When the going gets tough, the tough get going….

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…