Earlier in the day (May 21, 2025), temperatures soared. It was even claimed - it feels like 50 degrees !!
Journalists reported quickly by evening after 8 pm (2000 hours) -Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) hit by intense ‘never seen’ dust storm and heavy rains.
Denizens, better understood as Delhi-wallahs, and also those in the outskirts Ghaziabad and Noida ... felt disruption, reduced visibility, strong wind, uprooted trees, and waterlogged roads.
The 'Unlivability' of Delhi and the NCR came into focus. Some online... some whatsapp chats and late night walk as citizens also heaved a sigh of relief. It was respites from the intense heat but authorities advised residents to stay indoors.
Ice cream wallahs also were happy but they too (in Ghaziabad region) were discussing the favourite topic of both long time residents and even new comers to the city and NCR. Between the two groups - the long timers are a class of their own. They sense the apparent power of jugadu culture of the city every minute.
"Unko toh main janta hoon.... hojaega ji".
These two phrases 'koi baat nahi' and 'ho jae ga ji' and at times - 'apna bi banda hae' are dangerous terms. The best part for a new comer and itinerant visitor is to "nod" - more in sympathy than buying peace with the argumentative long-timer.
The aura of power of Jugadu .... works even during unfriendly weather conditions.
But dust storm and rains and people look for cover running here and there and most often using phrases -- linked to sisters and mothers and sometime even worse -- one also realises that when the D-Day comes .... the pampering and desert of apathy of policymakers and authorities do lots of overlapping.
Being Chief Minster here for a pretty long stint in the honoured capital of India --Late Sheila Dikshit used to often say - "Delhi desh ka dil hae"; one would easily paraphase another filmi dialogue ---
"bhai dil hi nahi hae ... kahe ka dil".
Why all of us are still here ?
To make long story short -- I have no better option.
When I look around -- I find the poor and the middle class will not have enough will power (bravado) and also stamina to quit. The rich think - why should they run away.
Kabhi na kabhi kucch jugad ho jaega .... !!
A large number of residents are happy. They have free houses, Kejriwal even gave free electricity. When it came to the issue of 'thirst' - buying one bottle ensured even two. So what if he has gone to jail !!
This is a city where you learn to make an art of telling untruth. Be in your rented house but you can pretend that flat is yours and you also have one in Rohini or Vasant Kunj. No one would stop you.
Once a banker confidently told me - "You do not know - Press Trust of India (PTI) headquarters has moved to Noida". I was stunned. I could not believe. The gentleman's wife also joined the debate and told me -
"abhi us din toh hum hoke ayen wahan se (Only the other day, we were in the new office)". That's Delhi confidence - what can ordinary dust storm do ?
Hire a car and you can tell that car is yours. You can also easily say - I have three cars.
Take a pause. Such a city never would welcome an 'outsider' called Narendra Modi but he has survived here and he is changing the rules of games. This is being resisted by jugadu class and they often give that the names like Secularism or Intolerance !!
Even many northeast leaders are unhappy about this 'transition'. Congress was also manageable. They say it as 'compliments'.
Take another pause - you may discover -- if success comes with arrogance here; this city is also a hub of coddled failures.
I googled the phrase 'coddled failures' to be sure what am I stating - and the 'always available uncle internet' says :
-- "Coddled failures" refers to individuals who are protected from the consequences of their actions or failures, often due to excessive care and pampering.
This can lead to a lack of resilience and the ability to learn from mistakes.
Sorry, my friend's name is not Rahul.
ends
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