We shouldn’t call them relics of the past, for the veritable and all pervasive Mumbai ‘Autos’ are the lifeline for the average commuter (albeit for shorter distances) after its local trains, the Metro, the Taxis and BEST buses. Their business badly hit by the onset of on-line cab services like Ola & Uber that emerged around two decades ago, these versatile three wheelers breeze on undaunted, braving megacity’s sweltering summer and monsoon mania ! 

Those of us who grew up in smaller towns, cycle rickshaws and later tempos were favored shared modes of transport and were easily available at every nook and corner where one could just hop on. In today’s highly automated age, many of these continue to be attached to mohallas or residential areas , plying children to schools and taking working people to offices & markets ! Remarkably, they manage to co-exist with the burgeoning vehicular traffic of cars, two wheelers and newer entrants on roads- the electric rickshaws.

For residents of the bustling metros like Mumbai, autos remained the basic facilitator for short distance travel in the last few decades. They have also been providing major employment avenues to people from parts of East UP and Bihar and one rarely finds anyone else driving private taxis or autos in Mumbai except them. It’s fun chatting with these informed guys, if like me you are from Lucknow, wanting an accurate ground report on UP & Bihar !

Without being parochial, I’d say the auto guys are generally professional, never rude except when they’re asked for change ! With the huge number of commuters travelling across the megacity on daily basis, some people tend to misplace their documents like passports, DLs and mobiles in transit. The auto-walas claim that if a person has left behind something while travelling with them, they’ll try their best to ensure the owner gets it back. It’s quite true – one auto-driver did come back to my home to return my lost mobile !

Good news is that like all else, the latest autos that are hitting the road have swanky & colorful looks with doors that lock, preventing you from crashing out since no safety belts still are fitted in ! Don’t undermine humble autos available just outside our gate. Economical, they too make our lives easier !

   

(With some Shakespeare’s Lines)-After LSG beat CSK in IPL

Friends, Indians, Chennai-men,

Lend me your bright yellow jerseys

I came to play IPL, not to praise it,

4s, 6s that I hit, live after the match

Even CSK oft lost winning ways,

So let the win be with our LSG,

The Noble Thala MS Dhoni

Hath told you CSK was ambitious:

If it were so, it was a grievous fault,

And grievously hath CSK answer’d it.

Here, under leave of Gaekwad & rest

And Big Thala who’s a legendary man

So are they all, all brilliant CSK men

Here I speak in Post Match Presentation

They are friends, faithful & just to CSK

But Thala says he was ambitious

And Rituraj is a wonderful batsman

He hath scored a century himself

Whose runs did the CSK scores fill

Did this in Thala seem ambitious ?

When crowds cried, bowlers hath wept:

Ambition should be made of sterner stuff:

Yet Big Thala says he was ambitious

And legendary MS is an honourable man.

You all did see that on the ‘Jio Channel’ !

By Somnath Sinha – An LSG Fan

Watching IPL cricket many fans felt aggrieved when Virat was given out to what some experts opined was not a legal delivery & ‘above waist’,  thereby affecting RCB chances of a badly needed win against KKR ! In that moment of extreme aggravation, desperate for team’s cause, King Kohli lost his cool and did the unbecoming act of animatedly arguing with on-field Umpires !

In a glorious career that’s smashed batting records built on immense talent and undying passion to always excel, Virat has been an inspiring role model for many aspiring and established players. As ‘Big Daddy’ of Indian Cricket, he’s found mentoring players of other teams, lending prized bats to Rinku of KKR and urging Mumbai crowds not boo Hardik during his IPL games.

Yet being tempestuous he simply wades into all sorts of controversies. His big row with BCCI bosses over ‘Captaincy’ issues is still fodder for reporters hungry for scandals ! In IPL ‘23, he got into a massive on-field altercation with Gautam Gambhir, another Delhi boy known for belligerence & made headlines but come this year’s IPL, they’ve hugged & made up. Many of his critics have asked if ‘the King and his super-ego are bigger than the game’.

For his latest ‘Code of Conduct’ breach he’s been docked 50% of his match fees. That’s a ‘token’ fine for such a super-biggie, but no player (or person), however tall in stature and following, should get away with anything that’s sets a bad precedent and must be penalized. While we find in ‘sports’ there  is an effort at fair play and of adhering to rules, sadly in other walks of life, we often see those ‘who’re calling the shots’ and are in positions of power and authority, not being held accountable but the strong arm of due process  well applied to the less entitled people.

It’s all the more essential for demi-gods with ‘iconic’ status through public adulation and as role models emulated by fans who are a legion that span generations all across the globe in today’s digital world. Legends and cult heroes cannot have ‘feet of clay’ when they’re supposed to stand up against wrong-doings and set high ethical standards for lesser mortals to follow !     

While the overwhelming IPL carnival is about feverish activity and endless energy levels being exhibited by the stars on spotlight, one ace batter known for his pyrotechnics and unorthodox switch hits, has stopped in his tracks and sought temporary reprieve from his RCB Bosses. He announced an indefinite break from IPL following recurring loss of form and inability to contribute to RCB that’s languishing at bottom of the table.

Remarkably, just a year ago Maxwell played an phenomenal innings against Afghanistan in last year’s WC (50 overs) where battling pain and cramps, he took Aussies to victory, hitting 4s & 6s literally batting just on one leg. It was hailed as an outstanding example of endurance and his dogged will to win. This time, Maxi has opted not to battle on but to take a break which is also an act of courage, admitting his poor show in RCB & asking to be replaced. Can a champion batter call quits in midst of a  league admitting failures ?

Working endlessly round the year without a break may show utmost zeal on one’s part but it’s otherwise. Many organizations with good HR practices expect their personnel to avail leave and take time off from work. We hark back to our work-life days in the bank decades ago. Initially staff were granted due leave without much fuss as Bosses and HR followed the human approach in developing skills. Later with stress on quarterly results, they wouldn’t let go any officer anytime due to the constant pressure to achieve targets !

During & in the post Covid era, WFH posed different problems as people were always required to be available on call almost 24 x 7. The millennial solves this issue grabbing long-weekend getaways or taking short breaks with a change of scene. Idyllic ‘Lonavala’, and nearby picturesque spots face a ‘Mumbai’ deluge almost every weekend. Corporate bigwigs often combine small foreign jaunts with business trips or set exotic locales for what’s called their ‘Off-site’ meets ! Even kids today say ‘Gimme a break, Mom/Dad’ !

What are the signs that you need a break ? You’ll know taking a break from work is vital if you want to manage stress and avoid burnout. Tell tale signs include feeling cynical, exhausted or withdrawn. By taking a break, whether it’s a vacation or just a short break during the day, you can come back to your work with a fresher, more rested mind. It’s not just working class who need it, homemakers so deserve to shirk off  the domestic drudgery ! 

Most of us retired old folks, are always in talks at home to plan our next trip, vacation, a stay-cation or a play-cation ! However, remember executing the plans well according to demands of  family is essential for your well being & to keep the stress levels in check.

The world is so much better connected thanks to the social media apps and groups on WhatsApp  under the nomenclatures like ‘Alma Mater Friends ’ , ‘Office Buddies’  and ‘Our Family’ and other colourfully chatty affiliations have sprouted like wild and wanton flowers blooming across barren fields, bringing kindred joy & uniting lonely souls, if one tried to put it poetically !

However, it’s observed in certain groups there has been a noticeable cool off from earlier bon-homie that old buddies and long time associates of years shared. The harmless banter that friends would often indulge in with their inane interactions through old PJs, ribald pics & clips posted were meant to amuse and no one tried to influence another beliefs and loyalties to causes. Differences in opinions in matters of public policies appears to be driving a strange wedge because some take it upon themselves to act more righteous and vociferous on issues debatable and not easily explained away.

Virtual altercations occur on what’s euphemistically called one’s ‘ideological choices’ that always tends to happen with quintessentially ‘argumentative Indians’. Some of it must be attributed to the exploits of the thriving W’App University that seeks to influence thinking with inventive forwards, memes, stories ! The dissent comes from those who want the group free from that.

One of my dear school friends from an old fun group rued that people took offence to posts by which they felt was mere propaganda. In his eloquent words ‘Friendships endure millions of aberrations, they are incredible as they aren’t judgemental but extremely tolerant and accepting’! He adds that we shouldn’t crib on what others post, it’s their birthright of free speech ! Not to be upstaged in a ‘battle of wits’ here’s my poetic rebuttal to him :  

Friends add friends and don’t do things to divide them, 

They take a stand for them and don’t go with the flow, 

They carefully ponder over what others feel and think, 

They’re what they are, real friends don’t put on a show !

Once upon a time, quite long ago before the digital mediums hadn’t entirely overwhelmed our senses, many of us were avid readers of ‘magazines’ (few also called tabloids) that carried invaluable information and the latest GK  on variety of subjects. Those days, magazines were healthy looking & cheap too !

We are not talking about ones like ‘Stardust’ and ‘Sportsworld’  (which were attractive with glossy, in-the-face style) but of the informative, well-written stories, interesting interviews, reviews  and exciting & funny  pictures that were beautifully compiled in ‘Illustrated Weekly’ earlier and ‘India Today’ later. Sadly over time & business demands, the former disappeared and the latter became a thinner shadow of its former outspoken self ! These aside, there used to be many glossies that thronged book stalls just a few decades ago, but my loyalties remained with ‘Reader’s Digest’ (RD) since early days and till the giant digital-wave all but swept away the magazine industry.

RD was a smart, pocket size monthly that gave us a package of fascinating true stories, life lessons & views on a plethora of issues but what enthralled us who were veritable bookworms was that there were separate sections on ‘Word Power’ and ‘Quotable Quotes’ and many on snippets and anecdotes full of humour, wit & clever puns contributed by people from all over – like in ‘Laughter the Best Medicine’, “Humour in Uniform & ‘Life’s Like That’.. But in surviving challenges, RD lost a fair bit of it’s original charm and it’s new avatar looks emaciated (thin) and highly priced at Rs.100 which BTW is the standard price of any magazine today.

But a few days ago my eyes fell on RD’s April’ 24 issue with a small yellow sign “Special Collector’s Edition’ while browsing through a bookstore.

Even though slim, it is truly a reader’s delight as the RD team thoughtfully has brought together vintage and old articles from their much earlier issues in what they state as ‘Unforgettable Classics – Meet Iconic Figures from the Archives’. It includes wonderful biographies written decades ago on icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Agatha Christie, Sunil Dutt, Shahrukh Khan and Baba Ambedkar apart from all the fun segments that we’d spend hours on. Yesterday, I got so engrossed reading it in the flight that even the turbulence didn’t matter ! As one caption says ‘Catch It If You Can’ ! This is good old RD at its best !

To those who’d studied ‘Statistics’ in their grad/post grad days, terms ‘mean’ & ‘theory of probability’ may be familiar. From practice we know it’s on fairly ‘average’ basis that things pan out in everyday life, be it investing in the money market, having a great day in the office, getting the shopping right as Mrs wanted and her smile of approval or predicting who’ll win today’s IPL match. It’s often not a win-win situation. There’s a funny ‘law of averages’ lurking to play a significant role in our lives.

In IPL, when top ranked KKR took on CSK, I’d predicted that they’d lose, based on the law they couldn’t go on winning. The same thing happened when RR, after 4 straight wins, lost to GT in a last ball thriller. MI too is coming out of its losing streak. The law seems to apply to all sports and contests, markets and business, swings in trade cycles, changes in climatic conditions and even to competitive exams with millions of young aspirants and to fluctuating fortunes of entrepreneurs, actors and our politicians !

The law of averages is the idea that something is sure to happen at some time, because of the number of times it generally happens or is expected to happen. On the law of averages we just can’t go on losing or winning for there is a common belief that the relative frequency of an event should correspond to its probability. People rationalize this with clever truisms ‘You win some, you lose some’ or ‘What goes up must come down’ or that ‘Everyday isn’t Sunday’ all reconciling to the belief that the path of life is uncertain. Nature balances and denies arrogant men of their cult of invincibility !

It’s said that there’s something good in all of us but politeness & civility in public life and discourse has become scarce and it surprises if it comes one’s way. Senior citizens are often at the receiving end of ridicule at home, offices and from gen next for being sloppy and forgetful. Being wise they know that after three good days with no domestic battles the fourth day can be ominous and has to be negotiated safely ! Surrounding themselves with old friends they indulge in harmless pastimes for amusement.

On the other hand, the committed homemakers are superstitious about their efficient maids. They pray that no ‘average law’ casts a spell on continuing good work. Despite problems of getting gainful employment the young are hopeful and such voodoos don’t rattle them till they come face to face with the world. Who can predict the mood of the Interviewers, Employers or Office Boss ? It could be sweet today and sour tomorrow !

On an average, life is as good and as difficult as we make of it. Good news is that as per Jim Rohn, motivational speaker, we are the average of five people we spend most time with. Maintain your good friends and they will make your life better if not the best !

The ‘Hazratganj’ crossing (renamed ‘Atal Chowk Chauraha’ in 2019) in Lucknow, with veritably historical, colourful background is iconic in landmarks – a niche marketplace, bookstores, cinema theatres, banks, restaurants, coffee houses, wayside stalls, many of which are gone with time. Many authors having roots in old Lucknow and nursing the nostalgia of the 60-70s have extensively written about that charming ‘Hazratganj’ that had a sense of welcoming culture and style of its own, that captivated hearts !

A major facelift to the street a decade or so ago and with business models coming in, few old shopsto fold up or don slick avtaars alongside the snazzy modern showrooms that since came up. Yet, despite the overcrowding, noise and parking woes that have come to stay as this city continues to growwith mega-rapidity, one still associates the glittering modern Hazratganj with suavity combining grandeur of aristocratic architecture with ethnic elegance of the older era of being classically laid back in traditional ‘Lucknowi Ada’! 

For me and my childhood friendsbred in Lucknow,Hazratganj has many links to our early life. I can even recall the terrible Lucknow floods of the1960s when boats were sailing in theHazratganj area that was inundated. Later it was ‘the place’ for youth like us to visit shops & British Council (BCL) library to borrow books and occasionally have a cool drink ‘Milk Badam’ then costing five bucks. The most vivid of memories are tied to ‘Mayfair’ cinema and watching classic films of the likes of ‘Ben-Hur’, ‘My Fair Lady’& ‘Sound of Music’ and our first initiation as teenagers to ‘A’ rated ‘James Bond’ films !In our Co-Ed, University days, dates materialised only if the venue was Hazratganj ! 

Fortuitously in 1977 I got posted in the Hazratganj branch of BOB for about five years and became well known to local shops & businesses for being a go-to man to serve all banking needs.Those were days of being a soughtafterbachelor with match-making fathers directly coming to interview me at the Bank. Hilarious while it lasted but thenanother phase began as I got married in 1980. I could mix bank work with pleasure of fixing dates with my wife in elegant restaurants in the vicinity !!

Having moved out of Lucknow at the end of the 1990s, we have always found reasons to return and visits to Hazratganj are inevitable-  it’s so central and now connected to many parts by an efficient Metro rail service. What amazes are the glittering array of shops akin to a huge open mall that has near everything (For Chikan kurtas there’s adjoining Janpath market). Starting from sprawling Halwasiya Market to old ‘Lovers Lane’ to vintage ‘Royal Cafe’, popular for its ‘Basket Chaat’ stall and up to the biggest booksellers ‘Universal’ it’s tough negotiating through crowds and hordes of vehicles ! For those who loved Lucknow, it can be a happy, proverbial walk down memory lane…

For old timers weaned on the acting forte of stalwarts like Ashok Kumar and Balraj Sahani to versatile artists of the 80s of likes of Naseer Shah, Om Puri, Pankaj Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar and in the later decades, Irrfan Khan and Manoj Bajpayee had set such high standards, that the imagery of an eternal romantic with signature ‘arms-wide’ stance of King Khan was never our ‘cup of chai’ though it still appeals to millions across the globe !

Having said that, SRK’s not just a huge Bollywood super-star but also a cultivated sophisticate and self-styled eloquent ‘man of letters’ who never misses to woo his audiences anywhere with his irresistible wit and charm and his innate ability to win hearts of one and all with disarming humility. On stage, he casts pearls of wisdom & humour swaying people of all ages.

Apart from legendary actor status & iconic acting career of many decades, that’s received a huge boost with mega hits “Pathan’ and ‘Jawan’ last year, SRK’s stellar role as the large-hearted, sporting team-owner of the popular IPL team ‘Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) who takes active interest in their fortunes without hogging limelight from the players, brings another facet. SRK dons many hats, what’s getting revealed are his leadership qualities.

When his IPL team wins big against good opponents, its only human that he rejoices with all the players with warm hugs in his own imitable style and a special pat for those who excelled.However, unlike others, he mixes with the same joyful camaraderie with the opposing team players, many of whom are in awe of him. In yesterday’s match against DC, their Captain Rishabh Pant played a valiant innings but his team lost by a huge margin.Post-match he was sitting forlorn on the field. SRK walked to him, didn’t allow him to stand up and consoled him that this was just a one-off thing.   

We often wonder why only some ‘Extra-ordinary’ gifted people become so popular & loved, despite their weaknesses and failures that often happen. They have that ‘Extra’ (X factor !) that sets them apart from the ordinary.The SRK brand is strong but for players it’s his hug that’s so momentous !

9^th April is literally ‘Mother’s Day’ for us since today is our late Mother, Sandhya Sinha’s 94^th birthday. It’s also fortuitous for me that I write this small tribute to her sitting in hometown Lucknow in the same room and from the same old table on which she worked for decades recording with meticulous detail in her beautiful handwriting, everything life had to offer.

From the amazing historical antecedents of the illustrious Singhi family she got married into in Lucknow, her early years of marriage & challenges of bringing up five children, the memorable stint in teaching profession, devotion to social work, far travel to Amarnath and Africa, to her views on religion & nationalism and myriad stories built around real life incidents.

We wonder whenever we chance upon manuscripts tucked away in her old cupboards, what she’s do if she had access to laptops and keyboards. The prolific writer in her was always eager to express her inner-most thoughts though she faced problems, constricted by a severe hearing disorder and later in facing debilitating old age. She would’ve churned out many more essays and stories, but fortunately some of her brilliant works (in Bengali) could get published with help from our relatives and are now also getting translated into English, thanks to the efforts of our sister, Shibani Dutta.

I had earlier felt that Ma’s penchant for writing prodigiously was a pastime that she indulged in, more so after Dad passed away in 2000 and her social life and friends also started to dwindle. The relevance of putting on record significant events & incidents, dawned on me post my retirement a decade ago and I get that same urge to express myself in writing as best as I can. Just few who wield the pen get fame but only a good writer touches hearts.

In the dynamic state we are in, memories and interests in things are short-lived and forgotten just as today’s headlines will fast get erased by some big ‘breaking news’ that may come tomorrow ! Why not pen down lasting impressions, share those significant life experiences & anecdotes of good Samaritan acts and inspiring deeds, talk of newer ways to help people in need, rejoice in celebrating milestones that motivate and give happiness. Documenting the family history becomes legacy for generations to come.

The Gen X, Y &Z  are losing touch with their roots and & old world reading and writing habits are on the wane. We are fortunate that we received such a rich literary legacy from our parents that has stood us in good stead. We should try percolate it down and awaken in our youngest ones, the joy in creative expression and affinity for writing and learning that helps create better human beings. That would be a ‘Gift’ that would make Ma happy !