Keep It Clean
No, this is not a reference to my previously sexually oriented postings, but this recent op-ed piece in the Times of India explaining Indians' notions of dirt varying from the West. It was written as a response to the recent Forbes survey on the world's top 25 dirtiest cities, among which Mumbai and Delhi were mentioned. It's a really interesting take on how Indians view and define 'dirt' and whether it's in its right place or not. It would seem that those living near to me, feel that the drain (small canal) designed to take care of the extra water from the monsoon rains is the right place for their dirt. In the last few weeks it has become clogged with crap, from either the local building site, or just good old trash. But I guess that's okay, according to this article, because it's out of the kitchen and not in anyone's way. Visiting India for the first time can be an assault on the senses - usually the poverty, the cows and dogs on the street, the traffic chaos, and the trash everywhere are what jar westerners the most. We have a couple of friends who would find this article most interesting - while she is a HUGE fan of India and loved the Ganges and the whole gritty experience, he calls it a 'shit tip.' He loved Singapore, and its clean streets and bright lights, but she found it 'too clinical.' I guess India really does have something for everyone - and at least the trash on the streets gives the cows and stray dogs something to nibble on for lunch!
