“Baba Ka Dhaba-2nd Edition”

I have been hearing this name not after the Malviya Nagar incident of elderly couple, trying to satiate the hunger of people by providing pocket friendly food but since a long time. I used to come across this name most often whenever I used to travel by state or national highways.

What is unique in this name? Is it because it rhyme too much? Or because the word ‘Baba‘ can invoke empathy in the hearts of people? The term ‘Baba’ refers to ‘Grandfather‘ in parts of UP and Bihar. Whatever the reason be, we have to see whether this word meets it purpose or not.

In the case of Kanta Prasad and Badami Devi of Malviya Nagar, both in their 80s, somehow, it did a few days back. I am glad to see social networks doing some good. In the first viral-video, Kanta Prasad was wearing a T-shirt with the label ‘Food Panda’. I didn’t know where he got this T-Shirt from but it appeared ironical to me. I tried finding the link between Food Panda and Baba Ka Dhaba but I failed miserably.

Do these e-commerce websites even care about them?

No, not until they gain their popularity. My brother gave me this news today that Zomato will be accepting orders from ‘Baba Ka Dhaba’. I wasn’t surprised at his statement because this is how our society moulded. We offer too much to someone who is popular or has become popular but we don’t give a damn to others.

I was glad to see people, media and camera man rushing to Kanta Prasad to movie him, sympathize him and purchase his food. A few went especially to click selfies to put in their stories. The ‘Food Panda’ labelled T-Shirt of Kanta has been replaced with the T-shirt of a happy face emoji, which might be portraying his mood.

The story of Kanta Prasad and Baba Ka Dhaba ends here. Now, let’s look at the real picture.

I have been the part of India since birth and have travelled extensively here whether it’s the country side or the urban areas. Whenever I set my foot outside my house, I meet several ‘Babas’ with or without Dhabas on the street, roads and highways, waiting for the customers to give them chance to provide their service.

I think I should tell them to wait or approach some food bloggers to market their products because we listen only when someone mobilse us. I was surprised to see many people sharing the video of Kanta who seldom drop themselves at such places to dine. ‘Sharing’ in this case means shedding your responsibility to the others. The truth is we do sympathize but we don’t care.

Anyways, I was standing in Malviya Nagar, Yesterday, in the afternoon where I saw many people walking hastily towards ‘Baba Ka Dhaba’ hopping several Dhabas and Babas on the way to reach there.

The other Babas and Dhabas kept looking at these people with despised eyes and cursed their fate.

I think I shouldn’t say more. I just have stated my point.

– Shashank!