August 27, 2011
Eid Al Fitr is fast approaching and nobody cares to prepare to send kindhearted and caring messages through Eid cards to their family members, relatives and friends well before hand, so as to reach them on the occasion of auspicious Eid.
We cannot, because the modern technology has taken over the previously believed long-lasting custom of sending Eid cards. Sending the messages through email or SMS is just a click away, notwithstanding whether it enfolds the actual human touch.
The Eid cards used to be available in great quantities with book sellers, at general stores, and even at push carts. The business of selling Eid cards has now become obsolete.
I remember clearly, during my childhood, my father used to take me to market exclusively for the selection of Eid cards. He was so particular to make me select the cards for each relative; grandparents, uncles, aunties, cousins, friends and on and on. He used to help me select the printed matter of each card accordingly. The cards used to contain the appropriate messages for the respective addressees. My father used to help me write a line or two, with my own handwriting, in addition to the printed matter, so that to express and convey a personal touch of real feeling. Eid cards used to be full of life and emotion. I have seen tears in the eyes of my grandparents and parents after reading Eid cards.
In old days, Eid cards from family members and friends were the much-awaited events. We used to wait to hear the voice or the “knock” of the postman.
Now-a-days, the voice of the postman or his “Knock” are no longer there, instead we hear a message or notification tune. When we open the inbox, we encounter with plain lifeless Eid Mubarak message and wonder whether it was sent to us in particular or was sent by marking “all” in one “go”.
Agreed, modern technology in various means is a blessing in disguise; however, in one way or other, it is taking out the true “life” from us.
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