The Optional life

15th April 2025

My papa runs a readymade garment shop in my hometown. When e-commerce and online shopping started booming, I noticed one particular day that he was helpless. He said, "Our union used to decide upon things unanimously. Even if customers bargained, it wasn't a huge margin price-wise. Nowadays, they directly open an app and show us, "See it's cheaper online", "I don't understand what to say then". And I also did not have an answer to that.

Last week, when my almost 10-year-old son demanded dosa for dinner, I told him, "It needs fermentation. You cannot have it instantly. I will soak dal and rice and will make it tomorrow." To which he replied, "If you don't want to make what I say then why do you even ask me? Can't we use ready-made batter and make them?"
It was tough for me, but I gave in because Dosa was an easier option than anything else he could have probably demanded. "Ok then. Go and get a Dosa batter packet from the neighboring shop."
"What? We are in 2025, Mumma! Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and Zepto exist, please", he chirped.
"Oh yes, I almost forgot. Do one thing, order dosa directly na? I won't have to make it", I advised.
"But, no one makes potato sabzi and chutney like you do. So, should I order batter instead?", he asked.



"You may have a lot of options, but today you have to earn your dosa. I will make it only if you go 3 floors down, get the batter, and climb 3 floors back. Think and let me know", I announced and I went to my bedroom for a nap instead.
Next I heard was, "I got it, please make it now."
Technology is making things easy, but are they easy? Even if they make it convenient and accessible for all, is it worth it? I understand the problems with elderly people during COVID-19 times, but we have entered a rabbit hole, we missed a section of society that depends on offline shopping. It is our moral responsibility to visit local markets and neighboring shops and uninstall those unnecessary quick apps from our beloved mobiles.
Technology has increased convenience and luxury, do not let it reduce humanity.

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