101 / 365 of reading one short story every day.
The word maha means greater than something. So it adds a superior value to something which is already great. Starting with this thought, Narayan gives an interesting view to how humans can add more superiority over their already inflated egos.
Starting this delicious essay by saying that the word maha originated from Sanskrit. So he says that such a beautiful and heritage language, if added to another great language, would be a paramount statement to make. So he narrates the incident of a colleague who used to find a superior way of talking when he spoke to his friends. The gentleman would go from an ordinary snob to another horizon.
This man has no secret misgivings about his eminence. He sees the world at his feet. He feels his uniqueness can arouse the envy of gods.
So what are the traits of such a highbrow?
Holding one of a kind cigarette holder in front of people who smoke normal ones or bheedis.
Has a pocket screw pencil, a rare one in the world.
Claims to have a cricket bat with him signed by Bradman.
Drops names casually in a conversation - 'Once I put my hand in Aga Khan's pocket and found so many diamonds' While listeners are still grappling with the question as to why would someone put their hand in another's pocket?
Speaks of famous people by their nicknames - Harry, Ingrid or Cecil. We can take our humble time to figure out a President, An actress and a director from the trio.
Does not refer to countries by the colloquially used names so America is the States or USA.
Narayan's quirky take on these kinds of people shows his humorous self and also the ability to keenly observe people and places. This essay is from a collection of essays of 1958-1988
Claims to have a cricket bat with him signed by Bradman.
Drops names casually in a conversation - 'Once I put my hand in Aga Khan's pocket and found so many diamonds' While listeners are still grappling with the question as to why would someone put their hand in another's pocket?
Speaks of famous people by their nicknames - Harry, Ingrid or Cecil. We can take our humble time to figure out a President, An actress and a director from the trio.
Does not refer to countries by the colloquially used names so America is the States or USA.
Narayan's quirky take on these kinds of people shows his humorous self and also the ability to keenly observe people and places. This essay is from a collection of essays of 1958-1988
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