For all busy dads ,around the world
With the nostalgia of one more Father’s Day now behind us, Surti Lalas, whose business schedules have converted them into Sunday papas have reached to a tear jerking conclusion, resonating with the adage that they inherited from their fathers-
’ God gave us money but not time.’
Present circumstance and stress of an overworked and underpaid life make sure that children see their dads only on Sundays, when those precious few hours are mostly spent in dining out with friends or catching up on the latest flick.
Conversation is the key word while raising a child. We live in an age where the generation gap has been bridged, but communication gap within families has widened more than ever before.
In their book ‘Adolescence: The Survival Guide for Parents and Teenagers’, authors Elizabeth Fenwick and Dr.Tony Smith have pointed out that, "Although young children usually exchange thoughts and feelings quite easily, adolescents are not often so communicative. It takes a real effort to keep the channels of communication open with someone who is apparently determined to shut you out and to be as monosyllabic as possible. But it's essential to keep talking-and keep listening-if you are to survive your children's adolescence intact. If you can manage it, and are still on speaking terms with your adolescents by the time they reach their late teens, you'll find they may actually want to talk to you, and it's once again rewarding to have conversations with them."
Here are some fun ways to let conversation sneak in between your child and you, while you spend an hour extra with them, within your busy schedule.
Drive your child to school occasionally, make the effort to wake up early, share breakfast, drop your child to school .Chat up about friends, teachers and subjects, discuss fun incidents from your school days. Try and attend the parent teacher meeting whenever you are in town, learn first hand about your kid’s advantages and shortcomings to help understand her/him better.
Catch up over a surprise lunch or dessert .Play scrabble or chess at coffee shops .Plan a picnic .Discuss food preference with them. Explain cuisines or learn what they know about it, with interest. Your child probably knows the best thin crust pizza combo in town and can spell more pasta names than you. Pay full attention when your child speaks; stop doing everything else at that moment.
Visit your child’s extra curricular activity class. Whether its sports, music, art or dance, take interest, appreciate, if possible participate or have your kids teach you the technique they are skilled in. Children are friends with people who perform their favourite activities with them. . Learn to play ‘Super Mario’/ ‘Angry Birds’, on their gadget. Compete in healthy fashion.
Let your children visit your workplace for an hour or two. Treat them as adults as they watch how you spend your day at work. Ask for suggestions to know their point of view. Make them feel important. Show respect through both your language and demeanor. Don’t start giving advice when your child is asking you to listen. Don’t talk or do other things. Listen. End the conversation when your child is ready to do so, not when you are.
Children often send out the same message in different ways, when they are not understood.’ Remember that 70 to 80 percent of all communication is nonverbal. If you truly have an empathetic heart, you will always be reading the nonverbal cues.’ says Stephen R. Covey in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families. Read your child’s facial expressions, body language and non verbal clues. Understand that your child will not agree with everything you say.Respond, don’t react.
Time is your most precious possession and it’s all that your child needs.
Showing posts with label surat news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label surat news. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sunday, November 29, 2009
RAPID SURTI SPEAKING COURSE………..
Gujarati, the first language of Gandhiji, the father of our nation and Jinnah, the father of Pakistan is considered one of the easiest languages to learn.
Its history dates back to the 12th century. Its base is from the Sanskrit language and its appearance differs from Devnagri with the absence of the horizontal line above the alphabets.
Between the 14th and 17th century, Urdu and Persian, which were court languages, greatly influenced Gujarati; The Avesta and Pahlavi were translated into it. Gujarati therefore, can be written in Persian and Arabic scripts and is, still done so, in parts of Kutch.
Narsinh Mehta provided it the power of expression, while Alexander Kinloch Forbes added British romanticism and style to it.
One of the most notable contributors to the language was Surti poet Narmad Shankar Dave. He introduced Grammar, essay writing, autobiography and dictionary to the language, purifying it.
Part of the city continues to speak it politely, as he had molded it.’Kem cho, shu kaam chey’. [How are you, what do you want?]
However, for a major part of the city, Surti language today, is a far cry from what Narmad had developed.
Some areas in Tapi town are witness to cute conversations like ‘heya si ta aney ta si heya’ [from here to there and there to here] like our Dawoodi Bohra community speaks or to the subtle, sweet soirees of the Parsis,’Mareyre, fatimua! Bhonu jamva chal, jov.’[Come have your food!]
With the advent of artisans, tribals and peasants, not to mention the unabashed nature of our Khatri, Ghanchi and Gola brothers and sisters, the language got colourful influence, to change as never before.
Visitors from the ‘Propah’ cities of Ahmedabad and Vadodra are aghast upon hearing Surti language.
Migrants from Punjab and up North have actually adopted it, feeling at home with its profanity.
Marwadis; however remain under much shock till date and end up saying,’Hamarey Calcutta mein aisa nahi hota hai,’ for a change.
The good thing about Surti language is that it is very much uncomplicated and extremely easy to learn.So, here is a quick and easy guide.
Lesson # 1.Stress on the alphabets D and T, make them sound double like DD and TT. E.g. kidhu= kiddhu and nathi =natthi.
Lesson # 2.Reverse swing, de stress the alphabets DD and TT and make them sound single like D and T.e.g, vadd=vad and tattoo=tatoo.
Lesson # 3.Everything that ends with DA is to be pronounced as RA e.g. Kapra [clothes], Chopra [books]
Lesson# 4.Importance of ‘who’.Everything, in Surti mostly revolves around ‘who’
e.g.-‘who karey chey’=wassup dude?
‘who vaatt chey’=wow!
‘mein who kiddhu?”=what did I say?
‘who karvanu chey?”=what should we do?
‘who joiye chey? =what do you want?
Lesson #5.Importance of ‘what’. You don’t need to be a Biology student, but it would help you to speak Surti better if you were one.Surti language greatly depends on mentionable and unmentionable, printable and unprintable body parts of your father,mother,sister,brother in law etc.
e.g.-‘tara baap nu kapaal’=your father’s forehead.
Err…..reader discretion advised for other examples.
And that is really all there is, to ‘Surti bhasha’, as spoken.
Tapi town tattle-Modi marathon.
Gujarati, the first language of Gandhiji, the father of our nation and Jinnah, the father of Pakistan is considered one of the easiest languages to learn.
Its history dates back to the 12th century. Its base is from the Sanskrit language and its appearance differs from Devnagri with the absence of the horizontal line above the alphabets.
Between the 14th and 17th century, Urdu and Persian, which were court languages, greatly influenced Gujarati; The Avesta and Pahlavi were translated into it. Gujarati therefore, can be written in Persian and Arabic scripts and is, still done so, in parts of Kutch.
Narsinh Mehta provided it the power of expression, while Alexander Kinloch Forbes added British romanticism and style to it.
One of the most notable contributors to the language was Surti poet Narmad Shankar Dave. He introduced Grammar, essay writing, autobiography and dictionary to the language, purifying it.
Part of the city continues to speak it politely, as he had molded it.’Kem cho, shu kaam chey’. [How are you, what do you want?]
However, for a major part of the city, Surti language today, is a far cry from what Narmad had developed.
Some areas in Tapi town are witness to cute conversations like ‘heya si ta aney ta si heya’ [from here to there and there to here] like our Dawoodi Bohra community speaks or to the subtle, sweet soirees of the Parsis,’Mareyre, fatimua! Bhonu jamva chal, jov.’[Come have your food!]
With the advent of artisans, tribals and peasants, not to mention the unabashed nature of our Khatri, Ghanchi and Gola brothers and sisters, the language got colourful influence, to change as never before.
Visitors from the ‘Propah’ cities of Ahmedabad and Vadodra are aghast upon hearing Surti language.
Migrants from Punjab and up North have actually adopted it, feeling at home with its profanity.
Marwadis; however remain under much shock till date and end up saying,’Hamarey Calcutta mein aisa nahi hota hai,’ for a change.
The good thing about Surti language is that it is very much uncomplicated and extremely easy to learn.So, here is a quick and easy guide.
Lesson # 1.Stress on the alphabets D and T, make them sound double like DD and TT. E.g. kidhu= kiddhu and nathi =natthi.
Lesson # 2.Reverse swing, de stress the alphabets DD and TT and make them sound single like D and T.e.g, vadd=vad and tattoo=tatoo.
Lesson # 3.Everything that ends with DA is to be pronounced as RA e.g. Kapra [clothes], Chopra [books]
Lesson# 4.Importance of ‘who’.Everything, in Surti mostly revolves around ‘who’
e.g.-‘who karey chey’=wassup dude?
‘who vaatt chey’=wow!
‘mein who kiddhu?”=what did I say?
‘who karvanu chey?”=what should we do?
‘who joiye chey? =what do you want?
Lesson #5.Importance of ‘what’. You don’t need to be a Biology student, but it would help you to speak Surti better if you were one.Surti language greatly depends on mentionable and unmentionable, printable and unprintable body parts of your father,mother,sister,brother in law etc.
e.g.-‘tara baap nu kapaal’=your father’s forehead.
Err…..reader discretion advised for other examples.
And that is really all there is, to ‘Surti bhasha’, as spoken.
Tapi town tattle-Modi marathon.
Monday, November 23, 2009
SURAT’S CULTURAL HERITAGE………….
Tapi town is celebrating world heritage week with much enthusiasm and aplomb this year. With SMC’s new partnership policy of conserving whatever if left of our ancient monuments, hand in hand with the Surtis, the citizens are more aware of the same than ever before.
The core city areas of what was once the inner walled city that clustered around the castle and town square-Chowk, -Sonifaliya, Vadifaliya, Nanavat, Gopipura is where Surat’s elite lived in the ancient times. In grand row houses that were supported with huge magnificent logs of Burma teak shipped in at Rander,with Sun roofs in the centre that let the air, light and shine in, prominent Surti families belonging to diverse castes and subcastes of Hindus,Jains,Vaniyas and Brahmins lived here in collective numbers.
A lot of Surat’s culture was influenced from these areas. The rich trader Gopi, whose vision and philanthropy greatly contributed to Surat gaining importance as a port town after the Portuguese burnt Rander, our popular poet Narmad along with providing vast contributions to the Gujarati language was also a torch bearer of modern change, who not only preached but also practiced social reforms such as widow remarriage.Virji Vora, the merchant prince, one of the richest in the world in his times. He out bid the British while trading for commodities like pepper, opium, gold, silver, cotton etc.He dictated his terms to the Europeans, through his wide spread international network.
The biggest virtue within the walled city was that of good reputation. For Surtis, a well respected name was everything. A family’s general image of respectability was enough to gain financial mobility without actual cash transactions. A small sapling of Tulsi would be sent to the money lender with a note of request from the one in need and that would be enough to provide capital, by word of mouth. People were respected for their lineage and not by the liquidity of wealth that they possessed. Till this date, Surtis from well known families in these areas, who had seen better days, are looked upon as,’bau saara manas hata’.
The various other self contained communities around the inner core vastly contributed to the city’s emerging culture.
The close knit and very efficient Daudi Bohras who excelled at trading, the enterprising Parsi community who also brought Shakespeare theatre into town, the pious Edrus Saiyyeds known for their scholarship and abilities to perform miracles.
The royal Nawabs of Surat, Bela and the Kazis [judges] and Bakshis [holding rank], who owned positions and land,
The unabashed Ghachis and Golas, who pressed oil and pounded rice respectively and later, turned to manufacturing of Jari that made Surat world famous.
The Khatri and Kanbis who were the weavers and artisans, the Patels who were the zamindars set out wages for artisans along with community norms; all brought in their own distinct language, laws and food.
Since the city thrived on trade, had International exposure with an ability to absorb outsiders, Surat was seeped in diverse culture that has mingled over the years to turn into,’ Surti nature.’
With finance, friends, food and fun, Surti lalas learnt to live life king size.
.
Tapi town is celebrating world heritage week with much enthusiasm and aplomb this year. With SMC’s new partnership policy of conserving whatever if left of our ancient monuments, hand in hand with the Surtis, the citizens are more aware of the same than ever before.
The core city areas of what was once the inner walled city that clustered around the castle and town square-Chowk, -Sonifaliya, Vadifaliya, Nanavat, Gopipura is where Surat’s elite lived in the ancient times. In grand row houses that were supported with huge magnificent logs of Burma teak shipped in at Rander,with Sun roofs in the centre that let the air, light and shine in, prominent Surti families belonging to diverse castes and subcastes of Hindus,Jains,Vaniyas and Brahmins lived here in collective numbers.
A lot of Surat’s culture was influenced from these areas. The rich trader Gopi, whose vision and philanthropy greatly contributed to Surat gaining importance as a port town after the Portuguese burnt Rander, our popular poet Narmad along with providing vast contributions to the Gujarati language was also a torch bearer of modern change, who not only preached but also practiced social reforms such as widow remarriage.Virji Vora, the merchant prince, one of the richest in the world in his times. He out bid the British while trading for commodities like pepper, opium, gold, silver, cotton etc.He dictated his terms to the Europeans, through his wide spread international network.
The biggest virtue within the walled city was that of good reputation. For Surtis, a well respected name was everything. A family’s general image of respectability was enough to gain financial mobility without actual cash transactions. A small sapling of Tulsi would be sent to the money lender with a note of request from the one in need and that would be enough to provide capital, by word of mouth. People were respected for their lineage and not by the liquidity of wealth that they possessed. Till this date, Surtis from well known families in these areas, who had seen better days, are looked upon as,’bau saara manas hata’.
The various other self contained communities around the inner core vastly contributed to the city’s emerging culture.
The close knit and very efficient Daudi Bohras who excelled at trading, the enterprising Parsi community who also brought Shakespeare theatre into town, the pious Edrus Saiyyeds known for their scholarship and abilities to perform miracles.
The royal Nawabs of Surat, Bela and the Kazis [judges] and Bakshis [holding rank], who owned positions and land,
The unabashed Ghachis and Golas, who pressed oil and pounded rice respectively and later, turned to manufacturing of Jari that made Surat world famous.
The Khatri and Kanbis who were the weavers and artisans, the Patels who were the zamindars set out wages for artisans along with community norms; all brought in their own distinct language, laws and food.
Since the city thrived on trade, had International exposure with an ability to absorb outsiders, Surat was seeped in diverse culture that has mingled over the years to turn into,’ Surti nature.’
With finance, friends, food and fun, Surti lalas learnt to live life king size.
.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
WHERE SURTIS WALK THEIR TALK………..
Long before Abhishek Bachhan advised the nation to walk the talk, Surtis have been seriously trying to sweat out those last 5 kilos…err make that 15, at tracks around Tapi town suburbs while they talk. With winter setting in, here is the inside info on some of our busy walkways and the buzz within them.
Peace and pace-The serpentine road that leads to Panas village through the agricultural cotton field farm, is one well trodden by denizens who prefer solitude. Since it still is a road less traveled compared to the ones that surround it, walkers can pray and maintain their pace as they prod in peace. Popular with elders who chant their mantras and exchange musings. Walk here to overhear home remedies for minor ailments.
Frangipani fragrance-With a grove of pristine white Frangipani trees, the SwamiVivekanand garden at Jamunanagar has a fair share gathering of walkers from different age groups and all walks of life. This bacchey buddhey aur jawan hotspot has the friendly chatter of children, serenity of its yoga posers and spring in the steps of its serious striders who warm up and stretch out. Child raising issues and maid problems discussed here.
Oasis of joy-Kavi Kalapi garden, opposite the Adajan police station, is what mirages are made of. A huge pond in the centre, surrounded by date Palms with cropped greenery thrown in for good measure, not to mention the cooling Banyan trees that lead to its entrance. Within pyramid like porches, people medidate as a gang of laughter club members have hilarious sessions to de stress. Conversations here mostly begin with ‘kehvano meaning em chey ke’, as one gets free lessons on real estate prices.
Where Seagulls dare-Our bridges over Tapi are popular twilight zones for people who love to stroll facing the blissful breeze pre Sunrise and post Sunset. A feel good, promising beginning and end to the day, where migrating birds flap around the river that runs to meet the Arabian Sea. Serious ‘only lonely’ walkers stride the pavements, communicating on their cell phones about the day’s business, stocks and shares.
Socks/Saas and the city-The happening place to walk and know what’s on in town, catch up on episodes of missed serials, learn new recipes, gain weight loss tips, and know about babu log’s babudom.Jogger’s park opposite Green Avenue,off Ghodod,is extremely popular on the chatterbox front. Pace and phrase go hand in hand at this walkway .A place where Surtis see and be seen in their sporty best.
Gazing and grazing-Opposite Sahaj super store stands the Swami Vivekananda Udyaan.With SMC’s, best but out of use swimming pool on one side and a casual cricket ground on the other. This palm lined park is abuzz with Bengali and bilingual buzz.Middleaged men gaze out at young tarangs to crown flavour of the month garden queens, while overgrown grass is made useful as cattle graze.
Jungle mein mangal-The biggie.With roads stretching out non stop to 2.5 kms in circumference, the SVNIT campus offers an eco friendly ambience for Surtis who have been walking and talking over the past 20 years and more. Flora, fauna and fountains surround the roads within. Fireflies dance to the tunes of frogs, peacock and peahens coo out with koels.More than 6000 listed striders, jam packed parking space proof enough of its popularity. Visit to eavesdrop on student soirees and businessmen’s banter.
Tapi town tattle-Namono show turns Namo, no show.
Long before Abhishek Bachhan advised the nation to walk the talk, Surtis have been seriously trying to sweat out those last 5 kilos…err make that 15, at tracks around Tapi town suburbs while they talk. With winter setting in, here is the inside info on some of our busy walkways and the buzz within them.
Peace and pace-The serpentine road that leads to Panas village through the agricultural cotton field farm, is one well trodden by denizens who prefer solitude. Since it still is a road less traveled compared to the ones that surround it, walkers can pray and maintain their pace as they prod in peace. Popular with elders who chant their mantras and exchange musings. Walk here to overhear home remedies for minor ailments.
Frangipani fragrance-With a grove of pristine white Frangipani trees, the SwamiVivekanand garden at Jamunanagar has a fair share gathering of walkers from different age groups and all walks of life. This bacchey buddhey aur jawan hotspot has the friendly chatter of children, serenity of its yoga posers and spring in the steps of its serious striders who warm up and stretch out. Child raising issues and maid problems discussed here.
Oasis of joy-Kavi Kalapi garden, opposite the Adajan police station, is what mirages are made of. A huge pond in the centre, surrounded by date Palms with cropped greenery thrown in for good measure, not to mention the cooling Banyan trees that lead to its entrance. Within pyramid like porches, people medidate as a gang of laughter club members have hilarious sessions to de stress. Conversations here mostly begin with ‘kehvano meaning em chey ke’, as one gets free lessons on real estate prices.
Where Seagulls dare-Our bridges over Tapi are popular twilight zones for people who love to stroll facing the blissful breeze pre Sunrise and post Sunset. A feel good, promising beginning and end to the day, where migrating birds flap around the river that runs to meet the Arabian Sea. Serious ‘only lonely’ walkers stride the pavements, communicating on their cell phones about the day’s business, stocks and shares.
Socks/Saas and the city-The happening place to walk and know what’s on in town, catch up on episodes of missed serials, learn new recipes, gain weight loss tips, and know about babu log’s babudom.Jogger’s park opposite Green Avenue,off Ghodod,is extremely popular on the chatterbox front. Pace and phrase go hand in hand at this walkway .A place where Surtis see and be seen in their sporty best.
Gazing and grazing-Opposite Sahaj super store stands the Swami Vivekananda Udyaan.With SMC’s, best but out of use swimming pool on one side and a casual cricket ground on the other. This palm lined park is abuzz with Bengali and bilingual buzz.Middleaged men gaze out at young tarangs to crown flavour of the month garden queens, while overgrown grass is made useful as cattle graze.
Jungle mein mangal-The biggie.With roads stretching out non stop to 2.5 kms in circumference, the SVNIT campus offers an eco friendly ambience for Surtis who have been walking and talking over the past 20 years and more. Flora, fauna and fountains surround the roads within. Fireflies dance to the tunes of frogs, peacock and peahens coo out with koels.More than 6000 listed striders, jam packed parking space proof enough of its popularity. Visit to eavesdrop on student soirees and businessmen’s banter.
Tapi town tattle-Namono show turns Namo, no show.
Monday, May 4, 2009
IPL-INFLUENCED, PROTESTING LALAS...........
Now that the poll fever has passed, Surtis are finding new ways to keep the topic alive till the results are out.
Pollsters are quoting what percentage of votes might have gone to the present ruling party, the opposition and the new entrants; as well as the important ‘others’ who will mingle in with either of the former parties later on, at their own whims and fancies.
If you are as confused as I am as to how on earth do they come to such exact conclusions about what the results will look like, percentage and all, here is what I think they do-
First of all, they select 8 different people from different walks of life to represent vote banks of various parties.
Like a rich businessman would vote for his benefit, while a mill labourer would vote for who benefited him [in official and unofficial ways].
Like a young first time voter, all set to practice his right for the very first time at the impressionable age of 18 ,on the other hand would be the ‘wise old man ‘a senior citizen who has seen many sarkars come and go.
Like a modern woman of the 21st century who would vote for the party that has promised more rights and equal benefits to all, while the distressed homemaker who is depressed with ever soaring prices would represent the other side of Women’s votes.
Like the rich religious leader whom followers treat like God who just has to whisper a word of whom to vote for, to represent the majority, as opposed to a poor, exploited under paid artisan who would represent a minority.
Then, the opinions of all these people would be taken by the polling agencies and fed into a computer along with the population that represents each; to come to a conclusion of the percentage of seats that will be won and also in which territories, so simple.
The other reason that has kept poll talks in charcha is the fact that despite the netas, newspapers and abhinetas having respectively made it important, simple and fashionable to vote this year, half of Tapi town failed to do so.
At social gatherings, citizens who do not have a tell tale mark on their finger are being asked why they did not vote.
Surtis are confused what to answer, I mean everyone now knows how to vote, so what do they say about why they did not press the blue button this year?
Luckily for them, they have now found an excuse. A small place called Velavi Faliyagam has come to their rescue. The villagers of this place stated that they boycotted the elections as a form of protest against absence of development.
Lalas now say since the IPL was shifted out of the country and their Indian idols, all cricketers have also not voted this year, they followed suit, as protest.
Sad that this influenced educated, intelligent Surtis more than the failing state of our neighbouring country’s democracy, to abstain from performing their democratic duty this year.
Tapi town tattle-What have Manmohanji and Advaniji requested Gujaratis?’Humey mut dijiye!”
Now that the poll fever has passed, Surtis are finding new ways to keep the topic alive till the results are out.
Pollsters are quoting what percentage of votes might have gone to the present ruling party, the opposition and the new entrants; as well as the important ‘others’ who will mingle in with either of the former parties later on, at their own whims and fancies.
If you are as confused as I am as to how on earth do they come to such exact conclusions about what the results will look like, percentage and all, here is what I think they do-
First of all, they select 8 different people from different walks of life to represent vote banks of various parties.
Like a rich businessman would vote for his benefit, while a mill labourer would vote for who benefited him [in official and unofficial ways].
Like a young first time voter, all set to practice his right for the very first time at the impressionable age of 18 ,on the other hand would be the ‘wise old man ‘a senior citizen who has seen many sarkars come and go.
Like a modern woman of the 21st century who would vote for the party that has promised more rights and equal benefits to all, while the distressed homemaker who is depressed with ever soaring prices would represent the other side of Women’s votes.
Like the rich religious leader whom followers treat like God who just has to whisper a word of whom to vote for, to represent the majority, as opposed to a poor, exploited under paid artisan who would represent a minority.
Then, the opinions of all these people would be taken by the polling agencies and fed into a computer along with the population that represents each; to come to a conclusion of the percentage of seats that will be won and also in which territories, so simple.
The other reason that has kept poll talks in charcha is the fact that despite the netas, newspapers and abhinetas having respectively made it important, simple and fashionable to vote this year, half of Tapi town failed to do so.
At social gatherings, citizens who do not have a tell tale mark on their finger are being asked why they did not vote.
Surtis are confused what to answer, I mean everyone now knows how to vote, so what do they say about why they did not press the blue button this year?
Luckily for them, they have now found an excuse. A small place called Velavi Faliyagam has come to their rescue. The villagers of this place stated that they boycotted the elections as a form of protest against absence of development.
Lalas now say since the IPL was shifted out of the country and their Indian idols, all cricketers have also not voted this year, they followed suit, as protest.
Sad that this influenced educated, intelligent Surtis more than the failing state of our neighbouring country’s democracy, to abstain from performing their democratic duty this year.
Tapi town tattle-What have Manmohanji and Advaniji requested Gujaratis?’Humey mut dijiye!”
Sunday, April 26, 2009
SUMMERTIME TREATS FOR TAPI TOWN TODDLERS.................
Hello mommies and daddies! Summer is here full swing and I bet you all have a hundred ideas up your sleeve for your little ones .There will be nineteen to the dozen activity classes available for your pre schoolers to attend.
Surti parents believe that their babies have the unbelievable power and capacity to learn any and everything before their age and time .Hence prenursery kids attend ‘tuition’ for learning stuff.
Truth is, the poor little rich kids are just looking for a place to be themselves. They are tired of nose wax moulding lessons from their maids, foul language classes from their drivers, amidst other creative activities .So; here are a few places that you can take your cherubic charmer around in our town, to improve their motor skills and spend moments of joy with your precious ones.
TRAFFIC PARK-Easily the safest place for your little love to safely ride a tricycle, bycycle with ease and learn a thing or two about traffic rules as well. With a cute little statue of a traffic policeman to welcome you, the cycles available there are nothing to write home about but the good news is that you are allowed to carry your own. Built like a little Noddy Toyland with bridges, bus stops, blinking traffic signals, amongst greenery, it is one place where toddlers and teens can enjoy the freedom of riding. A huge sign board displays and explains road traffic signs that we Surtis definitely need to learn.
SARTHANA ZOO-Alright before you twitch that nose, let me tell you the animals here are no less a visual treat than the ones at the Singapore zoo. We could do with a better bus to take us around and more shady places to relax in, but the friendly animals more than make up for the lack of facilities. Take a map from the office and do a jungle trail with your toddler. The otters here are the friendliest and put up a sweet show. The leopards, lions are majestic, the bears and birds a visual treat as are the deers and antelopes. While at the zoo, do make it a point to visit the butterfly park. Although we do not have many species in there yet, the cooling waterfall and beautiful, colourful foliage is worth a visit.
AQUAIRIUMS-Agreed we do not have one yet.But, there are shops that sell fishes and aquariums all around town.Piplod, Old Umra, Ghodod road, Chowk bazaar, all have a multicoloured collection of swishy delights .Let the young ones watch in wonder as they learn colours, movement and rhythm from their underwater freinds.Teach them about fish food and take a gold fish or two back home for them to care for.
Whether it’s the play pen at Iskcon mall, sand castles at Dumas opposite the Universal Mother statue, playing catch while watching squirrels at Udyaan, Chowpatty, take your toddler out in the sunshine this summer for freedom and fun under the Sun.
Tapi Town Tattle- Which song are all Netas singing for this election? ’Abhi toh mein jawaan hoon!’
Hello mommies and daddies! Summer is here full swing and I bet you all have a hundred ideas up your sleeve for your little ones .There will be nineteen to the dozen activity classes available for your pre schoolers to attend.
Surti parents believe that their babies have the unbelievable power and capacity to learn any and everything before their age and time .Hence prenursery kids attend ‘tuition’ for learning stuff.
Truth is, the poor little rich kids are just looking for a place to be themselves. They are tired of nose wax moulding lessons from their maids, foul language classes from their drivers, amidst other creative activities .So; here are a few places that you can take your cherubic charmer around in our town, to improve their motor skills and spend moments of joy with your precious ones.
TRAFFIC PARK-Easily the safest place for your little love to safely ride a tricycle, bycycle with ease and learn a thing or two about traffic rules as well. With a cute little statue of a traffic policeman to welcome you, the cycles available there are nothing to write home about but the good news is that you are allowed to carry your own. Built like a little Noddy Toyland with bridges, bus stops, blinking traffic signals, amongst greenery, it is one place where toddlers and teens can enjoy the freedom of riding. A huge sign board displays and explains road traffic signs that we Surtis definitely need to learn.
SARTHANA ZOO-Alright before you twitch that nose, let me tell you the animals here are no less a visual treat than the ones at the Singapore zoo. We could do with a better bus to take us around and more shady places to relax in, but the friendly animals more than make up for the lack of facilities. Take a map from the office and do a jungle trail with your toddler. The otters here are the friendliest and put up a sweet show. The leopards, lions are majestic, the bears and birds a visual treat as are the deers and antelopes. While at the zoo, do make it a point to visit the butterfly park. Although we do not have many species in there yet, the cooling waterfall and beautiful, colourful foliage is worth a visit.
AQUAIRIUMS-Agreed we do not have one yet.But, there are shops that sell fishes and aquariums all around town.Piplod, Old Umra, Ghodod road, Chowk bazaar, all have a multicoloured collection of swishy delights .Let the young ones watch in wonder as they learn colours, movement and rhythm from their underwater freinds.Teach them about fish food and take a gold fish or two back home for them to care for.
Whether it’s the play pen at Iskcon mall, sand castles at Dumas opposite the Universal Mother statue, playing catch while watching squirrels at Udyaan, Chowpatty, take your toddler out in the sunshine this summer for freedom and fun under the Sun.
Tapi Town Tattle- Which song are all Netas singing for this election? ’Abhi toh mein jawaan hoon!’
Sunday, January 4, 2009
SURTI SUNDAY VS FRUGAL FUNDAY............
It’s a new day in the New Year and in these times of worldwide recession that has turned us all into fiscal underachievers, Surtis might look at the option of cost cutting as a New Year resolution.
On a normal Sunday, aam Surti janta would ride out towards Dumas- the ditch of the Arabian Sea, then, after a session of bhutta, bhajiya and narial paani, come back into the suburbs to catch a movie at the multiplex and dine out at the road side stalls or restuarants.Later, maybe catch coffee and dessert at a cafe. Down the years, this has been the routine of most Surtis. This means your average, yuppie Surti family of four spends about Rs.1200-1500 [inclusive of petrol] on a Sunday. Plus, if they were to shop for clothes, shoes etc.The amount would automatically increase two fold or more.
Well, well, well, dearies, with the global meltdown, all this is about to change since extra trimmings are going to affect extra expenses that are avoidable. So, let’s discover the unexpected pleasure of being smart about money once more. Here is a’ muft ka gyan ‘guide for fun loving Surtis to live well, spend less.
Since a lot of fathers in Surat are ‘Sunday papas’, meaning they spend time with family only on Sundays, there is never a better reason to be at home. If you prefer some fresh air, you could take the family for a walk to a park nearby, go jay walking in deserted by lanes or walk it up to the wholesale grocery store and stack the pantry with discounted goods of basic necessity for the month. Thus, reduce unnecessary purchases as well as waste of pollution causing petrol. Visit a museum, temple, library or any other public place within the comfort of your walking zone.
Be your own restaurant. You can eat like a prince at pauper’s prices if you turn into a frugal gourmet and cook up yum food at home, together. It can be anything from grandma’s best recipe paratha or a salad, pasta platter or even mirchi bhajiyas and onion rings or chicken wings. Good, clean, fun! Not to mention a much healthier option than street/restaurant food. Get the kids to lay out the table to a theme and add a bunch of fresh flowers from the garden as you light up that candle from last Diwali.
Convert your drawing room into your movie theatre. Rent a DVD. of movies you have been forever planning to watch but never got around to do so. Watch it with hot corn popped at home as you sip a foamy hand beaten espresso in your favourite mug. A good time, to listen out to those long bought surround sound effects speakers.
Fall back in love with everything you already own but never ended up using. Stuff like electronic games, upload your I-pod, burn c.d.’s on the puter, try out unused make up and dress up in outfits that remain hanging, as they await a special occassion.Spruce up your old clothes by mix and match options. Use long bought accessories, style hair and nails at home.
Spa at home. Give romance a new twist as you exchange facials, massage and pedicure treatments with the love of your life. Read out books to each other, dance and sing out to MTV, play Scrabble allowing only terms of endearment. Turn on your imagination to make all things fun.
The sting is worldwide, but we will heal quickly and we will heal well if we learn how to deal with it for a few Rupees less.
TAPI TOWN TATTLE-What is Pakistan’s favourite Indian advertisement? ‘Kyaa saboot hai?’
It’s a new day in the New Year and in these times of worldwide recession that has turned us all into fiscal underachievers, Surtis might look at the option of cost cutting as a New Year resolution.
On a normal Sunday, aam Surti janta would ride out towards Dumas- the ditch of the Arabian Sea, then, after a session of bhutta, bhajiya and narial paani, come back into the suburbs to catch a movie at the multiplex and dine out at the road side stalls or restuarants.Later, maybe catch coffee and dessert at a cafe. Down the years, this has been the routine of most Surtis. This means your average, yuppie Surti family of four spends about Rs.1200-1500 [inclusive of petrol] on a Sunday. Plus, if they were to shop for clothes, shoes etc.The amount would automatically increase two fold or more.
Well, well, well, dearies, with the global meltdown, all this is about to change since extra trimmings are going to affect extra expenses that are avoidable. So, let’s discover the unexpected pleasure of being smart about money once more. Here is a’ muft ka gyan ‘guide for fun loving Surtis to live well, spend less.
Since a lot of fathers in Surat are ‘Sunday papas’, meaning they spend time with family only on Sundays, there is never a better reason to be at home. If you prefer some fresh air, you could take the family for a walk to a park nearby, go jay walking in deserted by lanes or walk it up to the wholesale grocery store and stack the pantry with discounted goods of basic necessity for the month. Thus, reduce unnecessary purchases as well as waste of pollution causing petrol. Visit a museum, temple, library or any other public place within the comfort of your walking zone.
Be your own restaurant. You can eat like a prince at pauper’s prices if you turn into a frugal gourmet and cook up yum food at home, together. It can be anything from grandma’s best recipe paratha or a salad, pasta platter or even mirchi bhajiyas and onion rings or chicken wings. Good, clean, fun! Not to mention a much healthier option than street/restaurant food. Get the kids to lay out the table to a theme and add a bunch of fresh flowers from the garden as you light up that candle from last Diwali.
Convert your drawing room into your movie theatre. Rent a DVD. of movies you have been forever planning to watch but never got around to do so. Watch it with hot corn popped at home as you sip a foamy hand beaten espresso in your favourite mug. A good time, to listen out to those long bought surround sound effects speakers.
Fall back in love with everything you already own but never ended up using. Stuff like electronic games, upload your I-pod, burn c.d.’s on the puter, try out unused make up and dress up in outfits that remain hanging, as they await a special occassion.Spruce up your old clothes by mix and match options. Use long bought accessories, style hair and nails at home.
Spa at home. Give romance a new twist as you exchange facials, massage and pedicure treatments with the love of your life. Read out books to each other, dance and sing out to MTV, play Scrabble allowing only terms of endearment. Turn on your imagination to make all things fun.
The sting is worldwide, but we will heal quickly and we will heal well if we learn how to deal with it for a few Rupees less.
TAPI TOWN TATTLE-What is Pakistan’s favourite Indian advertisement? ‘Kyaa saboot hai?’
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
NEW YEAR’S EVE AND ADAM.............
2009 is a stone’s throw away and since we have decided that no terror threat is going to dampen our Surti spirits, its party time folks!
Celebrating the New Year’s Eve is a custom that Surtis have been following since long now. In the late 70’s there were parties held at home by married couples, with home cooked surti food. These had the crème de la crème of surti socialites swinging away in silk maxis to the Abba’s Dancing Queen, Super Trouper or The Beatles best on the gramophoneJagjit Chitra ghazals were played too. Some migrants, mostly of the officer crowd, would have pretty wives, elegantly dressed in sarees swaying a romantic waltz with their husbands.
Mid eighties saw an entire generation of youngsters who were fortunate enough to watch and imitate the style of Madonna, Wham, Michael Jackson on Doordarshan’s ‘Pop stars’. Disco parties were then organised at places like Shree apartment hall and upcoming bunglows,where youngsters set up their own music systems and played out cassettes of recorded English music to full blast. Denim was the dress code. Snacks like samosas from Kailash, Rasna sherbet and Khaman would be laid out at a table in the corner. Friends shared the expense.
Then came the nineties, Surat had its very own band ‘Phoenix’.Surat’s only rock star, the late and very handsome Rajiv Desai was its lead singer, with Aakar Patel[now in Mumbai media] at the guitar and Matu who dazzled at the drums. These were the guys who brought in Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd Jethro Tull, and The Who and rocked the parties. Making guys and gals in baggie pants and t-shirts feel the music. From the mid 90’s, some restaurants went all out to please the crowds with private bashes. Fancy strobe lights, wooden dance floors and professional music systems got included. Food spread boasted of veg and non veg hors’de vours and desserts as well.
The 21st century brought along with it state of the art music systems and D.J’s belting out popular hinglish numbers with trance beats. Farm houses, are converted to party venues now. Whether its Brian Hylands evergreen,’itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini ‘or ‘mauja hi mauja’, the Surtis will be swinging to global tunes this year. Thai and Mexican cuisine will be served, with bar tenders from Mumbai shaking mock tails. Surtis will shop especially for the occasion and visit saloons for a hair do. The colours for this season are aubergine, gold and the usual, black. Some will travel to Daman, Goa, and Mumbai to officially celebrate in ‘high spirits’.
In case you are not a dancer, here are some easy to follow, original Surti moves, try them out now!
1. Kotsafil’’s Kaipo Che-Pretend you are flying a kite and have a mock tangle while you swing your knees in and out ,without lifting your feet.
2.Salabatpura’s swing-Roll your hands around like binding a bobbin and clap to the beat of three while you take two steps to the right and hopscotch back ,repeat to the left.
3. Parle Point’s Pretence-Stand in one place and only shift your shoulders and abdomen to the beat twice to the right twice to left, swing head in the motion of saying no as you move, right hand up with fore finger pointed.
4. Maachi waad mania-Put both hands up and alternate actions to bless the world and change light bulbs, while hips hop to right and left.
5. Golwaad’s gyrations-Put wacko jacko to shame as you belt out pelvic thrusts to the beat of one, two, in, out. Cup hands to resemble snakes that sting the air.
So there, now that you have had the lessons, what are you waiting for dearies? Doesn’t matter if you spend it grooving to the F.M at home, Aaja nachle! It’s the best method to express love, happiness and fun. Have a funtastic 2009!
TAPI TOWN TATTLE-What did the BCCI instruct the Indian cricket team? No Pakking!
2009 is a stone’s throw away and since we have decided that no terror threat is going to dampen our Surti spirits, its party time folks!
Celebrating the New Year’s Eve is a custom that Surtis have been following since long now. In the late 70’s there were parties held at home by married couples, with home cooked surti food. These had the crème de la crème of surti socialites swinging away in silk maxis to the Abba’s Dancing Queen, Super Trouper or The Beatles best on the gramophoneJagjit Chitra ghazals were played too. Some migrants, mostly of the officer crowd, would have pretty wives, elegantly dressed in sarees swaying a romantic waltz with their husbands.
Mid eighties saw an entire generation of youngsters who were fortunate enough to watch and imitate the style of Madonna, Wham, Michael Jackson on Doordarshan’s ‘Pop stars’. Disco parties were then organised at places like Shree apartment hall and upcoming bunglows,where youngsters set up their own music systems and played out cassettes of recorded English music to full blast. Denim was the dress code. Snacks like samosas from Kailash, Rasna sherbet and Khaman would be laid out at a table in the corner. Friends shared the expense.
Then came the nineties, Surat had its very own band ‘Phoenix’.Surat’s only rock star, the late and very handsome Rajiv Desai was its lead singer, with Aakar Patel[now in Mumbai media] at the guitar and Matu who dazzled at the drums. These were the guys who brought in Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd Jethro Tull, and The Who and rocked the parties. Making guys and gals in baggie pants and t-shirts feel the music. From the mid 90’s, some restaurants went all out to please the crowds with private bashes. Fancy strobe lights, wooden dance floors and professional music systems got included. Food spread boasted of veg and non veg hors’de vours and desserts as well.
The 21st century brought along with it state of the art music systems and D.J’s belting out popular hinglish numbers with trance beats. Farm houses, are converted to party venues now. Whether its Brian Hylands evergreen,’itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini ‘or ‘mauja hi mauja’, the Surtis will be swinging to global tunes this year. Thai and Mexican cuisine will be served, with bar tenders from Mumbai shaking mock tails. Surtis will shop especially for the occasion and visit saloons for a hair do. The colours for this season are aubergine, gold and the usual, black. Some will travel to Daman, Goa, and Mumbai to officially celebrate in ‘high spirits’.
In case you are not a dancer, here are some easy to follow, original Surti moves, try them out now!
1. Kotsafil’’s Kaipo Che-Pretend you are flying a kite and have a mock tangle while you swing your knees in and out ,without lifting your feet.
2.Salabatpura’s swing-Roll your hands around like binding a bobbin and clap to the beat of three while you take two steps to the right and hopscotch back ,repeat to the left.
3. Parle Point’s Pretence-Stand in one place and only shift your shoulders and abdomen to the beat twice to the right twice to left, swing head in the motion of saying no as you move, right hand up with fore finger pointed.
4. Maachi waad mania-Put both hands up and alternate actions to bless the world and change light bulbs, while hips hop to right and left.
5. Golwaad’s gyrations-Put wacko jacko to shame as you belt out pelvic thrusts to the beat of one, two, in, out. Cup hands to resemble snakes that sting the air.
So there, now that you have had the lessons, what are you waiting for dearies? Doesn’t matter if you spend it grooving to the F.M at home, Aaja nachle! It’s the best method to express love, happiness and fun. Have a funtastic 2009!
TAPI TOWN TATTLE-What did the BCCI instruct the Indian cricket team? No Pakking!
Monday, September 22, 2008
MOONLIGHTING;RANDER ‘S RANGOONI NIGHTS.
In spite of always having been one; people often look at me doubtfully and say,’aapko dekh kar toh nahi lagta ke aap vegetarian hai?’Having grown up with two elder, voracious non vegetarian siblings, both of them particularly lean , I never take the above statement as an abasement.I maintain they say so due to my ‘healthy ‘hair and skin.My protective mom says it must be due to my farmer blood broad shoulders, my health freak dad differs, blaming it on my erratic lifestyle.
So when the boss, my editor from Ahmedabad sent me the message to,’ do a piece on Rander scene during iftari.Hog as well.’ the first thing I did was pick up the phone and tell parents that my stand on the ‘protein power looks’ issue stood vindicated. Since, all that boss knows me by, is my photo herewith.
Next, I resorted to pure gumption to gather a gang for the mission. It was complicated. There are various kinds of foodies in Surat-The pure veg, the Jain veg who do not eat onions or garlic, the vegans who abstain from lactose, the chickenetarians [no goat], the weekly non veg [none on Tuesday/Thursday], the meat and chicken but no beef and pork and finally the ‘pure’ non vegetarians. Also the eggetarians, to which I belonged.
My gang had all of the above and an anorexic friend who didn’t belong to any of the above. The Jains joined in, not to lose their religion but to visit Manibhadra; the yaksha God, whose temple in Rander is reminiscent of the ancient 200A.D.Shanprat rule during which numerous Jain derasars were built in Rander. Thousands of people throng this place especially on Thursday; belief is all your wishes are granted if you pray here.
Centuries ago, residents of this southern end of Bharuch would travel to the foreign shores of Arabia, Sudan, Bangkok, Burma from the port of Rander, in search of a livelihood. A lot of Burma teak and fine, bright coloured porcelain was shipped in from Yangon which travelled to the royalty in India. Till date antiques are sourced from here. Old homes in Rander are made of Burma teak. The Rander House in Rangoon at present houses The Internal Revenue Department. Post the third world war, trade started deteriorating and by the time Burma [Myanmar] was Independent in 1950, hundreds of Muslim Diaspora, forced to give up business and property, had returned back to Rander-now the city of mosques.
The Yangon connection inspired flavours of Burmese cuisine. The food at Rander is therefore different from the other ghettos at Chowk and Zhampa bazaar; where chicken tangdi and tikkas, mutton raan and chaps for iftari are available along with machhi pav, mutton salan for the morning Sehri.
Rander has receipes like the famous Rangooni paratha-succulent meat pieces enveloped in thin layer of maida, egg and deep fried as a rectangular delicacy, a version of Chicken khowsuey [locals call it khausa] prepared with steaming spaghetti, thin, chicken curry with a coconut milk base and garnished with dry puri pieces instead of Sali wafers, with a sprinkling of spring onion greens. Also, much relished are the machhi masala chicken and aloo puri-thin small maida puris served with bits of chatpata aloo topped with onions, lime and chilli. Silver chicken, marinated in green chilli garlic paste, roasted within foil. Of course, the usual boti kebabs, tandoori chicken, chicken 65 and eggs to order are also available. Dessert offerings are kullad phirni and various flavours of sancha ice cream and kulfis of which Guava and Durian fruit ones are rare and exclusive to Rander. Many homes here are converted to ‘family room’ for dining.
Rander mela began in 1938 at the Chunarwad Masjid alley, next to a beautiful imaret maderesa; a place to provide hungry Muslims food post the evening azaan to break their Ramzan fast. Till date, little kiosks of paraphernalia for midnight shoppers offer prayer beads, embroidered burqas, talcum-toiletries, replica sneakers, cheap Chinese toys and concentrated ittars.The street is quite civil and serene through the night, with a heavy aroma in air and sizzling sounds of tava cooking. Today, the retired ‘raizees’ of Rangoon rule the streets once a year, moonlighting with receipes carried down the ages. Many just work during the month of Ramzan.This is a city within the city in an age of bygone era and when the new moon is cited at the month end, it will be Idd,its New year.
Everyone returned home happy. Then, my father called to ask if the title of my column meant khoob –soorat [lots of face].
In spite of always having been one; people often look at me doubtfully and say,’aapko dekh kar toh nahi lagta ke aap vegetarian hai?’Having grown up with two elder, voracious non vegetarian siblings, both of them particularly lean , I never take the above statement as an abasement.I maintain they say so due to my ‘healthy ‘hair and skin.My protective mom says it must be due to my farmer blood broad shoulders, my health freak dad differs, blaming it on my erratic lifestyle.
So when the boss, my editor from Ahmedabad sent me the message to,’ do a piece on Rander scene during iftari.Hog as well.’ the first thing I did was pick up the phone and tell parents that my stand on the ‘protein power looks’ issue stood vindicated. Since, all that boss knows me by, is my photo herewith.
Next, I resorted to pure gumption to gather a gang for the mission. It was complicated. There are various kinds of foodies in Surat-The pure veg, the Jain veg who do not eat onions or garlic, the vegans who abstain from lactose, the chickenetarians [no goat], the weekly non veg [none on Tuesday/Thursday], the meat and chicken but no beef and pork and finally the ‘pure’ non vegetarians. Also the eggetarians, to which I belonged.
My gang had all of the above and an anorexic friend who didn’t belong to any of the above. The Jains joined in, not to lose their religion but to visit Manibhadra; the yaksha God, whose temple in Rander is reminiscent of the ancient 200A.D.Shanprat rule during which numerous Jain derasars were built in Rander. Thousands of people throng this place especially on Thursday; belief is all your wishes are granted if you pray here.
Centuries ago, residents of this southern end of Bharuch would travel to the foreign shores of Arabia, Sudan, Bangkok, Burma from the port of Rander, in search of a livelihood. A lot of Burma teak and fine, bright coloured porcelain was shipped in from Yangon which travelled to the royalty in India. Till date antiques are sourced from here. Old homes in Rander are made of Burma teak. The Rander House in Rangoon at present houses The Internal Revenue Department. Post the third world war, trade started deteriorating and by the time Burma [Myanmar] was Independent in 1950, hundreds of Muslim Diaspora, forced to give up business and property, had returned back to Rander-now the city of mosques.
The Yangon connection inspired flavours of Burmese cuisine. The food at Rander is therefore different from the other ghettos at Chowk and Zhampa bazaar; where chicken tangdi and tikkas, mutton raan and chaps for iftari are available along with machhi pav, mutton salan for the morning Sehri.
Rander has receipes like the famous Rangooni paratha-succulent meat pieces enveloped in thin layer of maida, egg and deep fried as a rectangular delicacy, a version of Chicken khowsuey [locals call it khausa] prepared with steaming spaghetti, thin, chicken curry with a coconut milk base and garnished with dry puri pieces instead of Sali wafers, with a sprinkling of spring onion greens. Also, much relished are the machhi masala chicken and aloo puri-thin small maida puris served with bits of chatpata aloo topped with onions, lime and chilli. Silver chicken, marinated in green chilli garlic paste, roasted within foil. Of course, the usual boti kebabs, tandoori chicken, chicken 65 and eggs to order are also available. Dessert offerings are kullad phirni and various flavours of sancha ice cream and kulfis of which Guava and Durian fruit ones are rare and exclusive to Rander. Many homes here are converted to ‘family room’ for dining.
Rander mela began in 1938 at the Chunarwad Masjid alley, next to a beautiful imaret maderesa; a place to provide hungry Muslims food post the evening azaan to break their Ramzan fast. Till date, little kiosks of paraphernalia for midnight shoppers offer prayer beads, embroidered burqas, talcum-toiletries, replica sneakers, cheap Chinese toys and concentrated ittars.The street is quite civil and serene through the night, with a heavy aroma in air and sizzling sounds of tava cooking. Today, the retired ‘raizees’ of Rangoon rule the streets once a year, moonlighting with receipes carried down the ages. Many just work during the month of Ramzan.This is a city within the city in an age of bygone era and when the new moon is cited at the month end, it will be Idd,its New year.
Everyone returned home happy. Then, my father called to ask if the title of my column meant khoob –soorat [lots of face].
Thursday, September 18, 2008
SINGAPORE SLING, SURTI STYLE……
Whoa! Hold on people before you rush to get your cocktail shakers and potent mixtures. This is not the recipe for a desi version of Singapore’s signature drink. This one is about Tapi town’s wishlist.Ever since the town has been marching towards steady growth and progress faster than most others cities of the world and has been referred to as Gujarat’s financial capital, many Surtis have been seeing the dream of ‘Surat banshey Singapore’. What if Surat were to be Singapore?
Here are some places around town that can be converted to look like the most popular spots of the world’s financial capital…..err, almost…………..
Adajan-Sentosa Island: Since we do have SMC’s much awaited underwater world project coming up here which promises to be bigger and better than the one in Sentosa. To achieve a more authentic approach, we can take a boat ride or construct a cable car ropeway to access it just like Sentosa. Adajan also has a long stretch of land overlooking the Tapi waters where water games and a sound and laser light show can be organized. But Sentosa now has majestic, state of the art, swanky casinos being constructed on it by the owners of Genting highlands, which the law of our land will not permit. So its tough luck for us Surtis.
Tapi river promenade-Clarke quay, Boat quay: The hot n happening place for young tarangs.Music, masti and magic. Till the wee hours of the morning, this place is rocking with its pubs and clubs along the Singapore River. Barbeque and beer along with shooters and hooters are what keeps Clarke Quay flowing with crowds. With SMC planning a riverside promenade by the Tapti in place of the present slums, we could convert it in Clarke Quay, but, wait a minute; booze is taboo in Tapi town so we will have to dampen our spirits and give this a miss as well.
Ghodod Road-Orchard road: Singapore’s famous street that boasts of the world’s best labels from one end to another. Dior and Vuitton rub shoulders with Ferragamo and Chanel. Not to mention the fancy restaurants where the crème de la crème stop by for a quick bite. Our ghodod road is a hotspot haven for shoppers too but it houses scores of unpretentious, tiny shops that do brisk business selling replicas and has hawkers who prepare chatpata sevpuri and yummy vadapav.I have a bad feeling that Takashimaya, Tangs and Robinsons do not have exactly that kind of neighbourhood in mind to branch out; lest they commit a fashion faux pas.
Sarthana zoo- Singapore zoo-This one is pretty close since the Singapore zoo is home to a lot of Indian animals. We also have an enviable butterfly park and aviary in the making. The hindrance here dearies is the timing of the zoo. Whilst Singapore allows visitors from early morning through the day and shares part of its premises for the night safari too, our sarthana zoo functions only for hours few. Singapore’s zoo is one of its highest profit raising tourist spots with animal shows and souvenir shopping provisions; whilst ours will need steep funds and high maintenance to survive ever rising costs.
Dumas-Marina Bay view –Well, we could have resorts planned here and hotels with a view to the Arabian Sea .A Merlion spouting water would be out of question considering the poor dear could choke on the often found dead Dumas fish. Sun bathing, beach volleyball and surfing would be on the Surtis to-do list. Alas! Dearies both you and I know for a fact that dear old Dumas is a beach sans any sand. So unfortunately, this one does not qualify for a makeover like the much in demand reclaimed bay view land.
Surti Flyovers-Singapore Flyer: I know it is not a 360degree panoramic view of our town from atop our ever collapsing man made blunders, but we do have a 365 day access to picnic and stroll over our various flyovers. Surtis visit their flyovers and bridges every Sunday, to park and party the evening away. Unfortunately, after hoardings have been used to hoard bombs, our popular party spots are right now off limits and there is scarce scope to view the town leisurely from over them.
Whether Chautapul becomes China town or Malls turn into Mustafa Centre remains to be seen. All we are left with for now is the dream of an entirely clean, green, Surat. The closest thing we have to Singapore at present is the Singapore Ni wadi in Rustumpura; where the khatri community [that has many N.R.I. s in Singapore] proudly celebrates all its happy occasions.
Frankly, methinks Surat is great the way it is. After all said and done, if Surtis really want it to, Surat surely can be Singapore some day; the question is can Singapore be Surat for a day?
Whoa! Hold on people before you rush to get your cocktail shakers and potent mixtures. This is not the recipe for a desi version of Singapore’s signature drink. This one is about Tapi town’s wishlist.Ever since the town has been marching towards steady growth and progress faster than most others cities of the world and has been referred to as Gujarat’s financial capital, many Surtis have been seeing the dream of ‘Surat banshey Singapore’. What if Surat were to be Singapore?
Here are some places around town that can be converted to look like the most popular spots of the world’s financial capital…..err, almost…………..
Adajan-Sentosa Island: Since we do have SMC’s much awaited underwater world project coming up here which promises to be bigger and better than the one in Sentosa. To achieve a more authentic approach, we can take a boat ride or construct a cable car ropeway to access it just like Sentosa. Adajan also has a long stretch of land overlooking the Tapi waters where water games and a sound and laser light show can be organized. But Sentosa now has majestic, state of the art, swanky casinos being constructed on it by the owners of Genting highlands, which the law of our land will not permit. So its tough luck for us Surtis.
Tapi river promenade-Clarke quay, Boat quay: The hot n happening place for young tarangs.Music, masti and magic. Till the wee hours of the morning, this place is rocking with its pubs and clubs along the Singapore River. Barbeque and beer along with shooters and hooters are what keeps Clarke Quay flowing with crowds. With SMC planning a riverside promenade by the Tapti in place of the present slums, we could convert it in Clarke Quay, but, wait a minute; booze is taboo in Tapi town so we will have to dampen our spirits and give this a miss as well.
Ghodod Road-Orchard road: Singapore’s famous street that boasts of the world’s best labels from one end to another. Dior and Vuitton rub shoulders with Ferragamo and Chanel. Not to mention the fancy restaurants where the crème de la crème stop by for a quick bite. Our ghodod road is a hotspot haven for shoppers too but it houses scores of unpretentious, tiny shops that do brisk business selling replicas and has hawkers who prepare chatpata sevpuri and yummy vadapav.I have a bad feeling that Takashimaya, Tangs and Robinsons do not have exactly that kind of neighbourhood in mind to branch out; lest they commit a fashion faux pas.
Sarthana zoo- Singapore zoo-This one is pretty close since the Singapore zoo is home to a lot of Indian animals. We also have an enviable butterfly park and aviary in the making. The hindrance here dearies is the timing of the zoo. Whilst Singapore allows visitors from early morning through the day and shares part of its premises for the night safari too, our sarthana zoo functions only for hours few. Singapore’s zoo is one of its highest profit raising tourist spots with animal shows and souvenir shopping provisions; whilst ours will need steep funds and high maintenance to survive ever rising costs.
Dumas-Marina Bay view –Well, we could have resorts planned here and hotels with a view to the Arabian Sea .A Merlion spouting water would be out of question considering the poor dear could choke on the often found dead Dumas fish. Sun bathing, beach volleyball and surfing would be on the Surtis to-do list. Alas! Dearies both you and I know for a fact that dear old Dumas is a beach sans any sand. So unfortunately, this one does not qualify for a makeover like the much in demand reclaimed bay view land.
Surti Flyovers-Singapore Flyer: I know it is not a 360degree panoramic view of our town from atop our ever collapsing man made blunders, but we do have a 365 day access to picnic and stroll over our various flyovers. Surtis visit their flyovers and bridges every Sunday, to park and party the evening away. Unfortunately, after hoardings have been used to hoard bombs, our popular party spots are right now off limits and there is scarce scope to view the town leisurely from over them.
Whether Chautapul becomes China town or Malls turn into Mustafa Centre remains to be seen. All we are left with for now is the dream of an entirely clean, green, Surat. The closest thing we have to Singapore at present is the Singapore Ni wadi in Rustumpura; where the khatri community [that has many N.R.I. s in Singapore] proudly celebrates all its happy occasions.
Frankly, methinks Surat is great the way it is. After all said and done, if Surtis really want it to, Surat surely can be Singapore some day; the question is can Singapore be Surat for a day?
Friday, May 2, 2008
SURTIS –AN AAM JANTA………..
Will Hillary rise to emerge over Obama? Will Shoaib Akhtar procure NOC from the other side of the LOC? Will the lawyers of lalaland get justice? None of these questions were bothering the aam aadmis of Surat over the weekend. All that we were worried about was whether or not the weather would wither our tropical treat. April showers are after all disastrous for May flowers. As if the Arab attack on mangoes was not enough to delay the arrival of our gastronomic delight!
Raised on fun, freedom and food, Surtis prefer pure breed over hybrid. Earliest childhood memories for majority of us therefore, include,’ the mango hoarding sessions ‘practiced by our grandparents. Most rooms in the house would be converted into larders, strewn with gunny bags where the king of fruit would preside, crowned with hay. On a daily basis, the precious potassium rich procurements would be sniffed, segregated and savoured with great passion. What would begin with a tender fresh aroma of the juicy, summer fruit; would turn into a full, robust fragrance around the house as the treasure switched colours deep as jewels-emerald green to ruby red to gold.
Even as Spanish chefs ‘spherify’ mango juice with hydrocolloids to make it look like caviar for avant garde cuisine, Surat is one place where mangoes are prepared in varied desi versions. Sliced, diced or spiced, we Surtis love this one right to the core.
Picked as early as its budding stage,’morva’ for fresh dry salad pickle by tossing it in a fenugreek-chilli mixture and ‘panechi’, made with water, salt and turmeric. Kagda Keri is popularly used for sweet and spicy chutney as well as ‘chunda and murabbas’ that make cool consumption in hot summers. Raw Rajapuris are pickled [methiya Keri, gol Keri, etc.] to be savoured with Surti food around the year. Its strips and seeds are Sun-dried to be powdered for tangy Amchur and masala gutlis.
In our city where food and fruit is looked upon as a status symbol, the supreme Ratnagiri Alfanso rules the roost followed by the Valsad haphoos. With mercury rising, arrive the aces of aam ras-Rajahpuri, Kesar, and Pairi.Surti households concoct their own combination of these to produce a lip smacking variety of mango pulp that is savoured with 7 padi rotli, puris or the Surti exclusive-Khaja .Some lace the juice with ghee, salt and cumin powder before relishing it others use Mango seeds, ‘gotlas’ to cook a spicy curry called’ fajeto’ to be savoured with rice.Dussheri, Chausa, Safeda, Popat, Mulgubbo and Karanj Keri trail into town later, spreading sweetness. Last but not least Neelam and Langdo tag along, to offer the gourmets a final delight. As distinct as each mango is in its flavour, Surtis sure know how to maximize its use.
The migrants have brought in recepies like;’aam panna,’and ‘aam ki lunji’ which have found instant fan following in our town. Crave-a-licious mango desserts- shrikhand, shakes and sorbets are prepared at home and roadside kiosks. Bitter gourd, Alocacia leaves, Idla and Salang Ni daal are frequent team members of the surti mango meal. Special ras-puri, ghosh-puri dinners are hosted during this season.
Surtis easily succumb to their taste buds. In spite of not actually being a local produce, Mangoes rule Surti hearts more than any other food. Little wonder then, that the royal Mango, is the King of fruits and we Surtis are the loyal –‘Aam’ Janta.
Will Hillary rise to emerge over Obama? Will Shoaib Akhtar procure NOC from the other side of the LOC? Will the lawyers of lalaland get justice? None of these questions were bothering the aam aadmis of Surat over the weekend. All that we were worried about was whether or not the weather would wither our tropical treat. April showers are after all disastrous for May flowers. As if the Arab attack on mangoes was not enough to delay the arrival of our gastronomic delight!
Raised on fun, freedom and food, Surtis prefer pure breed over hybrid. Earliest childhood memories for majority of us therefore, include,’ the mango hoarding sessions ‘practiced by our grandparents. Most rooms in the house would be converted into larders, strewn with gunny bags where the king of fruit would preside, crowned with hay. On a daily basis, the precious potassium rich procurements would be sniffed, segregated and savoured with great passion. What would begin with a tender fresh aroma of the juicy, summer fruit; would turn into a full, robust fragrance around the house as the treasure switched colours deep as jewels-emerald green to ruby red to gold.
Even as Spanish chefs ‘spherify’ mango juice with hydrocolloids to make it look like caviar for avant garde cuisine, Surat is one place where mangoes are prepared in varied desi versions. Sliced, diced or spiced, we Surtis love this one right to the core.
Picked as early as its budding stage,’morva’ for fresh dry salad pickle by tossing it in a fenugreek-chilli mixture and ‘panechi’, made with water, salt and turmeric. Kagda Keri is popularly used for sweet and spicy chutney as well as ‘chunda and murabbas’ that make cool consumption in hot summers. Raw Rajapuris are pickled [methiya Keri, gol Keri, etc.] to be savoured with Surti food around the year. Its strips and seeds are Sun-dried to be powdered for tangy Amchur and masala gutlis.
In our city where food and fruit is looked upon as a status symbol, the supreme Ratnagiri Alfanso rules the roost followed by the Valsad haphoos. With mercury rising, arrive the aces of aam ras-Rajahpuri, Kesar, and Pairi.Surti households concoct their own combination of these to produce a lip smacking variety of mango pulp that is savoured with 7 padi rotli, puris or the Surti exclusive-Khaja .Some lace the juice with ghee, salt and cumin powder before relishing it others use Mango seeds, ‘gotlas’ to cook a spicy curry called’ fajeto’ to be savoured with rice.Dussheri, Chausa, Safeda, Popat, Mulgubbo and Karanj Keri trail into town later, spreading sweetness. Last but not least Neelam and Langdo tag along, to offer the gourmets a final delight. As distinct as each mango is in its flavour, Surtis sure know how to maximize its use.
The migrants have brought in recepies like;’aam panna,’and ‘aam ki lunji’ which have found instant fan following in our town. Crave-a-licious mango desserts- shrikhand, shakes and sorbets are prepared at home and roadside kiosks. Bitter gourd, Alocacia leaves, Idla and Salang Ni daal are frequent team members of the surti mango meal. Special ras-puri, ghosh-puri dinners are hosted during this season.
Surtis easily succumb to their taste buds. In spite of not actually being a local produce, Mangoes rule Surti hearts more than any other food. Little wonder then, that the royal Mango, is the King of fruits and we Surtis are the loyal –‘Aam’ Janta.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
PENNING CHAUTAPUL’S CHALK DE! CHAPTER…….
The world famous, perennially snow capped, highest mountain of the Alps is shivering with fear of threatened existence. Not because of Global warming [at least for now] but because the Surtis are calling products named after it –Mount Blank! Jokes apart, it is nice to see that the finest writing instruments from Mont Blanc are now accessible in town. Thanks to the Mall mania, Lalas need not wait to visit Joon in New York, Smythson’s in London or Zaveri Bros. Mumbai for the same.
Among earliest Surti stationers were the vendors wandering around Chautapul ,selling chalks and slate pens; their descendents still do .In the 1950’s owning a Pratap pen was as good as it could get for Surti students.’ Swan’ was overpowered in prestige, only by ‘Brahmam’ a 14 carat gold nib, ink pen manufactured in Madras if you please. Being gifted a’ Reform ‘or ‘Tiku’ by visiting rich relatives would turn the event into the talk of the then small town. ‘Senator’ sustained the70’s. Ball point tip pens were then a big no-no for students since they were notorious to spoil handwriting. So when the Luxor micro tip pen was introduced to Tapi town in the early 80’s it was the biggest hit since Sholay!
Navin pen mart at Lalgate pioneered selling fancy pen ware. In absence of computers, account books and registers sold like hot cakes and selling stationery along with them, made Kagzi brothers at Limda Chowk, Popular book store Tower road, Modern in Sagrampura and Athwa General Store at Athwalines dream destinations for the same.
A visit to even the most modest of stationery shops in Surat these days has a different story to tell. As one enters, there is a grand welcome with an array of bouquets of multi coloured pens set row wise in jars. Some Surti stores tease and tempt offering limited and unlimited editions from Parker, Schaeffer, Caran’d ache, Pelikan, Cross pens. Lamy, Waterman, Cartier and Dupont now visit town on order.
Surti mommies upgrade their kid’s stuff on a monthly basis. The Alphabet eraser with a translucent green head has been bid adieu I notice, replaced by Big Mac and cricket kit replicas in the name of erasers. Steadler, Crayola, Faber Castell are household names now, for lead and colour options. The good old geometry set box is a goner too, now we have fancy cases with four compartments. Kids in town casually use files, punch machines and staplers from Korea, binders, sticker charts, 3-d scales from China, aromatic hand made paper from Jaipur. In times where Black boards have turned white, chalks and slate pens are the only ones that have retained their authentic colours and flavours swear the chalk munching junkies!
What disheartens one is the fact that when the world’s best instruments for writing are now easily available to us, penmanship unfortunately is dying an untimely death. Around the globe, both male and female prefer e-mails; lap tops have replaced letter pads.’ The Grid’ is set to become the future of text technology. Mobile Short Message Service causes Hara-kiri of the text, daily making Wren and Martin tremble. As we proceed towards a paperless phenomenon, stationery has become just that-stationary. Pens are pocketed as fashion, Paper is used for packaging and books are procured more as décor than for records. Though our budget for these has amazingly increased, our usage of the same has drastically decreased. Changing times have ‘nanonized’ our form of communication; let’s pray pen and paper will always be around. Hope, Chautapul’s ‘Chalk de!’Chapter never closes with a ‘chuck de!’ by the Generation next, of Tapi town.
The world famous, perennially snow capped, highest mountain of the Alps is shivering with fear of threatened existence. Not because of Global warming [at least for now] but because the Surtis are calling products named after it –Mount Blank! Jokes apart, it is nice to see that the finest writing instruments from Mont Blanc are now accessible in town. Thanks to the Mall mania, Lalas need not wait to visit Joon in New York, Smythson’s in London or Zaveri Bros. Mumbai for the same.
Among earliest Surti stationers were the vendors wandering around Chautapul ,selling chalks and slate pens; their descendents still do .In the 1950’s owning a Pratap pen was as good as it could get for Surti students.’ Swan’ was overpowered in prestige, only by ‘Brahmam’ a 14 carat gold nib, ink pen manufactured in Madras if you please. Being gifted a’ Reform ‘or ‘Tiku’ by visiting rich relatives would turn the event into the talk of the then small town. ‘Senator’ sustained the70’s. Ball point tip pens were then a big no-no for students since they were notorious to spoil handwriting. So when the Luxor micro tip pen was introduced to Tapi town in the early 80’s it was the biggest hit since Sholay!
Navin pen mart at Lalgate pioneered selling fancy pen ware. In absence of computers, account books and registers sold like hot cakes and selling stationery along with them, made Kagzi brothers at Limda Chowk, Popular book store Tower road, Modern in Sagrampura and Athwa General Store at Athwalines dream destinations for the same.
A visit to even the most modest of stationery shops in Surat these days has a different story to tell. As one enters, there is a grand welcome with an array of bouquets of multi coloured pens set row wise in jars. Some Surti stores tease and tempt offering limited and unlimited editions from Parker, Schaeffer, Caran’d ache, Pelikan, Cross pens. Lamy, Waterman, Cartier and Dupont now visit town on order.
Surti mommies upgrade their kid’s stuff on a monthly basis. The Alphabet eraser with a translucent green head has been bid adieu I notice, replaced by Big Mac and cricket kit replicas in the name of erasers. Steadler, Crayola, Faber Castell are household names now, for lead and colour options. The good old geometry set box is a goner too, now we have fancy cases with four compartments. Kids in town casually use files, punch machines and staplers from Korea, binders, sticker charts, 3-d scales from China, aromatic hand made paper from Jaipur. In times where Black boards have turned white, chalks and slate pens are the only ones that have retained their authentic colours and flavours swear the chalk munching junkies!
What disheartens one is the fact that when the world’s best instruments for writing are now easily available to us, penmanship unfortunately is dying an untimely death. Around the globe, both male and female prefer e-mails; lap tops have replaced letter pads.’ The Grid’ is set to become the future of text technology. Mobile Short Message Service causes Hara-kiri of the text, daily making Wren and Martin tremble. As we proceed towards a paperless phenomenon, stationery has become just that-stationary. Pens are pocketed as fashion, Paper is used for packaging and books are procured more as décor than for records. Though our budget for these has amazingly increased, our usage of the same has drastically decreased. Changing times have ‘nanonized’ our form of communication; let’s pray pen and paper will always be around. Hope, Chautapul’s ‘Chalk de!’Chapter never closes with a ‘chuck de!’ by the Generation next, of Tapi town.
P IS FOR PROFANITY……..SURTIS ‘SWEAR’ BY IT!
Towns all over our country are known for their distinct dialect and manner of speaking; the nawaabi andaaz of Lucknow’s tehzeeb, the sugar coated chatter of Calcutta, the respectful regal tone of Jaipur, in Gujarat itself there are a number of accents in which Ahmedabadi, Kathiyawadi etc. Gujarati is spoken. When it comes to our town though, the otherwise sweet sounding language takes an about turn.’shu che?’ becomes’ hu che?’ and ‘tamay aavo’ becomes ‘tu chal ni’.Other than being casual about the way they speak, Surtis are also most definitely well known for their profanity. I mean, I have yet to hear a social, business or casual conversation in town which does not include more than one #~*$#! Expletive word in every delivered dialogue!
The ‘it’ slang word does not exist in Surat because every slang word is part of a normal Surti conversation. While one wonders what mothers, sisters, fathers, brother-in laws and their body parts have got to do with conversations that neither involve them nor revolve around them; the average Surti would loose half his talk time in case he was forced to frame a sentence without profusely swearing!
Surat has a number of communities and sub castes of Gujaratis that dwell here. We have the Patels, Ghachis, Golas, Khatris, Vanias etc. Although they all speak differently, they are bound together by their profanity. No one raises a surprised brow at the most inaudible word spoken publicly.
Since it has always been a business community, education has never been that important to the average Surti. Family business has beckoned many a young soul to discontinue studies midway, irrespective of caste and creed. Grammar in Tapi town therefore is also one of the poorest in the state and pronunciations too go for ahem! A six!
In case the otherwise efficient Surti lala was asked to make a business deal come through without using his slang words, it would be a catch 22 situation for him! Every Surti sentence is incomplete until it is peppered with slang.
Surtis do not mean to swear at their friends and associates, in fact they use these with people they converse with on a day to day basis as terms of endearments!Surtis swear when they are in a good mood, smilingly and do so angrily when they are in a bad mood. So that means, if a Surti does not swear when in conversation, you do not feature in his close group of normal people and he is trying really hard to keep the talk straight!
Minding his ‘P’s and ‘Q’s would be torture for a Surti and he would rather answer in ‘yes’ or’ no’ than converse in situations that call for the same. Watching cricket, flying kites, eating out, chatting on the mobile, shopping, driving, in short every normal activity that a Surti does has to have a reaction that begins and ends with exclamatory remarks.
One thing is for certain, if there was ever a competition for original, innovative, maximum and widely used profanity world wide, Surtis would win hands down, no competition there sir, not even from the infamous down under-Australia.Surtis casually speak words that would make any human from out of town go drastically red in the face.
The other ‘P’word that Surtis are well known for is Promiscuous, but this is a newspaper with family readership and I most definitely am not getting into that explicit conversation, lest I get showered with spicy Surti slang of the profane kind!
Towns all over our country are known for their distinct dialect and manner of speaking; the nawaabi andaaz of Lucknow’s tehzeeb, the sugar coated chatter of Calcutta, the respectful regal tone of Jaipur, in Gujarat itself there are a number of accents in which Ahmedabadi, Kathiyawadi etc. Gujarati is spoken. When it comes to our town though, the otherwise sweet sounding language takes an about turn.’shu che?’ becomes’ hu che?’ and ‘tamay aavo’ becomes ‘tu chal ni’.Other than being casual about the way they speak, Surtis are also most definitely well known for their profanity. I mean, I have yet to hear a social, business or casual conversation in town which does not include more than one #~*$#! Expletive word in every delivered dialogue!
The ‘it’ slang word does not exist in Surat because every slang word is part of a normal Surti conversation. While one wonders what mothers, sisters, fathers, brother-in laws and their body parts have got to do with conversations that neither involve them nor revolve around them; the average Surti would loose half his talk time in case he was forced to frame a sentence without profusely swearing!
Surat has a number of communities and sub castes of Gujaratis that dwell here. We have the Patels, Ghachis, Golas, Khatris, Vanias etc. Although they all speak differently, they are bound together by their profanity. No one raises a surprised brow at the most inaudible word spoken publicly.
Since it has always been a business community, education has never been that important to the average Surti. Family business has beckoned many a young soul to discontinue studies midway, irrespective of caste and creed. Grammar in Tapi town therefore is also one of the poorest in the state and pronunciations too go for ahem! A six!
In case the otherwise efficient Surti lala was asked to make a business deal come through without using his slang words, it would be a catch 22 situation for him! Every Surti sentence is incomplete until it is peppered with slang.
Surtis do not mean to swear at their friends and associates, in fact they use these with people they converse with on a day to day basis as terms of endearments!Surtis swear when they are in a good mood, smilingly and do so angrily when they are in a bad mood. So that means, if a Surti does not swear when in conversation, you do not feature in his close group of normal people and he is trying really hard to keep the talk straight!
Minding his ‘P’s and ‘Q’s would be torture for a Surti and he would rather answer in ‘yes’ or’ no’ than converse in situations that call for the same. Watching cricket, flying kites, eating out, chatting on the mobile, shopping, driving, in short every normal activity that a Surti does has to have a reaction that begins and ends with exclamatory remarks.
One thing is for certain, if there was ever a competition for original, innovative, maximum and widely used profanity world wide, Surtis would win hands down, no competition there sir, not even from the infamous down under-Australia.Surtis casually speak words that would make any human from out of town go drastically red in the face.
The other ‘P’word that Surtis are well known for is Promiscuous, but this is a newspaper with family readership and I most definitely am not getting into that explicit conversation, lest I get showered with spicy Surti slang of the profane kind!
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!
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