On leaving my mobile...

Something bad happened. I left my mobile phone at home today.

I am not one of those gadget freaks who are in love with any device that has an LCD screen and a microprocessor. I also really didn't depend on the mobile for my livelihood, as I was neither a doctor on call or a stockbroker in the middle of a bull run. I am just one of those regular guys that use the mobile phone to keep in touch with friends and family.

When I first came to know I was scared. How would I survive without the cell? A minute or two later I felt an emptiness. And then was the concern about missing all those calls, and missing that one important call which could change your life. Y'know, something like a job interview.


So why I was distressed by the loss? Simply because it has become a part of me. Look around you: apart from wallets and purses the one thing common to all people would be a cell phone. Often, in a city where you are alone in the crowds the cell phone is the only lifeline to the warmth and companionship of a drawing room, or a primeval campfire. I am missing you, my Nokia 3110.

However I am also a bit peeved at how much we have started to rely on something that is so easily misplaced or stolen. Take the ability to remember things, for instance. Our memories are so full of holes that we can't recall even 5 phone numbers if our lives depended on it. Every time we are doing something or the other: playing inane games, reading or sending SMSes, clicking photos or listening to GB worth of music. I am no Luddite but I think that we are in the danger of becoming too dependent on technology, too much for our own good.

So this is what I am gonna do: Remember at least 5 numbers everyday, numbers that I think would be important. I am also going to check my pockets everytime I leave home so that I don't forget my mobile anymore.

These two things should do the trick.