Narendra Modi has just accomplished an election crusade with packed debates in tea shops. The country recently realised people exchange political views in the sanctuary of these street joints and Modi made the best out of a joke some rivals cracked at him! Hopefully this will bring new ethos for tea shops and more political deliberations since it worked so well this time round.
As smooth white froth touch your lips, when milky bubbles reach out to your face, strongly brewed copper cute tea fill your mouth, that moment is magic. That’s the soul of a tea shop you experienced, one that makes you feel ecstasy, opens your heart, lightens your sentiments and above all, makes you cheerful. It has been established in history, the legacy of tea shop culture amalgamates and makes our communities fascinating.
Having grown up around a tea shop and in one of the most gorgeous times of my life, I carried that experience into my business. Truly like the taste and quality of food, I applied imagination, stories and conversations, as I perceived in my father’s tea shop. Triumph of that model facilitated orbit for future and the commencement of Chai Talk.
In 8 months since we began this unique gathering of marvellous and like-minded people in Bangalore, we presented sensational talents and inspiring personalities to enlighten our pals. The seed for a much-needed openness and liberation had been planted around steaming tea and hot nibbles. Pleasure and fulfilment is apparent, a significant form of community was designed, and number of people increased every time.
Ravi Ramamurthy arrived early to address Chai Talk on Saturday (May 10) afternoon inBangalore, patiently waited until the lunch crowd departed and our people arrived. Ravi gently spoke after everyone was introduced; in a subtle, elegant way he took us through his life, profession and discovery of his path in life. The journey of a science graduate from Chennai with incredible credentials and experience was fascinating; his pursuit continued from physics, software into spirituality, finally found his destiny at Aashwasan and its spiritual science of healing.
Later part of the afternoon we moved towards closer interaction and shared dreams of everyone—we felt a sense of belonging and saw relief on everyone’s face as dreams slowly strolled out from concealed pockets of mind. There was so much to learn from listening, more came from everyone, it was fabulous discovery of profound self. We kept on chatting and consumed as much as we could for it was so sweet!
May 23 another Saturday, it was overcast and reasonably warm in London; Church Street was crowded with families with kids for weekend shopping and a walk around Clissold Park. At 12.30 pm, the sun came out and above us at Rasa, followed by stars of our first Chai Talk in London. In the next two hours we shared the most delightful time and made our launch an incredible experience. It was amazing to feel exactly same emotions and fascination in London and Bangalore; we touched on new emerging global community and concern for us to take up our own roles to help a better future.
Kieran, a young ambivalent filmmaker threw some interesting questions, time factor to do social work and how to deal with increased demand for help? His uncertainty was exactly what I saw in many people, unnecessary worries and missed opportunities. I said, “It’s a selfless journey to find happiness and share our success to make others inspired,” this explanation convinced and transformed him. Friends, Chai Talk is an important mission to enhance freedom and expressions, a step closer to much needed joy for everyone, we need to talk. It’s confirmed there’s a whole new world to be won and all of us have a great opportunity to be a part of it.
The author is a London-based restaurateur who own the Rasa chain