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Write Articles
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The Old Photo Albums
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This time when I had gone
to visit my mother, I made an amazing discovery. As usual we started chit
chatting. The discussion routed through many topics and it was while
narrating something from the past that my mother reminded me of the
photographs. My daughter was all too excited when she heard that granny
had baby photographs of her mother (me). Within a minute all the old
albums were dug out from the cabinet. Looking at those photos of
myself as a child, my mother when she was so young, her marriage photos
all in black and white print, a thought struck me.
I glanced through the albums totally mesmerized. So many moments and
events were all there right in front of me. The past was practically
staring out at me.
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A few photo albums had
the effect of an entire life story. It was a nostalgic experience.
Each photograph had a story behind it. As my mother explained every photo
in the album to her granddaughter, my thoughts changed from the past to
the present. I had a CD for every occasion. Every trip of mine was on a CD
all recorded for viewing. A set of CD’s had photos of so many moments and
events. But I had very few photo albums. I felt very poignant. On seeing
the albums neatly stacked with so many photographs taken 40 years ago and
some even earlier I had felt that progress had somehow reduced the
sentiment of certain things.
Technology has provided us with so many options. My computer has so
many photos stored on them. But they lack the feel of the albums. We
use digital cameras and handy cams to shoot photos and videos. All can be
stored away safely. It is an excellent step towards progress where we need
not buy photo film rolls and load in a camera like we used to do earlier.
We could delete photos we didn’t like with a click. So we are left with
great photos with fantastic smiles and brilliant expressions. But I miss
the ones with weird expressions and odd smiles which earlier we couldn’t
delete. The suspense of seeing the photos after getting them from the
studio has faded away…….
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Earlier photographs were
clicked only on special occasions and then stored away in albums for years
together wrapped in covers so that dust wouldn’t accumulate and were
brought out on family reunions where everyone would sit together and
comment on each photograph and relate incidents linked to it. No
television, camera, computer was required to show the photographs. No
electricity or battery was needed and progress had nothing to do with it.
The albums could be picked up and the photographs would be right there in
front of you. There was no clutter as albums were dated and marked. It was
as simple as that. It did take up space in your house, but the memories it
treasured was worth it.
Life is more convenient and easy today due to the various inventions and
progress in technology.
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Physical hard work is less
though mental stress has crossed all boundaries. With just a click we can
connect to anybody and the photos we take on the camera can be viewed
within a minute by a person staying anywhere in the world.
But in all this I feel
somewhere the feel and essence of certain things have been lost. I still
prefer reading a story from a book than on the internet. I like the feel
of the newspaper in my hand while I read it every morning. Similarly, the
albums evoked an emotion in me which none of the photos on the CD could.
The not so glamorous black and white print photos had made me realize
certain facts.
Progress is essential. But, there is a security in the ancient pattern
of living. Though we step on and move ahead with the world and with its
progress our heart yearns for certain old and outdated stuff because of
the sentimental value they hold. I used to wonder how old and outdated
things could be precious or important. But now I truly understand the
meaning of “Old is gold”……. And how progress can influence
sentiments…..
Contributed By Ms Naina Nair,
Dubai, UAE. II completed my Post graduate education in Mumbai, India and
am presently residing in Dubai, UAE. Writing has been my passion since
childhood. I have been writing poems, articles and stories of which some
have been published in newspapers and magazines.
nainaanair@yahoo.co.in
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