Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Fantasy or Inspiration?

Flying back from Delhi this morning, I chanced upon this report in the in-flight magazine, “ Jetwings”. As usual, I am not quoting verbatim, but am taking the liberty of providing a broad idea of what it sought to convey.

On the occasion of Children’s Day on November 14th, 2006, Jet Airways had organised ‘joy rides’ for two groups of underprivileged children. A very good and thoughtful gesture, I felt.

Group A took off from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai on a 45-minute, “Flight of Fantasy”. When they returned to the same airport, they were greeted by Bollywood star, Vidya Balan, who joined them in the celebrations that included a magic show, jugglery and mimicry.

Group B took off from Bangalore for Delhi on a ‘Flight of Inspiration’. From the Delhi airport, they were taken to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where no less a personality than the President Dr Abdul Kalam was waiting to receive them, finger pressed on the pg dn key of his laptop, ready to commence his 254-slide presentation on Vision 2025- Part 1 of 5.

Same occasion, but two different types of treatment were meted out to the two groups of children.

The thought did cross my mind that, hypothetically, if I had been one of the children and asked to choose between the “Flight of Fantasy” and the “Flight of Inspiration”- or, more precisely, between Vidya Balan and Abdul Kalam, what would have been my response?

No, I am not going to reveal what would have been my choice. That shall remain a mystery. I leave the issue open for each reader to ponder over and make his or her own judgement.

For some reason, I really don’t know why, this reminds me of the short story of Frank Stockton, that I had referred to in this post.

11 comments:

thepsychologic said...

I'll choose fantasy.. thats what inspires me :)

Usha said...

"finger pressed on the pg dn key of his laptop, ready to commence his 254-slide presentation on Vision 2025- Part 1 of 5"
Heheheheheh..Poor Kalam, cut him some slack will you? he DOES love the kids and makes time for them although he doesnt know much about being "fun"- what do you expect from a bachelor?
Actually, I am more inclined to believe that he was sitting with a 10 point oath to administer to them."Now, repeat after me..."

But I agree with your point.

Lalita said...

"Finger pressed on the pg dn key..."

Much laughter ensued. After wiping tears of mirth from my face, I considered further and decided I'd opt for neither. I'd like a free ticket the next time I travel, though.

Usha said...

This appeared in today's Vijay Times!

Raj said...

the psychologic : that's quite a logic!

Usha : have I mentioned anything against Kalam?

Lalita, can't have free ticket. Either fantasy or inspiration, it must be.

usha; I hadn't heard of Vijay Times before. Thanks for pointing out.

Sigma said...

Uh Oh! You give a dificult choice. Which one is the lesser of the two evils ? ;-)
Well, I have never been too crazy about the so-called celebrities and stars, so I wouldn't be interested in meeting Vidya. I would have liked to meet Dr. Kalam, but that 254-slide-presentation scares me off :-))

Unknown said...

"Children's Day" exists??

I wish someone had told me when I was still a child!

(And I don't care if it's an India-specific tradition -- I would have made sure the US adopted it.)

Raj said...

platkat, yes, children's day exists in India. It is celebrated on Nov 14th. Partly because it is the birthday of Nehru, India's first Prime Minsiter, who loved children. But, mainly because it is exactly 9 months from Feb 14th, Valentine's day.

Anonymous said...

Wow !! what a link.. Guess, only u cud make this connection !!

Anonymous said...

Never thought of that one before !!!! Very interesting.....

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