#indianwayoflife

[abhijitbansod]

"सर, कुछ चाय पानी के लिए?" I heard this term often in my childhood when a water or electricity department technician visited my home to resolve some snag or from a peon in govt office when he moved your file from one table to another. I used to find it funny that the guy was asking for chai and pani. Later, I got to know the real meaning of chai pani. The term can mean many things, from bribery in business or government or paying a little extra to get things done. Unlike bribery (रिश्वत) which requires transaction before action, chai pani is a small tip (बक्शीश) which usually expected post delivery. In India, every household saves dutifully towards food, festivals and films – plus one extra expense – chai pani. On rainy days, along with pakoras, we cook up just a little 'sum'thing, a little snack to fill the big bellies of the neta, the babu, and the police, so we don't get chewed up and spat out. Worse still, swallowed whole! Chai Paani bank helps us digest this ever-hungry three-headed monster of Indian corruption so that we stop passing the buck under the table. The illustrations on the ceramic bank tickle the funny bone and jiggle some of those skeletons in the cabinet. But one day, we'll coin a new habit when we break the bank. And then we'll break some heads, too! Anna Hazare's Lokpal bill movement in 2011 inspired me to create a satirical take on corruption in our life. As a product designer, I often create commercial value for a brand or business or create elegant aspirational experiences with convenience for users. Reflecting on social challenges by creating a product that can provoke and communicate messages with possible social behaviour change was new for me. When we presented Chaipani Bank to Shri Anna Hazare, he loved the product and story. He said," Thank you for bringing a smile to our face in an otherwise very intense phase". I See Desi. I See Design. Do share your Chai Pani moment! #iseedesi #iseedesign #chaipani #indianwayoflife #socialimpact #design #productdesign #india #indiandesigner https://www.instagram.com/p/CkVM2JdS6Vs/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[priyastandon]

From 90 Kilograms to just 3

To Cremate or to Bury?

COVID has changed the way people think, dress, eat, talk and even behave. The world over, humans are talking about how human-kind has been unkind and inhuman to nature. Nature has been abused, dirtied, its resources wasted, plundered for mere greed and choked till it could not even breathe. Since nature decided to teach humans a lesson, humans are forced to hide their faces and some are left gasping for breath!

Time and again, during the year gone by, we have realised the truth and wisdom of the way our forefathers lived. They left their shoes outside and washed their hands and feet before entering home. 

Clothes once worn had to be washed. They practised isolation for thirteen days whenever there was a birth (causing sootak) or a death (causing paatak) in the family. The way of greeting was by folding hands in Namaskar. Distance was thus maintained and no germs were transferred.

Today when the doctors are emphasizing on all these and more, as COVID appropriate behaviour, we are realising the good sense in them.

Our ancestors cremated the mortal remains of the deceased. The scientific wisdom behind ‘cremation’ per se is that the human body is made up of five elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space) and after the soul resident in the body composed of the Panchtattvas moves on, the elements need to be returned to their origins. Mother Nature had contributed to the making of the human body. Once its Earthly sojourn is over, isn’t it apt to return the five elements to where they belong? It is nature’s right to reclaim what belongs to it. Right?

I came across a message from someone in the Christian Community in Bangalore saying that the entire space in the Covid graveyard, as well as the general one had been filled up. There was no space left for the burial of the dead. Hence members of the community were requested and encouraged to opt for cremation of their loved ones. It also said that their member Churches permit cremations. After cremation, the ashes could be brought and buried along with the bodies of their previously buried loved ones in the graveyard. 

I also read about the mounting number of dead bodies in the United States, lying frozen in refrigerated vans, awaiting their turn for a burial.

Realistically speaking a human body of 80-90 kg (190 pounds approx.) yields only 2-3 kg (5 pounds) of ashes after cremation! Everyone deserves a respectable send off. Can we do it and be kind to Mother Nature alongside? She is our mother after all. She nourishes us like no other.

Religion too is like a mother and each of us has the best one! But in adhering to religion let us not forget Mother Nature. Let us give it its due. What Say?

Well! I hope to hear back from you ... do leave your feedback in the comments section below. 

[dasgelbevomei]

Die Straßenhunde vom Flughafen Goa, kleine gute Küche am Straßenrand in Hampi und Schlangestehen fürs Geld