My neighbor Meena aunty has her own theory when it comes to
the topic of inflation and how it is affecting us, the common man/aam
admi/mango people ( I rather liked Robert Vadra’s usage). She is all praises for the govt and its
policy of raising prices left, right, and center.
As per her logic, the main reason for India’s low- economic development
statistics is sluggishness. People are so very lazy and lethargic and the main
reason she attributes to this habit is over indulgence in food. “Observe people
eating and you will know what I mean. Most people don’t eat; they attack their
food vehemently, trying to get in as much as possible, slowing down only when
they find it difficult to breathe”.
According to her, a land of obese and overweight people incapable of
performing even their day to day affairs normally will result only in negative
growth of the country. She is all praise for the present government who has
been kind enough to implement courageous reforms that will ultimately help benefit
us greatly…
Look at what Meena aunty has to say: “Unsubsidized LPG
cylinders that we have to depend on atleast half a year is priced way beyond
the common man’s reach. One needs to think thrice before embarking on the Sunday
dum biryani and chicken 65 , with the housewife automatically calculating the
amount of gas consumed in the preparation of every meal. And woe on any guest who
decides to pop in”. (I guess the Indian govt rethink on its tourism caption ‘athithi
devo bhava’. )
I am curious. “Aunty, so what if there is a cap on LPG subsidy?
Aren’t there other means? Can’t one make use of the versatile induction cookers
or microwaves? After all, lots of households have one”.
“Sure dear”,
retaliates Meena aunty. “But then how do you pay the huge shocker of an electricity
bill that accompanies their usage? If you dare exceed the 200 units per-month
slab, you will be bearing the brunt by paying through your nose for the extra
units consumed. So where does that leave the family budget”?
Hmm… True. My mind started working overtime. “ Meena aunty, I
guess people are going to go back to cooking food over a wood fire or kerosene stove.
Pat came her reply,“My dear, people may suggest going back to good old firewood
to keep the home fires burning. Fair enough if you live in a rural area or have
an independent house with a lot of trees generating deadwood and fallen leaves,
not to mention enough helpers. But stoking wood fires in small apartments is
not exactly safe or viable and moreover I doubt if apartment complexes permit
it. Wood fires do not exactly complement the décor factor as they leave their
trail by means of thick smoke and grease deposits on interior and exterior
walls. Have you forgotten the dark and smoky kitchens of yesteryears? By the
way, don’t ever imagine cutting trees for firewood as you are certain to be
hauled up by the forest dept for causing eco damage”.
“Thinking of kerosene stoves? Do you suppose the meager ½ litre
quota (for lucky ones) of this precious blue-hued fuel available through public
distribution services will suffice for even a day? What if it gives
not-so-desirable ideas to unscrupulous in-law’s of young brides? Nope. Cross that
out of your list. It is definitely not a brainy idea, my dear”.
I give up. I am left with a totally hazy look in my eyes.”
Meena aunty, just what are you trying to prove? (by this time, the twinkle in
her eyes told me she had something to convey). “Listen dear; we Indians are renowned
for our ways of tolerance and resourcefulness. We tolerate atrocities,
corruption, starvation, assault on freedom, crowds, persecution, murders, dog
bites, ant stings, and a whole lot of things. To put it briefly, ‘when the
going gets tough, the tough get going’. So tough Indians that we are, we simply
alter our food habits!”
“Right from the practice of a daily cuppa at 6:30 in the
morning, to breakfasting on ghee roasts, idly-vadas, lunch comprising of a sumptuous
fare complete with a sweet dish, tea time snacks, and tantalizing fare for
dinner, things will change. The policy
of the govt will force people to go the healthier way and salads, bread,
cornflakes, and other foods which require minimum or no cooking (saves time
too, dear) will be the order of the day”.
“So the net result? Healthier Indians who would have got rid
of their obesity (low oil/fat/sugar/salt diet with plenty of liquids (water)
which may suit our digestive system perfectly). Add to it the fact that you may
have to walk more instead of driving (fuel price, ofcourse!) will provide
enough cardio exercise to keep you fit. Include weights and stretches or squats
as much as you want and you have a nation which comprises of fit and healthy
people. Moreover, with fewer hours spent in the kitchen, work time will become
more productive and hence people can deliver better results. People are
healthier, and the nation too prospers… “
Howzzzat! I must say I was totally floored hearing Meena
aunty’s logic. All I could add to it was that perhaps, given the circumstances,
in about a couple of decades, we may soon witness a food museum where most of
our present day delicacies would be put up on display under tight surveillance
and students would be taken for visits
there to enlighten them about a food culture of a bygone era…
