MY GRANDFATHER mostly spends his hour scrolling on the smartphone, reading some random stuff and entertaining himself with refreshing strolls. My grandma is ailing and her mobility is restricted. In the previous week, grandpa fell ill and he couldn’t venture out for four days at a stretch.

My grandpa has been operating a cell for three years but he doesn’t wish to become aware of its so-called “features.” He is content with WhatsApp and Youtube. When he lay peaky, I went up to his bedside and began my oration on ‘Advantages of technology.’ I apprised him that he need not go outdoors to fetch staples because these can be effortlessly delivered at home via Bigbasket. I elaborated further that similar amenities can be availed of for fruits and medicines as well.On the fifth day, grandpa said that he was feeling much better. My brother tried to persuade him not to set out but grandpa behaved like an obstinate five-year-old.

My grandpa mumbled, “You know kid, I feel a bit lonely. Your grandma is unwell too. I am keen to get berries from the nearby vendor. Two years ago, when I was immobile, that humble man landed to see me and sat by my night table and cried.

Once, I collapsed while on my morning walk and then the local grocer saw me and promptly called your brother as she knew our residence. I find pleasure in knowing the personage that I am dealing with. It nurtures bonds of relationships. I have enough time, it is the human touch that I crave for.” His explanation left me tongue-tied.

I have a friend who recently travelled to Tokyo and stayed at a robot hotel.

A robot hotel is one where robots make up the primary workforce and yes, you can communicate with it. But for those who equate hospitality with human touch, robots may seem like a kitschy gimmick. In a lighter vein, one advantage of this hotel is that customers can’t complain to robots, I said. My friend answered with a smile, “And as a guest, one does not have to tip them.”

Recently, I spent sixty minutes at the bank with my paternal aunt as she had to transfer some money. I couldn’t contain myself and asked, “Aunt, why don’t we activate your internet banking?”. “Why would I do that,” she cross questioned. I responded that net banking would ensure that she doesn’t have to step out of her home at intervals for things like bank transfers. I enlightened her that she could even do her shopping online. I was eager to introduce e- banking to her.

A bit unclear yet curious, she enquired, “If I do that, I won’t have to step out of the house?” I replied in the affirmative and assured her that Amazon and Flipkart deliver the nine yards. She in a melancholy tone says, “I am mostly home alone since my retirement. My children have moved overseas. I like to get ready and come to the bank. Since I entered the finance house, I met four of my friends. I have chatted a while with the staff who know me very well by now. Would I have that human touch if everything became online?” My aunt had one final query. Do Amazon and Flipkart deliver all this as well?