A Passenger Battling the faiths in NEW INDIA

 A Passenger Battling the faiths in NEW INDIA

“Acche din”, one of the most electrifying election slogans of Indian political history. It gave Indians a hope, hope of something happening good. Not only in India, people were talking about it all over the globe. The media, whether it was print, electronic or social, this slogan was everywhere. It became a symbol. People started wearing T-shirts printed with “Acche din”. When the man who coined this slogan said it in a public rally, it gave goosebumps to the Indians. People came out of their homes, voted in mass for the man who said it and rewarded him power. But the question here is, is it really the “Acche din” we are living in now? Not really for some people, of course not. There are many stories saying it but this tale says so much. It started in Lajpat Nagar, South-East Delhi, Friday, 9 AM on the month of February. Minor cold, pleasant sunlight, a normal crowded and noisy morning. Last day of the week, which would pass like other days, but for the protagonist, it would be unforgettable. He still thinks if it was good or bad for him. Let’s conclude it. The day has started. The sun is up. Peacock’s voice is overcome by traffic noise. Traffic is starting to build up on the red lights. People are honking everywhere, even on the red signals. Everybody is in a hurry. This is Delhi, the heart of the nation and that’s how a normal morning starts here. People are going out to earn their livelihood. A Passenger 4 Kids are going to school. Maids have started ringing the bells. Roadside vendors are picking their spots. Everybody is going out for work, to earn their finances. Delhi is one of the most financially diverse cities. Among the people leaving their homes for their workplaces in the morning, some are on the backseat of a luxury car, some are riding a bike/scooter, some poor folks are walking and yet some are waving hands to stop taxis. Taxis. As soon as the sun rises, there are thousands of taxiwalas in this city waiting for the first earning of the day. They see a passenger in every walking creature, up to offer them a ride. They are very energetic in the morning, asking everybody, “Where will you go sir?”, “need a taxi?” “Can I drop you somewhere? Will take less time than others”. The way of approaching people of every taxiwala is unique. About 10-15 years ago, these taxiwalas had to have newspapers in their hands, now they have been replaced by smartphones. Earphones up, mobile in one hand, and a joint in another. That is the normal appearance of a taxiwala. Most of them know each other as they work in a union but sometimes they fight with each other over passengers. Ola and Uber have hit their market, which has organised the system but still there are people who run on their own. Goodluck to them. Delhi taxiwalas always have an adda. A tea stall which is in every corner of Delhi. The taxiwalas spend their non- 5 Rakesh Rohilla driving hours here. Tea, cigarettes, debate over politics, agreements, disagreements. This is the real “Chai pe Charcha”. This concept of “Chai pe Charcha” has brought a significant change in our behaviour as a Nation. We have now been more politicised than ever. Now we are more sensitive towards our political ideologies. Politics has reached our homes. Our arguments have become wittier and this brings the concept of intolerance in our society. The most tolerant community is now being called intolerant. This tale is about those days when the term “intolerant” became a Twitter trend, a media buzz. This tale is about a Taxiwala, his ideologies and a passenger.

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