CHANGE IS PERMANENT

We have people talking about GDP growth, creation of jobs and generation of income and wealth. We also hear of the loss of jobs, the effect of recession, the effect of the protectionist policies adopted by the USA and so on. Does it not sound familiar? The extinction of certain species of birds, animals and the groups that cropped up for their welfare also had the same syllables and tones. The classic case would be that of the homely sparrows of Bangalore bidding adieu to their fauourite haunts including our own residence.

Look around you, reflect and you will notice that quietly some people have made way for others. Surprised? You may not be surprised at the end of this blog.

I remember the good old days when we found a cobbler at the end of the alley leading to our residence. Cobblers were seen at nook and corners. Soon we had LIDKAR which provided them the temporary shelters which would shield them from the fury of sun and rain while they discharged their duties. Soon, these tenements were moved out on various pleas and as of now there are various stretches where one would never find a cobbler. Another professional was a watch repairer. He would have a peculiar table which was a precursor for cubicles. It resembled a glass cubicle mounted on a wooden table with the roof. The man behing the table would have a lens fitted onto one eye and with a tool and deft fingers would be handling the miniscule components of the watch. Today, these fine specimens of workmanship are not to be seen. In fact, with the onslaught of the mobile industry many do not consider the need for a wristwatch. ( For that matter I realise that yours truly also does not wear one). Slowly, the showrooms of the watches are also making there way out.

Imagine an era when one would go head over heels saying a photographer will be at our school for a group photo session. Today, the cell phones are in the process of removing this species too. At one point cameras had become an essential accompaniment and apart from studios, the branded labs mushroomed across the town. The digital cameras, mobiles and bluetooths besides web cameras have diminished the roles of these persons and it would not be surprising to find that these professions would also face the same fate as others.

Deepavali, Ramzan and Christmas was eagerly awaited by the people for procuring the best of attires. The cloth shops would dish out materials which would then be taken to the tailors. The celebration of these festivals was incomplete without the tension of getting the dresses in time. None dared to question the integrity of these skilled artists. Each family trusted a particular tailor and the person was a part of the family. The growth of branded dresses, the standardisation of sizes has left these fine specimens to be a very rare genre.

Bangalore was always famous for its groundnuts and maize which would be served out by wayside vendors at practically every bus stop. The steps of the majestic Vidhana Soudha would be paved with the groundnut shells which would make any red carpet pale in comparison. Unfortunately, these shells are no more part of Bangalore palate. The pizzas, bhelpuris and cafe days have taken over the palate of the young and old alike.

Food would remind one of the frienly provision stores nearby which not only served the customeres in environment friendly paper containers but also had the multi faceted task of being a landmark, a guide and probably the best friend around. Similarly, the flour mill was a place where one could find a congregation of persons from the locality who would get rice polished as well as get a variety of grains ground for a small cost. The advent of malls which also provided instant mixes as well as the ground flour has put these saintly souls into oblivion.

Event management concerns have taken over the roles of the elders in a family who would organise any function. The friendly cook of a function is replaced by catering units. The contractors for building houses have given way to developers of apartments, villas etc. Essentially, the items food, clothing and shelter itself has undergone a sea change.

Did not kings give way to a democracy? Did not the high priests of tradition pave way for the modern era? Well change is perennial and proverbially permanent. (Ironic eh!!!)

So good souls let IT give place to BT and BT to NT and so on. Let change be permanent.