Hi, Read this editorial. The third editorial in ET is really really interesting to read. I guess it is written by someone like the thrid editorial writer charachter in NS Mdhavan's "Thousand and one nights".. Poignant.
* http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Editorials/Hawai_Indian_feet_are_used_to_it/articleshow/3150208.cms * * * * * * * *Hawai: Indian feet are used to it *21 Jun, 2008, 0127 hrs IST, ET Bureau The news that Bata India<http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Editorials/Hawai_Indian_feet_are_used_to_it/articleshow/3150208.cms>has sold its iconic Hawai brand of chappals to the Brazilian company Alpragatas could be interpreted in different ways. Retailing experts will talk about the commoditisation of yet another brand. They will quote Bata India chairman's comment at Thursday's AGM that "the brand has become synonymous with the cheaper brands in the unorganised sector, which were being sold at about one-third the price". Hawai chappals, two strips running from the middle to hold the feet loosely yet comfortably, have virtually become an extension of Indian feet over several decades. For those whose careers demanded properly shod feet, slipping on Hawai chappals meant the wearer could now dispense with all things formal and get into the mood to relax. For those who did not like formality even in a career mode, the Hawai chappals became a platform for demonstrating their individuality. For decades after India's Independence, the free-thinking academic or journalist was often seen walking around in Hawai chappals with a jhola bag strung over a shoulder. Those were the days before TV news-channels, when scribes were read but not seen! Hawai chappals were also sported by those who were not part of the organised sector or who had just retired and wanted to liberate their feet from the shoes and socks of straitlaced service. But why was the brand Bata India has just sold called Hawai in the first place? It could logically have much to do with the 50th US state. Known for its beaches, Hawaii<http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Editorials/Hawai_Indian_feet_are_used_to_it/articleshow/3150208.cms>has always been associated with the sun, sea and sand, which make for a holiday from humdrum routine. Being essentially light on the feet and easy to slip on or off, Hawai chappals have become a part of life for those who would like to be footloose and fancy-free for at least some of the time. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Green Youth Movement" group. To post to this group, send email to greenyouth@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
