Rendezvous with Bangalore - 1

I walk alone, amongst strangers. In a city that speaks an alien language, in a city which has its own norms. Through the hustle bustle of traffic and through the narrow lanes. Through the pallyas [locality] and through the hallis [ Village]. Along the lake, beneath the trees. Inside the market, besides the temple.

I am clearly not used to this kind of life. Here I walk, lost in my own musings. Knowing that I will not bump into any friend on the way or be greeted by an acquaintance. I am not scurrying to catch any bus/ train/ auto here. And so I walk, at my own pace, in my own world.

Nyone , relate to this ?

But slowly the city is growing on to me. I know a few people, some associations... and we acknowledge each other with a smile or a nod. Besides old TCS/ISB pals and the new friends that I am making, I am also greeted by other people who provide services…my watchman who opens the gate for me, my maid who gives me company for the evening chai, my tailor who sits down the street…

But in this unfamiliar city…things do not seem cold when I walk back home to meet the kindergarten kid playing downstairs. He always has stories to narrate to me – from school activities to the wonders of Chota Bheem – his favorite animation :-) And all the detachment disappears when a toddler walking down the street looks up and smiles at me standing in the balcony …and I wave back :-)

Food for Thought

Came across an interesting piece of political news today in the paper. And no I am not talking about the UPA confidence vote debate. Neither am I talking about how Laloo was the start entertainer or Omar Abdullah displayed his oratory skills.
I am talking about a small piece of news from our neighbor country Nepal. The news reports that Nepal has seen 3 days of continued protests against the newly elected Vice President. Reason – The Vice President took his oath of office in Hindi and not Nepali or his mother tongue Maithili. There were also reports of criticism of his style of dressing which is seen as non-Nepali, because he prefers to wear Dhoti Kurta.

Firstly it makes me sad that perhaps the 2 neighbors have not been able to build that cultural respect for each other. It surprises me that while my building’s watchman [from Nepal] conveniently talks Hindi, works in India and doesn’t see himself different from us, back in his home country there is agitation over the choice to speak Hindi. [Interestingly, the word Nepal itself has Sanskrit origins.]
And secondly, I wonder yet again about the cultural tolerance that Indians have. Something that we have always heard – whether it was giving shelter to Jews or absorbing the Parsi community or embracing and respecting other cultures. I know we are good at it . But do we over do it? Should we change with time? What do you think Nepal would do if Sonia Gandhi takes on the central role in their country’s political ruling?

<------ Interruption -->

I just received some news. More disturbing than agitation in Nepal. Brings me back to India and its cultural tolerance.