Then And Now...

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I am a bit different. Unlike others I enjoy commercial breaks. No, I don’t run an errand during the break. I actually look forward to those TVCs that pack a lot of substance and make you ponder. Like this commercial by Birla SunLife Mutual Fund -


One one hand it is funny and on the other, you thank all the good changes that have happened over the years. No more wait to connect for a long distance trunk call, no burden to remember those important dates and no more waiting in long queues to deposit utility bills. Life has become easier. There were times I had a diary in which I wrote all birthdays, anniversaries and other important dates. And, I had another diary for addresses and telephone numbers. As a middle school girl, it was quite a task to update both the diaries and keep them in one place one.

One day my thoughtful father gave me a big one where I could store all the information. Those old world things, I tell ya. They sound so dated. Well, there is surely a charm with all those things, but who has the time to turn pages after pages to search a name, when all that can be done with a click of a button. Definitely, a lot easier and efficient - daily birthday reminders on Facebook is my personal favorite. I am bad with numbers; and birthday reminders on Facebook and Google is a blessing for me. Once I forgot my friend’s birthday and it took many apologies and a big gift to pacify her. Thankfully, this doesn’t happen anymore.

Not only reminders, but connecting with friends, family and relatives is easy-peasy. When I was a kid, my mother used to book ‘trunk calls’ to my father. Unlike today, it used to take a lot of time to reach anyone over the phone. Then came STD calls, it becomes easy, but it burnt a hole in pocket. And now, one can be in touch with their loved ones anytime, even if they live continents away. Parents know the well being of their children and you can wish someone over the phone, post a status on Facebook or send an ecard on whatsapp. My father joined whatsapp a couple of months back and he is making the best use of it. Last week when my parents fought, my dad sent me a whatsapp message to asking for my help for their patch-up. It was the sweetest thing I’ve ever read. I instantly shared it with brother and it made a perfect family memory. I am sure we would share this ‘whatsapp episode’ with our grandchildren. Seriously, this is a boon of technology! Things have changed for better - we are in touch with everyone.

Birthday wishes from Alok’s family five years back. It took a year before I got to read it -

And on last birthday, instant notification and gratitude -

Happy Birthday Bhabhi....lots n lots of good wishes n Good luck from all of us :)
Stay Blessed
Posted by Rashmi Singhal on Thursday, December 4, 2014

Use the best ways of reaching, connecting and investing - embrace the good changes of modern times. Check #JanoTohMano to know more.

And, cheers to simpler and faster times!

Comments

  1. VinithaNovember 23, 2015 at 12:14 PM

    I love that we can stay connected regardless of the distance. And WhatsApp when used well is a true companion. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousNovember 23, 2015 at 1:41 PM

    Technology does make life easier!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Writefully YoursNovember 23, 2015 at 3:20 PM

    A very relatable post for everyone staying away. But this reminds me of a sher I read a few days ago -
    कभी हो मुखातिब तो कहूँ क्या मर्ज़ है मेरा,
    अब तुम ख़त में पूछोगे तो खैरियत ही कहेंगे !!

    There's connectivity but is there closeness ? I keep asking myself that and haven't got an answer yet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalNovember 23, 2015 at 4:24 PM

      Kya khoob likha hai! Who wrote it?

      Prateek, I think closeness depends upon you. People live together, still don't connect. And some live far away and they feel more close and real. Closeness is more to do with feelings. What say?

      Delete
    2. Writefully YoursNovember 23, 2015 at 9:23 PM

      I don't know who wrote it. Read it on Bakaradda. It's a good page on fb for Hindi.

      I get the idea of feelings but I would like to compare this with an analogy of photographs. You know how we always smile in photographs and capture only the perfect and beautiful moments. This "remote" closeness is akin to that.

      Of course, really close family and friends stay as is.

      Delete
    3. Saru SinghalNovember 24, 2015 at 9:13 AM

      Makes sense. Never thought this way before. Yes, family and close friends don't fall in this discussion bracket.

      Delete
  4. Vishal BheerooNovember 23, 2015 at 3:23 PM

    I am not bored of ads and love them loads. Our life has eased out with social media and tech, despite the hiccups. What a pleasure to see a hand written letter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalNovember 23, 2015 at 4:28 PM

      So true, despite of hiccups, it's a blessing. :)
      Yes, this handwritten message is awesome. Plus, it came with a diary and a pen. Perfect gift for me.

      Delete
  5. Rahul BhatiaNovember 23, 2015 at 10:14 PM

    Things have changed for better with times though the nostalgia of old goodies does haunt once in a while:)

    ReplyDelete
  6. RachnaNovember 24, 2015 at 1:46 AM

    Yes, totally agree. Technology has made things easier. Of course, the onus is on us to ensure that we don't let the time on gadgets take away from face to face interactions.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalNovember 24, 2015 at 9:19 AM

      True that. We need to understand that we call it 'virtual' for a reason.

      Delete
  7. Dr. Priyanka Shanbhag ShroffNovember 24, 2015 at 11:15 AM

    Probably a healthy mix of both!

    ReplyDelete
  8. RakeshNovember 24, 2015 at 11:18 AM

    Nostalgia Street!

    So very true, Saru! Even I used to start a diary every year in June and promised myself to update it with contact numbers and birthdays of each of my friends. A resolution, which always petered out by August. :D

    A lovely post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalNovember 24, 2015 at 11:20 AM

      LOL! I make lists, all kinds of lists. I have a list of lists. I am crazy that ways. :D

      Delete
  9. Anjali SengarNovember 24, 2015 at 10:53 PM

    Me too love to enjoy commercial.. Especially senty wale ;)

    Beautiful post Saru :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. ManiparnaNovember 25, 2015 at 3:36 PM

    I love watching ads! And yes, technology when used for good purpose, can be of great help... :-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. EshaDecember 1, 2015 at 1:39 AM

    Nice post, Saru! Can relate to the ease that those gadgets have brought into our lives although, for nostalgia's sake, I should say, there's nothing like old letters and diaries that bring back a slice of the old times back even today :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalDecember 1, 2015 at 4:30 PM

      That is so true, Esha. I love things which take us back to good old days. I have my treasures - watch, cards, letters and old t-shirts.

      Delete
  12. AseemDecember 26, 2015 at 4:26 PM

    Though technology has reduced the distances as people can easily stay in touch, it has also taken people further and further away. Quite ironical, ain't it? Moving away from talking or meeting each other, people are actually preferring to spend all the time on technology of any and every kind. We are slowly moving to a highly unsocial world.

    ReplyDelete
  13. UnknownJanuary 9, 2016 at 11:27 AM

    While technology is great, I still love the charming "old world" stuff, like the telephone/address/bday diary you mentioned. I still have mine!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalJanuary 9, 2016 at 11:31 AM

      Even I have my old diaries. Old world charm never fades.

      Delete

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