Going back in time to recollect the days when life was simple and not so hectic

Do you ever get nostalgic over your past life? Do you yearn for a simple, middle-class living that you enjoyed a couple of decades ago, or are you enamoured by the trappings of modern life? These questions came to our minds during a recent get-together with friends after we had dropped the kids off at school in the morning. It was just a casual meet-up over coffee, and we recollected our childhood days during the conversations. We fondly remembered our simple, middle-class lifestyle while growing up and how things had changed, and we’d become comfortable over the years with all these modern amenities.

In our childhood days, life was not so complicated; everything was used to its limit. Wastage was considered a sin at home. Living within one’s means and needs was the essence of that era. There were pressures, but the pressure of performing without failure is unheard of these days.

Being trendy is considered elite while being traditional is looked down upon. However, in the past, the middle class was best known for their ability to excel during times of scarcity. I can very well relate to it as I belong to that class of society.

During the summer holidays, we enjoyed visiting relatives or our near and dear ones without informing them in advance. The train journey used to be eagerly awaited by us kids. The excitement of choosing a book to read during the trip brings back fond memories. It used to be fun to chitchat with the family while enjoying a variety of dishes during mealtime. I remember how we used to prepare salads from fresh greens grown in our home garden. A variety of vegetables used to be planted in our house’s green area, which would also help us save some money. We used to eat all our meals together, irrespective of where we would be. There used to be one television set at home, and I remember how we used to quarrel to grab the remote control because whoever had it in their hand was allowed to select the channel to watch. I remember bribing my brother to let me watch a channel of my choice if he had the remote. Then, there were days when the quarrel went on for a long time, following which we were reprimanded and asked to open our books and study.

Most middle-class families used to own scooters in those days. I recall how I used to pray and hope my crush wouldn’t see me after a scooter ride as my hair would be tossed up due to the wind. I’d rather walk than take a ride, but who knows how often I have been spotted with messed-up looks?

Listening to the radio was another form of entertainment for us. We would have difficulty tuning the radio to listen to our favourite station. It used to take at least 10-15 minutes to lock into a particular frequency, and by then, our favourite songs would have already been aired. Radio was very popular as we could listen to our favourite songs on it without having to spend on buying expensive cassette tapes that featured hit songs. Most household items would be treated with utmost respect. I remember how the TV, fridge, and radio would be nicely covered with fancy cloth covers and cleaned daily.

Most middle-class homes would have a play area (veranda/porch) where not only the kids from the house but also those from the neighbourhood would gather to play in the evenings. Food used to be kept in reusable boxes, and I cannot forget the taste of those delicacies. The wardrobe would be shared, and each family member would have a section for themselves. Every item at home was used to its optimum capacity. Any new purchase for the house would become an occasion to celebrate.

The definition of the middle class has changed a lot now, and the purchasing power of people has grown tenfold. Though the world around us may have changed, we, the middle-class section of society, are proud to raise our kids with the same values inculcated in us decades ago.

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This piece is contributed by a Trumpet Blower: Payal Seth is settled in Australia and is currently multi-tasking and working as a human resources professional with a professional services firm. She is a freelance writer, a hands-on mother, and an entrepreneur. To sum up, her days are jam-packed, and she is always looking for a new challenge to accomplish. Her love for exploring something new and meeting new people never takes a back seat. She is always happy with what she has and is a fun person to be with.