Then and Now- Train Journeys
I have been looking at social media and people have been
posting pictures of ten years and then now – Very interesting outcomes indeed
as we look back in to the past and then as of now.
No—I am not posting any pictures of then and now but what I what
I wanted to pen down was the train journeys of the past and now and how technology
( read mobile phones ) have come to play a big part in the journey that we have
in the trains.
Back then , before the mobiles came in , it was all about
making friendship and chatting and hearing and listening and learning and we
understood people more and more and also learnt to be inclusive . Sharing was a
must including the food that we carried .. We made lot of “Rail Friends “ and I
still have contact with a person from Wadi in Maharashtra – We travelled in the
Mumbai Chennai express and both had no confirmed seats and became very good friends
and connected at Mumbai where we both worked ( this was in 1990 )
Now , the journey of today is totally different and if you
have to do a night journey , then you had it –
Everyone is busy with their mobiles – Now one says even a “hello”
– forget getting Rail friends
People chat through the night and you can hear the messages
being received as well as delivered
Some watch movies through the night and the screen light
will attract you
Some even talk loudly at night forgetting other passengers
that exist in the coach
Some of them have wonderful ring tones
Some forget to switch off their early daily alarms on their
mobile and as the noise reaches its crescendo , they search for the mobile to try to snooze !
Some give update commentary on where the train is , in the early
hours – this is to help them come to their destination on time to pick them up– although the
train may reach their destination well past sunrise
I travelled last week – a 11 hour journey – night journey
and had to put up with all of the above – Sleeping through is very tough – In the "then" days , we could sleep through comfortably except probably if had a toddler
on board who may wail now and then but sleep was assured.
But not in today’s journey – technology is a great tool but needs careful and
understanding usage in public !
Comments
The train journey scenario has changed a lot in last 10 years due to better mobiles / better (and free) Internet-connectivity and better Apps.
Apart from the challenges you mentioned above, there are some good benefits of the connected technology as well - like with the Mobile APPS of IRCTC / NTES (national Train enquiry system), we can track the train timings, book food online, book & cancel tickets in mobile etc
But agreed, mobiles / technology should be an enabler for our better lives.. it should not replace the emotions / human connections from our lives. It is upto us if we use technology or technology uses us. Thank you.
People who don't connect perhaps don't feel the "need" to connect. Back in those days, we connected not because there was a need but because we just enjoyed it !! It starts with finding out each other's destination, where are you from etc.. 3 times out of 4, we manage to find something or someone or some event as a common denominator, and there the conversation really takes off (and enjoyment)!!
I believe these days the charts are also not stuck outside the compartment, even if you have a confirmed seat/berth it used to be a fun starring at the chart :) :)
It boils down to the addiction levels on electronic gadgets, whether it is train or home or anywhere.
Thanks for your reflection Sri.
Venkat Subramanian
Lavanya S