The Arattai - Whatsapp comparison by experts and naysayers in the last few days has been relentless. Whatsapp is a colossus, yet, not irreplaceable, but would I jump ship? Not yet! It is so deeply wired into my neurons that it is almost like asking me to stop breathing and test a newly invented device, only because it is desi and Atmanirbhar. I am a proud Indian/South Indian/filter coffee addict and wear my allegiance to all of the above on my sleeve. But, I shall wait.
Whatsapp is the omnipresent forum for watching memes, Good morning GIFs (replete with butterflies, stars, galaxies and waterfalls) that one never opens till the number stacks up to 105, discussing nerve-wracking cricket matches on family groups well past midnight, wishing people on birthdays and anniversaries in a chain reaction, learning fundamentals of Quantum physics from self-styled Swamis living in mythical nations, wishing friends, relatives and acquaintances on Diwali, Navratri, Christmas with flickering emojis, diyas, sparklers and candles, receiving that life-threatening message from my maid that she plans to take a vacation for five days, expressing human grief and offering condolences over RIP and Om Shanti messages, receiving the QR code from my local kirana shop for paying the bill, and much more. My whatsapp storage begs for mercy from the weight of all my day-to-day activities, yet I do not complain because it is my lifeline to sanity. Clearing the inbox is for another day.
While Whatsapp is a part of my daily mayhem, Arattai seems like a cheerful companion that can add some zing to my life. Of course I am rooting for Arattai from the sidelines, but I am also cautiously optimistic, and shall embrace it only at the appropriate time. Hence, NO, I am not uninstalling Whatsapp tomorrow.
Kudos to Sridhar Vembu for creating a flutter in the messaging world and generating chatter about the inevitability of Whatsapp, while hinting that there maybe a new kid on the block awaiting his day in the sun. .
Latha Raghuram.
4 comments:
Very well dissected. A pleasure to read this vista-vision analysis. As people are generally averse to any change, perhaps it may take a little time to shift the gear. But once it takes off, there will be no stopping. I think this will be a step in the right direction, enroute Atmanirbhar state. We must all give it a try and support our own experts who have come out with this alternative. Good luck to this ARATTAI. On my part I have decided to plunge into the arena. 👍👍😀😀
I’ve shared your post with Sabita, as I always do. Three cheers is her reaction. Quote “ Latha, I have always enjoyed reading your posts and msgs. You have an inimitable style. Here too you have hit the bullseye. Keep writing and continue to share “. Unquote.
Many things considered big today also made humble beginnings. Arattai also adds variety and optio to users. Who knows the future?
Well brought out & compared about Desi App, our compliments for detailed analysis & wish for better future.
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