SWAMILOOK - musings

All about backbone

Mr U is always in the habit of complaining about his poor health or ailment, though, on the face of it, not worth caring for - for example, some times excess sugar, at times no- sugar.

He mentioned once about going to a specialist for having his back examined. Pat came a sarcastic remark from his credulous listener: Was it to check up whether he (Mr U) had a backbone at all?

Mr U was well known for his glutton like appetite, especially for home made food. In the style of a royal, he used to carry in a stylish manner a whole lot of stuff for lunch, and start looking forward, with a fervor, the time for going into it. Come lunch time, he would ceremoniously take out, and spread them on his office table, after carefully putting aside the files, etc., that got usually lifted only for this purpose, go about the routine with the gusto of an army cadet doing his daily rounds.

Outlook on life:

By and large, interests in life have, over the decades, undergone a material- nay, to put it aptly, an immaterial change.

To trace from childhood, as a youth, bachelor, then married, tending to middle aged, lastly but unavoidably oldish– likes and dislikes have been undergoing an unpredictable change right through, for good or bad

Until peeping into thirties, no idea about value of money - Is one really right in thinking that it does have value!!

Of course, the so-called values have changed, dramatically - or have they really changed as perceived?

Morality or Virtues on the one hand and unquenchable aspiration for wealth on the other- for obvious reasons, both have no meeting point

If one were to embark on a little bit of soul searching:-

It is beyond one’s comprehension as to why/where have gone those good old days of - righteousness, joint family, inner beauty, truly learned, friendly, camaraderie, deep-rooted ties of kith and kin; so on, so forth?

Mr U is fond of always talking about the affluence of his offspring – two sons and two daughters, but he himself having been pushed to a old age home; but has never been heard complaining.

Mr UV is often heard complaining about the unkindest cut of all received from his offspring- this one blessed with only one son. Instead, should he not really thank God for having only one, not more, to regret about.

Mr UVW with no issues – has been living in some place; but he has nothing to complain or boast about – may be, a staunch believer in typical Hindu philosophy.

Ideally, what is called for is a total detachment from an overwhelmingly materialistic world; as the present generation, but for a few and rare exceptions, is left with no affinity or love. Perhaps, that helps one to try and attain such detachment sooner, than later; hence a blessing in disguise.

Eighty, Not Out:

As a wise man once lamented –

After 50 - every year a grace

60 - every month a grace

70 - every day a grace

80- every moment a disgrace




In a Music hall:

Mr U is always seen as a front liner, though not only a stranger to the musicologist but also to the art of music itself. He makes sure to enter the hall only after all others have settled in their seats and the artist has started his debut. As he enters, he bows in a semi- Japanese style, raises the left hand a little, about 45 degrees, directed to the dais. Often, goes unnoticed by the artist concentrating on his alapana. Granting luck, at times, out of chivalry and etiquette, the artist gives a thin nod and bears out semblance of a smile – not necessarily in recognition – may be, just to acknowledge, as a matter of courtesy. Mr U, having his ego satisfied, and after landing in his seat, rotates his head sideways to the point of straining, craning his neck and glancing to the rear, to see whether his and the artist’s reciprocate gestures have been noticed by anyone. He is soon heard humming- though the vocalist is apparently in no need of a second fiddle – invariably out of tune.

Mr U, incidentally a nephew to relate by blood, is known for his extremely impulsive nature. He has the inborn tact to talk to anybody and make friends. On those occasions whenever I chance to be by his side, he would take upon himself the pleasure of introducing also me to the newly made friend of his; least bothering himself to notice as to whether the latter likes it or not.