It's summer in India. Temperature would break all records all time. Idar, a town near Himmatnagar is consistently numero uno in Gujarat. All of us are relying on water, one of the five elements. There would be some sort of curfew on roads between 11 AM to 4 PM. Okay, let me come to point.
Some 30 years ago, while travelling we used to rely much on 'Parab (Water hut)'. I mean earthen pot was the main source of water to quench the thirst. Then, came Milton era. Everybody started travelling with family size milton jug, can accomodate 1 litre to 4 litre water. It has its life. In parallel, Bisleri revolution was going on. Same time, Carbonated drink has also affected our style of drinking water. Let's see how.
Earlier carbonated drink (Limca, Pepsi, Sosyo, etc.) would be offered in glass bottle of 300-330 ml. Which needs to be returned. Then, because of process improvement and changes, came the era of plastic or PET bottles. So, now it is more sold or offered in 500 ml to 2.5 Litre in those plastic bottle. Moreover, as the quality and design of these bottles are good, people started recycling them for water. So what? It killed some extent the market of Milton sort of products and also to some extent removed the role of intermediate 'glass'.
Earlier drinking water directly from bottle was not considered to be formal. It was more casual. But, now drinking directly from bottles is increasing. It is becoming acceptable now.
This transition has happened very slowly without any major technical innovation or focused attempt. It was gradual and changed the preference and acceptance pattern, more because of availability and convenience. What do you say is it just happened? Have some water while you think about it. I have more to say about 'water', next time.
Suresh Purohit
