Sports Vs. Gadgets

I was recently at a gathering that comprised of individuals representing every stage of life from toddlers to adults. In a moment of silent contemplation, I realized - around me, were children lost in their pseudo cyber world oblivious to one another and the adults in the gathering. No hi's, no hello's. Just the constant mechanical sound of whatever game they were engrossed in.  The only interaction between the children was when he or she wanted a chance on the machine. No board games and no sports. This is the world we live in today..

Right there, I was transported in mind to a time when we were growing up.. There was a yearning for such gatherings as we could meet with so many people and play for hours without  a curfew. There was laughter and games, fights and heart breaks, candies and frolic. And when it was all over, there were memories and friendships to last a lifetime..  

Those simple pleasures are lost on the children, of today. A piece of stone or stick that would excite us back then is now replaced by fancy plastic gadgets and devices that takes the form of a monster one minute and a bird the next. The innocent childhood and the simple pleasures of exploring the world with their little steps and beady inquisitive eyes is lost on these warriors of tomorrow, as they are armed with these mini devices that keep them glued to a seat for hours on end. The squeal and laughter of a room full of kids is replaced with the mechanical noises produced by these widgets in a room otherwise devoid of any noise.

I have increasingly seen parents worry about the consequence of these devices on the lives of their children.  But the sheer convenience of  not having to worry about their little ones (in the midst of  their own adult time) far outweigh the mild inconvenience of these devices obstructing the development of social skills in these young minds. These gadgets are thus handed out to little outstretched hands and we all rationalize, that it is the right thing to do rather than have your children run amock. No question the neurons in those little brains are multiplying by the hundreds and forming a vast network of problem solving ability. But compassion , communication, team work and social abilities are thwarted in the process. For the parents, this is a maze with no end in sight. Every mind is battling its own war of kurkshetra , only here , there is no absolute right or absolute wrong. Is this the beginning of a new generation of lone socially stunted individuals fueled by technology? Or does the solution lie in the very same technology ? Perhaps a playtime comprising of gadgets interspersed with sports is the light we are looking for at the end of the tunnel. 

A truly win-win solution for parents everywhere . 

South Indian Speciality..

Spring is almost here in the Northeast United States and its time for Hindu spring festivals. One amongst them is karadaiyan nombu, a function primarily celebrated by women for the longevity and welfare of their husbands in the state of Tamilnadu. This festival reminds me of a particular dish which is what this function revolves around.. Kaar Adai (adai made with Kaaramani / black eyed peas).  In some families like ours, the custom is to make both the sweet and salty version of Kaar Adai. They are eaten with a dollop of butter. They are fairly easy to make and heres the recipe for both Salt Adai and Sweet Adai. 

Pre-preparation: 

Before you set out to make Salt Adai or Sweet Adai, dry roast 1 cup of Black Eyed Peas. After they are sufficiently roasted, boil and cook the black eyed peas in an open vessel. Drain and keep aside for the following recipes. 

Salt Adai

Ingredients
Black eyed peas (cooked) 1/2 cup

Rice flour 1.5 cups

Grated coconut 1/2 cup

Ginger( cut grate to small pieces) about 1-2 tbs  , 

Green chilli 2-4, 

Curry leaves, 

Mustard 1-2 tsp, 

Black gram dal (Urad Dal) 1-2 tsp.,

Asafetida a pinch,  Salt

Oil 2 tsp

Method 

In a pan heat some oil and sputter mustard, black gram dal and asafetida. Add ginger, green chilli, curry leaves with 1.5 cups water. When the water is sufficiently hot add 1/2 cup grated coconut, black eyed peas and 1.5 cups of rice flour.  Mix until all the water is absorbed and it looks like pizza or roti dough. Remove from the flame and set it aside to cool. When it cool to touch pinch a golf ball sized dough and flatten it in your palm and steam cook in an idli maker for 2-5 mins and its done. Serve with a dollop of unsalted butter. 

                                         Sweet Adai 

 Ingredients

Rice flour 1.5 cups

Black eyed peas (cooked) 1/2 cup
Grated coconut 1/2 cup
Jaggery 1 cup
Cardamom 
Saffron(optional)

Method 

Powder Jaggery and add it to 1.5 cups of boiling water and mix until it fully dissolves. Add coconut, cardamom, 1/2 cup cooked black eyed peas and 1.5 cups rice flour . Mix until all the water is absorbed and it looks like pizza or roti dough. Remove from the flame and set it aside to cool. When it is cool to touch pinch a golf ball sized dough and flatten it in your palm and steam cook in an idli maker for 2-5 mins. And its done. Serve with a dollop of unsalted butter.