Category: Articles

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra, known for his wit and wisdom, is a prolific writer, renowned satirist, children’s literature author, and poet. He has undertaken the monumental task of writing, editing, and coordinating a total of 55 books for the Telangana government at the primary school, college, and university levels. His editorial endeavors also include online editions of works by Acharya Ramchandra Shukla.

As a celebrated satirist, Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra has carved a niche for himself, with over eight million viewers, readers, and listeners tuning in to his literary musings on the demise of a teacher on the Sahitya AajTak channel. His contributions have earned him prestigious accolades such as the Telangana Hindi Academy’s Shreshtha Navyuva Rachnakaar Samman in 2021, presented by the honorable Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr. Chandrashekhar Rao. He has also been honored with the Vyangya Yatra Ravindranath Tyagi Stairway Award and the Sahitya Srijan Samman, alongside recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various other esteemed institutions.

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra’s journey is not merely one of literary accomplishments but also a testament to his unwavering dedication, creativity, and profound impact on society. His story inspires us to strive for excellence, to use our talents for the betterment of others, and to leave an indelible mark on the world. Today we present his Satire Love is Blind... . 

☆ Witful Warmth # 28 ☆

☆ Satire ☆ Love is Blind…  ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’ ☆

They say love is blind. It seems like love is a frustrated, sightless god who, by mistake, shoots an arrow at the wrong person. After hearing this, one can’t help but feel the urge to grab them and ask, “Hey, who told you love is blind?”

The truth is, love isn’t blind anymore. In the modern age, love has taken off the blindfold and now sees everything clearly, like a CCTV camera, observing every little detail. Once, love was defined simply—eyes met, hearts raced, and boom, love happened. But now? Now love happens after checking out the bank balance, religion, caste, social status, and even social media followers.

Love is no longer ‘blind’; it’s now ‘well-sighted’. And not just any sight—love now has HD vision, observing everything with crystal clarity. As soon as someone comes into view, love swiftly inspects their clothes’ brand, the price of their watch, and the model of their phone. If someone is carrying the iPhone 16 Pro, the heart skips a beat. Otherwise, Android users are left to linger in the “friend zone.”

Love now checks religion and caste. It used to be blind when lovers would visit temples and mosques to confess their feelings. But now? “What’s your caste?” “How much gold does your family have?” “Will your parents agree to this?” Without these questions, no one dares to say “I love you.”

Today’s love thrives on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. The new mantra of love is, “How many Instagram followers do you have?” If you don’t have at least 10k followers, you’re not worthy of love. People used to fall in love listening to ghazals, but now they fall for reels.

In love today, having a heavy heart is secondary—your wallet needs to be heavy. “I’ll marry you, but how much is your salary?” is a perfect reflection of today’s love. Love has now become less about emotions and more about “financial investment.”

Seeing the strange calculations of status in love, sometimes it feels like love has turned into a management project. If you drive a BMW and your house is in a posh neighborhood, your chances of love increase. Otherwise, love just sings the old song, “I can leave everything for your love, but not my EMIs.”

Love isn’t blind anymore—it has learned to pretend to be secular. Those who say “love doesn’t see religion” are the first ones standing at the doorsteps of their own religion when it comes to marriage. When marriage is on the cards, love quietly cloaks itself in religion, caste, and cultural norms.

In reality, claiming “love is blind” is like deceiving yourself and society. Love is no longer blind, it’s so smart now that it keeps track of everything. Society has turned love into a subject of ‘data analytics.’

And if anyone claims that they loved someone without any discrimination, they are either a saint or living in a fantasy world. Saying love is blind is as much a joke as saying, “Everyone in politics is honest.”

This satirical analysis of love teaches us that “love is blind” is now an outdated, impractical saying. Today, love sees with its eyes and decides with its brain. So, before calling love blind, think twice, because today’s love wears glasses and analyzes everything under a microscope. Next time someone tells you love is blind, smile and reply, “No, my friend, love now sees faster than CCTV.”

*

© Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Contact : Mo. +91 73 8657 8657, Email : [email protected]

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra, known for his wit and wisdom, is a prolific writer, renowned satirist, children’s literature author, and poet. He has undertaken the monumental task of writing, editing, and coordinating a total of 55 books for the Telangana government at the primary school, college, and university levels. His editorial endeavors also include online editions of works by Acharya Ramchandra Shukla.

As a celebrated satirist, Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra has carved a niche for himself, with over eight million viewers, readers, and listeners tuning in to his literary musings on the demise of a teacher on the Sahitya AajTak channel. His contributions have earned him prestigious accolades such as the Telangana Hindi Academy’s Shreshtha Navyuva Rachnakaar Samman in 2021, presented by the honorable Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr. Chandrashekhar Rao. He has also been honored with the Vyangya Yatra Ravindranath Tyagi Stairway Award and the Sahitya Srijan Samman, alongside recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various other esteemed institutions.

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra’s journey is not merely one of literary accomplishments but also a testament to his unwavering dedication, creativity, and profound impact on society. His story inspires us to strive for excellence, to use our talents for the betterment of others, and to leave an indelible mark on the world. Today we present his Satire Netaji and the New Revolution... . 

☆ Witful Warmth # 27 ☆

☆ Satire ☆ Netaji and the New Revolution…  ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’ ☆

Netaji visited our neighborhood. Although his real name was something else, his political cunning had earned him this title. Netaji was full of enthusiasm. Early in the morning, there was a knock at my door. When I opened it, there stood Netaji, smiling broadly. He said, “Brother, your rooftop is perfectly aligned. For the sake of the nation, hand it over to us.”

I was stunned. “The rooftop? For the nation?”

“Yes,” he said with a serious expression. “You see, we’ll use this rooftop to draft the blueprint for a new revolution. The time has come to change the nation. Rooftops are the real laboratories of revolutions. Remember Bhagat Singh’s rooftop?”

I tried to respond, but his torrent of words left me speechless. “And don’t worry,” Netaji reassured me. “All you need to do is arrange some tea and snacks. Revolutionaries can’t work on an empty stomach.”

Before I could fully comprehend, he entered my house. His team, comprising three men and a camera, promptly climbed up to the rooftop. It felt as if a film shoot was underway. Meanwhile, the neighbors began gathering.

Netaji held his first meeting. “Listen, comrades! This revolution isn’t just about one person. It will rise from every rooftop. And today, it begins from this very rooftop.”

The crowd broke into applause. Hesitantly, I asked, “Netaji, but what is this revolution about?”

“Excellent question!” Netaji replied with a smile. “This revolution is against corruption, against inflation, and against everyone who stands in our way.”

“But what’s the plan?” I asked again.

“The plan?” Netaji hesitated. “The plan is to form a revolutionary committee on every rooftop. These committees will then bring about change across the nation, rooftop by rooftop.”

I couldn’t tell if this was a plan or the abandonment of logic. Yet, the neighbors were so inspired by his speech that some even offered their rooftops.

Netaji stayed for two days. Each day, the consumption of tea and the chanting of slogans escalated. On the third day, he turned serious. “Comrades, there’s a significant obstacle in this revolution. We urgently need funds.”

Now, the situation became clear. The neighbors, who had been his ardent fans just two days earlier, began to slip away quietly.

“Brother,” I said, “you’ve already taken my house and my rooftop. What more do you need?”

Smiling, Netaji replied, “A small sacrifice for the nation’s sake. This sacrifice is for the future of your children.”

The next morning, Netaji and his team were gone. All that remained on the rooftop were banners and remnants of slogans. The neighbors sarcastically remarked, “Wow! What a revolution!”

A few days later, news came that Netaji was preparing for a new revolution on the rooftop of another neighborhood. The village head quipped, “For Netaji, revolution means a new rooftop every time. But don’t worry, he only changes rooftops, not ideas.”

That’s when I realized the difference between revolution and politics—revolutions show dreams, and politics sells them.

*

© Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Contact : Mo. +91 73 8657 8657, Email : [email protected]

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra, known for his wit and wisdom, is a prolific writer, renowned satirist, children’s literature author, and poet. He has undertaken the monumental task of writing, editing, and coordinating a total of 55 books for the Telangana government at the primary school, college, and university levels. His editorial endeavors also include online editions of works by Acharya Ramchandra Shukla.

As a celebrated satirist, Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra has carved a niche for himself, with over eight million viewers, readers, and listeners tuning in to his literary musings on the demise of a teacher on the Sahitya AajTak channel. His contributions have earned him prestigious accolades such as the Telangana Hindi Academy’s Shreshtha Navyuva Rachnakaar Samman in 2021, presented by the honorable Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr. Chandrashekhar Rao. He has also been honored with the Vyangya Yatra Ravindranath Tyagi Stairway Award and the Sahitya Srijan Samman, alongside recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various other esteemed institutions.

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra’s journey is not merely one of literary accomplishments but also a testament to his unwavering dedication, creativity, and profound impact on society. His story inspires us to strive for excellence, to use our talents for the betterment of others, and to leave an indelible mark on the world. Today we present his Satire Satire ☆ Smart city, smart people, smart decisions!.… . 

☆ Witful Warmth # 26 ☆

☆ Satire ☆ Smart city, smart people, smart decisions!…  ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’ ☆

Some days ago, a new kind of “modern” and “smart” city council was formed in our area. When I heard that new appointments had been made to the council, I was shocked. I had never thought that the council did anything apart from raising salaries. I tried to ask some officials about it, and they told me, “Without these people, no one would trust the council’s work style, and that’s exactly why they were appointed.”

One of the council members was someone who had never stepped outside the council boundaries. The reason? “Just think about it; people like this can bring a unique perspective—those who have no connection with the council.” The most surprising thing was that one committee member had spent his entire life lying at home without ever working. When I asked why he was included, the answer was, “Because his name suddenly became quite popular, so his presence is essential.”

Then I was told about a member who could neither see nor hear but was still a crucial part of the council. This ghostly member viewed the council’s tasks from a “decision-making” perspective. The funniest part is that without this member’s “decision,” all council work would remain incomplete. People of the city are not only influenced by government departments for their work but are also impressed by this member’s miraculous decisions.

Now, the question arose, if none of the council members could see or hear, what would happen in the city? I expressed my concern over the city’s situation, and they told me, “This is all perfectly fine because decisions made by the blind and deaf can never go wrong. Now, if we accidentally fail to fix a road, it’s not our fault but rather society’s. We have to overlook such things.”

A member of the council was also a renowned ‘great’ Acharya (scholar). This Acharya might represent a kind of wisdom to the council members, but his role here was carefully evaluated. When asked why he was included, the answer was, “His presence is necessary to maintain balance in the council files, just as the Acharya himself maintains balance in his life by his very presence.”

Another new creation was included—a doctor, whose sole task was to examine whether any kind of “health crisis” was emerging in every road, alley, and park. When I asked, “What kind of doctor is this?” the answer was, “This doctor only takes care of the health of roads and buildings. Do you understand?”

The slyest member of the council was one who had been appointed as an animal doctor. His duty was to monitor whether the bears, cows, and cats roaming on the city’s roads were in good health or not. Now, you can imagine what great purpose might be hidden behind such profound thoughtfulness.

Then, another esteemed personality arrived—our city’s famous “Elephant Barber.” When I asked why he was included, they told me, “Oh dear, don’t you understand? In movies, the characters’ hair is of great importance. And when hair grows out of control on the city’s streets, we need a barber to fix it.”

I asked, “But why only hair?” The answer was, “Oh, hair is essential. The importance of hair can be seen in every work of the council. This barber is a highly useful person.”

After analyzing all these decisions and members, I found it to be nothing short of a bizarre experiment. All the council members were eccentric characters in one way or another. One had proven excellence in his unique field, and another had surely demonstrated his contribution. It was members like these who were chosen to make the council’s work style “ultramodern” and “smart.”

After I had understood everything, I realized the level of foresight that had gone into forming this city council. A truly “balanced” and “smart” board had been created.

*

© Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Contact : Mo. +91 73 8657 8657, Email : [email protected]

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra, known for his wit and wisdom, is a prolific writer, renowned satirist, children’s literature author, and poet. He has undertaken the monumental task of writing, editing, and coordinating a total of 55 books for the Telangana government at the primary school, college, and university levels. His editorial endeavors also include online editions of works by Acharya Ramchandra Shukla.

As a celebrated satirist, Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra has carved a niche for himself, with over eight million viewers, readers, and listeners tuning in to his literary musings on the demise of a teacher on the Sahitya AajTak channel. His contributions have earned him prestigious accolades such as the Telangana Hindi Academy’s Shreshtha Navyuva Rachnakaar Samman in 2021, presented by the honorable Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr. Chandrashekhar Rao. He has also been honored with the Vyangya Yatra Ravindranath Tyagi Stairway Award and the Sahitya Srijan Samman, alongside recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various other esteemed institutions.

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra’s journey is not merely one of literary accomplishments but also a testament to his unwavering dedication, creativity, and profound impact on society. His story inspires us to strive for excellence, to use our talents for the betterment of others, and to leave an indelible mark on the world. Today we present his Satire Emotional ICU… . 

☆ Witful Warmth # 25 ☆

☆ Satire ☆ Emotional ICU…  ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’ ☆

This story takes place on the day Pitambar Chaube was admitted to the district’s most “famous” government hospital, Bhainsa Hospital, to take his last breath. The doctors had said, “It’s just a matter of a few more days; treatment is essential.” Chaube had thought, let’s go to the government hospital, save some money, and benefit from the government facilities. But who knew that there’s even a government protocol for the “expired”?

When Chaube reached the hospital ward, on the very first day, the doctor told him, “This is a government hospital; there’s no scope for emotions here. We just treat patients, that’s all.”

Then came the day when Pitambar Chaube took his last breath on the hospital bed. Standing beside him, his pregnant wife, Sandhya Chaube, felt her world come to a standstill. But in the hospital, everything is “managed,” and there’s no “concern” for emotions here. As soon as Chaube passed away, Head Nurse Shanta Madam barged into the ward with a crowd of staff. Her face was as though she had come to conduct the “ultimate hygiene check.”

“Hey, Sandhya Devi! Clean this bed first. There’s no concept of personal loose moments here, okay? Do the cleaning quickly,” the nurse commanded, as if Chaube had merely soiled a bed and not lost his life.

Sandhya Chaube, engulfed in the sorrow of her husband’s death, soon realized that in the hospital, emotions are only “public displays of sentiment.” Here, they are just an “event” in the government records, meant to be erased once over. As soon as the nurse issued her “order,” tears began to flow from Sandhya’s eyes. She looked at the bed, as though glancing at her husband’s last remnant for the final time. But the hospital staff was like programmed machines, with no connection to emotions.

“Madam, tears won’t help. This is a government hospital; forget about ‘emotional attachment’ here,” Head Nurse Shanta said, as if counting emotions was part of her daily “departmental protocol.”

Just then, Dr. Nandkishore Yadav arrived, holding his notepad, and announced, “We need bed cleaning here. There’s no scope for emotions. On government beds, only sweat and blood stains are allowed, no place for tears.”

Sandhya looked at the doctor. She may have tried to say something, but there was a kind of pain that words couldn’t convey. And Dr. Yadav issued another “professional guideline,” “Look, we need to admit a new patient here. This is a hospital, not your personal emotional zone!”

At that moment, janitor Haricharan Singh entered, with a broom on his shoulder and an old bucket in his hand. “Come on, sister-in-law! Finish up quickly, we have to get our work done too. There’s no time for this ’emotional drama’ here.”

As soon as Haricharan Singh said this, Nurse Shanta burst into laughter, “Look at that, our hardworking staff. Sister-in-law, these tears are your own ‘personal chemicals,’ but here we have a public hygiene protocol. If things keep going like this, this hospital will turn into an ’emotional park’!”

Sandhya Chaube even had to hear that her tears could spoil the “purity” of this government bed. It was as if her husband’s death and the “sanitization” of the bed were one and the same issue. “Is this bed like a temple idol that needs to be kept pure?” Sandhya thought. But who would listen? Here, everyone was only concerned with the “outcome” of their work.

The bed, which had witnessed someone’s last moments, was now reduced to a mere “dirty garment.” The grief of Chaube’s passing, the pain of his death, in the staff’s language, became nothing more than a “management task,” one to be handled with equal indifference, as though lying on that bed was not a human being, but simply an “expired product on a trolley.”

This society, this system—where emotions become mere “formalities” in government files, and such incidents are viewed as though they’re entertainment. As soon as the bed was vacated, space was immediately prepared for a new patient. After all, the government hospital must keep running; Pitambar Chaube’s “emotional case” was not their concern.

This kind of government system has created an “Emotional ICU” within every human, where emotions are broken, yet no one seems to care.

*

© Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Contact : Mo. +91 73 8657 8657, Email : [email protected]

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra, known for his wit and wisdom, is a prolific writer, renowned satirist, children’s literature author, and poet. He has undertaken the monumental task of writing, editing, and coordinating a total of 55 books for the Telangana government at the primary school, college, and university levels. His editorial endeavors also include online editions of works by Acharya Ramchandra Shukla.

As a celebrated satirist, Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra has carved a niche for himself, with over eight million viewers, readers, and listeners tuning in to his literary musings on the demise of a teacher on the Sahitya AajTak channel. His contributions have earned him prestigious accolades such as the Telangana Hindi Academy’s Shreshtha Navyuva Rachnakaar Samman in 2021, presented by the honorable Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr. Chandrashekhar Rao. He has also been honored with the Vyangya Yatra Ravindranath Tyagi Stairway Award and the Sahitya Srijan Samman, alongside recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various other esteemed institutions.

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra’s journey is not merely one of literary accomplishments but also a testament to his unwavering dedication, creativity, and profound impact on society. His story inspires us to strive for excellence, to use our talents for the betterment of others, and to leave an indelible mark on the world. Today we present his Satire The Honorable Bureaucrat’s New Coat. 

☆ Witful Warmth # 24 ☆

☆ Satire ☆ The Honorable Bureaucrat’s New Coat ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’ ☆

One day, a grand decision was made in our town’s esteemed Municipal Office—a decision that was to shake the very foundations of governance. The Senior Officer, whom we call the Protector of Files, had resolved to buy a new coat. Not just any coat—oh no! This was to be a coat that would symbolize his stature, power, and unmatched dedication to public service. After all, what is governance without good clothing? Who would respect a leader who looks as if his attire is bought from the same street vendor who sells rickshaw tarps?

The town, eager to support this noble endeavor, rallied behind the decision. The District Planning Committee called an emergency meeting. Forget roads and drains—this was a far more urgent affair. The coat was to be made of the finest imported wool, specially flown in from some mysterious land (likely a country that values its sheep more than its citizens). After all, a man of the Officer’s caliber deserved nothing less than sheep blessed by foreign winds.

A committee was instantly formed to oversee the purchase of the fabric, the stitching, and the final fitting. There was no shortage of enthusiasm. Each department offered to contribute. The Finance Department, always a shining example of prudence, immediately diverted funds that had been earmarked for some trivial project like school repairs. “What’s the use of educating children,” they argued, “if our Senior Officer catches a cold in his old coat?”

The Health Department, too, threw in their weight. They were quick to point out that the Officer’s new coat was a public health issue. If he were to catch pneumonia, the entire machinery of the state would collapse! Therefore, it was decided that the best doctors from the government hospital would be involved in the measurement process to ensure perfect insulation. “The Officer’s health is the nation’s health,” declared the Chief Medical Officer, whose stethoscope had not touched a patient in years but gleamed impressively nonetheless.

Meanwhile, the town’s media took up the cause with great zeal. Editorial after editorial praised the visionary decision. “In these trying times,” wrote one well-known columnist, “what we need are leaders who are well-dressed, for appearances matter more than actions. The coat will give the Officer the gravitas he requires to command respect during the numerous ribbon-cutting ceremonies and photo-ops.” The local newspaper even began running a daily “Coat Update,” informing the public of every new development. One headline read: The Fabric Arrives—Hope for a Bright Future.

As the coat began taking shape, the Officer was seen glowing with newfound energy. His gait became more majestic, his speeches more profound. “I feel the weight of responsibility on my shoulders,” he said during a televised interview, adjusting his spectacles dramatically. Of course, it wasn’t the coat’s weight that he was referring to, but the burden of carrying the hopes and dreams of an entire town on his broad, padded shoulders.

However, not everyone was happy. A group of dissidents, always prone to pessimism, began murmuring in discontent. “Why is so much money being spent on a coat when there are real issues to address?” asked a particularly irritating school teacher whose salary had been delayed for three months. But these voices were quickly drowned out. “This is the problem with our society,” countered a prominent local businessman. “We never think big. We always focus on trivial matters like food, education, and sanitation. Can’t you see that this coat will elevate our entire district’s status? When the Officer walks into meetings with other bureaucrats, they will all look at his coat and think, ‘Now here is a town that knows how to dress its leaders!'”

Finally, the day arrived when the coat was unveiled. The town gathered in the central square, decorated with garlands and banners reading “Long Live the Officer’s Coat!”. Children were given half-holidays from school so they could attend the historic event. The coat, when revealed, gleamed under the sun. It was a work of art—each stitch a testament to the craftsmanship, dedication, and patriotism that had gone into its making.

As the Officer donned the coat, the crowd erupted in applause. Tears of joy were shed. Old women clutched their hearts in awe. Even the stray dogs gathered around, as if sensing the momentousness of the occasion. The Officer, his chest puffed out in pride, waved regally at the masses, who cheered and shouted, “Long live the coat!”

Thus, a new era began for our town. The coat became a symbol of everything we stood for—our priorities, our values, and most importantly, our commitment to ensuring that those in power always look the part, even if nothing else changes.

And as the Officer basked in his newfound glory, we all went back to our lives, still walking on broken roads, drinking dirty water, and waiting for the next great decision.

*

© Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Contact : Mo. +91 73 8657 8657, Email : [email protected]

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra, known for his wit and wisdom, is a prolific writer, renowned satirist, children’s literature author, and poet. He has undertaken the monumental task of writing, editing, and coordinating a total of 55 books for the Telangana government at the primary school, college, and university levels. His editorial endeavors also include online editions of works by Acharya Ramchandra Shukla.

As a celebrated satirist, Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra has carved a niche for himself, with over eight million viewers, readers, and listeners tuning in to his literary musings on the demise of a teacher on the Sahitya AajTak channel. His contributions have earned him prestigious accolades such as the Telangana Hindi Academy’s Shreshtha Navyuva Rachnakaar Samman in 2021, presented by the honorable Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr. Chandrashekhar Rao. He has also been honored with the Vyangya Yatra Ravindranath Tyagi Stairway Award and the Sahitya Srijan Samman, alongside recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various other esteemed institutions.

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra’s journey is not merely one of literary accomplishments but also a testament to his unwavering dedication, creativity, and profound impact on society. His story inspires us to strive for excellence, to use our talents for the betterment of others, and to leave an indelible mark on the world. Today we present his Satire The Great Festive Season Loot. 

☆ Witful Warmth # 23 ☆

☆ Satire ☆ The Great Festive Season Loot ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’ ☆

As the festive season descended upon the bustling streets of the city, a peculiar phenomenon took hold of its residents: an almost involuntary urge to part with their hard-earned money in a frenzy of shopping, gifting, and celebrations. The air was thick with the fragrance of freshly made sweets, the sounds of garish music, and the sight of shopkeepers grinning like Cheshire cats, ready to pounce on the unsuspecting customers. Yes, it was that time of year again—the great Indian festive season, where every man, woman, and child seemed to transform into a walking, talking cash register, emitting jingles rather than coins.

In this grand carnival of consumption, our protagonist, Mr. Shyamlal Gupta, found himself caught in the whirlwind. A simple clerk by profession, Shyamlal was no stranger to the annual ritual of emptying his pockets to celebrate the festival of lights, but this year, the intensity of the festival-induced madness reached new heights. “Why should I let my neighbors outshine me with their extravagant displays of wealth?” he mused, as he glanced at the impressive new car parked outside his affluent neighbor’s house, which incidentally had replaced the old one—a mere month old, as if it were a seasonal item.

“Lights, gifts, sweets—this year, I shall become a symbol of prosperity!” Shyamlal declared, his voice brimming with optimism. With this newfound ambition, he set off into the chaos of the marketplace, armed with a list of purchases that would make even the most seasoned shopaholic raise an eyebrow. As he maneuvered through the throngs of shoppers, he was greeted by the usual cacophony of vendors shouting at the top of their lungs, urging customers to buy the “latest” in festive attire, which bore an uncanny resemblance to last year’s collection—albeit with a few sequins strategically placed to justify the inflated price tag.

“Ah, Mr. Gupta! Looking to dazzle the neighborhood this festive season?” chirped a shopkeeper, his eyes gleaming with the promise of a sale.

“Yes, yes! I need the best!” Shyamlal responded, puffing out his chest as if he were entering a beauty pageant rather than a clothing store.

With each purchase—saris, sweets, new earthen lamps, and an elaborate assortment of plastic decorations—Shyamlal felt a mixture of exhilaration and dread. He knew deep down that he was falling prey to the age-old trap of festive consumerism, but the thought of being outdone by Mrs. Sharma, his neighbor, who had already set up an extravagant light display, sent shivers down his spine.

By the time Shyamlal returned home, bags in hand, he felt like a victorious warrior, albeit one who had been utterly defeated in the realm of finances. His wife, Mrs. Gupta, looked at the mountain of purchases with a mix of awe and disbelief. “Darling, have you considered that perhaps we don’t need to spend so much just to keep up appearances?”

“Of course, we do!” he retorted, feigning bravado. “What will people say if we don’t compete with the Sharmas? This is about our reputation!”

Thus, the stage was set for a festival of embarrassment and regret. With lights adorning every corner of their modest abode, Shyamlal soon discovered that the electricity bill would likely be the true testament to his festive zeal. The entire neighborhood had transformed into a veritable competition of illumination; the Sharmas had installed an entire light show that could only be likened to a mini New Year’s Eve in Times Square.

As the festival day approached, Shyamlal’s desperation reached its zenith. With each new advertisement he encountered, promising the latest gadgets and gizmos—none of which he truly needed—he felt an insatiable itch to spend more. “What if I don’t buy a new smartphone? How will people know I am technologically advanced?” he fretted.

The festive season climaxed in a chaotic whirlwind of parties, where Shyamlal found himself perpetually trapped in a cycle of forced hospitality and obligatory gifting. Each neighbor’s extravagant gift demanded an equal or greater response, leaving Shyamlal in a state of perpetual anxiety and indebtedness.

At a particularly lavish gathering, while sipping a drink that tasted suspiciously like sugar water, Shyamlal overheard Mrs. Sharma boasting about her “cutting-edge” air fryer. “It can fry anything! Even your financial sense!” he thought bitterly, glancing at his own hand-me-down cooking appliances, now obsolete in the face of his neighbor’s culinary technology.

“Ah, Shyamlal, you must come over to try my new air fryer!” Mrs. Sharma called, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “You simply must—everyone is raving about it!”

“Yes, I’ll bring you something special from my collection of antique spoons!” he countered with a forced smile, realizing he had nothing of value to offer but his growing sense of financial doom.

The festive season marched on, and so did Shyamlal’s desperation. With every extravagant gathering came the crippling realization that he had spent more than he earned, and the once joyous spirit of celebration had turned into a grim parade of credit card bills and the haunting specter of unpaid loans.

As the last festival day drew to a close, Shyamlal sat down with a heavy heart, surrounded by the remnants of his ill-advised purchases. The lights dimmed, the sweets had dwindled, and all that remained was the bitter taste of his financial folly. He pondered the irony of a festival meant to celebrate abundance leaving him in the throes of scarcity.

In that moment of clarity, Shyamlal made a decision. Next year, he would break the cycle of festive season loot. He would embrace minimalism, resist the siren call of extravagant consumerism, and perhaps even encourage his neighbors to do the same. After all, as he gazed at the empty wrappers and fading lights, he realized that true celebration lay not in material possessions but in the spirit of togetherness, not in competition but in camaraderie.

But that was next year’s resolution. For now, as he buried his head in his hands, he could only lament the fleeting joy of a festive season turned farcical—a cycle he had unwittingly perpetuated, one plastic decoration at a time.

*

© Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

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