Pizza boxes should be packed without the use of cello tapes. Flying cars should come as a rescue from traffic hurdles and some hygiene lessons should be given to chaat wallas. Delhiites share 14 interesting changes they would like to witness in the coming year
In the forthcoming lok Sabha elections, I would like to see one parliamentary constituency where all the candidates are rejected, and maximum people opt for None of the Above (NOTA) option. The fun will be to watch what action the politicos take after that. Another change I want is a ban on using cello tape to seal pizza boxes. Haven’t we all at least once in our lives struggled to open a pizza boxIJ While the smell of the pizza is driving us wild, we find ourselves desperately searching for the stealthily placed cello-tape, scratching at it with our finger nails to be let inside. Those are the most agonising few minutes in anyone’s life.
Piyush Jha, film director
I would want AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) to succeed in Delhi and be a game changer. It should become a pioneer to clean and effective politics in India. Also, how about a better barometer to measure the success of television shows in IndiaIJ It’s because of these flawed TRP mechanisms that progressive shows are not made in India.
Siddharth Arora, actor
Our society has put the onus of women’s safety on us women. In 2014, I’d like to experience the simple pleasure of going for a late evening walk on the road in front of my house without worrying that some creep will misbehave and neighbours will ask, “Why was she thereIJ” Also, politicians and religious devotees whose “sentiments” constantly get “hurt” are a bore. I’m not advocating misplaced humour that perpetuates prejudice; but in 2014 we must defend our right to make cartoons about our national symbols and caricatures of prickly politicians. Freedom of expression has to include the right to offend. Our new motto should be: out with holy cows, in with irreverence.
Anna MM Vetticad, author
let’s download food. With so much happening on food on Facebook and other websites, if one can taste, smell and download food from the Net. It will be a dream come true not only for me but for everyone around. I also think that government has failed to provide good basic infrastructure. A flying car will mean no wastage of tax payers hard earned money on roads that seems to be built using soil and mud that washes away with every rain.
Pawan Soni, food blogger
I want to see the ‘Common School Model’ adopted. There is a real need to revamp the education system. Smaller, poorer countries like Brazil have fairer education systems. let there be ‘Common Neighbourhood Schools’, giving quality education. Abolish private schools in Delhi. let everyone go to the ‘Common Schools’. The second thing I want in Delhi is some reserved places for women only.
Sonali Chitalkar, researcher
The art and heritage of our country should be preserved both in terms of monuments, vintage colonies such as Chandni Chowk and also our craft and textiles. lived in Chandni Chowk for 10 years and working as a designer I really feel sorry to see the place. More aggressive steps are needed to preserve them. On the other hand, I want better sanitation facilities. This is one area where we are way-way behind and forget rural areas. From roads to public washrooms to public transport need a makeover and I am sure it is one of the toughest challenge to overcome.
Gautam Gupta, fashion designer
May a quartet of talented directors rebuild Delhi’s reputation as a theatre hub. Presently, artistes wear the make-up, go over their lines and stand in aisles in darkened theatre, waiting for applause.
Imran Zahid, theatre artist
How about Delhi roads sans fatty copsIJ If they cannot walk properly, how can we expect them to catch a smart thief, who’s no less than an athleteIJ With that, people need to change their perspective also. If a boy and a girl are roaming together, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are a couple. This coming year, let’s take a pledge to revise our perception about friends or friendship.
Nupur Pandey, advocate
I think international press must adopt an objective lens while writing on India rather than be driven by past prejudices. Of late there is a perceptible rise in biased coverage towards India particularly in the Western media that may be inspired by specific interest groups looking to create pressure points.
Saurav Jha, social commentator
let’s not change diesel and petrol prices anymore. There should be no hike. let this year be year of a common man. If change has to be there, then lowering prices is the great deal. Mango people will be more happy and will tastefully enjoy more mangoes this year.
Veta Ratra, PR professional
I would like the snobs of this world to give up on being a snob and learn to be modest and compassionate. Probably, they have not noticed that achievers are more grounded and humble. The other change I want is that the Delhi government should organise a lavish year-ender party for everyone for free. After all, we pay huge amount of tax and do not get any benefit out of it. Such a party can redeem us.
Shireen Quadri, marketing professional
Services like mobile vans with first aid facilities and ambulances need to be the order of the day. Critical care on the road is something which is just unheard of in our country. We rather watch people die on the road after an accident. Quite a sad state of affairs this area has been.
Milinda Natu, professor
Being a chef I feel that food in India should be more affordable. Our street food should be prepared in more hygienic way so that visitors to our country can taste the diverse flavours and enjoy it. We should take pride in what we eat and how we cook and make it more popular. Another interesting thing that I notice is that when I drive from my home in Dwarka to my hotel, The leela Kempinski, Gurgaon, there are three points on that route where I know traffic cops are hidden to charge people of overdriving. Knowing this I slow down and I wonder that like me there must be several others who must be knowing it and would slow down, so what’s the point of hiding and catching hold of those who are new to the route. I think rather than hiding, which people already know of, cops should declare and order people to slow down at those points, so that everyone is aware.
Kunal Kapoor, chef
I would love to see nightlife restrictions ease out in 2014. India is an emerging superpower with a very large young population and it’s essential that we have a nightlife that is compared with the rest of the world. More than timings and licenses, I think it’s essential that our government accepts nightclubs and bars as a new culture change in society.
Anish Sood, EDM artiste