Train Journey

This time around when i decided to take a train back home, there were several things that were running in my mind. Foremost was the wish to get into the situation of forced seclusion from the laptop and the phone and of course the office. Thought this would give me time to toss a few things over in my mind. But quite soon i realised i did not want to do this... And there was ample entertainment around...a luxury only Indian Railways allow.

People start talking as if there is no one around. Make statements that makes you wonder if generalisations on people, religion and professions are the most endemic disease in India. Interesting statements on your areas of expertise is made and you almost decide to join in but then decide it is better to watch the fun from a little distance.

Right across my berth was a lady who was trying to convince her daughter that MBBS is the right career choice. I went into a quick flashback and returned as quickly thanking God that i am through that phase. The interesting thing was the logic that was being fed into her brain as to why she should go for MBBS. Within minutes she had listed down all her cousins, distant relations, neighbours, relations of neighbours who were doctors or doing MBBS. How several of them are doing good out of India (including UK!!!!!!!!!!). Long list of little cousins who were in class 3/5/7 and when asked, proudly answer that they want to be doctors when they grow up.
And i suddenly realized that the little girl had just finished her 10th and was being sent off to some coaching institute in Vizag so that she can get through MBBS. What a pity... I am thankful these tensions came as i was passing 12th.

There was a old gentleman who came up and asked "Can you play cards?" I replied I havent played for more that 5/6 years and he said "To kya hua, Tin patti to ata hi hoga." So began a nice time pass.

When i returned, there were other interesting charachters who had joined our cube. One was obviously a IT professional had got into an conversation with the mother and child i had mentioned about. So had to sit there and hear about generalizations being made about all educational institution, how mba is good or bad as a career...why her son should try for MICA (he apparently is interested in 3d animation), how a little curd in the meal can solve all problems, what a wonderful dish gongura(Andhra speciality..some chutney made from gongura leaves) is and so on.

The little girl asked this guy a simple question. What is SAP? I watched as he struggled to answer her. Really amusing.. as she was told u wont understand, she said why not, i have studied economics in class X. i know about business.

The group got down the next morning and new people joined in... and so the journey continued.
Despite the entertainment, as the journey clocked 16 hours, I sweared I am not doing this again. Cant spend 32 hours of my hard earned leave ( I had to literally fight for it) on a train. Dhakkan airlines jindabad.

But as i was returning, i was feeling sorry because i was reaching Banglore so soon...