Newspaper: The Miracle Product 7.5.12

As far as I know, there are only three ways in which I’ve ever used newspaper in my lifetime. They are as follows:

•         Reading
•         The occasional arts and crafts project
•         Wrapping birthday presents 

I have been blown away by the innovative nature Indians possess in their use of the same product. Here’s what I’ve witnessed so far, and I’ll start with the obvious:

•          They read it.
•          They also use it to wrap goods at the bakery. Sweet rolls, cookies, pastries.
•          Vendors on the streets will wrap up your deep-fried snacks or fresh fruit in it as well. This is especially convenient, as you may read a snippet of the news imprinted on your fresh pineapple slice as you eat.

Newspaper surprise

Three "watai," deep-fried veggie patties

•  It is also used for “to-go” carrying parcels at restaurants. They’ll first wrap your rice portion, omelet, dosa, idly, parotta or other item in a banana leaf, and follow it with a layer of newspaper before tying it up with string. The banana leaf is a superb insulator and keeps food warm a long time.

Three tomato-onion omelets

•          Seeds or nuts will also be sold in a cone-shape fashioned newspaper holder for easy carry.
•          Hand-towel substitute: after eating out somewhere, you will rinse your hands at the provided    bucket of water or wash-station. The shop owner may likely offer you a page of the paper to dry your hands.
•          Once you have finished eating, the table may likely be wiped up with newspaper as a rag.

As I discover more ways in which the newspaper is used in India, I will continue to post them and continue to be impressed by the resourceful nature of these wonderful people.