All about paw-spective

A Dog’s Guide To Indian Households

Grisha Gautam
AIS Noida, X D

Namaste, hoomans! It’s me, your friendly neighbourhood fur-ball, here to give you a sneak peek into the wacky world of living in an Indian household from my paw-spective. So, grab a treat and sit back with a bowl of coffee as I take you on this mesmerising journey, and- oh! A squirr-

Subah ki shuruaat
At the crack of dawn, the whole neighbourhood is woken up by the aarti already blaring from the stereo. Mind you, I’m not a morning doggy. I stretch my paws and trot over to my family to get drowned in snuggles and morning pecks. Good morning, indeed!

Breakfast tamasha
In an Indian household, chai plays the role of a charismatic elixir, inducing a symphony of flavours and tantalising the taste buds. It is what marks the beginning of an average day, along with mouth-watering parathas. I wonder what it would taste like but my drooly anticipations are shattered by my pet-parents. But hey, a dog can dream, right?

Dopahar ka dhamaka
My midday snooze is interrupted by the classic neighbourhood aunties boasting about their sons and daughters doing well abroad, comparing every child in sight. The never-ending ‘Sharmaji ka beta’ and ‘Gupta aunty ki beti’ gossip is cut off as I grandly enter the scene, turning heads with my adorable aura and attracting aunties to brush my coat.

Shaam ka safar
Evening strolls are the highlight of my day. The cool breeze, the rustle of leaves, and of course, the squirrel chase - it’s pure bliss. I trot along, sniffing every nook and cranny, with my tail wagging in excitement. These are mostly peaceful, until I sense a silly competitiveness in the air - another dog! The barking war commences as both families struggle to keep us away in the opposite directions.

Raat ka khaana
Dinner time is bizarre as a series of dishes are prepared with all the family members coming together for that meal after a long tiring day. The aroma of infused Indian spices with delicious dishes fills the air. “Will it be roti or rice tonight?” I wonder, but a bowl of kibble is offered to me, a rare occurring in Indian households, where furry-soft toys are treated as a part of the family.

Neend ki dawaa
The daily attempt to snuggle in my hooman’s cosy bed fails repeatedly as I end up in my small dog bed every night. With hopes of dreaming those sweet little dreams of finally catching up to a squirrel or chasing neighbourhood gossip aunties, I doze off.

There, you have it! A dog’s-eye view of an Indian household, where life as a pet dog is an adventure like no other. From morning bhajans to evening walks, it’s a life filled with love, belly rubs, occasional scolding for chewing furniture, and a little lack of chocolate. So, keep wagging those tails and- wait! Is that a squirr-

The misfits’ circus

Movie: The Greatest Showman
Directed by: Michael Gracey
Released on: Dec 29, 2017
Starring: Hugh Jackman,
Zac Efron, Zendaya
Genre: Musical/ Drama

Synopsis: The Greatest Showman, set in the mid-800s, is based on the life of P.T. Barnum, a famous entertainer and founder of New York’s Barnum & Bailey Circus. The film starts with a young Barnum working for the affluent Hallett family in Connecticut, where he falls for Hallet’s daughter Charity. But separated by class, they are not allowed to be together, so they elope and start living in New York City. Living in penury, Barnum is devoted to his family and wishes to give them a comfortable life. His wish comes true when he is struck with the brilliant idea of opening his own circus. To raise the bar of uniqueness, he casts seven ‘freak’ performers, including a ‘bearded woman’, ‘a dog boy’, and a dwarf soldier. Barnum’s circus quickly becomes one of the most successful shows in the city but meets the disapproval of the critic James Gordon Bennett, who claims that city outcasts don’t deserve popularity in any way. The film reflects the despairing lives of the circus performers, their fears, humiliation, and how they eventually learn to love and accept themselves.
Why is it watch-worthy: This musical teaches its audience to appreciate talent irrespective of their appearances and that respect and popularity should never be associated with beauty or richness. This movie reminds us that love sustains any situation, however difficult it may be.
Iconic dialogue: “I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I’m meant to be. This is me.”- Lettie Lutz, the bearded woman
Rating: 4.5/5
Review by: Akshita Shrote, AIS Vasundhara 1, XII B