Yesterday, a unique event was witnessed at the Fine Arts auditorium. A Tamil businessman and accomplished singer, Ganesh Kumar, organised a ‘Padwa Pahat’ for the enjoyment of Marathi-speaking people to celebrate Gudi Padwa. The programme saw excellent Marathi classical music by Pandit Anand Bhate, a disciple of the legend Bhimsen Joshi. Bhate was in his elements as he presented one song after another with consummate mastery. The anchoring was done by noted actor Subodh Bhave, who did a commendable job. The audience was treated to a musical treat, which will be cherished for a long. The programme started late, which made a section of the audience restive, but once the event started, everything fell into place and the delay was forgotten. Incidentally, Kumar, who himself is known for the singing of ‘abhangs’, runs a television channel called Insync through which he popularises both Hindustani and Carnatic classical music. His aim is to expose people, especially the young generation, to the treasure trove called Indian classical music.
Taking Commuters For A Ride
Taxi aggregator Uber appears to have become a law unto itself. Its service is deteriorating steadily. Trips are cancelled by their drivers arbitrarily, leaving passengers in the lurch. Recently, a colleague wished to reach the airport urgently to catch an early morning flight and pre-booked a trip. Since 4.30 am, he was waiting for the pick-up, but in vain. Finally, when he called the driver, who nonchalantly informed him that he had cancelled the trip! If the drivers cancel a trip they are not penalised, but if passengers do the same, then they are required to pay a fine of Rs50. Now Uber has introduced a new feature according to which if you want the driver to reach you fast, then you have to pay a tip! Which is ridiculous. Also, many of the cabs have torn seats and are smelly. Drivers have major attitude problems, talk constantly on their mobile phones, speed their vehicles, and generally behave as if they are doing a favour by ferrying a passenger. The feedback option on WhatsApp is of little use because one does not see any improvement in the situation. Given this background, it is good that Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is also in charge of the cooperation ministry, has decided to form cooperatives of cabbies to give Uber and Ola a run for their money
The Taste Of Heaven
Summer is here, and this is the time for ‘aamras’, or mango juice. Of course, the juice made from Deogad Alphonsos is the best in terms of taste and texture. Many restaurants offer ‘aamras’ with puri, which I find odd because ‘aamras’ tastes best on itself. Several shops also have ‘aamras’ packed in plastic bags and refrigerated for sale. But many of them contain added sugar, which is actually an insult to the king of fruits. So if you are in the mood to indulge, then head for the many Gujju thali restaurants that offer unlimited ‘aamras’. Shree Thaker Bhojanalay at Kalbadevi is one such place where you will instantly fall in love with ‘aamras’.
Tailpiece
Complete the sentence, “Early to bed and early to rise.” Student: This man has neither Wi-Fi nor a wife!
(Compiled by S Balakrishnan)
