VIJAYAWADA: "I know u love her. It's not a secret anymore. She is pretty. She is hot. She is so rich and she turned 59. Bharat maatha ki jai," popped a message with a beep sound on a cellular phone.

Strange are the techno wonders of the modern world. Today, we have technology that allows users complete compatibility, mobility and lifestyle that the younger lot craves for. Teenagers exchanging vows over cellular phone is the most common sight. The mini set of gizmos is the most convenient mode to download and personalise messages according to the occasion and mood. Be it a religious festival, a private function, a wedding anniversary or a national event, an SMS is the most sought-after mode of greeting the near and dear ones.

Youngsters revel in constant beeps and pings of their cell phones, conveying greetings by SMSing messages that exude the right spirit to suit the occasion or the mood. While some are serious business, igniting one's thought process, others are wacky, sent just for the heck of it. Imagine the impact of a crisp flash of Mera Bharat Mahaan followed by a Happy Independence Day, or `I no doubt deserved my enemies, but I don't believe I deserved my friends' with a warm tag of Happy Friendship Day on your cell phone rather than a plain phone call reminding you of the significance of the day.

The need for instant communication has hit the younger generation like never before. The convenience of multi-tasking on the cell phone is what today's fast paced life style demands. Techno talk is the in thing and so is SMSing. So, why shy away from it. Making the best of the facility, people greet, chat and even gossip through messaging. Those with the GPRS or WAP have the advantage of getting a bigger kick by adding colour to their ideas. They go berserk `messaging in colour'.

Interesting pastime

"It is free of cost, fun, fascinating and fashionable. Moreover, it's an interesting pastime," say most of the young users who enjoy tongue-in-cheek humour by discovering twisted definitions of the most revered occasions. For instance, "Independence Day offer: Dial 100 and say BOMB in PARLIAMENT. Get a trip 2 central jail and food, clothing, housing FREE for 14 yrs. Offer valid till 15th Aug," reads a message.

"It is not their fault. The tragedy is that the younger generation has not been taught about the true spirit of freedom movement. The emotions we experienced are completely missing now," laments Pattabhi Ramaiah, a freedom fighter and a senior journalist.

"The present generation is in frustration. They lack responsibility as they have not been taught what it is to love one's country," he adds.

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