Thank you for writing this. I see that we're becoming more insular and this is where it can lead. I remember many years ago when I lived in the UK, one of my neighbours' body was discovered some days after he passed, simply because there was no one to miss him. Thank God for the Amazon courier, car cleaner and milk guy!
This is so true. My advice to the next generation, when they were setting up their homes, was to know at least one neighbour who could keep their spare key and/or have a spare gas cylinder. Both are perfect ice breakers.
So well said - i read somewhere when you say 'it takes a village' we also need to contribute to the bricks of the village - community is the best part of where I live and I will never take it for granted. Just those whatsapp groups we find annoying can be a life saver where help is just a message away.
I've always been interested in exploring how we're losing our sense of community due to a number of evident reasons. This just adds another case study to it. Gone are the days when our routines were synced with our neighbours'. Great observations Priya!
Same, and one of the reasons I love living where I do in Bangalore is that the community still comes together. We even have a newspaper called In and Around.
That's one of my wishes, to have a society newspaper (although I think it'll becone too controversial too soon )One of the things I really enjoy is meeting and greeting the same faces during my evening walks daily, even though I don't know anything else about these people. It's another way of taking care, isn't it
Yes, we fortunately have many layers of interaction here in India, even if the dhobi and car-cleaner's bell ringing is annoying. Our daily lives are witnessed by many.
The way Gene Hackman and his family passed way was truly saddening.
Thank you for writing this. I see that we're becoming more insular and this is where it can lead. I remember many years ago when I lived in the UK, one of my neighbours' body was discovered some days after he passed, simply because there was no one to miss him. Thank God for the Amazon courier, car cleaner and milk guy!
I want to grow old with my friends around me
This is so true. My advice to the next generation, when they were setting up their homes, was to know at least one neighbour who could keep their spare key and/or have a spare gas cylinder. Both are perfect ice breakers.
Heh
this is exactly what I have been wanting to write. so spot on. thanks for putting this out so succinctly..
So well said - i read somewhere when you say 'it takes a village' we also need to contribute to the bricks of the village - community is the best part of where I live and I will never take it for granted. Just those whatsapp groups we find annoying can be a life saver where help is just a message away.
True
A fine piece and a great reminder about the things that matter in the long run.
Thanks :)
Loved the piece.
Ok I also think we should all be more worried about rodent droppings………
Only you and me sharp focused on that detail. I had it in caps in the piece then thought I would get “email disabled for your substack” notifications
I saw the rodent bit but kept quiet for both your sakes
I've always been interested in exploring how we're losing our sense of community due to a number of evident reasons. This just adds another case study to it. Gone are the days when our routines were synced with our neighbours'. Great observations Priya!
Same, and one of the reasons I love living where I do in Bangalore is that the community still comes together. We even have a newspaper called In and Around.
That's one of my wishes, to have a society newspaper (although I think it'll becone too controversial too soon )One of the things I really enjoy is meeting and greeting the same faces during my evening walks daily, even though I don't know anything else about these people. It's another way of taking care, isn't it
Yes, we fortunately have many layers of interaction here in India, even if the dhobi and car-cleaner's bell ringing is annoying. Our daily lives are witnessed by many.
The way Gene Hackman and his family passed way was truly saddening.
I love the way you put it—our daily lives are witnessed by many :)