-Aparna Chandra
April 13, 2024
It's early morning - as the summer breeze whizzes past the pedestrians, the newspaper vendor on his cycle makes the newspaper fall like a Frisbee - right on the target in the corridor of the house. He deftly folds papers to be delivered to the houses nearby and doesn't miss his target even once .
The route to be followed is fixed in his mind and so is the choice of newspapers. As one loungers in the balcony sipping tea/coffee holding the newspaper; glancing the different columns makes the morning complete, isn't it ?
Fancy newspaper portal apps have e-papers divided into the different sections with options of taking screenshots too. This has eased the task of sharing important news. But the feel of holding the printed paper, with the smell of ink and the visual appeal of the newspaper layout in your hands has its own charm.
Pooja rooms nowadays are lit up with electric lamps but the sparkle of a clay Diya has its own significance. Similarly, dhoop burnt during Puja in the house has its own benefits like removing toxins and emanating a pleasant fragrance. Aromisers too are used with essential oils of Lemongrass, Rosemary etc
Chandan sticks rubbed on a chakla with sandal applied on the forehead has a cooling effect. Wet facial tissues too have a cooling effect but the nature and effect of application are way different from each other.
Coming to floral essentials, real flowers of different colours adorned in one’s home or wedding allures the visitor. Artificial flowers may last longer but fail to replicate the real aura of fresh flowers. Kajal made by lighting a lamp facing a cucumber when applied on the eyes has a soothing effect while artificial Kajals give way to tears.
Freshly made juice with original pulp lures one to drink more. Aampanna made at home quenches one’s thirst more than a packaged drink. Also, chutneys made on stone grinders(silvat) taste magical. Organic spices captivate our taste buds while factory products lose the authentic flavour.
The charishma of food cooked in a clay vessel on charcoal is nowhere close to a stove-based dish. Mishti doi in a kulhad or chai tastes simply classic.
Ornaments made with shells or bell metal by tribals allure the spectators as they are made the traditional way.
Artificial Intelligence based robots may ease your work but can they replace the human touch the way a person makes you feel with his warmth and affection cannot be expressed precisely by a robot. Foot massages are available in fancy lounge chairs in airports but don't you feel heavenly with your feet pressed gently or with force as per your requirement by a person affectionately? Changing modes maybe possible using a robotic chair too but you will miss the vibes of a person listening and gauging your needs with a human touch.
Articles or presentations made by AI look impressive no doubt but currently one can make out the difference while reading the text at one go. Technology makes it possible to replicate any superstar’s voice but seeing your superstar live takes to another planet !! Can a mother's lullaby ever be substituted with the automated voices?
Natural greenery too has been swapped with artificial plants. They do look like, are easy to maintain. They don't need sunlight and water but can we exchange them with real plants ?
The way they make us feel,
experiencing artificial things with the seal,
choose your deal
Do you want the real or reel?
Points to ponder and choose the best