We as Indians are a weird bunch really. Sometimes, we are together while at other times, we have set barriers between each other. It is only in a crowd that we forget all about the prejudices and let it be. In Delhi metro, I saw people recoiling from some African tourists (and it made me ashamed of my countrymen) but when the crowd rushed in at the next station, everyone was falling onto each other and it stopped mattering. Everyone was on a journey which would end somewhere. I find it hard to understand my country, my people.
nice...I love riding public transport...probably not so much if someone stepped in poop...ha....but it is a mess of humanity...at our best and worst, pressed in close...and while many barriers are broken...there are still many...
I don't mind the public commute but I do want my space ~ We are always rushing for that next money & food ~ I can relate to the pressure, smiles ~ Have a good week ~
I don't ever ride local trains, as this is not a kind of transport in my area....but I do understand well the idea that though there are all kinds of barriers between people everyone rides the same trains. This is as it should be,I think. Nice to see you, Sreeja.
I was sure I'd already left a comment. This is full of detail that reminds me of the Paris Metro. I'm not crazy about being in a crowd and definitely wasn't my thing.
Wow! Public transport is the great equalizer as we all try to survive with some having time to pretend as well. Thank you for this poem.
ReplyDeleteWe as Indians are a weird bunch really. Sometimes, we are together while at other times, we have set barriers between each other.
ReplyDeleteIt is only in a crowd that we forget all about the prejudices and let it be. In Delhi metro, I saw people recoiling from some African tourists (and it made me ashamed of my countrymen) but when the crowd rushed in at the next station, everyone was falling onto each other and it stopped mattering. Everyone was on a journey which would end somewhere.
I find it hard to understand my country, my people.
Well-penned.
-HA
nice...I love riding public transport...probably not so much if someone stepped in poop...ha....but it is a mess of humanity...at our best and worst, pressed in close...and while many barriers are broken...there are still many...
ReplyDeleteI don't mind the public commute but I do want my space ~ We are always rushing for that next money & food ~ I can relate to the pressure, smiles ~ Have a good week ~
ReplyDeleteYou certainly express the feel of crowded public transport, Sreeja! After such a journey one must be totally awake.
ReplyDeleteI don't ever ride local trains, as this is not a kind of transport in my area....but I do understand well the idea that though there are all kinds of barriers between people everyone rides the same trains. This is as it should be,I think. Nice to see you, Sreeja.
ReplyDeletei was in the paris metro once during rush hour but can imagine that it's empty in comparison to a mumbai train...
ReplyDeleteSo many gathered on one commute with as many barriers. Powerful write!
ReplyDeleteWhat difference it is if you have but some personal space in public transportation...and Stockholm might feel crowded for me, but this sounds worse.
ReplyDeleteI was sure I'd already left a comment. This is full of detail that reminds me of the Paris Metro. I'm not crazy about being in a crowd and definitely wasn't my thing.
ReplyDelete