House hold helps way back then

There are two household hold helps when I was a kid in Allahabad that  I remember vividly.
The First was  Needle ayah. Yes a strange name indeed and if you can't guess its origin let me tell you - She was as skinny as a needle
 I was probably 5 or so but I knew a skinny person when I saw one . She was  only in her 60's ( I calculated that much later ) but  as  I was only  5 she looked 80 !
She was responsible for the sweeping , swabbing , tidying up , making the beds and washing the clothes as far as I remember . She also spent a lot of time talking to me and others in the house .
She never lived with us - I guess she lived somewhere close by as she arrived at the crack of dawn and was there till late in the evening .
I guess she was also good at pressing feet as that is one of the things I often saw her doing .
Then there was BOY the cook
I was about 12 when he first started working in the house .
Why he was called BOY I could never fathom because he was an old man - probably about 65 at the time - but for a 12 year old 65 is as good as 80 ! ( I was later informed that many male servants were called boy )
He wore a white turban , was clean shaven and very clean.
As we lived in the railway colony - this was way back in the 60's-  he occupied an out house - behind the house . He just had just one tin trunk - guess he was a poor man like most house hold helps in those days .
Boy was an early riser  like Needle Ayah. Often when I entered the kitchen early in the morning , the fire was already lit ( no gas back in those days ) , the tea was ready - often served in bed - and breakfast was on the way to the dining table .
I often sat on my haunches watching him light the fire - it was fascinating the way he placed the coal , struck the match - lit some paper and gently blew till it caught ....... soon it was ablaze .
BOY was one of those old faithful's . He worked for us for about 15 years or more and cooked some fantastic dishes .
Jhal Frezi , Vindaloo, ball curry and yellow rice, Irish stew ,  mulligatawny, cutlets, croquets and many more - he was a good cook .   He was also a chutney and salad expert and for every meal there was a salad or a chutney.
He also went shopping for provisions , was responsible for laying the table , serving the food and washing the dishes thereafter .
BOY was a story teller too and often when I was left at home he kept me busy with stories of animals , thieves and journeys - I guess most of the were made up on the spur of the moment but they sure amused me .
Now thinking back he was  probably actually older because his head shook when he talked and on a few occasions he saw me imitating him and looked annoyed !.
No clue when Needle Ayah and BOY stopped working with us  - When I reminisce - they just stopped coming  one day and I don't even know if I missed them .
Great days in Allahabad indeed.


 

House hold helps way back then

There are two household hold helps when I was a kid in Allahabad that  I remember vividly.
The First was  Needle ayah. Yes a strange name indeed and if you can't guess its origin let me tell you - She was as skinny as a needle
 I was probably 5 or so but I knew a skinny person when I saw one . She was  only in her 60's ( I calculated that much later ) but  as  I was only  5 she looked 80 !
She was responsible for the sweeping , swabbing , tidying up , making the beds and washing the clothes as far as I remember . She also spent a lot of time talking to me and others in the house .
She never lived with us - I guess she lived somewhere close by as she arrived at the crack of dawn and was there till late in the evening .
I guess she was also good at pressing feet as that is one of the things I often saw her doing .
Then there was BOY the cook
I was about 12 when he first started working in the house .
Why he was called BOY I could never fathom because he was an old man - probably about 65 at the time - but for a 12 year old 65 is as good as 80 ! ( I was later informed that many male servants were called boy )
He wore a white turban , was clean shaven and very clean.
As we lived in the railway colony - this was way back in the 60's-  he occupied an out house - behind the house . He just had just one tin trunk - guess he was a poor man like most house hold helps in those days .
Boy was an early riser  like Needle Ayah. Often when I entered the kitchen early in the morning , the fire was already lit ( no gas back in those days ) , the tea was ready - often served in bed - and breakfast was on the way to the dining table .
I often sat on my haunches watching him light the fire - it was fascinating the way he placed the coal , struck the match - lit some paper and gently blew till it caught ....... soon it was ablaze .
BOY was one of those old faithful's . He worked for us for about 15 years or more and cooked some fantastic dishes .
Jhal Frezi , Vindaloo, ball curry and yellow rice, Irish stew ,  mulligatawny, cutlets, croquets and many more - he was a good cook .   He was also a chutney and salad expert and for every meal there was a salad or a chutney.
He also went shopping for provisions , was responsible for laying the table , serving the food and washing the dishes thereafter .
BOY was a story teller too and often when I was left at home he kept me busy with stories of animals , thieves and journeys - I guess most of the were made up on the spur of the moment but they sure amused me .
Now thinking back he was  probably actually older because his head shook when he talked and on a few occasions he saw me imitating him and looked annoyed !.
No clue when Needle Ayah and BOY stopped working with us  - When I reminisce - they just stopped coming  one day and I don't even know if I missed them .
Great days in Allahabad indeed.


 

A strange dream

Some dreams set you thinking - you wish you could understand - to work out the" WHY "did I have that dream that was so very unexplainable .

I am at the entrance to a gate
Its wooden - its low - about 3 feet high
Its just a simple gate - nothing fancy - made of cross beams .
One could climb over or scramble through - so its more of a formality to have it there .
I feel I  am alone - but although I can see no one else - there are a few people close by .
Now to the scene - its surreal - its dead silent - its definitely not earthly .
As I stand the gate gently opens inwards - silently - not a creak - so common with old wooden gates .
I see a road - about 30 feet wide stretching before me .
Its strange as it seems to be hanging in mid air - yet I am not sure
There is nothing on either side of it
When I look towards it-  it seems never ending and straight . It goes on and on ............
No buildings, no ground, no trees, no sky ,nothing - just the road before me .
The road is visible and white - too white
Pure white  smooth pebbles line its surface - not shiny - just white
But there is a brightness - not blinding but there - that makes visibility strange .
I speak aloud- " I need my distance glasses-  I wont be able to drive "
Although there was no car and I was standing .............

A strange dream

Some dreams set you thinking - you wish you could understand - to work out the" WHY "did I have that dream that was so very unexplainable .

I am at the entrance to a gate
Its wooden - its low - about 3 feet high
Its just a simple gate - nothing fancy - made of cross beams .
One could climb over or scramble through - so its more of a formality to have it there .
I feel I  am alone - but although I can see no one else - there are a few people close by .
Now to the scene - its surreal - its dead silent - its definitely not earthly .
As I stand the gate gently opens inwards - silently - not a creak - so common with old wooden gates .
I see a road - about 30 feet wide stretching before me .
Its strange as it seems to be hanging in mid air - yet I am not sure
There is nothing on either side of it
When I look towards it-  it seems never ending and straight . It goes on and on ............
No buildings, no ground, no trees, no sky ,nothing - just the road before me .
The road is visible and white - too white
Pure white  smooth pebbles line its surface - not shiny - just white
But there is a brightness - not blinding but there - that makes visibility strange .
I speak aloud- " I need my distance glasses-  I wont be able to drive "
Although there was no car and I was standing .............

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 .