RETURN TO TRADITION - SENE/A V GOVT

Tradition, culture, rites and rituals are keywords to Indian philosophy. Discussions around the world involving any Indian includes a lament on the diminishing regard for these cornerstones of our existence and the heritage we have inherited. Of late, Bangalore is becoming a hub of activity for restoration to our glorious tradition.
Eyebrows may be raised and a couple of decibels too in pointing out that trees have been felled, tanks have vanished, western clothes have replaced the traditional clothes et al. This is a classic case of missing the fine print.

Let me elaborate for the less enlightened souls who are wallowing in the lament of the deterioration of the Pensioner's Paradise,Garden City etc.by relating a first hand experience of the return to our glorious traditions.

The BBMP elections were followed by the tarring of the roads on an evening which saw a apell of rain. The BBMP ensured that another coat of tar was offloaded using hi tech machinery. There were no labourers carrying loads of tar or levelling them. A vehicle which served as a tipper poured the asphalting material on to the roads whild an leveller in the rear of the vehicle ensured that no corner was left untarred. The resplendent black roads were glistening. A clear case of neighbour's envy owner's pride was visible as inhabitants of neighbouring wards muttered under their breath without making an attempt to conceal their envy. The owners joined hands to garland the machinery and congratulate the newly elected corporator. A Coconut was broken to bring tradition to the fore. Two days passed and there was a thunderstorm.

The roads were washed with water which could not move into the concealed storm water drains. The residents could no more be gleeful. Alas they had not realised that two Government agencies had resorted to the most wonderful task of taking people to their roots. The Senas failed and so did the Senes but the Government could never fail. After all we have one with believes that Government's work is God's work. The manholes had also been tarred and effectively blocked. The sewer water was gushing into the houses through the drains. Calls to the helplines were greeted with helplessness. The night passed and the day dawned.

It was decided that community cooking would be better option. The ritual bath had to be undertaken. Question of using the bathroom was ruled out. The ancestors reminded us that they did not have any such inhibitions. People moved to their respective terraces. An open air bath heralded the return to the tradition. The water so discharged from the terraces to the garden. A classic case of implementing the recycling of water. Soon we may have bathing ghats, drinking water ghats and so on in nearby locales. The most adventurous youth were seen sporting the traditional costumes except some errant ones who preferred the bermudas. Change was in the air and MNC s beware the much despised Government machinery is working and will leave no stone unturned in guarding our traditions without any seminars, discussions, project reports etc. India is back on track. Hip Hip Hurray!!!