BRANDS
We Indians love brands. Rather, we are obsessed with brands.
So much that we identify products by name of a certain brand. So Zandu becomes
a generic term for all the balms and cold-drinks are fondly addressed as
Pepsi-Cola. Its only our immense affection towards the brands that local
manufacturers come up with something as preposterous as this…
Our group was no exception to this.
We were not really happy when our plan to visit Kaziranga was changed to Pobitora,
to see the Rhinos. Because Kaziranga is a ‘brand’ and Pobitora is ‘just another
sanctuary’. And what difference did it make? Absolutely zilch!! We saw the same crazy fellas
called Rhinos in Pobitora, in fact saving our time and energy!!
In India everybody loves brands. Your
Hyderabad visit is said to be futile if you miss the branded ‘Paradise’ biryani
or ‘Minerva’ coffee. A silk saree is valued only if it is ‘Nalli’ silk. Cities
want to create own brand value and recognition. And then a remote village in
Mishmi hills springs a surprise for you with presence of multi-national brands.
Such grand is the twist of the
strand of this brand business. And ironically, I got a chance to enjoy this ‘brand-wagon’
only because I am in a ‘branded’ government service!!
