#beef #bullet #intolerance #Maggi #DalRoti As we near the end of 2015, we would like to take stock of a few unforgettable and dirty words of 2015 that have left their imprints on the sands of time – these words have been arranged in no particular order but have been selected at random based on the perception of the author.
Some of these words that will be written forever in golden letters are – beef, bullet, pulse, Maggi, intolerance.
Beef – all of a sudden this word came into prominence. The cow is a sacred animal in India and is held in a high pedestal. Side by side, there are some communities who eat beef. It has been going on for ages and, there was a peaceful coexistence. However, all of a sudden, the word ‘beef’ became a dreaded one. Accusing fingers were raised, there were protests and counter protests. It was officially banned in some states but not in others.
Bullet – this word is all about speed. It is a dream coming true – with Japanese help. Once operational, this train will compete with airlines and transport commuters in no time from one place to another. To start with it will be between Ahmedabad and Delhi. It will be an example of efficiency and will put the existing rail system to shame. Coupled with a twin of Kyoto city in India in the form of a renovated Varanasi, the bullet train will edge China out from the scenario.
Pulse – this is what every Indian swears by and when it goes beyond the reach of the common man, there is hue and cry. Dal-roti combination is staple diet of millions of Indians and when suddenly the ingredient does the vanishing trick and becomes available to only a selected few who can afford to pay the price, someone else has to pay a different type of price. They are the political leaders who suffer loss of face and credibility.
Intolerance – this is a word that has seen heroes become villains. Bollywood was shaken to its roots and those who had entertained millions of Indians for so many years suddenly became untouchables and fund themselves outcast. They were asked to leave the country. The message that went out to the world at large was not a pleasant one. But, then, we are able to tolerate the intolerable - that is the paradox.
Maggi – this was a popular brand on instant noodle manufactured by one of the most renowned manufacturer. Celebs who used to endorse the brand were caught on the wrong foot because, all of a sudden, there were rumors that the instant noodles contained ingredients that were in quantities that were not within prescribed limits. Samples were sent for testing to labs and the results were not favorable. Immediately, orders were given to withdraw the brand from all outlets. And – they had to be destroyed. The best part is that, subsequent tests in other labs, removed the stigma and the brand is back!
Some more interesting links -
Moody on climate change – promote bullock carts and tonga (satire)
Baba Someday to use gobar gas and yoga for space flights (satire)
Momo and sushi gear up to dislodge jilebi and pedhas (satire)
Winterline carnival in Mussourie - enjoy hot air balloon rides
Mamata Banerjee visits Digha sea beach and outlines her plans
Elon Musk finally gets it right - SpaceX rocket lands back on Earth vertically
'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' takes the world by storm - set to break records
Batman Ben Affleck, the Dark Knight, speaks up
When Bollywood film stars fall in love with Kolkata
British Muslim family not allowed to travel to Disneyland from Gatwick airport
ISIS chooses jungles of Philippines as its training camp
Terror attacks in Paris makes the US issue global alert for its citizens
