Transformations

   Seven is the number of years since I left India. Earth has gone around sun seven times, traveling more than 6 billion km. That photon took off from sun in May 2007 must have travelled close to 66 trillion kilometers. I have grown 7 years older and a lot greyer. Many people I knew have gone from the world that we know of and have been replaced with new faces. Life has changed, technology has evolved, and social psyche has been significantly transformed. The change may not be appreciable in some places but in certain others the difference is dramatic.

   In USA, for example, last seven years has not made a significantly more difference in human life. Obvious ones that come to mind is the revolution in communication in the form of new generation smartphones and tablets. They are significant innovations and have influenced human lives in various ways. But they were not leap of change considering the tech savvy population in US pre-2007. Life has become considerably easy due to them (and more dependent too). The return of hybrids/electric car is another interesting developing, which is not complete yet. But I would say all these changes have been more or less gradual. Importantly the price for common household stuffs and expenses for family maintenance is comparable between 2007 and 2014. I agree that politics has seen major changes. US welcomed a colored family for the first time to white house. Many transformations in political system are in progress. My point is that a common mans life is not affected considerably.

   But I know a country that has undergone a dramatic transformation. It is India. I am visiting my home country after 7 long years. I was aware of the changes that have been happening by talking to friends and relatives. Therefore I was prepared to be surprised. I was happy to experience the unique smell of an Indian metropolitan city after a long time. I have not got a chance yet to travel around. But I am eager to do so. Life of common man and problem he faces may be the same, but it seems the approach and attitude to life has been changed considerably. Technology has penetrated deep in to human culture and life. Almost everyone has a mobile phone now. Today morning I was walking around my hotel to find a public telephone booth. In the half km radius I tried I could not find any. I have seen a lot more people talking over their mobile phone in roads. Is it a harbinger for the surprising change I am about to witness? We will see. Hope all changes are for good and it is for the well being of all.

Image courtesy: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/gallery/maha-kumbh-allahabad-2013-pictures/8/8646.html