The recent news of the humble Chai being recognized as the National Drink of India did not come as any surprise, though it was well long due. From its rash wild growths in North East India to the High Teas enjoyed by the Burra Saabs during the Raj- the Tea has come a long way.
India today is the second largest producer of Tea after China (just like in the cases of population, graduates, Ganesh Idols, Diwali crackers etc) with around 70% consumed within the country and a significant export quantum.
The tea industry is the second largest employer in the country (after the railways).
So, even before we raise our cuppas of steaming brew and say CHAIEERS - things are not so easy in India, are they? The only thing most political parties bestow their consensus is ...well towards corruption.
At the same time, the pressure of allaying allies in the coalition began to haunt the Congress Party. Madam was not so particularly in favour of this status being bestowed on Tea preferring her personal favourite Lavazza perhaps... the uncanny similarity to Lavasa made her let go her favourite brew being alleviated to the national status.
Anna Hazare threatened the Government of another Ramleela if Water was not made the National Drink. This claim was immediately rubbished by Mani Shankar Aiyar thus," With all due respect to Shri Anna Hazareji, I think the gentleman is in some other India. To substantiate my point, I have with me the detailed report issued by WHO which clearly states that drinking water is still not available to a vast milieu of our population. How can water be our National Drink when it's access is not there for a big chunk of our population?". As usual, not the one to evade controversy Aiyar added," For Shri Anna Hazareji, mosambi juice could be a more viable option to propose."
BJP denounced Tea in favour of Coffee perhaps to placate Yeddy for some more days and prevent another coup attempt.
Didi wanted the black coffee of the famed Kolkatta ADDAs to be the national drink. Her threat? Well the usual one - my Coffee or I walk out of thee. Omar Abdullah proposed that Kahwa be made the national drink which would forteafy India's claim on Kashmir with a hot, sweet, dry fruit laden seal. This proposal was given some serious consideration but nothing much was done about it as other allies needed to be placated.
Shobha De started writing spiritedly in The Times of India about the benefits of consuming Green Tea (especially the rare Oriental types) available in chic restaurants of 5 stars.
One particular front came out in a huge support to boost the Government's proposal. The Kaamchori Vibhaag of India - a front created by consenting employees in the lines of constabulary, post, ticket collectors, municipal officers, customs, clearances, insurance, Government Hospitals etc. This was an unexpected support for the Government stance.
This overwhelming support came out for one significant cause - if Tea is made the national drink,
Now India was at a threshold of a major change - perhaps the first country ever in the world to do it - legitimize bribery for getting all official work done.
With History about to be made - the Government wanted to take no chances. Before an ordinance could be introduced in both the houses, it was decided to consult the drink itself.
From the pristine mountains of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh - two brews were invited to New Delhi - Mr. Chai kam Paani and Ms. Camelia Sinesis.
Baba, Madam, Diggy, Manmohan Singh, Mani Shankar were all present in the meeting room. Both the distinguished brews were ushered inside and made to sit. Manmohan Singh was as his usual best - silent and looking towards Madam. Diggy rose and read out the formal introductory welcome note and when done, he indicated towards the Brews to say something about this great honour being bestowed upon their clan.
Ms. Camelia replied,"我版权 因为我 因为我 为为我 我 不能接受这个".
Everyone was flummoxed - this did not sound Assamese at all. A translator was brought in. This was what Ms. Camella replied," I am already patented by China. Kindly do not initiate any process else you will be charged under copyright violation".
Perhaps... TEA little TEA late in this case??
No comments:
Post a Comment