For those of you who spend a large portion of your leisure time in front of the television, here is some experience that I am going to share with you which will surely change your thinking...
I
have had a fortunate childhood spared of the pulls and attraction of the television (TV). I was already almost half way through schooling when TV first was introduced. Prior to the TV era, we used to spend time playing indoor games (like carrom board, chess, cards etc.) and outdoor games (cricket, football, langdi, hockey, cops and robbers, I Spy etc.).. A good part of the time was spent in the company of friends and family interacting and building relationships which last for a long long time.
My favourite passtime was listening to the radio. Life started in the morning with Vividh Bharthi and sleep induced by listening to it. I used to know each and every program and the radion announcers (yes, Radio Jockey is a more recent term) by name and timing.. Most songs came to be learnt by heart sheerly by listening to it so many times.
Between Vividh Bharathi and All India Radio, I could get everything - be it music of the filimy variety or the hindustani classical, carnatic and instrumental variety. Be it the news or the commentary on various sports (typically hockey and cricket). The radio provided the full entertainment that one wanted to have. Even while one was studying, reading books, eating, ironing clothes, or doing sundry chores, the radio used to be our constant company.
Then came the TV and with it, over time, one lost touch with all other forms of living !! Families grew more distant while living within the same walls !! Conversations (if any) revolved around the mundane and boring soaps on TV....
Until recently, I shifted home to a new locality and the cable people took longer time to set up a TV connection to my new home.. Suddenly, I re-discovered the old pleasures of radio.. Even though most programs are belting out the latest songs, it still feels great to listen to music and be able to do other things simultaneously.. The quality of sound (thanks to FM radio) has also improved dramatically.. Suddenly, I seem to have more time in my hands and can get many more things accomplished..
Lifes simple pleasures have begun re-surfacing.. I wish the cable guy remains in-efficient for some more time.. and we spend a few more moments and days without TV...
You should try it.. A day without TV... You will love it.. Let me know how you felt about it...Vish