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Technology and Mrs Gupta

 

'Masi, why don’t you call on Mom’s phone …. please!! I have to talk to my friend….' Niki said restlessly to her aunt. Who had called up on her phone.




'Beta, Niki ….does you Mom ever charge her cell regularly? It is always discharged or on the silent mode so actually she never picks up her phone …. then she does not want me to call her on land line either …… for privacy you know!…' Niki’s masi replied.




'Yeah … I know for all your heart talks…. okay…stay on line…I will give it to Mom.' 18 yr old Niki said reluctantly.




'Mamma …aaaa….' She called out … 'Masi is on the line …on my phone …. it is on the dining table…' Niki did not bother to go into the kitchen and turned towards the music system and put on the Salsa music and started her practice …..




Just after a few moments, while twirling she noticed her phone still lying on the table and her Mom trying to listen on some other phone! Before she could say something, her Mom, Mrs Gupta got frustrated and said, 'Why is your Masi playing the music after giving me a call …?'




'Mom …Mom …!!' … Niki reached out to her mom and could not control her laughter …. ' That is my ipod ….!!…you are listening to my i pod…. phone is here…' she giggled and handed over her phone to Mrs Gupta ….




'Oh my God …. just now I trained myself that ipods have just a couple of buttons ….and phones have lots of number buttons ….so no confusion! ….and now this your slide phone….it looks just like your ipod …. so I mistook your ipod as your phone…..!'




'Oh poor mom…' Niki gave a peck to her Mom and left the room.




Mrs Gupta was done with her cooking and bath ….she was in the mood of watching some of her favorite programs. She thought of switching on the TV …. it did not start! ….she kept struggling with the remote then called out her son, ' Ayush beta….. get the new batteries from my drawer … this remote is not working! '




'Show me…' Ayush said …' But Mom …this is music system’s remote…. here this is TV’s remote…' …Ayush dug it out from beneath the cushions. 'Thanks beta…' she took the remote and suddenly she remembered, she has to charge her cell … before she gets another call from her elder sister and then she told her son , ' Ayush just give me my remote ….I have to charge it.'




'Ayush,…. Ayush !!' …..Seeing no response from him, she shook him ….. and said in an upset tone, ' Remove those earplugs and give me my remote, I have to charge it.'




'Mamma ….!' Ayush looked at her with with a confused expression.




'What? ….give me my remote! ….there are so many black things lying on the table…. I cant pick mine….' Mrs Gupta was exasperated by now.




'Okay Okay … Mom you mean you want to charge your phone….'




'Yeah…. remote …phone…whatever…'




Ayush understood his Mom’s mood , picked up her cell and said , 'Dont worry , Mom I will charge it. Where is its charger?'




How much Mrs Gupta wished that her son had not asked her this question!! As this lead her to further exasperation which was now turning in to fear ….. and she slowly turned towards the corner table ….. which had a huge scary black web of entangled cables of countless chargers and earplugs of ipods, phones, camera …. all entangled !




Now disentangling those thin and thick black cables …. the thought itself shuddered her ! She hated the very scene of cables , wires every where …. 'Even the names are like internet, website ! … I feel like running away from all this technology cluster' she thought.




Ayush read her face but he too was little hesitant to begin the job of unwinding the black web which was looking more complicated than his calculus problems!!




Suddenly Mrs Gupta said, 'Okay lets do it …. Go Ayush get that disgusting web.' Ayush too felt lighter and picked up the pile of black cables with countless small boxes and pin type structures hanging from the ends. Ayush threw the pile on the couch and both Mom and son started the mission.




After a few minutes, Mrs Gupta had a stiff neck ….. she held her neck, moved it right n left and said, 'It is getting hot, I will switch on the AC and she approached towards a white small box….. 'Thank God, at least AC remote is white in color …. no mistake this time.'… thought Mrs Gupta and smiled involuntarily …. and she realized even her face was stiff for last half an hour! She kept on bending to reach up to the remote while her son was still busy with the cables …. and suddenly an inner voice stopped Mrs Gupta, ' Wait !… Do not take that.'…..




Mrs Gupta stopped with a jerk and remained in that position with her eyes shut. Ayush looked up at his Mom and asked with an amazement , 'What is this Mom? Some new asana of your Yoga?'




'I am listening to my inner voice ….' said Mrs Gupta.




'What? ….Ma Are you okay?' …. Now Ayush found all these things weird. His Mom sitting on the couch with both the legs folded and bent forward with one arm stretched out, trying to reach the corner table!




'Ma, what is your inner voice telling you? …. Ayush tried to be normal and asked her.




'Oh it is just echoing what your Papa said yesterday in the evening '



'What…?' Ayush asked with a confused look.




' He said, 'Look I have bought this white phone with touch screen … it is little bigger because its screen is bigger!' …… Mrs Gupta slowly raised up her body and came back to sitting position.




She opened her eyes with a great relief and looked at her son with a sense of victory, 'Look I remembered and did not pickup that phone for the remote !! '




'Hmm ….it is so tiring …' she said …'It was so good in our time …. we had phones fixed at one place …. and preferred to visit people in person …. but then it is not all that bad …when you have two teen aged children …Isn’t it ? ' she asked her son lovingly. And said to herself, 'Only way to keep a tab on your activities. It is a bad bad world out there!'




'Yeah Mom….' Ayush smiled back.




'Mom…Mom … See, everything I wanted to know about French architecture for my presentation… I got it on the net.' her daughter entered the room with great excitement.




'Great!' Mrs Gupta joined her daughter in her excitement …. and told herself, ' Just for you I welcome this technology my dear children!'



















Posted in Fun Time.

1 comment

By swati phatak – August 30, 2009


Signing Off !

 

It has been more than a year,

Ever since I have landed here.


It was a beautiful journey with words and wisdom,

Met and read wonderful people in this forum.


Came here to say a final hello to all,

As it is time for me to just move on.


Thank you for your input along the journey,

All your words are precious to me.


Wishing You All The Best in Your Life,

Take care,


Signing Off,


Swati Phatak

Posted in GoodBYE.

13 comments

By swati phatak – February 5, 2009


Sanghrsh ab bhi jaari hai !

तारों और गगन को चूमा तूने, खुले आकाश को नापा तूने.
बनी तू वीरता कि परिभाषा, वर्दी को जब अपनाया तूने.
शब्दों के सुंदर सृजन से,कई पुरस्कारों को जीता तूने.
खेलकूद के मैदानों में कीर्तिमानों को बनाया तूने.

उठाकर खतरें, तूने पूरी दुनिया क़ी ख़बरों को पहुँचाया है.
उच्च पदों पर हो सुशोभित, अपना लोहा मनवाया है.
नही कोई क्षेत्र अब अछूता , पहुँची सभी जगह नारी है,
आँचल में दूध, आँखों में पानी, परिभाषा अब भी क्यों जारी है?

साधारण वर्ग क़ी साधारण नारी, संघर्ष उसका है अब भी जारी.
रोज़मर्रा के जीवन में ,निर्णय लेने क़ी अब उसकी बारी.
नित्य नई परिभाषा बनाती,उल्टे पुलटे रिवाज़ों को तोड़ती.
कभी टूटती, कभी लड़खड़ाती.पर चलने को फिर उठ खड़ी होती.

गाँवों में छोटें शहरों में क्या कभी आपने झाँका है ?
अक्सर नारी को शरीर से ज्यादा कभी किसी ने आंका है?
बड़े शहरों में भी अक्सर बात नही कोई निराली है,
सामाजिक सोंच के आगे कितना वो झुकने वाली है?

शिक्षा,बौद्धिकता के बल पर , जब लेती है वो निर्णय सही,
बेकार स्त्रीवादी बातें,कह खारिज कर देतें हैं सभी वहीं.
बात नहीं ये सिर्फ पुरुषो की, स्त्री भी उसमें शामिल है,
हर पल समझायें सभी को, यही उसकी मुश्किल है.

मित्रो नही ये खेल शब्दों का, कहने को कि नारी बेचारी है.
मजबूती से चल रही है, संघर्ष उसका जारी है.
बैर नही उसका पुरुषों से , क्या वो समझ ये पाएँ हैं?
सामाजिक नियम नही उसके पक्ष में, क्या वो ये सोच पायें हैं?

Disclaimer : This poem is NOT in the background of the recent Mangalore incident, but a reflection of the social standing of a woman .

Posted in Poetry.

3 comments

By swati phatak – February 4, 2009


ADIEU WINTERS ! ….. NOT SO SOON !

Is it time to say bye to winters already ? Unlike last year when winters had an extended stay till feb end, this year it seems it is in hurry to go back. As I can still see the sun light till 6pm ….. the number of sweaters and jackets that I would pile on my son are reducing !! ……… Though there would be a cold wave, I am sure, before we say ADIEU WINTERS !


Winters are beautiful, It offers us so many things that we never probably count. Of course it requires a lot of courage and determination to step out of the warm quilt in the early morning and get ready for the day’s job. And I think everybody will perform very good if there is a competition of quick bath !! But the picture of a cup of hot steaming ginger tea, floats before my eyes, and I derive my energy from there to kick start the day!


In thick winters, over here one feels the need of heating up everything before touching it. It is so very cold sometimes, I remember my hands going numb while typing in a write up in December or early January. And there would be always a heater on.


Once somebody sits at one place would not dare to move even an inch as the surrounding surface would be so cold. Driving car would be another maneuvering act in the thick foggy mornings, as visibility would be just from 5to 10 mtrs at times , and you get trained how to drive very very slow !!


Winters has short days, so people would like to be home before it is too dark and hence one gets to spend more time with the family. Bonfire get togethers, sipping coffee and chatting more frequently as compared to other days.


Outings are more comfortable, if no sun still no problem. And if sun is there , Most welcome ! Unlike summer when one can step out only around 7ish in the evening and soon there after it is time for markets to close down. Where as in winters, one can have more picnics and outings with family, friends and relatives . Any better way for bonding ?


FOOD !! How can I forget it? You can make the most of it…. either around you …..or internally strengthen yourself. Well, in order to keep the body warm we burn more and we feel more hungry and tend to eat more ! …… It is very very difficult to not eat.


How can we resist hot Gajar ka halwa, dry fruit laddus, chola bhatura ….. well the list is endless; you just need to venture out. Well , I have a mantra …..After braving winters for the whole week, treat yourself on weekends and just indulge in for your test buds! You deserve it !


Enjoy every season to fullest …..and bid it farewell with a broad smile !








Posted in Seasons.

1 comment

By swati phatak – February 3, 2009


Learning Salsa

Ageing is beautiful. As you grow old, I think you are able to enjoy life even more, as by then you are enriched with lots of experiences in life that gives you a capacity to be able look at life with certain flexibility …… that in the sense, what might have appeared a very big thing in your college days; but later, with more number of grays in your hair , you know that things will automatically fall in to place .Life would just move on.


And now when everybody is doing more and more things in life, even what they could not do when they were younger ….. there is no stopping , just for the age. In fact, you are more free, as you are already done with most of your responsibilities. Well, generally …. you have graduated, got a good job, got married, settled down, kids are on their way to higher education , or maybe you have got your kids married ! Old parents are being looked after, people look up to you for your guidance …… well, if not all at least few responsibilities you are done with.


In short your File out basket is fuller than File in !!


Now the general trend, unlike before is to enjoy all the aspects of life irrespective of the age ….. nothing is restricted , you are not overage for anything.


So that is the philosophy even I will follow, with every passing year, I thought and took first step by joining the Salsa dance class. And there was this young pretty girl barely 20 as our instructor. I was initially hesitant to see all the youngsters, though I know , people of my age group (whose children have out grown the shoe size of the parents!) learn salsa.


My inclination towards music, dance helped me to catch the steps faster. First day was tiring, I could not believe we kept on doing a couple of steps continuously for 2 hrs! Of course there was a water break. Felt so much light after all the stepping . Though it was funny to see self dancing in the mirrors on all the sides. Things are difficult for female dancers as, they have to wear high heels ! So much so for dancing ? But I went on and took the plunge. As high heels were not such a big problem. (Probably will know later ,when the back bone would give away !!!!)


I hope I am not heading for any disaster !


This dance learning session made me realize, what we have left behind, the quickness of the body!

Instructor’s count would get over and I would still be in the middle of the rotation, where as I should be facing the front mirror again after turning 360 degree ! Though in parties, we would be the first ones to hit the floor, but learning a systematic dance is something else, it is fun. No doubt !


The best part is that, you feel completely rejuvenated and fresh. Our instructor emphasize on smiling constantly and told us to clap for ourselves, once we were done with the step.


I am looking forward to complete my lessons, and praying that arthritis, slip disc remain just the words for me !!



Posted in Hobbies.

3 comments

By swati phatak – February 2, 2009


Hypocrisy hiding behind the culture ???

The recent PUB event at Manglore has left many reacting in their own way either in anger or in fear, specially where the event took place. Such events have been happening every now and then instigated by a group of hypocrites.


Who has given them right to talk about the culture and so called "protecting" Indian culture ? This is what is reflected everywhere.

If they are really worried about women, why don’t they catch those people who are involved in trafficking innocent girls in to the flesh business ?


Nobody is really bothered about anything except for money and power. This one also clearly appears to be the case of extortion and nothing else.


And now the CM of Rajasthan tells that he wont let the mall culture grow here in India. Your state might have the largest number of suppressed women . In spite of the education, there is no equality in society. People are not yet able to accept the woman as an individual with her own brain. All types of dos and don’t s have been imposed on women only.


It is ironical that it was Indra, who disguised as Gautam Rishi (husband of the beautiful Ahilya) and visited Ahilya, who could not obviously think in her weirdest dream that , this person is not her husband and could not fathom his ill intentions; and hence spent time with him. ….. and who suffers? When Indra does the wring things, why does Rama do "Uddhar" of Ahilya?


And this bunch of people seem to have stuck just in that chapter of Mythology, where women constantly paid the price of what they did not do, be it Seeta or Ahilya .



Actually, I would like to write more on this issue, but this is an issue which demands length and at this point of time I also want to mention other aspects of hypocrisy. But I will come back with the issue of woman’s status in Indian society.

—————————————————————————————————————



Keeping man woman fight aside, if we talk about weired thoughts of such people , you tend to think, how to explain. There has always been trend to blame western countries for anything that happens in our society. I would like to know if they are aware that there has been nothing new to Indian society, if we studied our past. There was an era in our ancient times when no job, rights were on the basis of the gender. Women were Pandits, Soldiers and governed a social status in their own right. Things did deteriorate later.


There are endless examples of hypocrisy of Indian politicians and rules imposed by them.


For instance declaring Gujrat as "The dry state" just because Gandhiji hailed from there? Gujarat is a place where liquor is smuggled heavily. People are minting money heavily. And every that leader, politician,policy maker is very well aware about it, probably must be getting share of it, must be celebrating over scotch and wine. And common people are anyway going to have it just across the state border.


People in the system are interested in ban not for the good moral values , but banning will allow flow of illicit liquor ,so everybody from top to bottom can mint money in boot legging of the liquor.


I am certainly not advocating that liquor consumption is a good idea. if you are a grown up individual and you can select the leader for your own country Don’t you have a right to lead your life the way you want? Every adult is mature enough to handle his/her own life.

Once an individual has attained a certain age, that is legally adult age, you can not stop him/her from leading the life he/she wants. Now his/her behaviour will be based on one’s own sensibilities, that comes by education,upbringing and values that have been imbibed in growing years.


Are we ready to stop liquor manufacturing companies? What about the revenue?Liquor barons are in politics too! So lets be realistic…

Similarly, banning smoking on screen/public places is really implementable? Is it going to reduce the number of smokers? Better educate people about the ills.


There is ban on the usage of Polythene in Delhi, but what is the use unless the manufacturing is stopped? It will be made and supplied feeding all the hurdles.


Education does not come by merely acquiring some degree. One has to have open and broad, logical and rational attitude towards life. These are the people who stop these youngsters celebrating Valentine’s day, which is spreading some smiles and happiness just because it did not originate from here. Strange!!


Let the good senses prevail.








Posted in CURRENT ISSUES.

5 comments

By swati phatak – February 1, 2009


Culture …..only for women ?????

Thank you all the readers for your comments and your views on this post.

Though this post was the result of keeying in thoughts in hurry without consolidation and compliling and hence could not convey the message well. Though few readers have been able to read in the same light that I wrote in.

Still, I have compiled the same thoughts and put it up again as I myself was not satisfied with the results.

The same article can be read, under the heading “Hypocrisy ….HIding behind the culture.”

I value the comment of each reader, and hence their views are intact on this post.

Posted in CURRENT ISSUES.

8 comments

By swati phatak – January 31, 2009


My Paintings

My Paintings In Black And White

Posted in Art Gallary.

7 comments

By swati phatak – January 24, 2009


Bachpan

कई दिनो से सोच रही थी, बचपन को मैं खोज रही थी .
निश्चल, खिलखिलाता बचपन, चिंताओ से परे वो बचपन.

वो मिट्टी के ढेर में घर बनाना, गीले हाथ फ्रॉक को पोंछना .
दादी से खूब कहानी सुनना, रजाइयों में लुका छिपी खेलना.

माँ कितनी अच्छी चीजें बनाती, डिब्बो में फिर इधर उधर छुपाती,
सोते बड़े जब आती दोपहर, पहुँच जाते तब हम रसोईघर .

डिब्बा मिलता, शोर मच जाता, मानो कोई किला हो जीता,
खो जाते फिर मीठे स्वाद में, मिल कर जीत की खुशी मनाते.

मूँछो वाले अंकल क़ा डर, बहुत सारे होमेवर्क क़ा डर,
छुट्टियों के बाद स्कूल जाने क़ा डर, दादाजी के गुस्से क़ा डर.

पहली बारिश में छत पर फुदकना, छींकते हुएं फिर नीचे आना .
गर्मियों में चढ़ कर पेड़ पर, लटक - लटक कर नीचे कूदना.

दौड़ कर गिरते, घुटने छीलते, रोते हुए घर को आते,
डेटॉल के फिर फाहे आते, माँ के आँसू समझ ना आतें.

बचपन को मैं याद कर रही थी, बड़ी क्यों हुई सोच रही थी.
ठन्न ….. ठन ….ठन…. आवाज़ आई अचानक कोई,
मानो जागी मैं सपनो से , उठ खड़ी और भागी रसोई …..

देखा तो डिब्बा और केक फर्श पर पड़ा था….
कुछ मुँह में कुछ हाथ में लिए मेरा बेटा खड़ा था .

हाथ और माथे पर, चिपके थे कुछ स्टीकर रंग बिरंगे….
बंधी बेल्ट थी कमर पे,खोस रखे थे जिसमे कुछ डंडे

किचन काऊंटर पर वो खड़ा था…..
क्यां मैं बोलूँगी, देख रहा था .
डाँटू ये मैं सोच रही थी…
पर होंठो पे मुस्कान, बरबस आ रही थी .

देख कर वो नीचे कूदा, मुझसे लिपट कर फिर वो बोला ….
मम्मा, मैं जासूस बना था …. केक छुपा था, उसे ढूंढ रहा था .

हँ स पड़ी मैं, संग उसके उसकी जीत माना रही थी ……
बचपन मेरे पास ही था जिसको इतना ढूंढ रही थी !!

Being a mother is the most beautiful thing in the world, this is for you, my dear son.

Posted in poem.

3 comments

By swati phatak – January 15, 2009


Flowers- From my garden -V

Mother and Baby

Posted in garden.

3 comments

By swati phatak – January 14, 2009