TRAIN JOURNEYS IN THE 60's

Train journeys in the 60's were fun . Rather than write an essay , here is a brief summary point wise.
Its the summer vacation............................


You planned the journey for a month or more
You packed in tin trunks and you had to carry a HOLDALL ( for the blankets/ sheets/ pillows etc )
For the uninitiated it was made of thick water proof material and had straps- you put all the stuff in - including shoes in the corners and then you rolled it up and tightened the straps .
Taking a SARAI along was a must ( for water ) If you don't know what a SARAI is - find out .
You cycled to the station in the morning to find out if the train was on time - at times you made 2 or 3 trips to make sure . More often than not the information counter attendants were not sure either .
You went to the station in rickshaws . Most trains left in the evening or night
As soon as the rickshaws approached the station , the coolies came running towards you .
Before you could say a word they had your luggage off  and on the ground.
Then began the haggling - they quoted Rs 40  for all the luggage ( 2 trunks / a large holdall and a few bags + a suitcase or two .
They were offered Rs 20 and finally the deal was struck for Rs 25 with a a promise that if they got you intoo the train safely you would give them a baksheesh of Rs 2 or 5 !.
You climbed over the bridge - one person walked with the coolie in front and one with the coolie at the back lest they made off with the luggage .
A place was found to put the luggage down - then the colie vanished with a promise to return .
Then there were the flies , the beggars , the ants , the trickling water , people banging into you , loafers staring at the girls /  snide remarks , men selling all sorts of toys , more beggars etc etc etc .
You pay  attention to the announcements and hope to hear the name of your train being mentioned .
Sometimes the train was cancelled .
At times you had to change platforms at the last minute and then there was  a mad rush over the bridge - somehow the faithful coolie returned and demanded more money for the extra trip - no option but to promise 10 rupees more . More haggling ensued - now you were at his mercy and if you sent him away you were left to carry the luggage yourself as no other coolie would touch it - so strong was their bonding .
Lets cut to the chase
You see people leaning over the platform to look to one side - you go forward to look as well- the train is rolling in. You hear the whistle and see the smoke .........
You breath a sigh of relief- it is over 2 hours late but better late than never .
You rush into the compartment  and the collie gets your luggage in - its a free for all although its a reserved compartment - 2nd class in those days .
There are 60 berths and about 80  or more people - not counting children - you wonder  how and where they will all fit in .
They all do- all over - on berths, on the floor between berths , two on a berth, near the toilet , in the toilet - anywhere and everywhere .
People make friends fast - the bonding is to keep strangers out ! Those in early are friends - those coming in later are the strangers and are shooed away .
No sign of any ticket checker so its survival of the fittest .
The train chugs out of the platform and you wave to those who have come to see you off .
You promise to write a letter when you reach ! Or send a telegram.
You open your Holdall - you make your beds - you chain your trunks and suitcases together and then to the berth - you spread out and get ready to eat .
You lay out news paper and take the tiffins out - puris / potato cutlets/ vegetable/ dry meat / mango pickle - something sweet after dinner . Its sure a hearty meal .
You get onto your berth - spin the fan into action with a comb if it refuses to start .
Your on your way .
The holidays have begun

TRAIN JOURNEYS IN THE 60's

Train journeys in the 60's were fun . Rather than write an essay , here is a brief summary point wise.
Its the summer vacation............................


You planned the journey for a month or more
You packed in tin trunks and you had to carry a HOLDALL ( for the blankets/ sheets/ pillows etc )
For the uninitiated it was made of thick water proof material and had straps- you put all the stuff in - including shoes in the corners and then you rolled it up and tightened the straps .
Taking a SARAI along was a must ( for water ) If you don't know what a SARAI is - find out .
You cycled to the station in the morning to find out if the train was on time - at times you made 2 or 3 trips to make sure . More often than not the information counter attendants were not sure either .
You went to the station in rickshaws . Most trains left in the evening or night
As soon as the rickshaws approached the station , the coolies came running towards you .
Before you could say a word they had your luggage off  and on the ground.
Then began the haggling - they quoted Rs 40  for all the luggage ( 2 trunks / a large holdall and a few bags + a suitcase or two .
They were offered Rs 20 and finally the deal was struck for Rs 25 with a a promise that if they got you intoo the train safely you would give them a baksheesh of Rs 2 or 5 !.
You climbed over the bridge - one person walked with the coolie in front and one with the coolie at the back lest they made off with the luggage .
A place was found to put the luggage down - then the colie vanished with a promise to return .
Then there were the flies , the beggars , the ants , the trickling water , people banging into you , loafers staring at the girls /  snide remarks , men selling all sorts of toys , more beggars etc etc etc .
You pay  attention to the announcements and hope to hear the name of your train being mentioned .
Sometimes the train was cancelled .
At times you had to change platforms at the last minute and then there was  a mad rush over the bridge - somehow the faithful coolie returned and demanded more money for the extra trip - no option but to promise 10 rupees more . More haggling ensued - now you were at his mercy and if you sent him away you were left to carry the luggage yourself as no other coolie would touch it - so strong was their bonding .
Lets cut to the chase
You see people leaning over the platform to look to one side - you go forward to look as well- the train is rolling in. You hear the whistle and see the smoke .........
You breath a sigh of relief- it is over 2 hours late but better late than never .
You rush into the compartment  and the collie gets your luggage in - its a free for all although its a reserved compartment - 2nd class in those days .
There are 60 berths and about 80  or more people - not counting children - you wonder  how and where they will all fit in .
They all do- all over - on berths, on the floor between berths , two on a berth, near the toilet , in the toilet - anywhere and everywhere .
People make friends fast - the bonding is to keep strangers out ! Those in early are friends - those coming in later are the strangers and are shooed away .
No sign of any ticket checker so its survival of the fittest .
The train chugs out of the platform and you wave to those who have come to see you off .
You promise to write a letter when you reach ! Or send a telegram.
You open your Holdall - you make your beds - you chain your trunks and suitcases together and then to the berth - you spread out and get ready to eat .
You lay out news paper and take the tiffins out - puris / potato cutlets/ vegetable/ dry meat / mango pickle - something sweet after dinner . Its sure a hearty meal .
You get onto your berth - spin the fan into action with a comb if it refuses to start .
Your on your way .
The holidays have begun

An open letter to Mr Modi

Greetings Mr Modi

We have never met and never will ( although it would be an honour ) . Nevertheless I am writing you this letter – who knows – you may see it somehow, some place , sometime ……………

Did not have the opportunity to see you taking the oath of office but sat and saw the news all evening .

Was I impressed? – do I know a lot about you?

Am I into politics? Do I have a faourite   politician ?

The answer to all the above is a NO Sir.

Then why  am I   sitting down to write you a letter you will never see ? I don’t know!

It’s just a feeling after seeing  re- runs of the ceremony

Somehow you fill me with confidence like you do to millions of other Indians .

There is something about you which says- “Give me a chance to prove myself” .

There is something which says – “The best is yet to come “

So Sir what do we ask of you.

A good administration to begin with. We hope you fill you cabinet with Ministers who will serve the people and not start serving themselves.

You have begun well by restricting the age limit to 75 years and keeping out the kids of Ministers.

As Indians our wants are simple – clean drinking water, hospitals, better roads, safety for all, and freedom to all religions.

There are millions of Indians who are starving and millions of children who can’t afford a basic education – do look into their cause. The poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer – every government before you has known this fact but done precious little about it .

The economy is in a pathetic state, the rivers are polluted and housing for the poor needs your immediate attention.

What about India being knows as a safe country?  A safe society is not only a must it is a basic right. Today it is sad to see rapes and molestations on the rise – women and girls of all ages have faced traumatic experiences – even babies have not been spared. Strangely the administration has failed to control this madness. Will you do something about it Sir?

What about the police – they need to be protectors of the people.  Today people are scared to report a crime lest they end up on the wrong side of the law .

Look at our courts – cases drag on for decades without any sight of closure. Generations pass on and cases remain unsolved. People languish in jails for years – their cases often forgotten about. It is a well-known fact that in any government in India money talks – pay a bribe and one can have anything done – everyone has a price – if you can afford it – well pay and get your job done, your papers passed, your gas cylinder issued, your case decided in your favour , your telephone or electricity bill adjusted or …………. Well just about anything …………………. It’s both disgusting and a shame.

Mr Modi Sir – the minorities are apprehensive – do allay their fears and prove to them that they are unfounded. The youth are concerned – please show them that they need not worry.

What about the Railways and air travel – can we hope for a light at the end of the tunnel?

That brings me to lights and electricity – in almost all states and union territories there are power cuts for hours – we sincerely hope this condition improves.

You’re a busy man and you’re going to be even busier in the months ahead but Sir the mantle is now on your shoulders and you have already proved that you can wield a whip when you have to.

Sincerely hope that the Ministers in your cabinet know that you mean business when you have told them to attend to their duties sincerely and above all to wake earl and be on time when Parliament is in session.

I could go on Sir but as I said you’re a busy man !

Thousands may write to you and even if you get one of our letters you will get the message Sir – a message that we Indians are now looking up to you to lead us into the light – the light of freedom and prosperity .

We know that it will take time – that it will be difficult and that it will cost money – but we are going to hope and pray that you succeeded

.

We are all now waiting with baited breath – the rest is up to you .

An open letter to Mr Modi

Greetings Mr Modi

We have never met and never will ( although it would be an honour ) . Nevertheless I am writing you this letter – who knows – you may see it somehow, some place , sometime ……………

Did not have the opportunity to see you taking the oath of office but sat and saw the news all evening .

Was I impressed? – do I know a lot about you?

Am I into politics? Do I have a faourite   politician ?

The answer to all the above is a NO Sir.

Then why  am I   sitting down to write you a letter you will never see ? I don’t know!

It’s just a feeling after seeing  re- runs of the ceremony

Somehow you fill me with confidence like you do to millions of other Indians .

There is something about you which says- “Give me a chance to prove myself” .

There is something which says – “The best is yet to come “

So Sir what do we ask of you.

A good administration to begin with. We hope you fill you cabinet with Ministers who will serve the people and not start serving themselves.

You have begun well by restricting the age limit to 75 years and keeping out the kids of Ministers.

As Indians our wants are simple – clean drinking water, hospitals, better roads, safety for all, and freedom to all religions.

There are millions of Indians who are starving and millions of children who can’t afford a basic education – do look into their cause. The poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer – every government before you has known this fact but done precious little about it .

The economy is in a pathetic state, the rivers are polluted and housing for the poor needs your immediate attention.

What about India being knows as a safe country?  A safe society is not only a must it is a basic right. Today it is sad to see rapes and molestations on the rise – women and girls of all ages have faced traumatic experiences – even babies have not been spared. Strangely the administration has failed to control this madness. Will you do something about it Sir?

What about the police – they need to be protectors of the people.  Today people are scared to report a crime lest they end up on the wrong side of the law .

Look at our courts – cases drag on for decades without any sight of closure. Generations pass on and cases remain unsolved. People languish in jails for years – their cases often forgotten about. It is a well-known fact that in any government in India money talks – pay a bribe and one can have anything done – everyone has a price – if you can afford it – well pay and get your job done, your papers passed, your gas cylinder issued, your case decided in your favour , your telephone or electricity bill adjusted or …………. Well just about anything …………………. It’s both disgusting and a shame.

Mr Modi Sir – the minorities are apprehensive – do allay their fears and prove to them that they are unfounded. The youth are concerned – please show them that they need not worry.

What about the Railways and air travel – can we hope for a light at the end of the tunnel?

That brings me to lights and electricity – in almost all states and union territories there are power cuts for hours – we sincerely hope this condition improves.

You’re a busy man and you’re going to be even busier in the months ahead but Sir the mantle is now on your shoulders and you have already proved that you can wield a whip when you have to.

Sincerely hope that the Ministers in your cabinet know that you mean business when you have told them to attend to their duties sincerely and above all to wake earl and be on time when Parliament is in session.

I could go on Sir but as I said you’re a busy man !

Thousands may write to you and even if you get one of our letters you will get the message Sir – a message that we Indians are now looking up to you to lead us into the light – the light of freedom and prosperity .

We know that it will take time – that it will be difficult and that it will cost money – but we are going to hope and pray that you succeeded

.

We are all now waiting with baited breath – the rest is up to you .

Modi and the new goverment

A new election - a new government - a majority for once after ages. Give it a chance ?? Yes we must as it is born from the votes of the people . Personally and with all due respects I state that there was no worthy opposition so its sort of - AMONG THE BLIND THE ONE EYED IS KING - scenario.
The congress had its time and it let the country down badly . Possibly because of the Gandhi fixation . Rahul is certainly not ready - not too sure if he ever will be . Its just like a school - father and mother are doctors so they are so sure their son must be a doctor too - even though the poor boy faints at the sight of blood ! Priyanka is not just interested - I presume her intelligence tells her that's its too dangerous a job - even with the Z + security . Sonia - has no chance of leading the country and has always steered from the back .
Then there is the AAP - a rather motley bunch of individuals who proved that being anti establishment is not enough to get into main stream politics and stay there  . They had a chance to rule Delhi and make a mark- 24 days is all they could manage before they bowed out on a whim . That leaves us with the BJP and the Modi wave which swept the country . Crores have definitely been spent - rules have been broken but they have come to power .
If they are wise they wont crack the whip too soon - at least not for the first 2 years at least. If they attempt to stifle one and all and expect everyone to toe the line they will be up against a revolt and the same people that have voted them in will pull them down . People are expecting a change for the better . If the Government does not give them that well then lets see ........ We can all hope and pray- especially the minorities and the youth who have , in the past been targeted. I am sure better sense will prevail

Modi and the new goverment

A new election - a new government - a majority for once after ages. Give it a chance ?? Yes we must as it is born from the votes of the people . Personally and with all due respects I state that there was no worthy opposition so its sort of - AMONG THE BLIND THE ONE EYED IS KING - scenario.
The congress had its time and it let the country down badly . Possibly because of the Gandhi fixation . Rahul is certainly not ready - not too sure if he ever will be . Its just like a school - father and mother are doctors so they are so sure their son must be a doctor too - even though the poor boy faints at the sight of blood ! Priyanka is not just interested - I presume her intelligence tells her that's its too dangerous a job - even with the Z + security . Sonia - has no chance of leading the country and has always steered from the back .
Then there is the AAP - a rather motley bunch of individuals who proved that being anti establishment is not enough to get into main stream politics and stay there  . They had a chance to rule Delhi and make a mark- 24 days is all they could manage before they bowed out on a whim . That leaves us with the BJP and the Modi wave which swept the country . Crores have definitely been spent - rules have been broken but they have come to power .
If they are wise they wont crack the whip too soon - at least not for the first 2 years at least. If they attempt to stifle one and all and expect everyone to toe the line they will be up against a revolt and the same people that have voted them in will pull them down . People are expecting a change for the better . If the Government does not give them that well then lets see ........ We can all hope and pray- especially the minorities and the youth who have , in the past been targeted. I am sure better sense will prevail

ABout 25 odd years ago............................................

Have been meaning to write this for some years now but always wondered if I would ever find closure to this topic .
Lets come right to the point .
Had been in Bishops since 2001 and had taught hundreds of boys - NO PROBLEM.
And then suddenly one night probably in the late 80's - early  90's  ( Not sure now ) it happened .
At about midnight we heard motorcycles on the race course road adjoining Bishops .
 About 3 or 4 and a car too came speeding down the road = probably from the Khaun Rd side .
There were a few boys and they shouted and abused and drove away.( usually 3 or 4 boys )
This happened for a few weeks - I would get up and look down - could not make out who there were - Cowards obviously !
A few school peons and myself waited near the gate for a few days thereafter  but they never showed up.
A few weeks later there they were again- the usual time was between midnight and 2 am - owls indeed.
Then started the stones and half bricks being hurled at my window and the dormitory- the bricks and stones reached halfway and smashed panes in the Biology lab below my house . The abuse got worse- and yes it was directed to me and the school and Mr Roberts .
It was in English , Hindi and probably Marathi as well - could not make out details but it was pure venom.
It carried on during the summer vacation and on one occasion I happened to be awake and thought I recognized a boy ................... it was a hunch and I was never sure .
What I was definite about was that they came down Khaun road - in a fiat !
They or one of them lived there .............................
The matter was reported to the police as well .
One night a car was caught doing tricks on the road ------------- it was not them !
The news got out that the cops and a number of us were waiting for them night after night and that did the trick..............
And then it stopped - no bikes and no cars ever came again. Or if they did they did not make their presence felt .
It had been a painful experience - very disturbing , extremely annoying and oh so rude and vulgar.
They were Bishopites and that I was sure about . What type of Bishopites ? The worst .
It happened just after the board exams - April-  May . Obviously relief and euphoria had taken over and so they had time on their hands and mischief on their brains - if they had any !
The culprits would be about 40 years old by now - maybe on my Facebook as well.
Are you reading this and wondering why you did it?
Do you feel guilty ?
Do you know that if your half  brick had reached my window it would have smashed the pane and probably injured me and the family .
Did it make you feel good  at that time?
What frustration made you do it ?
Did someone set you up ?
I am quite sure I know who you are .
Would love to hear from you .................... are you man enough to come forward and make peace ?
That is the question .
( If anyone else has any clue I would be happy to hear from you ?
Boarders of that year will recollect this story and be in a position to verify the contents .
Cheers and no hard feelings guys
Boys will be boys I guess ...........