A hot topic over the last few months here in India has been the curb on the number of subsidized cylinders of cooking gas that is provided by the government. Yes, practically at the outset we would all agree that this is ridiculous, unthinkable and totally unacceptable. But, why would a government ever want to disrupt the peace of its people? As a common man, from the middle class, though the rule does not affect me, the people around, have already made and the others are in the process of making changes in their lifestyles. Some have partly switched over to induction cookers, chapatti makers, electric rice cookers, and are in the process, discovering, that their electric bills don’t make good reading for the weak heart.

So, now what?

Gas or Electricity.

Let’s say a good mix of both would help. The hard nuts to crack, will always be adverse to modern technology, and it’s natural to resist change. Wow! Induction Cooker’s. My wife, for starters, was so adverse to me buying one. It was only when she saw her best friend using one, that she dropped her inhibitions about it.

Yes, hot plates were always around, but the Indian Lady of the house is used to seeing ‘Fire’, whether it be from wood or through the hob rings. Another way to reduce your gas consumption would be giving your menu a makeover. The “South Indians” would ban me from their presence, after reading what I’m going to suggest. For starters, it’s a big ‘No’ to dosas. In the time it takes to make 1 dosa, you can make 3 chappatis, and rice in the cooker will be the best choice. This introspection, each family needs to do, as to where in they can make a change in their dietary habits, that will go in a long way to increase the natural resources of the country and this earth we live in. We need to start making a change individually. To make it short and simple, Gas Management is the new degree lurking at the door of the Indian household. Each household needs to cut in on their taste buds, and avoid casual use of their cooking gas to satisfy ones hunger pangs.