In Class 9, we were asked to write a composition on the topic of television - whether it was a boon or a bane. As I remember, at that time, I could think of only the benefits of having and watching television, especially since we didn't have a TV at home till I was in Class 7.
Our neighbour was the first person who bought a TV in our locality - they had a Bush TV- black and white model which itself was a big thing then. We would all - my brothers and I, and other friends in the neighbourhood- climb over the compound wall, enter their house through the rear door and sit and watch TV in their house for hours together. Their living room would be filled with people -sitting on the sofa (balcony seats that we rarely got), the side bench (sometimes) and the floor (most often) and all eyes glued to the TV set. Suddenly, and frequently, there would be cursing and heavy sighing when the transmission was interrupted and Doordarshan posted any of the following signs - "Sorry for the interruption" or "Adechanegaagi kshamisi" or "Rukavat ke liye khed hain" depending on the programme we were watching. Sometimes, we would end up watching the above sign(s) for even 20 -30 minutes, cursing the "Television guy" all the while and hoping and praying for the programme to resume. Now I really wonder how we managed to sit through patiently - I guess it was better than having to come back home and study!
When we bought our first TV - Solidaire colour TV - my happiness knew no bounds. I would sit and watch any programme that was being telecast -even the one that was meant for farmers!
Now, the tables have turned. With my girls always glued to the TV sets, I can only think of the TV as a bane. Even now, as I am writing this, I can hear my younger daughter watching Chhota Bheem while her older sister is silently devouring all the dishes being served by the Master Chefs in Australia! Controlling their TV time is my number one activity. And ofcourse, as is universally seen and accepted, when the cat is away, the mice will play! So it's time for me to ring the bell so my girls know that the cat is still around!
