Tags:
Journalism of Courage
You have spoilt my character,8221; said Renu Thakur, the redoubtable temporary recruit to Mr Matthew, on being informed that her services as junior teacher were no longer required. She went on to add that the entire colony knew about her being the newest and most invaluable addition to the school staff. Her unsurpassed command of the language had built up her reputation in two weeks flat, and how she would face the uncles and aunties now. Mr Matthew could only think of his own predicament if she continued to bewail the loss of character. But the uncles and aunties had been around far longer. Having heard the Thakur sisters at their best, when the abuse they rained on an admirer consisted of 8220;idiot, nonsense, shut up8221;, they knew better.
In English, a word here instead of there makes all the difference. After reaching the airport at an unearthly hour, we were told that the plane was three hours late. Amidst the usual chaos, an announcement ended with the bland phrase, 8220;passengers are requested to kindly meet the airline staff8221;. My younger daughter said in a hushed tone, 8220;They are requesting all the passengers to meet the airline staff kindly.8221;
Today8217;s spoken English sounds like Morse code in enemy territory. Having whiled away most of one8217;s misspent youth in government service, one was accustomed to staid meetings and pedantic phrases. But Delhi, with its glam gals, was a different ball game. 8220;I know where you8217;re coming from,8221; said a fellow to me and I promptly responded with, 8220;Lucknow8221;. He came to the end of his presentation and we had to decide which strategy to adopt. 8220;It8217;s your call,8221; he said and I picked up the cell phone, wondering why I hadn8217;t heard it ring.
Happily, all that is now a thing of the past. One has been learning the ropes diligently, and on the subject of how to touch base, no longer directs visitors to the sports field!
