<p>‘Think positive’, as the wise say. This maha mantra, which we must practise every day of our lives, is easier said than done, especially when stuck in massive traffic jams in our metros. These jams are an acid test of our patience, as the pilgrims to Prayagraj will perhaps testify. We psych ourselves into believing that we’re washing away our sins in the holy city of Triveni and return home with sacred Ganga jal for our loved ones. However, the patience and positivity often don’t prevail for long once reality sets in.</p>.<p>Is it our ‘car-ma’ on the roads? Is this how it feels when the gods give up? If only Maa Ganga could help by washing away that part of our karma—of waiting in endless traffic jams, life would be blissful in our city dwellings. With no solution in sight, we are left to focus on the positive side of traffic jams.</p>.<p>To make matters a bit lighter, we decided to attend a stand-up comedy show with family and friends. The topic was ‘traffic jams’, and the artist attempted to engage the audience with jokes about ‘jam-boooree’ in Bengaluru. He said Bengaluru is an ideal city for slow-motion car races. He started off with his wisecracks by questioning the crowd. Why is a traffic jam like a giraffe’s neck? Why did the traffic jam become a lawyer? The audience, however, remained unamused, and the artist had to resort to self-deprecation. After all, for Bengalureans, traffic jams are hardly a laughing matter. He would not give up easily, though.</p>.Traffic restrictions today for Brahma Rathotsava.<p>A 12-year-old boy seated near the stage was then invited on stage. The child enthusiastically stepped up. The atmosphere thawed slightly when he was asked, “What’s the best exercise while stuck in a traffic jam?” The boy’s quick reply, “Oh, a car-dio!” finally elicited laughter from the audience.</p>.<p>Jokes aside, for regular commuters, their four-wheelers are an extension of their personality – a second home, wardrobe, pantry, private shrine where shlokas are chanted and pranayama is practised, a valentine nook, and entertainment centre where family antaksharis unravel or even an <br>odd library.</p>.<p>But as we age or face physical disabilities, our homes become our only comfort zone. This is a harsh reality faced by seniors and the physically challenged in our country. When even ambulances are often held up in traffic snarls, we know we have reached the dead end of the unsolved problem. Inspirational quotes about old age and disabilities offer temporary relief, but the problem remains unsolved.</p>
<p>‘Think positive’, as the wise say. This maha mantra, which we must practise every day of our lives, is easier said than done, especially when stuck in massive traffic jams in our metros. These jams are an acid test of our patience, as the pilgrims to Prayagraj will perhaps testify. We psych ourselves into believing that we’re washing away our sins in the holy city of Triveni and return home with sacred Ganga jal for our loved ones. However, the patience and positivity often don’t prevail for long once reality sets in.</p>.<p>Is it our ‘car-ma’ on the roads? Is this how it feels when the gods give up? If only Maa Ganga could help by washing away that part of our karma—of waiting in endless traffic jams, life would be blissful in our city dwellings. With no solution in sight, we are left to focus on the positive side of traffic jams.</p>.<p>To make matters a bit lighter, we decided to attend a stand-up comedy show with family and friends. The topic was ‘traffic jams’, and the artist attempted to engage the audience with jokes about ‘jam-boooree’ in Bengaluru. He said Bengaluru is an ideal city for slow-motion car races. He started off with his wisecracks by questioning the crowd. Why is a traffic jam like a giraffe’s neck? Why did the traffic jam become a lawyer? The audience, however, remained unamused, and the artist had to resort to self-deprecation. After all, for Bengalureans, traffic jams are hardly a laughing matter. He would not give up easily, though.</p>.Traffic restrictions today for Brahma Rathotsava.<p>A 12-year-old boy seated near the stage was then invited on stage. The child enthusiastically stepped up. The atmosphere thawed slightly when he was asked, “What’s the best exercise while stuck in a traffic jam?” The boy’s quick reply, “Oh, a car-dio!” finally elicited laughter from the audience.</p>.<p>Jokes aside, for regular commuters, their four-wheelers are an extension of their personality – a second home, wardrobe, pantry, private shrine where shlokas are chanted and pranayama is practised, a valentine nook, and entertainment centre where family antaksharis unravel or even an <br>odd library.</p>.<p>But as we age or face physical disabilities, our homes become our only comfort zone. This is a harsh reality faced by seniors and the physically challenged in our country. When even ambulances are often held up in traffic snarls, we know we have reached the dead end of the unsolved problem. Inspirational quotes about old age and disabilities offer temporary relief, but the problem remains unsolved.</p>
