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When the truth comes true: Hindustan Times
London, Jun 02: `Truth is always bitter` is oft-repeated saying. But, in real bitter form, I had to accept the truth behind the saying just a few days ago at what was generally accepted as a great annual event for Asians in Britain.
London, Jun 02: "Truth is always bitter" is oft-repeated saying. But, in real bitter form, I had to accept the truth behind the saying just a few days ago at what was generally accepted as a great annual event for Asians in Britain.
Over 1000 invitees, including Peers, MPs, Bollywood stars and socialites, were gathered to celebrate at a London hotel achievements by Asians in various fields.
What I saw in the hall, where tables were laid out for a sit-down dinner, reminded me of a pucca British Lord who once told me with a heavy dose of sarcasm "why can't you Indians sit at one place during public functions, specially at sit-down dinners".
I had then considered this remark as one out of envy, if not a racist one, from some one who could not digest lavish dos hosted by successful Asians and their organisations.
I had replied that Indians were generally friendly beings and were used to greeting friends and acquaintances whenever they met. I also told the good Lord that "we were not stiff upper lip types" but were the very warm and emotional kind. But the other evening I was corrected rather rudely.
The dinner had been announced and invitees urged to take their allotted seats. But, quite a few could not resist hovering round two super stars, who had flown in from Mumbai. The result was a bit of chaos near their tables. Many wanted to be photographed or shake hands with them. The resulting confusion around the two tables led to my realisation how right the Peer was. But, the worst was as yet to come.
A few of the organisers got incensed and repeatedly asked " the uncivilized people", to it down. They did not single out some in one corner but used the word uncivilized as a sort of a generic term which meant a denouncement of all present. Apparently they did not wish to include their president and members of their own organisation or most invitees but their frustration with those who believe in circulating at sit-down functions got better of them.
Another truth was delivered by one of the stars, the younger one. He had been honoured as a great star of the decade and in his thank you speech he could not resist remarking about the hairstyle of the models in the fashion show.
"I hope years later my son would get a similar honour as I have got tonight, but I am sure my son would not have the hairstyle of the models this evening." Everyone wanted to applaud to the truth behind his observation. It was the second truth that evening for the hairstyle of the models could have inspired praise from mountaineers only, for the hair was raised up like the rising contours of a hillock.
Over 1000 invitees, including Peers, MPs, Bollywood stars and socialites, were gathered to celebrate at a London hotel achievements by Asians in various fields.
What I saw in the hall, where tables were laid out for a sit-down dinner, reminded me of a pucca British Lord who once told me with a heavy dose of sarcasm "why can't you Indians sit at one place during public functions, specially at sit-down dinners".
I had then considered this remark as one out of envy, if not a racist one, from some one who could not digest lavish dos hosted by successful Asians and their organisations.
I had replied that Indians were generally friendly beings and were used to greeting friends and acquaintances whenever they met. I also told the good Lord that "we were not stiff upper lip types" but were the very warm and emotional kind. But the other evening I was corrected rather rudely.
The dinner had been announced and invitees urged to take their allotted seats. But, quite a few could not resist hovering round two super stars, who had flown in from Mumbai. The result was a bit of chaos near their tables. Many wanted to be photographed or shake hands with them. The resulting confusion around the two tables led to my realisation how right the Peer was. But, the worst was as yet to come.
A few of the organisers got incensed and repeatedly asked " the uncivilized people", to it down. They did not single out some in one corner but used the word uncivilized as a sort of a generic term which meant a denouncement of all present. Apparently they did not wish to include their president and members of their own organisation or most invitees but their frustration with those who believe in circulating at sit-down functions got better of them.
Another truth was delivered by one of the stars, the younger one. He had been honoured as a great star of the decade and in his thank you speech he could not resist remarking about the hairstyle of the models in the fashion show.
"I hope years later my son would get a similar honour as I have got tonight, but I am sure my son would not have the hairstyle of the models this evening." Everyone wanted to applaud to the truth behind his observation. It was the second truth that evening for the hairstyle of the models could have inspired praise from mountaineers only, for the hair was raised up like the rising contours of a hillock.