Between the ages of 8 and 10, I developed a deep fascination for pambarams (henceforth referred to as Pbs). When I first learnt of its English equivalent - the'top', I remember developing an instant distaste for the term. How could a device of such exquisite shape, and which had such a mesmeric effect on me have conferred upon it so ordinary a monicker as 'top'? I just couldn't understand.
Anyhow, in those years I was usually found with 2 pbs in my left pocket, and 3 in my right, sufficient to have me well equipped to handle all terrains. Infact I think I then chose my shorts depending on the size of the pockets - the more pbs it could accommodate the better.:). By the time I had turned 12 however, I had decided that Pbs were for bachhaas, and had progressed to more 'sophisticated' sports such as cricket/badminton...
Now, I actually have a hand-operated Pb at my work-desk. When I'm bored, restless, or looking for an idea, I send it into motion, and gaze at it, daydreaming ..I find it deeply relaxing ...:-) Sometimes, when people come to my desk, they will ignore the stacks of technical books lying on it, and reach straight for the pb.. They will try to have it spinning, and if they have trouble, I usually give them a quick demo .. I've noticed the older the person, the more likely he is to notice and reach for the pb. Perhaps it reminds them of the small boys they once were... Anyhow it reminds of (in some ways:-) the small boy I still am ..
Anyhow, in those years I was usually found with 2 pbs in my left pocket, and 3 in my right, sufficient to have me well equipped to handle all terrains. Infact I think I then chose my shorts depending on the size of the pockets - the more pbs it could accommodate the better.:). By the time I had turned 12 however, I had decided that Pbs were for bachhaas, and had progressed to more 'sophisticated' sports such as cricket/badminton...
Now, I actually have a hand-operated Pb at my work-desk. When I'm bored, restless, or looking for an idea, I send it into motion, and gaze at it, daydreaming ..I find it deeply relaxing ...:-) Sometimes, when people come to my desk, they will ignore the stacks of technical books lying on it, and reach straight for the pb.. They will try to have it spinning, and if they have trouble, I usually give them a quick demo .. I've noticed the older the person, the more likely he is to notice and reach for the pb. Perhaps it reminds them of the small boys they once were... Anyhow it reminds of (in some ways:-) the small boy I still am ..
1 comment:
:) Buguri in kannada.
We all need something like this in our work places. I had a white board that got out the scribbling doodling kid in everyone. My friend has a tiny basketball ring with a tiny basketball. Another has a model skeleton that can be disassembled and assembled and carries a plastic rose in its bony hands. I know one guy who has a rugby ball and generally I see his advisor and him discussing research while subconsciously playing catch with that ball. We all need toys.
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