Recent Census Titbits

Scene 1

Enumerator: Sir, next question, what are your sources of happiness? You can give as many as you wish.

Gent: Ok... family, good health, good environment, social harmony, political stability.....

E: Money?

G: Money...if you do not have, its a problem and if you have, its dilemma. Oh yes...can you write it’s a source of happiness if you do not think about it?

E: Sir, can we stick to your first 3?

Scene 2

Enumerator: Atta (brother), on a scale of “0” to “10”, tell us how happy you are.

Atta: Yesterday was bad...around 2, I quarelled with my wife. Today is 5 (so so) and tomorrow about 8 (forgiven/forgotten).

E: No, Atta. Tell us, on overall.

A: Ok...the average of three days is 5. She gives us food and takes care of children....+3. So 8, but the money she ...

E: Atta, 8 is fine!!!!

Scene 3

Enumerator: Appa, tsa ganemchi neng chapchi (how many times did you get married)?

Appa: Tsa chi yae machap (not even once).

E: Tae aloo tsu... (so the children...)

A: Aloo gi denle neng chaopgob miba te hema (earlier there was no need to get married for children). Dari naba jum party re jinni mi. Thrimkhang na ngachi mashoon (There was no system of giving party like these days. We did not go to the court [for registration]).

E: Naebay mae. Chu da aum chikha doey bae...(Not like that. You and aum lived together..)

A: Debay bewa chin di doru... (If that is so, then there are..)

E: Tubay (finished), Appa.

Scene 4

Enumerator: Ama, how many times did you get married?

Aum: Of course once! In my family all once only.

E: Yeah lama…..Aum Passa, your neighbour, got married 4 times and the no. of buildings she has. Ama, I am telling you only, jokingly. Pl. don't tell others!

Scene 5

Enumerator: Sir, what is your income?

Businessman: Gross or net?

E: Isn’t it same?

B: Yes for many but not for me!