India then and now
(This in no way pertains to any one family but is generalised to depict India)
We were mosty walking to school
Now school bus picks up children as a rule
We were graduating only from college
Now children graduate in school as a privilege.
Father worked in office to earn
Cooking at home was Ma's concern
Now both parents earn separately
But they do work from home currently.
Father would go by his scooter
He was saving money for future
Now parents buy home taking loan
Their income mainly serve loan alone.
We went to market to buy vegetables
We went to stores to buy groceries
Now they order online to get delivered
To store in fridge to use as required.
Family rarely went on a holiday
We travelled by bus or train only
Now both parents have their own cars
They also fly to different destinations.
We played on the vacant site
Be it badminton or cricket
Now the complex has all facilities
But no time to play for long periods.
We had one exam at end of session
We studied with due attention
Now children have exams all along
To prepare for CET IIT IIM headlong.
We stood in queue to watch movies
We enjoyed festival music shows
Now everything is available on TV
Can sit at home and watch freely.
We got a wired phone allotted
We could dial another phone listed
Now they have a smartphone in hand
Can talk message view on demand.
Maid was doing all the cleaning
She rarely absented without telling
Now maid has scooter for commuting
She calls on her cell if not coming.
Daily clothes once washed and dried
We would iron them to be reused
Now they wash clothes in machine
Press walah charges to iron clean.
We would put kitchen waste to cows
No question of waste plastics
Now garbage is classified wet dry
That's collected for disposal daily.
Though there are many conveniences
Life is easier faster with gadgets
But somehow past life felt better
Because memories make it sweeter.