Much has changed in less than three decades, rues Ruchira, recapitulating the times when her generation was growing up. An exclusive for Different Truths.  

“The times they are a-changing…” Bob Dylan had crooned way back in the 1960s, during an age when the United States was in the throes of sweeping social changes. Nevertheless, the song’s theme and the lyrics are so powerfully humane and soul-stirring, that they are relevant to this day.

This song comes to my mind, while in the process of witnessing a paradigm shift in our country’s social and cultural ethos. Lest I be mistaken for a crone, who is cynical about the changes occurring all around, I would like to mention,  I am a  child of the ’60s, and therefore, still relatively young. The moot point here is the amazing transformation within a space of fewer than three decades.

Lest I be mistaken for a crone, who is cynical about the changes occurring all around, I would like to mention,  I am a  child of the ’60s, and therefore, still relatively young. The moot point here is the amazing transformation within a space of fewer than three decades.

Well, as a matter of fact, the changes had begun in the late 1990s with the advent of information technology, and cellular (aka mobile) phone in India. The icing on the cake was the introduction of free unlimited internet service for the general public or aam aadmi at the turn of the century. Thereafter, life took a 180-degree turn and things were never the same again.

For starts, extensive reading of voluminous books — be it for research, knowledge garnering or recreation– took a backseat. Who would take the trouble of flipping through so many pages when the same information would appear onscreen with the click of a mouse? It was a severe jolt to book lovers and avid readers, no doubt.

Next to be placed on the executioner’s block were letter-writing and calligraphy. Both used to be the hallmarks of many civilisations from ancient to medieval. Instead, what have we now? Letter writing, communicating and sending missives are performed online. Your communiqué reaches the recipient before you can say, Jack Robinson!

Next to be placed on the executioner’s block were letter-writing and calligraphy. Both used to be the hallmarks of many civilisations from ancient to medieval.

Instead, what have we now? Letter writing, communicating and sending missives are performed online. Your communiqué reaches the recipient before you can say, Jack Robinson! And voila! Before you blink, the reply pops up on your screen. At a time when  cut+paste or  copy+paste is the new mantra, calligraphy has made a quiet exit.

Multiple appliances, gadgets, and gizmos have rendered the lives of ordinary individuals luxurious and comfortable. Thanks to the internet and the innumerable apps you are able to entertain guests or even organise lavish parties, without stepping out of your front door. Likewise shopping for clothes, shoes, accessories, household goods and decorative items has become as easy as ABC. But these facilities come for a price of course. They usher in a bouquet of lifestyle ailments, lethargy, immobility, lack of fitness and what have you! Life was simpler in our times.

As kids, our parents and teachers taught us the basics about the sun, the moon, celestial bodies, natural and geographical features. Modern-day children and youth do not even lift a finger to garner this knowledge; why should they, when all information is merely a click away?

Unbridled access to information sans frontiers has led to a rapid erosion of what we Indians term as Sanskaar (table of values). By and large, Gen X and Y youth are worshipers of Bacchus and Mammon.

Unbridled access to information sans frontiers has led to a rapid erosion of what we Indians term as Sanskaar (table of values). By and large, Gen X and Y youth are worshipers of Bacchus and Mammon.

By way of entertainment, loud, blaring, vibrating music, gyrations, hips swaying foot tapping are pretty much in vogue. Few members of these age groups would turn to classical music and dance.

 The youth of today freely drink and smoke in the presence of elderly folks. This was unthinkable for members of the 30’s – 50’s decades.

Here let me make a candid confession: barring a handful, I am sceptical about today’s youngsters. They are downright rude, pesky and insolent. Most of them seem to wear an odious tag of  “I know a lot; don’t mess around with me.”

Here let me make a candid confession: barring a handful, I am sceptical about today’s youngsters. They are downright rude, pesky and insolent. Most of them seem to wear an odious tag of  “I know a lot; don’t mess around with me.”  The older generations had better stay away, for they need neither your advice nor affectionate blessings.

In terms of socialising and interpersonal relationships too, changes are perceptible. Family get-togethers during ceremonies, festivities, meetings friends, and loved ones, bouts of pranama  (touching of feet to seek blessings),  robust hugs  (kolakuli for Bongs) rounding off with feasting sweets and savouries are passé. Thank your stars if your NRI children or outstations relatives call up to wish you during or after festivities.

Greeting cards too are fast getting obsolete; their space is being grabbed by the likes of e-mail, messenger, and WhatsApp among many.  On top of it all millions and billions of emojis help to make your greetings more powerful and effective!

Photo from the Internet