SINDHUDURG: SPONSORED BY SURTI SPOILS.............
‘You think we should get our signboards translated in Gujarati, to make Surtis aware of the state language?”I was solicited at a party last Saturday.
‘How would that help the language?”I questioned.
‘No, I mean to Roman Gujarati like Ahmadabad’s advertising boards that write ‘Na hoy!’ in English and ‘jhed blue’ in Gujarati.
‘You mean Jade Blue? Yes? But how will that promote the state language?”
‘Hmm.....our traders are lucky we don’t insist on them to change shop names to ‘Dhiraj Na poiraao,’ ‘paschim baju’ and so on, to benefit the vernacular verse. Why don’t you write a piece about how tolerant Surtis are?’I was then asked.
’I did one, on how we always have welcomed migrants from all over the country ,the world and have even adopted many of their customs.’
‘And which other city in the world would proudly, with great respect, have a statue on its main road of a warrior who had once sacked the very city?’
‘None that I know of. Shivaji, Chatrapati is considered one of the greatest conquerors in the history of Indian warfare. He was also known to be an intelligent and just ruler who showed respect to all places of worship, preists of all religions and protected women and children.’
‘Did you know Shivaji raided Surat 16 times?
‘Well, he was known to be a master strategist and a brave warrior. History says he plundered Surat twice, once in 1664 and then in 1670.The first time was considered as an act of revenge because Shiasta khan had looted Maratha territory. The Mughals who then ruled Surat were not prepared for his invasion, so Surat was sacked .It was the richest port and also the pride of the Mughals. The Mughal governor, Inayat Khan was known to be corrupt, though Aurungzeb had ordered an army of 5000 to be appointed, he had hired only 1000 soldiers to defend Surat and pocketed the rest of the money. He locked himself in the fort of Surat and failed to protect the town as well as the Mughal and Portuguese trading centres; but the British governor George Oxenden and his men, put up a brave fight, thus protecting the English factory from invasion.
‘Shivaji looted Surat and jumped his horse over the river, dumped all the riches in the Tapti.’
‘He knew better than to do that. The loot was stored in the cellars of the Raigadh fort. Most of the money [more than a crore in the first raid of 1664] went towards creating a standing army and navy that was disciplined and well paid. A large part of it also went in the making of the fort that is considered Maharashtra’s glory-Sindhurdurg; meaning the fort in the Sea. Nestled at the foot of the Sahyadri mountain range, on the Konkan coastline, surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides. It took 4000 mounds of iron for casting .Its foundation stones were laid down in lead which had to be brought in by boats since sea was the only route of access.Sindhurdurg has many temples, wells, a sweet water lake and a secret passage to escape from within it. It is, also, the only place where a temple of Shivaji stands.’
‘So, you are saying that this grand architectural wonder-Sindhudurg was made by the money that belonged to the rich traders of Surat?’
‘Well yes, but after the plunder, to the victor went the spoils.’
‘Do you think we should approach Mr. Raj Thackeray with this detail? I mean, he does so deeply understand the glory and pride of a state and its people. He says he fights for the cause of justice to history.'
‘Yes, but what do you want to ask of him?’
‘Why, renaming Sindhudurg of course! I am sure he would agree to at least a Gujarati signboard, with a brief history; for the benefit of Surti tourists.’
Needless to say, I was speechless.
Showing posts with label ashlesha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ashlesha. Show all posts
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Sunday, July 6, 2008
SURTI NAMESAKES; THE STORIES WITHIN…………..
‘Whats in a name?’ asked Shakespeare’s Juliet,’ That which we call a rose, by any other would smell as sweet.’ Who better than us Surtis would understand these lines? After all, our Gulab ben from down the lane goes to America and literally turns into Ms Rose [though am not too sure about the fragrance bit]. While the country’s hottie, miss .Shetty considered it infra dig to be called out by an ill pronounced name and made big bucks on’ Big brother’ in the bargain; most Surti NRI’S are ever ready to turn their names around. So, Rambhai becomes Raymon, Tarun turns to Tom and Sulbha is Sue making it all the more smoother for business, communication and dreams in uncle Sam’s land come true. Inspite of not being as tongue twisting as Czechoslovakian names, surnames too, get baptized from,’ thakker to tucker ‘,’bharucha to brooch’ so on.
These days, its not just email that requires this task of converting your name into a fancy i.d; in fact if you have noticed, a lot of our local crowd has started naming their kiddos with phoren names which are called out with desi surnames. Other than being inspired from English serials and movies, Greek dictionaries and Italian recepies to name the apples of their eye, some Surtis also name their off springs with ‘exclusive ‘names so that they are unique like ,’zill’,’fenil’,chiluka’,’kauli’etc.Of course, since commoners do not dare to use the same, its mission accomplished for the innovative familial trait. The Ghachi community in Surat was long ago nicknamed German because more often than not, they would call their children by German names.
Getting back to name changing, in the days of yore, while most of their friends were named after gods, precious metals and nature, a lot of Surti babies were unfortunately named ‘kachra’aur ‘bhikno’ due to superstitions, if they kept falling ill.Then, if some misfortune were to befall the family or some action out of the ordinary was followed, it would turn into a surname changing event! The entire clan would carry funny and unattractive surnames [read profane and poppycock] to ward off the evil eye. One such example is the surname ‘G…ghavalia’ that once existed in Surat, which, interpreted to the politest form in English reads…… Err,’ rear back scratchers!’ Fortunately for the grandchildren, better sense prevailed in the previous generation who opted for a more decent switch rather than using the one with an itch, after having gone through the grind of announcing the same with a hitch. Jherpidhara, Bhenchoi#a, Pavli, Tikko too, have been understandably discarded. Whilst Motidoomwala, Bhesnapadiyawala still survive.
As is the case and culture with most generations of Indians, we Surtis too, carry the surnames that were passed down by our ancestors. So named due to the business they were in, to culturally express and define who they were rather than stating religion or caste unlike other Indians- Jariwala, Doodhwala, Darji, Gajjar, Vakharia, Kadiwala, Reshamwala, Kapadia, Kaanchwala, Daruwala; the list is endless. The Parsis on the other hand, preferred to be known by the hometowns and villages they had settled in hence the surnames Dumasia, Balsara, Billimoria, Anklesaria, Pardiwala, Amroliwala, Udvadia...
During the 16th and 17th century in Surat, most neighborhoods within the inner city and outer city were named after the individuals or clans that then resided there. Gopipura, Haripura, Rustompura, Sonifalia, Nanavat, Golwaad, Timalyawad are some such areas that thus came into being. Our city also has some uniquely named areas like, ‘paani ni bheet’,’rani talav’,’machhlipit’ ’ruwala no tekro’ -meaning cotton mountain where mattresses were once traded,’chakkapir’,’hodi bunglow’,’ravan no taad’ -named after a monstrous tree’,’makkai pul’ -which actually was the bridge from which the Hajjis going to Mecca would board their ships and many more such, which do not make sense now but have a story behind their existence.
Forget just the denizens and destinations; in fact, Tapi town itself has had numerous names down the ages. From Suryapuri [since the Tapti is Suryaputri, the Sun god’s daughter] to Suraj, to Surata to Surat, we have come a long way. So, watch out world, before you ask us,’tera naam kyaa hai, Surti?’You never know what we may have in store because in lalaland [or is it ‘walaland’?] we have namesakes galore!
‘Whats in a name?’ asked Shakespeare’s Juliet,’ That which we call a rose, by any other would smell as sweet.’ Who better than us Surtis would understand these lines? After all, our Gulab ben from down the lane goes to America and literally turns into Ms Rose [though am not too sure about the fragrance bit]. While the country’s hottie, miss .Shetty considered it infra dig to be called out by an ill pronounced name and made big bucks on’ Big brother’ in the bargain; most Surti NRI’S are ever ready to turn their names around. So, Rambhai becomes Raymon, Tarun turns to Tom and Sulbha is Sue making it all the more smoother for business, communication and dreams in uncle Sam’s land come true. Inspite of not being as tongue twisting as Czechoslovakian names, surnames too, get baptized from,’ thakker to tucker ‘,’bharucha to brooch’ so on.
These days, its not just email that requires this task of converting your name into a fancy i.d; in fact if you have noticed, a lot of our local crowd has started naming their kiddos with phoren names which are called out with desi surnames. Other than being inspired from English serials and movies, Greek dictionaries and Italian recepies to name the apples of their eye, some Surtis also name their off springs with ‘exclusive ‘names so that they are unique like ,’zill’,’fenil’,chiluka’,’kauli’etc.Of course, since commoners do not dare to use the same, its mission accomplished for the innovative familial trait. The Ghachi community in Surat was long ago nicknamed German because more often than not, they would call their children by German names.
Getting back to name changing, in the days of yore, while most of their friends were named after gods, precious metals and nature, a lot of Surti babies were unfortunately named ‘kachra’aur ‘bhikno’ due to superstitions, if they kept falling ill.Then, if some misfortune were to befall the family or some action out of the ordinary was followed, it would turn into a surname changing event! The entire clan would carry funny and unattractive surnames [read profane and poppycock] to ward off the evil eye. One such example is the surname ‘G…ghavalia’ that once existed in Surat, which, interpreted to the politest form in English reads…… Err,’ rear back scratchers!’ Fortunately for the grandchildren, better sense prevailed in the previous generation who opted for a more decent switch rather than using the one with an itch, after having gone through the grind of announcing the same with a hitch. Jherpidhara, Bhenchoi#a, Pavli, Tikko too, have been understandably discarded. Whilst Motidoomwala, Bhesnapadiyawala still survive.
As is the case and culture with most generations of Indians, we Surtis too, carry the surnames that were passed down by our ancestors. So named due to the business they were in, to culturally express and define who they were rather than stating religion or caste unlike other Indians- Jariwala, Doodhwala, Darji, Gajjar, Vakharia, Kadiwala, Reshamwala, Kapadia, Kaanchwala, Daruwala; the list is endless. The Parsis on the other hand, preferred to be known by the hometowns and villages they had settled in hence the surnames Dumasia, Balsara, Billimoria, Anklesaria, Pardiwala, Amroliwala, Udvadia...
During the 16th and 17th century in Surat, most neighborhoods within the inner city and outer city were named after the individuals or clans that then resided there. Gopipura, Haripura, Rustompura, Sonifalia, Nanavat, Golwaad, Timalyawad are some such areas that thus came into being. Our city also has some uniquely named areas like, ‘paani ni bheet’,’rani talav’,’machhlipit’ ’ruwala no tekro’ -meaning cotton mountain where mattresses were once traded,’chakkapir’,’hodi bunglow’,’ravan no taad’ -named after a monstrous tree’,’makkai pul’ -which actually was the bridge from which the Hajjis going to Mecca would board their ships and many more such, which do not make sense now but have a story behind their existence.
Forget just the denizens and destinations; in fact, Tapi town itself has had numerous names down the ages. From Suryapuri [since the Tapti is Suryaputri, the Sun god’s daughter] to Suraj, to Surata to Surat, we have come a long way. So, watch out world, before you ask us,’tera naam kyaa hai, Surti?’You never know what we may have in store because in lalaland [or is it ‘walaland’?] we have namesakes galore!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
SATURDAY NIGHT FERVOUR! DESPITE ‘DEARTH-E-DISCO’
A recent trend in weekend parties is,’ The D.J. night’ .Due to ‘dearth-e- discothèques’ in town, Surtis now organize dance parties at their own private premises to boogie their blues away.So, within a room, hall or terrace, you have a sound system that blares away, put up along with a strobe and some flashy laser lights, all handled by the local D.J .The invitees wade in from 10 P.M.onwards to dance in wild abandon through the night. Friends take turns to host these, depending on whose parents are away on that weekend.
The reason for this trend may also be a result of the so called’ Western Dance’ classes which have sprung up nineteen to the dozen, of late, in Tapi town . These classes are efficiently run by amateurs, who love to admire themselves in the mirrors while students prance to their tunes. Known as the ‘dancing sirs’, they promise to turn our Surti ‘lalarinas’into ballerinas. Shops in arcades around town are rented out and converted into dance studios to serve the purpose.
Enthusiastic housewives, teenagers and children throng these and pay atrocious amounts to learn desi freestyle versions of what is presented to them in the name of dance. Tapi Tango, Surti Salsa, Wishful Waltz, Chulbula Cha Cha Cha etc; performed on Indipop music by the flexible eye candy .Surti mommies and aunties who look upon these as a great place to loose weight are getting into the groove here. Shaking a leg to,’ hips don’t lie’ [how apt] in hope that it takes their’ breadth’ away.
Unfortunately, most Surti Hubbies do not share the excitement of performing fancy moves with their now’ bitter ‘halves. Consequently, the ladies either search for a willing female partner or dance by themselves or with their own shadows to enact out these newly learnt skills.Surti men, on the other hand, like to dance in groups.‘Jhoond ma Nacho ‘is their motto. So irrespective of the fact that Bruce Springsteen is crooning, ’Dancing in the dark, ‘or Bryan Adams is soulfully singing,’Everything I do, I do it for you,’ the guys are busy, hopping away in a circle that would remind you of’ ring a ring of roses’ from kindergarten. Talk about male bonding, man!
The all-time favourite step of all Surti men is easily the ‘Kaipo che’ and ‘Lapate’ step that resembles the act of kite-flying and rolling the thread reel. The other popular step is a version of ‘two taali garba ’with an action of boxing and hopscotch added to it. Sometimes, they mime fervently playing a guitar or the drums too! Whether they are dancing at weddings, parties, Navratri or New Year’s Eve, Surti men are sure to shake their booty, in the above mentioned ways.
All in all, it would be rare, to see a Surti who is not raring to go for it unabashedly on the dance floor. As the women jerk hysterically to ‘sexy, naughty, bitchy me’, men jovially jump to,’ another brick in the wall’ and kids perform acrobatics to,’dard-e-disco’, in the name of dance, they do so powered by the great Surti spirit and freedom of expression, ‘aapde toh bhai aavaj chiye’.Thus, the evening culminates into a freestyle of-
‘Salsa, nacho and tang-o’ combo [no reference to food here, mind you.]
So rejoice dearies and celebrate Saturday night’ fervour’without inhibitions and ‘prohibition’ because, D.J. Nights are here to stay as Surtis sway their stress away!
A recent trend in weekend parties is,’ The D.J. night’ .Due to ‘dearth-e- discothèques’ in town, Surtis now organize dance parties at their own private premises to boogie their blues away.So, within a room, hall or terrace, you have a sound system that blares away, put up along with a strobe and some flashy laser lights, all handled by the local D.J .The invitees wade in from 10 P.M.onwards to dance in wild abandon through the night. Friends take turns to host these, depending on whose parents are away on that weekend.
The reason for this trend may also be a result of the so called’ Western Dance’ classes which have sprung up nineteen to the dozen, of late, in Tapi town . These classes are efficiently run by amateurs, who love to admire themselves in the mirrors while students prance to their tunes. Known as the ‘dancing sirs’, they promise to turn our Surti ‘lalarinas’into ballerinas. Shops in arcades around town are rented out and converted into dance studios to serve the purpose.
Enthusiastic housewives, teenagers and children throng these and pay atrocious amounts to learn desi freestyle versions of what is presented to them in the name of dance. Tapi Tango, Surti Salsa, Wishful Waltz, Chulbula Cha Cha Cha etc; performed on Indipop music by the flexible eye candy .Surti mommies and aunties who look upon these as a great place to loose weight are getting into the groove here. Shaking a leg to,’ hips don’t lie’ [how apt] in hope that it takes their’ breadth’ away.
Unfortunately, most Surti Hubbies do not share the excitement of performing fancy moves with their now’ bitter ‘halves. Consequently, the ladies either search for a willing female partner or dance by themselves or with their own shadows to enact out these newly learnt skills.Surti men, on the other hand, like to dance in groups.‘Jhoond ma Nacho ‘is their motto. So irrespective of the fact that Bruce Springsteen is crooning, ’Dancing in the dark, ‘or Bryan Adams is soulfully singing,’Everything I do, I do it for you,’ the guys are busy, hopping away in a circle that would remind you of’ ring a ring of roses’ from kindergarten. Talk about male bonding, man!
The all-time favourite step of all Surti men is easily the ‘Kaipo che’ and ‘Lapate’ step that resembles the act of kite-flying and rolling the thread reel. The other popular step is a version of ‘two taali garba ’with an action of boxing and hopscotch added to it. Sometimes, they mime fervently playing a guitar or the drums too! Whether they are dancing at weddings, parties, Navratri or New Year’s Eve, Surti men are sure to shake their booty, in the above mentioned ways.
All in all, it would be rare, to see a Surti who is not raring to go for it unabashedly on the dance floor. As the women jerk hysterically to ‘sexy, naughty, bitchy me’, men jovially jump to,’ another brick in the wall’ and kids perform acrobatics to,’dard-e-disco’, in the name of dance, they do so powered by the great Surti spirit and freedom of expression, ‘aapde toh bhai aavaj chiye’.Thus, the evening culminates into a freestyle of-
‘Salsa, nacho and tang-o’ combo [no reference to food here, mind you.]
So rejoice dearies and celebrate Saturday night’ fervour’without inhibitions and ‘prohibition’ because, D.J. Nights are here to stay as Surtis sway their stress away!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
THE COLOUR OF MONEY IS BLACK AND WHITE, HONEY!
Last year, a guest from Mumbai, was shocked out of his bank balance! Here’s why-- He purchased a television for his parents from a prominent electronic store in Surat and the shop keeper said,’ Sorry sir, we do not have a credit card machine!’ ‘What kind of money do you people carry around here?’ he asked me amazed because the said television model was for an amount that ran in five high figures.’ The black kind’, I answered jokingly, but turns out that it’s true! Solid Surtis are always Liquid cash rich-here is why-
Surat-The land of the Lalas, always has been associated with Diamonds, Textiles, Property and Trade. Money talks here and how!’Maal=Golmaal’ everything is available here if you can afford the tag, School admissions and top official ranks, licence for thrills and forbidden lands. Anything illegal is no problem, being rich here is your claim to fame and buying out the opposition is the name of the game. The Surti Lala racks his brains around the clock, to make sure his path is clear of any legal blocks.
‘Laundry Service’ in Laladom would actually mean conversion of black money to white.
‘Solid hai toh Liquid hai! --Whether it’s Gold, foreign currency, property, stocks and shares, world wide travel stamps on the passports, or a fleet of fancy cars, you name it and Surtis have it. Most Surtis do not need to swipe their credit cards for any of the above because they have enough cash that is unaccounted for, which can get them whatever they wish for. Hence, nothing is out of reach for the deep pocketed Surti.
‘Cash hai toh ash hai!’ ’-- Surtis have innovative ways of using their extra bucks; here is how their money works….
While most other cities around us would kick up a storm against inflation, corruption, violation of consumer rights, we almost take pride in practicing the same. Impossible school norms, flexible traffic rules, erratic working schedules are followed routinely. Pollution of water, air, land, every and any kind is legal here if you have the money to buy it. The other Indians from Punjab, Rajasthan, Bengal and Madhya Pradesh have migrated here to make that quick buck and so when in Surat, they too do as the Surtis do.
‘Moolah Mantra’--It does not matter if your money is black or white, in Surat it is your ticket to the quickest route on the top rung of the social ladder. Money may not buy you culture or style, but here it surely gets you a million smiles.Surat is often accused for not having any infrastructure for education, culture or medicine. The simple reason for that is that ‘Mara Whalah Surti Lalas’ think that they can always buy the same when needed. So though our growth as a progressive town shows wonders, are basic infrastructure remains a big blunder.
‘Ay, Kya Bolta Tu?’--The next time you happen to hear a conversation in Surat that involves the words’kala key dhola?’I.e.black or white? It might not be a T.V or hair or clothes that are being discussed; chances are that it’s the colour of money, honey.
Anyways, to get back where we started from, keeping up with good marketing strategy, in true Surti style, the above mentioned store ran an advertisement a week later and it proclaimed just one line-------------------’we accept all credit cards.’
Last year, a guest from Mumbai, was shocked out of his bank balance! Here’s why-- He purchased a television for his parents from a prominent electronic store in Surat and the shop keeper said,’ Sorry sir, we do not have a credit card machine!’ ‘What kind of money do you people carry around here?’ he asked me amazed because the said television model was for an amount that ran in five high figures.’ The black kind’, I answered jokingly, but turns out that it’s true! Solid Surtis are always Liquid cash rich-here is why-
Surat-The land of the Lalas, always has been associated with Diamonds, Textiles, Property and Trade. Money talks here and how!’Maal=Golmaal’ everything is available here if you can afford the tag, School admissions and top official ranks, licence for thrills and forbidden lands. Anything illegal is no problem, being rich here is your claim to fame and buying out the opposition is the name of the game. The Surti Lala racks his brains around the clock, to make sure his path is clear of any legal blocks.
‘Laundry Service’ in Laladom would actually mean conversion of black money to white.
‘Solid hai toh Liquid hai! --Whether it’s Gold, foreign currency, property, stocks and shares, world wide travel stamps on the passports, or a fleet of fancy cars, you name it and Surtis have it. Most Surtis do not need to swipe their credit cards for any of the above because they have enough cash that is unaccounted for, which can get them whatever they wish for. Hence, nothing is out of reach for the deep pocketed Surti.
‘Cash hai toh ash hai!’ ’-- Surtis have innovative ways of using their extra bucks; here is how their money works….
While most other cities around us would kick up a storm against inflation, corruption, violation of consumer rights, we almost take pride in practicing the same. Impossible school norms, flexible traffic rules, erratic working schedules are followed routinely. Pollution of water, air, land, every and any kind is legal here if you have the money to buy it. The other Indians from Punjab, Rajasthan, Bengal and Madhya Pradesh have migrated here to make that quick buck and so when in Surat, they too do as the Surtis do.
‘Moolah Mantra’--It does not matter if your money is black or white, in Surat it is your ticket to the quickest route on the top rung of the social ladder. Money may not buy you culture or style, but here it surely gets you a million smiles.Surat is often accused for not having any infrastructure for education, culture or medicine. The simple reason for that is that ‘Mara Whalah Surti Lalas’ think that they can always buy the same when needed. So though our growth as a progressive town shows wonders, are basic infrastructure remains a big blunder.
‘Ay, Kya Bolta Tu?’--The next time you happen to hear a conversation in Surat that involves the words’kala key dhola?’I.e.black or white? It might not be a T.V or hair or clothes that are being discussed; chances are that it’s the colour of money, honey.
Anyways, to get back where we started from, keeping up with good marketing strategy, in true Surti style, the above mentioned store ran an advertisement a week later and it proclaimed just one line-------------------’we accept all credit cards.’
BENCH MARKS FOR THIS VALENTINE…………
Remember the beautiful brown bench in the middle of a lovely garden, in the movie Notting Hill? Ahh! ‘THE’ most romantic place on Earth where William Thacker reads out’ Captain Correli’s Mandolin’ to Anna Scott while the inimitable Ronan Keating hums,’you say it best, when you say nothing at all’-in the background .Well, one would have to travel to Perth, Australia to have the pleasure of sitting on,’ June’s bench from Joseph’.
How about the bench in front of the Taj Mahal, built for Mumtaz, that has been on the wish list of every celebrity couple and recently part of the Bruni-Sarkozy travel struggle?
Makes you want to celebrate St.Valentine’s day in a ‘novel’ new way? Since Surtis generally hit the streets to celebrate anything and everything, let’s take a look at what chances we Surtis have to find a ‘private public place’ in Tapi town where one can read out to a loved one……….
The poolside of Officer’s Gymkhana, next to the Circuit House at Chowpatty.Built on upper level, open to the sky; it overlooks the Tapi and has a divine view of the opposite shore where the birds fly to find their way home. This place is seldom visited by the members. It offers one of the best points in town, to watch the Sun set in the multi-hued, distant horizon.
The patch of sandy beach at Dumas [yes it exists!], opposite the statue of The Universal Mother. With feathery casuarinas, that sway to soothing, gentle breeze. Sea waves that come in flapping on the shore. This tranquil spot is like a scene from your most romantic dream destination. Truly, a little bit of Heaven on Earth.
The Shell Port, Hazira is sheer poetry by the magic of moonlight. Serenely spectacular, even as it’s endless lights dot the skyline. Perfect in every sense, also perhaps the only place in town where one can enjoy jaywalking. It looks out at the Arabian Sea under a blanket of stars that seem to shine the brightest here.
The quaint little garden at the Mount Carmel’s church, Makkaipul. The pious peace and privacy of this place works its magic. Amazingly, it manages to completely detach itself from the buzzing town that lies just on the other side of the hedge. In a class of its own, reminiscent of vintage era. Clean, green, bliss.
If you would rather be at home, no better place than the terrace to get away from domestic help and doorbells. Create an ambience with floating candles, fresh flowers and a barbecue. Take along your guitar, keyboard to strum and play out your favourite tunes together. Forget the bench and cuddle up on a mat spread out on the floor in true Surti style.
Wherever you decide to spend this anniversary of St.Valentine’s martyrdom, make sure you make it memorable for your precious one. Remember though, no dates at’ The Eiffel’, a la ‘Sleepless in Seattle’, since ours is a traffic island! Get going from today and pen down your own thoughts on a love note, which you can read out to your paramour’. Keep it original, so, ‘Quote no more cliché’s and watch out for the touché.’
Remember the beautiful brown bench in the middle of a lovely garden, in the movie Notting Hill? Ahh! ‘THE’ most romantic place on Earth where William Thacker reads out’ Captain Correli’s Mandolin’ to Anna Scott while the inimitable Ronan Keating hums,’you say it best, when you say nothing at all’-in the background .Well, one would have to travel to Perth, Australia to have the pleasure of sitting on,’ June’s bench from Joseph’.
How about the bench in front of the Taj Mahal, built for Mumtaz, that has been on the wish list of every celebrity couple and recently part of the Bruni-Sarkozy travel struggle?
Makes you want to celebrate St.Valentine’s day in a ‘novel’ new way? Since Surtis generally hit the streets to celebrate anything and everything, let’s take a look at what chances we Surtis have to find a ‘private public place’ in Tapi town where one can read out to a loved one……….
The poolside of Officer’s Gymkhana, next to the Circuit House at Chowpatty.Built on upper level, open to the sky; it overlooks the Tapi and has a divine view of the opposite shore where the birds fly to find their way home. This place is seldom visited by the members. It offers one of the best points in town, to watch the Sun set in the multi-hued, distant horizon.
The patch of sandy beach at Dumas [yes it exists!], opposite the statue of The Universal Mother. With feathery casuarinas, that sway to soothing, gentle breeze. Sea waves that come in flapping on the shore. This tranquil spot is like a scene from your most romantic dream destination. Truly, a little bit of Heaven on Earth.
The Shell Port, Hazira is sheer poetry by the magic of moonlight. Serenely spectacular, even as it’s endless lights dot the skyline. Perfect in every sense, also perhaps the only place in town where one can enjoy jaywalking. It looks out at the Arabian Sea under a blanket of stars that seem to shine the brightest here.
The quaint little garden at the Mount Carmel’s church, Makkaipul. The pious peace and privacy of this place works its magic. Amazingly, it manages to completely detach itself from the buzzing town that lies just on the other side of the hedge. In a class of its own, reminiscent of vintage era. Clean, green, bliss.
If you would rather be at home, no better place than the terrace to get away from domestic help and doorbells. Create an ambience with floating candles, fresh flowers and a barbecue. Take along your guitar, keyboard to strum and play out your favourite tunes together. Forget the bench and cuddle up on a mat spread out on the floor in true Surti style.
Wherever you decide to spend this anniversary of St.Valentine’s martyrdom, make sure you make it memorable for your precious one. Remember though, no dates at’ The Eiffel’, a la ‘Sleepless in Seattle’, since ours is a traffic island! Get going from today and pen down your own thoughts on a love note, which you can read out to your paramour’. Keep it original, so, ‘Quote no more cliché’s and watch out for the touché.’
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
HOW WELL WE KNOW OUR VINO!
Booze is the social glue of all mankind’, said dear old Barbara Holland who really loved her wine. In the ‘dry’ state city of Surat, nothing stands more true. It is customary in the Khatri community to share a ‘batli’ as they call it, on all occasions of social gatherings be it birth, death or weddings.’Surya ast toh khatri mast’, the men and women folk have their own circles on the home floors with ‘dana-chana’ and ‘mutton mamnas ‘doing the rounds as bite sized food accompaniments. The Golwaad area, often touted as a policeman’s nightmare, has ‘bhajiya patra’ kiosks busy as soon as the sun sets. Groups of regulars order from their doorsteps as gamblers gather for their evening session of game and daru.In the posh localities of southern Surat, come evening and restaurant phones are abuzz with home –delivery orders of a variety of starters Chinese toTandoori.Alcohol is easily the worst kept secret in Surat ,it is common knowledge. There are different ways to produce this dipsomaniac’s delight in Tapi town-
DIY-Do it yourself. In case you raise a surprised brow, let me tell you that in 1632 A.D., Peter Mundy, a European traveler who had spanned India, was surprised too at finding many people in Surat addicted to opium which grew on Surti soil in vast quantity.In the poppy fields, seeds and husks were seeped in water and an alcoholic bevearage called ‘poste’ was procured from it.Cannibes-Bhang was also used to prepare intoxicating drinks and alcoholics were then known as ‘postees ‘or‘bhangees’.In modern day Surat, alcohol is produced at 3 levels.
1. Potli /latthho- one of the worst kind made from soda ash powder used in polishing metals [kallai powder], koilo jaggery, navsar and khor which are put to boil in a tin within a ‘bhatti’ and cooled, then mixed with water and fermented in hidden areas often made in umra,bhatha and small villages around surat, this one is sold at rs.2.50 per glass and goes upto rs.10 .per ser on festive occasions.mostly consumed by the labourers and slum dwellers; it is lethal and triggers lung and intestine infection, along with severe throat inflammation.
2. Deshi-Narangi concocted from rotten fruits and hafeem with a few tablets of potent herbs thrown in the brew, the lower middle class buys it from Dumas, Bhimpore, Ved and Dhaboli.Available in small glass bottles at rs.10.
3. Tadi/Wine-In winters, the juice of ice-apple fruit is relished by early birds out for a walk but it is a well known fact that the ‘niro’ juice ferments and turns into intoxicating ‘tadi’ post midday! Surtis relish the niro and tadi as these are easily accessible and one of their favorite drinks .Surti women make wine at home during the grape season and store to savour it through the year.Grapes, whole wheat, yeast, de-chlorinated water and sugar are mashed and left to ferment in a sterilized ceramic bottle for 21 days. The prepared wine is then stored in glass bottles with cork lids. Shiraz, Chantilly, Chardonnay not withstanding, ‘Nothing more satisfactory than home made surti wine ‘, swear the housewives.Well what more can I add to that except, ‘Cheers! To the Surti “spirits”!’
Booze is the social glue of all mankind’, said dear old Barbara Holland who really loved her wine. In the ‘dry’ state city of Surat, nothing stands more true. It is customary in the Khatri community to share a ‘batli’ as they call it, on all occasions of social gatherings be it birth, death or weddings.’Surya ast toh khatri mast’, the men and women folk have their own circles on the home floors with ‘dana-chana’ and ‘mutton mamnas ‘doing the rounds as bite sized food accompaniments. The Golwaad area, often touted as a policeman’s nightmare, has ‘bhajiya patra’ kiosks busy as soon as the sun sets. Groups of regulars order from their doorsteps as gamblers gather for their evening session of game and daru.In the posh localities of southern Surat, come evening and restaurant phones are abuzz with home –delivery orders of a variety of starters Chinese toTandoori.Alcohol is easily the worst kept secret in Surat ,it is common knowledge. There are different ways to produce this dipsomaniac’s delight in Tapi town-
DIY-Do it yourself. In case you raise a surprised brow, let me tell you that in 1632 A.D., Peter Mundy, a European traveler who had spanned India, was surprised too at finding many people in Surat addicted to opium which grew on Surti soil in vast quantity.In the poppy fields, seeds and husks were seeped in water and an alcoholic bevearage called ‘poste’ was procured from it.Cannibes-Bhang was also used to prepare intoxicating drinks and alcoholics were then known as ‘postees ‘or‘bhangees’.In modern day Surat, alcohol is produced at 3 levels.
1. Potli /latthho- one of the worst kind made from soda ash powder used in polishing metals [kallai powder], koilo jaggery, navsar and khor which are put to boil in a tin within a ‘bhatti’ and cooled, then mixed with water and fermented in hidden areas often made in umra,bhatha and small villages around surat, this one is sold at rs.2.50 per glass and goes upto rs.10 .per ser on festive occasions.mostly consumed by the labourers and slum dwellers; it is lethal and triggers lung and intestine infection, along with severe throat inflammation.
2. Deshi-Narangi concocted from rotten fruits and hafeem with a few tablets of potent herbs thrown in the brew, the lower middle class buys it from Dumas, Bhimpore, Ved and Dhaboli.Available in small glass bottles at rs.10.
3. Tadi/Wine-In winters, the juice of ice-apple fruit is relished by early birds out for a walk but it is a well known fact that the ‘niro’ juice ferments and turns into intoxicating ‘tadi’ post midday! Surtis relish the niro and tadi as these are easily accessible and one of their favorite drinks .Surti women make wine at home during the grape season and store to savour it through the year.Grapes, whole wheat, yeast, de-chlorinated water and sugar are mashed and left to ferment in a sterilized ceramic bottle for 21 days. The prepared wine is then stored in glass bottles with cork lids. Shiraz, Chantilly, Chardonnay not withstanding, ‘Nothing more satisfactory than home made surti wine ‘, swear the housewives.Well what more can I add to that except, ‘Cheers! To the Surti “spirits”!’
LOVE AT THE FIRST FLIGHT…………………………………………………Upon trying to enter the newly paved drive way of the under construction premises, you
will be stopped by the guard at the gate and asked,’kidhar jaayengay?’ Before your driver or you have a chance to answer, he will continue,’Jaipur? Delhi? Ahmedabad? Calcutta?’ depending on whatever is the destination of the outgoing flight! Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Surat airport- your gateway to air connectivity. As you wade in, the two and at present only standing structures that meet the eye are the control tower and the terminal. Ample and organized parking space is available surrounded by yet to be developed barren land. With few flights functioning as of yet, most visitors hang around here for either receiving or seeing off relatives due to lack of public transport. Enter the canopy like entrance and you will hear lilting shenaii music to mark the auspicious occasion of the commencement of your journey……
Once you have scanned your luggage [hurrah! we have a proper detector now] you will get checked in within the next 10 minutes thanks to cordial and efficient staff. You are now ready to either wait in the cool, clean lounge [no refreshment counter or bookstore yet] or take the mini bus trip to your airplane. As is the case with most of our domestic airports, you board the flight through the ramp. Cross your heart for the trip ahead, most of the flights have locally trained and helpful staff. Food on board may not be exactly ‘smorgasbord’ but is arranged from the flight kitchen of your destination in case you feel like a bite during the short flight. You are now ready to zoom off the fresh tarmac while the pilots wait for the signal that no ball, bird or buffalo will hinder the take off……Au revoir!……….
If you happen to travel within the U.S. of A, the view from an aircraft is mostly that of concrete jungles, Dubai offers desert heat and dust while Singapore and the Far East will make you feel you are landing on the sea! Most of our Indian Metros have sad slums or industrial waste dumps as the view available. The minute you look out of your flight from Surat, you are immediately smitten by the city’s beauty! The flight route during take off as well as landing is more like a Surat darshan tour. The green stretch ends into the vast Arabian Sea then you turn around and re enter the foliage from way above. Flying over the flyover town is like looking down at heaven, the glistening Tapti as she gently curves with familiar monuments and gardens on either bank, the grand Swaminarayan temple, the artistic dome of the Indoor Stadium, the bridges that connect us both over road and water, the Gaurav Path. The clean, green Surat with its organized urban planning mesmerizes you into love at the first flight. One cannot but help feel proud of the bird’s eye view of our city as it disappears into surreal existence and melts away beneath the clouds .Then, remerges in all its splendour of a buzzing jet set town. You inadvertently leave and enter the town with a smile.
The rattling Vayudoot flights of the 70’s and 80’s that left us jittery are a thing of the past, this new improved airport avatar is our ticket to emotional, physical and financial connectivity. Once famous for our port, in future; we just might be so for our airport .Surat’s airport might not be as busy as New York, as well connected as Paris, as desirable as London’s Heathrow but we do now have a passage to help us get there faster and how! After all, from up there, Surat does look very khubsurat and of course,
’Saare Jahaan Se Achha!’
will be stopped by the guard at the gate and asked,’kidhar jaayengay?’ Before your driver or you have a chance to answer, he will continue,’Jaipur? Delhi? Ahmedabad? Calcutta?’ depending on whatever is the destination of the outgoing flight! Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Surat airport- your gateway to air connectivity. As you wade in, the two and at present only standing structures that meet the eye are the control tower and the terminal. Ample and organized parking space is available surrounded by yet to be developed barren land. With few flights functioning as of yet, most visitors hang around here for either receiving or seeing off relatives due to lack of public transport. Enter the canopy like entrance and you will hear lilting shenaii music to mark the auspicious occasion of the commencement of your journey……
Once you have scanned your luggage [hurrah! we have a proper detector now] you will get checked in within the next 10 minutes thanks to cordial and efficient staff. You are now ready to either wait in the cool, clean lounge [no refreshment counter or bookstore yet] or take the mini bus trip to your airplane. As is the case with most of our domestic airports, you board the flight through the ramp. Cross your heart for the trip ahead, most of the flights have locally trained and helpful staff. Food on board may not be exactly ‘smorgasbord’ but is arranged from the flight kitchen of your destination in case you feel like a bite during the short flight. You are now ready to zoom off the fresh tarmac while the pilots wait for the signal that no ball, bird or buffalo will hinder the take off……Au revoir!……….
If you happen to travel within the U.S. of A, the view from an aircraft is mostly that of concrete jungles, Dubai offers desert heat and dust while Singapore and the Far East will make you feel you are landing on the sea! Most of our Indian Metros have sad slums or industrial waste dumps as the view available. The minute you look out of your flight from Surat, you are immediately smitten by the city’s beauty! The flight route during take off as well as landing is more like a Surat darshan tour. The green stretch ends into the vast Arabian Sea then you turn around and re enter the foliage from way above. Flying over the flyover town is like looking down at heaven, the glistening Tapti as she gently curves with familiar monuments and gardens on either bank, the grand Swaminarayan temple, the artistic dome of the Indoor Stadium, the bridges that connect us both over road and water, the Gaurav Path. The clean, green Surat with its organized urban planning mesmerizes you into love at the first flight. One cannot but help feel proud of the bird’s eye view of our city as it disappears into surreal existence and melts away beneath the clouds .Then, remerges in all its splendour of a buzzing jet set town. You inadvertently leave and enter the town with a smile.
The rattling Vayudoot flights of the 70’s and 80’s that left us jittery are a thing of the past, this new improved airport avatar is our ticket to emotional, physical and financial connectivity. Once famous for our port, in future; we just might be so for our airport .Surat’s airport might not be as busy as New York, as well connected as Paris, as desirable as London’s Heathrow but we do now have a passage to help us get there faster and how! After all, from up there, Surat does look very khubsurat and of course,
’Saare Jahaan Se Achha!’
Sunday, October 21, 2007
VEER KAVI AND WARRIOR COELHO,,,,,,,,,,,
VEER KAVI AND WARRIOR COELHO-------NO CONFUSION ,GREATCOMBINATION... August 24th is the birthday of Paulo Coelho---warrior of light as he likes to call himself,one of the most popular and widely read author of today's time.His work on poetry,music,literature has been translated into 71 languages worldwide [5 languages in India itself]and he is considered one of the most influential writer of today's times.Original works of his Brazilian literature has gone on to top worldwide bestselling charts.He is looked upon as a social reformist and an ambassador of humane acts.His books are one on the highest demands at THE NARMAD LIBRARY in Surat for voracious reader who love to read his prolific work........................... 24th of August is also the birthday of Veer Kavi Narmad ,born in Surat, Gujarat,INDIA in 1833. A social reformist ,he drew people from darkness to light ,worked towards giving women a better stature in society ,boldly spoke against child marriage and supported widow remarriage .He was a poet ,who pioneered autobiography, dictionary, folk literature ,poetics and historical plays. He proposed Hindi as a national language five decades before Mahatma Gandhi. He wrote for the newspaper'Dandiyo' that he started. A crusader of social reforms and an icon of change ,he was proud of his motherland and sang about its glory. He worked towards enriching his motherland and her natives for a better tommorrow.In the toughest of circumstances in the dark ages,he showed the right light through knowledge and awareness .Remembered today by various books that he wrote ,he has been honoured by the town by naming a university and a public library after this great soul .Unfortunately though,they have not been translated yet, due to which the readers of his work are limited and awareness about his fine literature is dying a slow death.In the very own confines of the library named after him,there are but few takers of his great work.Veer Kavi Narmad would be very proud to see his Surat today,it is the modern and educated,aware city that he had dreamed and propogated for.Renovating his heritage home in Amliran sheri,Gopipura is not tribute enough by us citizens,like the great poet would have said'YAHOM KARINE PADO,FATEH CHE AAGE'.Let us take action right now to make an effort for the works of this great artist to be known by our entire generation.To make ourselves proud of the invaluable heritage of original literature from our son of the soil.He who sang praises of his land'JAI JAI GARVI GUJARAT'is the GAURAV of GUJARAT himself. let us join hands to immortalize his thoughts ,words and deeds by making him more accessible to our youth,come, let us translate his wealth of words that his own people can gain knowledge from.A true tribute to a visionary ahead of his times- he would have definitely wanted to move ahead with the changing times like he always did,for the benefit of society.24 august,the birthday of two artists ,both having great passion for their respective countries and culture, for their work,in their message to the people. I hope every generation awakens to such brilliant ,brave men. Two of a kind from so far apart and yet so close ................It will be a pleasure to celebrate the birth of these two fine humans on the same day.Let us immortalize our own VEER KAVI in our minds and hearts forever.
BABA?.........DARR, SHUN!……………
BABA?.........DARR, SHUN!……………
No, this is not in reference to our dearest sanju baba who was behind bars for his jawaani ka jurm.I talk about the new trend of our generation –baba bhakti.
Ever since the eternal shri Sai Baba became the favorite lord of us mortal beings, innumerable wannabe gurus started to work towards trying to turn themselves into spiritual leaders. Sai Baba miraculously cured and cared for his bhakts where as our so called baba bhais are looking out for people who can take care of their needs and cure their problems. While Shri Sai Baba is, was and will always remain the people’s Baba.Today’s so called ‘gurus’ want their followers to be the baba’s people.
As I waited exasperated at the signal of ring road, with its never ending traffic flow, I was deafened by the loud- speaker gibberish of a cracked up voice shouting something that ended with,’ baba ki jai!’ Oh look!’ said my aunt whom I was driving to the railway station’, there goes the procession of great shri [why twice I wonder?]guruji.’upon turning my face towards the by- lane from which the crackling sound traveled out, I was amazed to see the entire street jam packed with baba bhakts trying to push, stamp and shove their way to have a glimpse of him who sat looking extremely pleased ,alighted on a throne in the flower laden truck. He was throwing out packets of some stuff to the public, enjoying the attention as his truck waded through the sea of frenzied followers. He did not appear divine, nor sadly pleased [like all our gods do]’He is very popular ‘, continued my aunt,’ all the NRI’S also follow his pravachans.He is very pious, does not allow women to touch his feet even. ‘Angered at the last comment and the fact that my signal was still red, I silently let out expletives in my mind that would cause the bhakts to think sacrilege! After finally seeing my aunt off, I carefully took the long route home to avoid the on –going tamasha on the jai ho! route.
I wondered how important the episode of a chance baba darshan would have meant to his fans .Got me thinking to what it is that makes for such ardent following.
While our gods had to perform miracles, rise above the ordinary and elevate the level of health, wealth and happiness of an entire ‘yug’,today’s so called saints just need the gift of gab to have a supreme effect on the living on a prayer crowd. If you listen carefully the pravachans are about everything you already know in your religion. nothing they say is new other than the way they say it .our glowing with good health babas and ma’s do not have a halo, its just the right diet of ghee, fruits and no gello.our stress ridden lives leaves us looking for ‘the one ‘who will make us feel less guilty of our deeds if we are able to provide the baba’s needs. They show us a short cut to spirituality. Listening to this clan is possible with electronic media; c.d. and seminars etc.modern babas have great marketing strategies to procure fame and following. as is the case in fund- raising business,baba products are also offered[some along with free side effects such as dysentery and lead poisoning] Babas are more popular than self help books because they say what we want to hear but do not adhere to. On more occasions than less of late, the baba turns out to be the head of a sex racket, money scam or a murderer leaving the bhakt to crawl to another baba lest he loses his religion. Eloquent orators do not make gods because all they do is give you the message of God. They are a medium, follow the thought they speak of, not them. Worship the work they talk about, not them. We have enough gods, saints and holy spirits who have left us with more teachings about good and godly things that we can follow for a million lifetimes. We do not need another God.
Be your own guru aur ho jaa shuru, start God’s work today.
No, this is not in reference to our dearest sanju baba who was behind bars for his jawaani ka jurm.I talk about the new trend of our generation –baba bhakti.
Ever since the eternal shri Sai Baba became the favorite lord of us mortal beings, innumerable wannabe gurus started to work towards trying to turn themselves into spiritual leaders. Sai Baba miraculously cured and cared for his bhakts where as our so called baba bhais are looking out for people who can take care of their needs and cure their problems. While Shri Sai Baba is, was and will always remain the people’s Baba.Today’s so called ‘gurus’ want their followers to be the baba’s people.
As I waited exasperated at the signal of ring road, with its never ending traffic flow, I was deafened by the loud- speaker gibberish of a cracked up voice shouting something that ended with,’ baba ki jai!’ Oh look!’ said my aunt whom I was driving to the railway station’, there goes the procession of great shri [why twice I wonder?]guruji.’upon turning my face towards the by- lane from which the crackling sound traveled out, I was amazed to see the entire street jam packed with baba bhakts trying to push, stamp and shove their way to have a glimpse of him who sat looking extremely pleased ,alighted on a throne in the flower laden truck. He was throwing out packets of some stuff to the public, enjoying the attention as his truck waded through the sea of frenzied followers. He did not appear divine, nor sadly pleased [like all our gods do]’He is very popular ‘, continued my aunt,’ all the NRI’S also follow his pravachans.He is very pious, does not allow women to touch his feet even. ‘Angered at the last comment and the fact that my signal was still red, I silently let out expletives in my mind that would cause the bhakts to think sacrilege! After finally seeing my aunt off, I carefully took the long route home to avoid the on –going tamasha on the jai ho! route.
I wondered how important the episode of a chance baba darshan would have meant to his fans .Got me thinking to what it is that makes for such ardent following.
While our gods had to perform miracles, rise above the ordinary and elevate the level of health, wealth and happiness of an entire ‘yug’,today’s so called saints just need the gift of gab to have a supreme effect on the living on a prayer crowd. If you listen carefully the pravachans are about everything you already know in your religion. nothing they say is new other than the way they say it .our glowing with good health babas and ma’s do not have a halo, its just the right diet of ghee, fruits and no gello.our stress ridden lives leaves us looking for ‘the one ‘who will make us feel less guilty of our deeds if we are able to provide the baba’s needs. They show us a short cut to spirituality. Listening to this clan is possible with electronic media; c.d. and seminars etc.modern babas have great marketing strategies to procure fame and following. as is the case in fund- raising business,baba products are also offered[some along with free side effects such as dysentery and lead poisoning] Babas are more popular than self help books because they say what we want to hear but do not adhere to. On more occasions than less of late, the baba turns out to be the head of a sex racket, money scam or a murderer leaving the bhakt to crawl to another baba lest he loses his religion. Eloquent orators do not make gods because all they do is give you the message of God. They are a medium, follow the thought they speak of, not them. Worship the work they talk about, not them. We have enough gods, saints and holy spirits who have left us with more teachings about good and godly things that we can follow for a million lifetimes. We do not need another God.
Be your own guru aur ho jaa shuru, start God’s work today.
RADIO GAA GAA……FM FEVER IS HERE TO SWAY………
RADIO GAA GAA……FM FEVER IS HERE TO SWAY………
It’s finally here! The Radio Revolution that we Surtis have been making noise about. We now have our own for apnu Surat.No more need we be dependent on the Mumbai/Ahmedabad folks and their jokes…… BIG927, MIRCHI and MYFM are here to please us. Hopefully, this means that we will be able to listen to format especially created for people of Tapi- town. Even though commuting in Surat takes only a max.time period of 30mins to go from any point A to B, we have faithful radio listeners in our busy sabzi and paanwallahs, over worked diamond polishers, trendy college kids with fancy mobile phones, bored housewives who have had enough of saas bahus and of course commuters by cars and autos who need not worry if their c.d.players have gone for a six. There is something for everyone as all the frequencies have a different age group on target, be it from varachha, to ved road, katargaam to, khatkiwaad or lalgate to majuragate.So you can ‘suno sunao,life banao’ and be ‘always khush ‘with filmy songs,bhajans, cricket remixed [20-twenty] scores and town tattle.’ Move over Parvati and Mr.Walia, here come Vidya Belan and Raj a.k.a Munna.
The radio bandwagon is all set to woo us surtis by giving away freebies in forms of coupons for coffee and dinners, tickets to movies and other knick knacks as they offer easy to answer questions and options. Describing Surat as khubsurat and a land of fine dining,’ ‘leheri lalas’ and patang manja, they talk about the town nukkads in a nutshell. Popular film characters are impersonated to make the lingo more entertaining. Personal problems –a la’ Sleepless in Seattle’ are aired to get surtis to participate in phone-in/sms advice .Even though some of the RJ.’s[radio jockeys] sound ahmedabadi, the script given to them is surti so they should be able to catch up given some time. Thus with the onset of the festive season, life should be all song and dance on the FM scenario.
In Swarn Surat, as it is called, we have always been surrounded by loud sound, whether its from gramophones on special occasions, cars reversing with harsh tunes above the allowed decibel sound wave, surtis fighting away in their famous profanity or pandals put up for navratri/ganeshutsav etc.Now with the advent of the local FM options, there will certainly be more singing in the surat terrain. Huge hoardings and colourful umbrellas announcing the FM channels are sprouting around town and in your face lest you forget to tune in. Here is your chance then surti, to put your feet up[tap to tune] and participate in the trend of your town, vote for your choice, get entertained, gain freebies, make your voice heard all within the comfort of your home. Radio is ‘BIG ‘news and is here to make us surtis sway……..so gaa gaa dear surti and swing away because FM fever is here to stay.Top5 things you most definitely will and won’t hear on surti radio…………….
WILL WON’T
1. Cookery recipes. 1. Cocktail recipes
2. Cricket tosses 2. Modi’s losses
3. Love stories 3. Financial worries.
4. Rakhi Sawant Item numbers. 4. Santana and Diana Krall’s wonders.
5. Hot and happening surti news. 5. Aamchi maati, aamchey manas.
It’s finally here! The Radio Revolution that we Surtis have been making noise about. We now have our own for apnu Surat.No more need we be dependent on the Mumbai/Ahmedabad folks and their jokes…… BIG927, MIRCHI and MYFM are here to please us. Hopefully, this means that we will be able to listen to format especially created for people of Tapi- town. Even though commuting in Surat takes only a max.time period of 30mins to go from any point A to B, we have faithful radio listeners in our busy sabzi and paanwallahs, over worked diamond polishers, trendy college kids with fancy mobile phones, bored housewives who have had enough of saas bahus and of course commuters by cars and autos who need not worry if their c.d.players have gone for a six. There is something for everyone as all the frequencies have a different age group on target, be it from varachha, to ved road, katargaam to, khatkiwaad or lalgate to majuragate.So you can ‘suno sunao,life banao’ and be ‘always khush ‘with filmy songs,bhajans, cricket remixed [20-twenty] scores and town tattle.’ Move over Parvati and Mr.Walia, here come Vidya Belan and Raj a.k.a Munna.
The radio bandwagon is all set to woo us surtis by giving away freebies in forms of coupons for coffee and dinners, tickets to movies and other knick knacks as they offer easy to answer questions and options. Describing Surat as khubsurat and a land of fine dining,’ ‘leheri lalas’ and patang manja, they talk about the town nukkads in a nutshell. Popular film characters are impersonated to make the lingo more entertaining. Personal problems –a la’ Sleepless in Seattle’ are aired to get surtis to participate in phone-in/sms advice .Even though some of the RJ.’s[radio jockeys] sound ahmedabadi, the script given to them is surti so they should be able to catch up given some time. Thus with the onset of the festive season, life should be all song and dance on the FM scenario.
In Swarn Surat, as it is called, we have always been surrounded by loud sound, whether its from gramophones on special occasions, cars reversing with harsh tunes above the allowed decibel sound wave, surtis fighting away in their famous profanity or pandals put up for navratri/ganeshutsav etc.Now with the advent of the local FM options, there will certainly be more singing in the surat terrain. Huge hoardings and colourful umbrellas announcing the FM channels are sprouting around town and in your face lest you forget to tune in. Here is your chance then surti, to put your feet up[tap to tune] and participate in the trend of your town, vote for your choice, get entertained, gain freebies, make your voice heard all within the comfort of your home. Radio is ‘BIG ‘news and is here to make us surtis sway……..so gaa gaa dear surti and swing away because FM fever is here to stay.Top5 things you most definitely will and won’t hear on surti radio…………….
WILL WON’T
1. Cookery recipes. 1. Cocktail recipes
2. Cricket tosses 2. Modi’s losses
3. Love stories 3. Financial worries.
4. Rakhi Sawant Item numbers. 4. Santana and Diana Krall’s wonders.
5. Hot and happening surti news. 5. Aamchi maati, aamchey manas.
IF ITS EIFFEL, IT MUST BE PARLE POINT
IF ITS EIFFEL, IT MUST BE PARLE POINT.........................Other than presenting undhiyu and khaman dhokla to the world,we surtis also set the biggest example of acceptance and intigration .not only do we spread our culture but also adopt new ones immediatly our women proudly wear their'jeans pant' with a bindi [only now has maddonna started to do so],our kids are as comfortable with PS2 as with lakhotis and the men share tiffins at work with sindhis,marwaris and jats.surat has its own identity through its food but her people are from all parts of the world.a large part of its populace belongs to the NRI gang who annually visit here to shop and support causes .the oldest architecture here is portugal,english,mogul and persian.it seems the city has always welcomed foreign folk.roadside kiosks sell pizza next to pani puri and chinese next to idli dosa.pasta is a well loved treat at home and every gujju mom worth her salt will have culinary skills to match a world cookbook with her own adaptation of khow suey and chicken steak.surtis are traders [lalas] at heart and know that adopting the ways of the world will help them rule it better.much as they love their ponk and ghari, uttaran and diwali they also know how to celebrate pujo and bai-sakhi.from adajan to antwerp timalyawad to taiwan and majuragate to malaysia,surtis learn ,live and laugh all the way to the bank.malleable and ductile in their ways of life,we have never felt hostile towards the culture of the new folks wading in,instead we have reached out and adapted their ways in our lifestlye.right down to our traffic islands!!!!!!!we boast of an eiffel tower,an airplane[even when we did not have an airport that functioned],a kargil chowk for unsung war heros and numerous others which have nothing to do with the town but are built in the surti spirit.Here's to the lala way of life ,may the world learn to live like us.
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