Celebrating Simla Apples
Most of the local produce chains and the roadside vendors are now displaying Simla Apples and Local Pears. Change of seasons is finally creating room for the rather dowdy Simla apples amongst all the shiny, bright imported varieties - New Zealand Fuji, American Red Delicious, American Gala.... Whatever Simla Apple lacks in appearance, it makes up in virtue - no wax polish, lower carbon foot print and the pride in "be Indian buy Indian" Whether it is the US bemoaning shifting of manufacturing jobs or local governments striking over FDI, the solution is very simple and begins (perhaps even ends) with each Individual. Wherever you are, whatever you consume, make it a point to support local businesses first. Start with the local mandi for vegetables, if you can get to one, the next is the small roadside shops, then the locally launched markets (the pazhamudhir cholais) and finally the fancier stores, from Nilgiris (local actually) to Mercado via Spencers. Both C...