A few days ago I visited an aunt who lived alone. She lived in a far flung suburb where not many friends and family resided. So being alone and ailing, she rarely stepped out of the house unless it was absolutely essential. The first thing that struck me when I entered the very beautifully-kept house was the soft conversation filtering in from one of the rooms. I strained my ears and realised it was the television. And through the hour-and-a-half we were chatting, the TV remained on. Initially, I was bemused but when she explained this very simply saying, it was her best friend and she found solace in its company, I understood its importance in her life and in the life of so many people like her. Just like a dog is man’s best friend, in modern times when parents face the empty nest syndrome or the widow or widower who yearns for some company or even the young professional who comes home after a day’s hard work to an empty house, it’s the comfort of a TV set that can be so calming. Some time back I chanced upon a survey that said unhappy people watched TV more. The researchers found that people who described themselves happy were more socially active, attended more religious services, voted more and read more newspapers. By contrast, unhappy people watched significantly more television in their spare time. The data also suggested that TV viewing was "easy". Viewers don't have to dress up, go anywhere, find company, plan ahead, expend energy, do any work or spend money in order to view. Combine these advantages with the immediate gratification offered by television, and you can understand why people spend more than half their free time as TV viewers, the research said. Now think about those ‘intellectuals’ who sit in their plush homes and discuss the side effects of TV watching or those who debate whether TV sets should be banned from many homes. For me there is much more to be understood. And so in this column, there will be no TV bashing…only TV gloating. For all those who live in the comfort and security of their families and friends they will never ever comprehend the importance of TV watching. What I experienced with my lonely aunt the other day was so heart-wrenching it cannot be explained. TV is one medium that has something for everyone. From spiritual to entertainment to infotainment to news, a dose for everyone. India is a country, where maximum number of people come from the middle or low-income group. So when one needs to de-stress or be entertained all one wants is a low-cost entertainer. Earlier people went to the movies. But with multiplexes almost killing cinema it is not always the best choice. So even if there is a tear-jerker, regressive saas bahu drama one or a twisted reality show, it is some sort of relief for those millions who come home to the TV. And how can I forget the countless number of children with working parents? They come home to instant noodles and TV. All I can say is those who ask you to not watch TV or watch it in moderation can go for a walk. Only those who go through the pangs of loneliness know what TV is all about. And the best part is you don’t have to go out for it. It comes to your home, stays with you and entertains you. Isn’t that so kind of him? Him? So is TV a male? Wow, that explains why women like it more than men! Read more...