Ever Changing

Impermanence is the very essence of life, they say. Change, constant change… Irrespective of whether we like it or not/ want it or not/ have actively sought it or not…

Here are some changes I have noted over the years, not necessarily in any order or their relation to technology/science… I have tried to highlight instances where the change has reverted to its earlier status…

Cell phones were big heavy models when they were first introduced. Over the years, their size reduced to a pretty small size and once again we see bigger models. To see someone talking on the (massive) so called “phablets” is quite a strange site!!

A long time ago (when plumbing or other urban water distribution systems were not developed) we used buckets to carry water for whatever or wherever it was needed. Then came the pipes and taps and the bucket was relegated or even dispensed with. We have fancy faucets, high-tech showers, non-corroding pipes, concealed plumbing and so on… However with looming water shortage and the urgent call to conserve water, experts have again urged people to use buckets….

In India, important documents (like land records, bank accounts and so on) require a signature but illiterate individuals need to put in a thumb impression. However it was noted that signatures can be forged or it is difficult to process documents when a sick person is unable to sign or when a person’s signature changes due to age … It was always known that each person has a unique finger print. Suddenly taking finger prints has become popular and often an important method of identifying the person. All that some official documents now need are finger prints irrespective of a person’s educational or financial status- no signatures anywhere.

There may be many more such ‘changes’. Have you noted any? Do share with us.