The Joy of a Newspaper Amid the Din
Of the Ordinary Day.
Have you ever wondered what a typical morning or afternoon in India looks like? It's much like any other working person's morning: a rush to prepare meals, dress for work, open shops, pack lunches, see children off to school, pick them up later, commute, and handle the same everyday issues faced by people worldwide.
One joy that remains cherished here, but may have faded elsewhere, is the tradition of reading the morning newspaper.
It's an elaborate ritual for many to obtain their newspaper from nearby vendors, then settle down with a cup of coffee or chai at a local fast food corner to catch up on world events. Alternatively, some start their day by retrieving the paper from their verandah (patio), where it's been delivered by the paper boy (or man).
Newspapers are published in all of India's 15-22 officially recognized languages, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the country. So it should not surprise you to learn that India hit a peak of 146,000 newspapers and periodicals in 2021-22 even with a slower growth rate for the industry.
Except for those who have transitioned to digital-only modes, a considerable number of individuals continue to read daily newspapers in their preferred language. These individuals experienced withdrawal symptoms during the pandemic shutdowns, and in some communities, exceptions were made—especially for the sanity of the elderly—to allow newspaper delivery.
On days when it gets too busy for some people to read at home, they carry their newspaper to their shop.
I spotted a small store owner on a main commercial road, engrossed in the daily newspaper, oblivious to the noise, heat, and traffic.
Fun facts: Nearly 400 million copies of newspapers and periodicals were published in 2021-22 across India, with a whopping 95% of them sold. Many hotels and offices offer free newspapers in their lobbies for visitors' convenience. English publications account for nearly 10% of this figure, equating to approximately 36.38 million copies, while 'Hindi' publications hold the largest share at 48.77%, roughly equivalent to 191 million copies.
If you miss out on your morning reading, a leisurely walk to the local library - where available - will grant you access to all major English and local language newspapers.
Nothing better illustrates the joy of reading a daily newspaper, even in today's world of news from TikTok and WhatsApp, than this image below of a couple engrossed in their morning routine, which I captured while driving by on a Monday morning.
It is an unusual sight to see a couple ensconced in this typically one-person metal container shop.
The lady is engaged in another daily morning ritual observed on the streets—tidying her hair and appearance for the day. Similar scenes can be seen when you drive through many inner roads of major cities that traverse yesteryear villages, often taken over by the government for connecting suburbs. People living in modest homes step out of their small rooms for fresh air and a bit of grooming.
The 'store' mentioned above is situated just a stone’s throw away from renowned American and Indian IT companies, as well as some multi-billion dollar e-commerce businesses. This proximity showcases how everyday life runs alongside that of corporate giants. In some instances, it even benefits from its diverse ecosystems of vendors, delivery agents, cab drivers, and employees.
Notice the additional safety hacks securing the container - stone blocks - on the sidewalk.
These shoe repair stores, ubiquitous in most cities and towns, were originally established as part of a government initiative known as Lidcap in certain states. In these areas, they still retain the name ‘Lidcap,’ as a nod to their origins. Lidcap, launched in the 1970s, aimed at providing skills training and support while offering a means of livelihood through shoe repair.
The enterprising individuals who own these stores specialize in repairing all types of shoes, as well as belts and bags. It's interesting to note that in today's world, where shoe repairs are less common, they have diversified their offerings to include the sale of new slippers and shoes.
They are innovative, skilled in their craft, and also offer expert advice to consumers on when to throw away shoes, if beyond repair.
These metal one-person shops are helpful in a shoe pinch.
You may see people standing by in socks or bare feet, having their shoes fixed on their way to work or back in real-time, while they watch the repair process. Some choose to leave their shoes overnight for repairs. The services are a haven for the budget-conscious.
One day, my new Nike shoes decided to fall apart while I was out for a leisurely walk, miles away from the nearest park exit. Little did I know that storing them unused in a hot and humid climate would wreak havoc. I avoided making eye contact with the rest of the park crowd that day, limping back to my car after encountering every single stone on the mud path along the way.
Later, I took my shoes to a similar repair shop and sought his advice on how to salvage my favorite pair.
After taking a quick look at them and prodding them with his tool, he said, ‘I can glue it for you, but it's better to get it stitched for a longer life.’
I agreed, and the exchange went as follows:
‘How much?'
‘Rs. 60’ (less than $1)
‘How long?’
‘Come back in 30 minutes.’
I went to get a coffee, and when I returned, my Nike hiking shoes had a new lease on life. They are still in use a year later.
Read why I can’t buy a Nike in India!
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I think I must move to a newspaper-loving place like India! Ink-stained wretch here, veteran of, God help me, four newspapers over 30 years. A few years ago I went to have breakfast at a restaurant and saw they had stacks of newspapers for people to read while waiting for their meal. I was struck by how RELAXING it was not to read from a phone or a screen, but to go through, page by page, a real newspaper. Thanks for bringing back memories!
Used to enjoy reading the newspaper. But our local rag shrank, to no more than a magazine in size. Most of it was advertisements. With the advent of the internet, the news was better covered, more timely and relevant there. They even moved their offices from Pensacola to Mobile, about 50 miles away. They went the way of the dinosaur here in the U.S. for the most part. I miss a good newspaper. And the paper was so useful for composting after reading it.