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Bhopal to Mathura

Traveling through the heart of India presents a completely different picture of the country altogether. I have lived in the large metro cities of south India for most of my life. The last time I traveled, let alone lived in any small city in India was about 15 years ago. So, it is fair to say that I am a complete novice when it comes to the workings of a small city, its people and its culture.

This weekend, I decided to travel from Bhopal to Mathura to visit my Aunt and Uncle who moved there a few years ago. Picture this scenario when I got to the Bhopal railway station. Men, young and old are going towards the edge of the platform right where the train tracks are to spit out tobacco that fills their mouths. I look on in disgust also wondering what is this sickness, this addiction that holds an entire generation and hasn't spared even the next. I wonder what the oral cancer incidence rate is in this part of the country.

My train arrives, I get onto it and the older gentleman sitting next to me starts watching Aaj Tak. The current news that is gripping the nation is the recent conflict between India and Pakistan. Pakistan is releasing the captured Indian pilot today. It is indeed a huge thing. The gentleman next to me though is watching the news channel for the last 5 hours almost without break. The news media is trying to build up tension for the last five hours and giving minute by minute update of virtually nothing at all. Because there is nothing to report as such. There are only a few pictures of a few vehicle leaving for the Attari border. They are replaying these images nonstop with repeated running commentary. When it started raining over there, they commented that Indra (God of rain and thunder in Hindu mythology) is showering his blessings. I am amazed at the stupidity of the news channels and the stupidity of the people who watch the said news channels. I am trapped in this railway coach with no escape and no respite, as this gentleman is not the only one listening to this here. Whenever there is a break in transmission due to slow internet or a call on his phone, I hear the same thing coming from somewhere a few seats away from someone else's phone.

I have another half an hour before I reach Mathura. Hope the Indian God for madness does not descend over me before then.

xxRS

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