The Changes

"Mr. Kumar, internet is down again."
"Madam, they have reset the connection as there was some problem."
This has become a daily occurrence in my office. For a knowledge-intensive activity like auditing, internet connectivity has become a must. And interruptions can delay files.

It has been a dramatic change. I still remember the long queues I used to watch as a kid in front of the counters in SBI. You had to stand in a queue to withdraw money or deposit it. And the people in the counters were very important people.

You still have to stand in a queue. But in front of ATMs now. And it is no longer a transaction that would require an emotional commitment on the part of anyone. Except for the pain of parting away with hard-earned money when you are shopping with cards. But still, you are compensated in terms of the goods/services you get in return.

Taking away of the human element has been a welcome change for most of us. The banks love it as their operating costs per transaction have come down. And soon they will start charging you for what were considered to be their 'fundamental duties'.

It is interesting to note how things have changed and are still changing.

Like how easy it used to be to go into your neighbour's house to play with the kids there. Today I barely know who my neighbour is.