QUEEN'S ROAD: Even though New Year resolutions mostly dissolve before we even hit mid-January, the secular and hope-filled tradition manages to persist over the years.
City Express walked up to a few people on the streets of Bengaluru to ask them what they want to make of this new year and whether they want to make resolutions at all. We got a mixed-bag of responses and found that resolutions were not the first thing on every one's mind. Debts to be paid off, fear of terror attacks, mouths to feed and the sheer monotony of routine work has most people looking at 2015 with some skepticism. However, even from within that skepticism, a glimmer of hope and new dreams surface. Excerpts:
I want my own cart
Right now, I'm helping another man run his fruit cart. In 2015, I've decided I want to run my own cart and it will be near the High Court. This year (2014) has been a great year for me so far, because this is the year I moved to Bengaluru from my hometown Chittoor. Hopefully, 2015 will be even better.
Pawan Kumar, fruit vendor
I want to act
This has been a childhood dream but I have made up my mind that 2015 will be the year I will finally make it come true. This year, I will become a character actor in a film. I have already spoken to a few people and I an confident I can make it happen soon enough.
Byra Reddy, auto driver
I want to teach
I don't want to be a policeman anymore.
For the new year, I want to change professions. I have already finished my B Ed. I want to teach children Kannada and history and this is the year I hope to make the switch.
Raju R, traffic constable
I want peace
With so many terrible things happening around us, such as the recent bomb blast, it's impossible to want anything other than peace and harmony for the new year. So for 2015, I resolve to spread happiness among people, and talk about unity to as many people as possible. Why is it that despite being from the same land, we find so many differences? We must forget about religion, caste and colour.
Ramachandra, cashier, Nisarga restaurant
Time to get fit
I don’t usually make any resolutions. But this year, I want to get fit again. I’ve already started the process and joined a gym. But in 2015, I want to apply myself and make sure I lose weight and become healthy again.
Rashmi Godse, Engineer
Claiming a sense of self
Recently, I’ve been feeling like an outsider in Bengaluru. People coming from outside have made this place their own. In 2015, I’m going back to Mangaluru, so I can feel like I’m with my own people again. I want to also make sure my children’s education goes on well.
Lakshmi Shakeer, Xerox Shop Owner