My Wagon R was purchased in Feb 2006, I had assumed command of the unit, having sold my previous Maruti 800 couple of years ago, while moving to Leh-Ladakh on a field posting which was followed by my deployment in United Nations for a Peacekeeping assignment. Now back in the civilisation a convertible being a basic necessity, a small hatchback was chosen as it could be driven comfortably by my wife as well. The car has served us well over the years, with initially my better half driving it around for her school, institute,
NGOs, shopping etc. Then my daughter drove it around to the hospital as a young medico, until this 15 year rule kicked in. We did some memorable family trips to Badrinath, Kedarnath from Patiala, to Simla, Kasauli or finally Delhi to Indore when Delhi cops refused to let us drive it despite the renewal of registration. So much so that both my kids wanted to be driven in the Wagon R after their marriage with their respective spouses. Bruised and battered but still fighting fit,It is practically a family heirloom now.
Some years ago, a new policy was unveiled whereby, vehicles 15 years or older needed a renewal of registration for another five years and thereafter they were to be simply retired with no benefits. The policy was conceived apparently to keep the rising levels of pollution under check and in the bargain, give a boost to the automobile sector of the economy, as the vehicles scrapped will obviously be replaced. It was supposed to be a win-win for the govt and also for the environment, except that the consumers were suddenly faced with a major challenge in creating the financial resource for purchase of a new vehicle.
Be that as it may, it is the cars who are up in arms now, as having served their masters/mistresses well, this step-motherly treatment whereby they were suddenly rendered ‘be-kaar’ and their ‘car-acass’ were to be consigned to the scrapyard. No voluntary retirement benefits or gratuity, enhanced disability payout etc were payable, although they have had their share of accidents and brushes with the traffic authorities. Ladies do not normally take kindly to the seat belts, the reasons are obvious, their carefully chosen attire starts appearing ‘tired’ when they alight after their gruelling drive through the streets encountering all kinds of human and inanimate obstacles thrown in their way. The traffic inspectors are at the receiving end, whenever the lady was checked for this violation, and more often than not, the married ones realise the futility of the argument which would ensue, and just let them off with a perfunctory warning. Anyway, I am digressing, we can discuss the driving skills of the dames some other time.
So cars have represented that they be permitted ‘kar-seva’ as they can still contribute to the society rather than forcing them to become modern day Sage Dadhichi (who gave up his life, so that his bones could be used for making Vajra the deadliest weapon for the ‘Devtaas’), after all their self sacrifice does boost our economy. While we are discussing mythological aspects, the Sagun ‘Sa-kar’ car owners are not keen to take on the mantle of ‘Nira-kar’ (without car). No doubt the formless existence (nirakar) proponents are more evolved, but then as mere Earthlings we would prefer to be ‘Sa-kar’ (personified God).
As an advisor (salah-kar) all that I would like to suggest to the govt is this ‘Car-obar’ (business) needs a review where fitness of the vehicle should be the factor and not its age which should determine whether it should continue to serve their masters/mistresses or like the humble faujis who get to serve only 15 years and then are forgotten, these too shall be left for the itihaskar (historians) to dig out decades later.
13 thoughts on “Kar – Bekar”
What a delightful read! Brigadier Suyash Sharma’s storytelling is engaging and humorous. His affection for his trusty Wagon R is palpable, and the way he weaves in mythological references adds a unique touch.
The author’s writing style is witty and satirical, making the piece an enjoyable read. The critique of the 15-year rule is well-articulated, and the suggestion to focus on vehicle fitness rather than age is sensible.
Kudos to the author for sharing his personal experiences and anecdotes. The narrative is well-structured and easy to follow.
Overall, a great piece of writing that showcases the author’s creativity and perspective.
Well done Sir.
Noteworthy word-play and the gentle satire @suyash!
Very good piece. I myself have suffered from the silly law enacted by the government wherein one has to consign a 15 year old petrol driven vehicle to a junkyard just because of its age with no consideration for the fitness and road worthiness.
Beautifully written with great wit with some satire thrown in. You indeed are a good wordsmith.
👍 PB 11Z 1997 did same kar seva for me
Humorous quip on the policy. Hope the judges and the government understand the pun in your blog. Witty as usual..
Very apt and sensible write up . Hope some sense prevails in decision makers mind.
I recently sold off almost new. 8 years old Innova due to this senseless rule
ANOTHER NICE AND INTERESTING ONE. KEEP THINKING AND WRITING. GOD BLESS ALL _ MALIK AUR GAARREE !!!!!
Hi Suyash ! Most of our generation started with Fiats (likely inherited from parents), Maruti 800s and the Wagon Rs. As you brought out, these vehicles served their masters well. Today, if you visit any Class A training institution imparting YOs, CC, JC Courses, you will be amazed to see a plethora of “5th Generation” fighters on display in the parking lots ! While we started with the Sub-Sonics, and just about graduated to the Super Sonics towards our twilight years in service. An interesting read !
Very apt article, but is applicable if the hunger to acquire new pieces of latest generation can be curbed. Parking space limitation is causing menace all across. If the requirement is limited to have a good and working 4 wheeler for transportation only, the purpose of the article is served. As soon as it moves to the next level associated with status show off, the purpose is defeated.
Well written Article Suyash replete with wit, humour and satire.It bears testimony to the fact of U being an Excellent Writing ” Kala-kaar” .
Sir,
My first car was a second hand Ford Ikon. True to its name, the car was truly iconic. Bought in Patiala, it travelled the roads of Punjab, went to Shimla and Solan in Himachal, rode through the vast lonely roads of Rajasthan, right till the deserts of Pokhran. I also took it across the Deccan plateau and have wonderful memories of SODE time in Pune and Mhow. Never once I had to face any trouble enroute to any of the places. Finally, after a long association with the car, I sold it at nearly this same price to someone in my hometown. I wonder sometimes, how the car would be faring now?
qkst8s
You are a very bright person!