Reliable offline social media…

Prior to the initiation of online social media, there was a place where one
can have local news, exchange views with strangers, and read old
magazines and current newspapers, while waiting for his turn, at least
once a month, to have a new face look.
Hope, the tradition becoming obsolete, too with the grooming at home,
with the fine-quality trimmers but still, some people look forward
monthly visit to the hairdresser, not only for a haircut but to meet a
variety of people to listen to their views on the current issues.
Most people prefer to visit on holiday when there is a rush and one gets a
lot of time, to enjoy the contrasting views on various topics. Sometimes,
you are put wiser about the information, which might have escaped your
attention from the newspaper or not shared by any of your near or dear.
Sundays are the best choice to raise you from the hectic weekdays.
Earlier, I used to visit the barbershop once a week for trimming of a
beard but after trying my hand on trimmer; my visits were restricted to
once a month for a haircut only. Though it saved my time and money, in
the meantime, social media has come up to keep you updated
spontaneously on any event not in society but at the state, national, and world levels.
Some of the messages are just copied and forwarded with no
contribution of the sender and one starts feeling bored, with no
innovative ideas. There are spiced-up messages and pornography
that one needs to delete instantly after reading.
During the last summer months, when the temperature was very high, I
asked the barbershop owner, which I normally visit once a month for
hair-cut only, to install an air-conditioner and increase your charges.
Since I am keeping a beard and using the trimmer at home, barbershop
owner – to whom everyone calls Gopi – asked me in a lighter way, Sir, do
come for trimming also.
Anyhow, with the installation of air-conditioners, many land up there to
enjoy the cool environment and update and ultimately Gopi has to put a
placard – Muje koi itraz nahi hai yahan baithene ka, yadi aap baal
katwane ke liye aaya hain – I don’t mind of your sitting here if you have
come for a haircut.
Gopi, who is no more now in this world – has a fast speaking ascent but so
one-liner witty, a satire with a message, and had too much in his mind, to
start his conversation, gauging the pulse of the listener, sitting on his hot
seat. Without giving much time to respond, he will start from the top
headlines of the day and go on shifting to the next topic.
I recollect the incident when there was a rumor of leveling serious
charges on prominent personality and I decided to go for a hair-cut,
despite the fact that it was not due, just to confirm its authenticity
rumor.
Frankly speaking, the discussions on the issue were already on, the
the moment I entered the shop everything was crystal clear as sharp as
his scissors and razor and removing the apron from my neck, Gopi
uttered, “Dear – don’t take it lightly, our society and country need men
of character”.