Joy of scarcity

Looking for a reason to feel happy? You can feel happy for no reason, you know. And you don't have to feel guilty for feeling that way. Many of us enjoy so much material comfort, are able to go on vacation to far-off lands, eat exotic food, become members of gyms, join clubs, wear designer labels, drive beautiful cars, own an expensive home and the latest gadgets and accessories... whatever. Yet, not many are happy, despite the plentifulness of it all. Santosh Desai, speaking at the 2025 Khushwant Singh Literary Festival in Kasauli recently, talked of the 'joy of scarcity'.

Recalling his childhood and young adult days, Desai spoke of vacations that meant visiting your grandparents in your family home, maybe in a village, with cousins, uncles and aunts getting together, exchanging stories and generally having fun while bonding. No one had a private room; all would sleep on mattresses laid out on the floor in a hall, chit-chatting as they fell asleep. There was only one washroom and everyone took turns to use it - no fuss, no complaints. Food was not prepared to cater to specific taste - it was generic free for all. This is what he calls the joy of scarcity, that despite not having much, everyone felt happy. This reminiscence would resonate with a lot many seniors today, who perhaps yearn for those days of wanting/demanding less, but enjoying what was available; feeling content, happy.

Perhaps contentment is the key word. It is also about sharing and making the most of what you have.