The Discovery Of India

Dear Hindol,

Pardon me for addressing you so, because frankly I do not know whether you are a male or female of our species. I could have googled your name and found maybe cleared the doubt, but I thought this little fact might aid me in the subsequent lines.

I read your article titled 'Indian, anyone?' and I fully agree with you. I have worked in quite different industries and have come across this situation when I have to fight a losing battle with the choice of my clothes. I have worked in two companies – one in software(services) and other in engineering(power) sector. I would not like to comment on companies, though I would say the later company gave me a lot more freedom than the former.

Rather, I would like to point out a fact. I am a Malayali. That means my clothed identity is defined by wearing a Dothi. Would I be able to wear a Dothi and go into any office? I mean, unless I own it or I am insanely rich blindside everyone towards my lower half, I will not get away with it. Kerala is a land which has at least four months of rains. During my school days itself, I used to hate those shoes filled with water(added to the odour of socks of males in our class). I wonder what it will be for those who come to office all drenched, their thick leather shoes and trousers giving them a lasting effect for the already perennially cool AC in the building(no, it doesn't condition the air to be hot, I can safely say that). Though I never had that misfortune to undergo such ordeal, I pray I will never have to do so too.

If suppose, the companies in Kerala had allowed them to wear a Dothi, it would be better than those drenched up, sweaty dresses which reek of anything other than good smell. The Dothi is one of the most versatile and yet elegant dress in the world, as is the Saree. If females of my species can wear it, so can we males do it~:P