‘Chemical’ locha
AHMEDABAD: The recent hooch, err… 'chemical' tragedy in the Gurjari Nagar slums was ruled out as hooch by the State Police Department. On the other hand, the locals staying in the slums not only said that they consumed alcohol, but also revealed the names of suppliers and the centres from where the 'chemical' flowed; and this, despite strict police vigil. The police claimed that people mixed solvents with water and consumed the liquid "thinking it was alcohol". One of the locals when asked, remarked, "We have many options for addictions: charas, tobbaco etc. We can also identify desi alcohol and 'foreign' alcohol." Now, one would wonder if the Police Department really looks upon the poor people as being 'ignorant' and 'innocent' or was it the embarrassment of the department over its failure to stop the local brewing of alcohol in the city.

More than a slip
AT times, careless use of words leads to disaster, turning a good, well-intended gesture into demonising a whole group of people. A classic example of this came to light when city Mayor Kanaji Thakor greeted the Parsi community on its New Year day. In his congratulatory message, sent originally in Gujarati, the mayor said: "Despite being a minority, the Parsi community has got a special place in the social life of Gujarat by its harmonious conduct, affection, good behaviour, civility and etiquette…” The honourable mayor tried to praise the community like anything, but at the same time, gave away the saffron mindset, which despises minorities no end. Thus, with the rider it remains a backhand complement, more offending than flattering. Can't be said how the Parsi community took the complement, but other minorities like Sikhs, Muslims and Jews may feel demonised for no fault of theirs because the word "despite" presupposes that minorities are devoid of the qualities attributed to the Parsis.

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