exactly 3 minutes. But today, I was given a customer care number, put on to automated voice message which made me press 1 and 2 to choose my options, get confirmations that my agency name was x, my contact number was y, and then give me a booking number (which I didn't realise was coming so was not prepared to note) and then rung off. Now I am not sure when to expect my gas cylinder! :(
Maybe for the agency this is some form of simplification, but for the tech-duh me...it has me still shaking. What's happened to the human touch?
Maybe for the agency this is some form of simplification, but for the tech-duh me...it has me still shaking. What's happened to the human touch?
Monday, March 21, 2011
A Framework for Children
Should be academically capable
Should be socially well-behaved
Should be Good at some extra curricular
Should conform to rules
Then we will accept him in school.
All non-conformers, please queue up at the counsellor's.
Parents, beget perfect all-rounders, prim and proper and well-behaved all the time? Go figure
Should be socially well-behaved
Should be Good at some extra curricular
Should conform to rules
Then we will accept him in school.
All non-conformers, please queue up at the counsellor's.
Parents, beget perfect all-rounders, prim and proper and well-behaved all the time? Go figure
Saturday, March 19, 2011
The Brute Question
Once at an interview with Prof Ashok Jhunjhunwala at IIT-M, I asked him why India lagged behind China in development. Everyone I knew at that time was visiting that country and raving about Shanghai and Beijing, the flyovers, the smooth traffic, the works...
He said in reply (not verbatim) - I don't know... The way they work, the government simply assigns lands and if your property happens to be there, then too bad. Whereas in India, that can't happen. Would we want someone to take away our lands without our consent even for development?
The answer for most of us would be a big, resounding NO! Even if it is not "my" land, I don't like my neighbouring haven for birds and animals being taken away for the metro. But a court case on that matter has been dismissed. Which is fine - at least we have the freedom to register our protest. The outcome is never in our hands, in any case.
An addendum to the matter on China, last night a neighbour said that apparently, in Shanghai, as part of plans to expand the roads, multistoried apartments have been marked yellow. Those with the mark have to be demolished by the owners, who are to relocate 80 km away in designated land. If they don't, then the government will demolish at the owner's cost.
India, please remain a democracy.
He said in reply (not verbatim) - I don't know... The way they work, the government simply assigns lands and if your property happens to be there, then too bad. Whereas in India, that can't happen. Would we want someone to take away our lands without our consent even for development?
The answer for most of us would be a big, resounding NO! Even if it is not "my" land, I don't like my neighbouring haven for birds and animals being taken away for the metro. But a court case on that matter has been dismissed. Which is fine - at least we have the freedom to register our protest. The outcome is never in our hands, in any case.
An addendum to the matter on China, last night a neighbour said that apparently, in Shanghai, as part of plans to expand the roads, multistoried apartments have been marked yellow. Those with the mark have to be demolished by the owners, who are to relocate 80 km away in designated land. If they don't, then the government will demolish at the owner's cost.
India, please remain a democracy.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Getting Used to the Luxury
When the recession hit sometime in 2008-2009, Economic Times Chennai did a supplement on banking and I was roped in to do some of the articles after interviewing heads of nationalised banks. I met the chairman of Karur Vysya Bank, a very senior man, close to retirement or past.
He said: I am not worried about the recession or how India escaped. I am more concerned about the youth of today. My wife and I, we have seen tough times; if we lose money, we can still do without luxuries. We can sleep on the floor, we can walk distances and make do with what we have. But the youth of today, what will they do?
It set me thinking. Even my contemporaries would have seen tough days - when everything was budgeted and we knew to accept "No" from our parents. But do our children know it? My daughter wants to know when summer will start so that she can start using the AC - it's a strict no-no right now because even in Chennai it is not summer yet though the nights are warm. I never take them walking even short distances - preferring to zoom on my bike or take the car. Though they don't get everything they see and ask for - I am still probably old fashioned - nothing is beyond reach for them and they are aware of that.
No harm done...we earn better and to live better on hard-earned, honest money is no crime. But what if life goes topsy turvy? Are we prepared? Do we prepare our children? Can we prepare ourselves for it?
When I see the indulgence some children get - mobiles at 7 and 8 years, branded clothes and what not...I shudder for this generation. Birthday parties in five-star hotels, event managers stepping in to manage the event...is simple living, high thinking a thing of the past?
He said: I am not worried about the recession or how India escaped. I am more concerned about the youth of today. My wife and I, we have seen tough times; if we lose money, we can still do without luxuries. We can sleep on the floor, we can walk distances and make do with what we have. But the youth of today, what will they do?
It set me thinking. Even my contemporaries would have seen tough days - when everything was budgeted and we knew to accept "No" from our parents. But do our children know it? My daughter wants to know when summer will start so that she can start using the AC - it's a strict no-no right now because even in Chennai it is not summer yet though the nights are warm. I never take them walking even short distances - preferring to zoom on my bike or take the car. Though they don't get everything they see and ask for - I am still probably old fashioned - nothing is beyond reach for them and they are aware of that.
No harm done...we earn better and to live better on hard-earned, honest money is no crime. But what if life goes topsy turvy? Are we prepared? Do we prepare our children? Can we prepare ourselves for it?
When I see the indulgence some children get - mobiles at 7 and 8 years, branded clothes and what not...I shudder for this generation. Birthday parties in five-star hotels, event managers stepping in to manage the event...is simple living, high thinking a thing of the past?
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