The Nokia 3310, a relic of a bygone era, has become my steadfast companion, much to the amusement of my friends. With its brick-like resilience and nostalgic charm, it stands as a testament to my unwavering fondness for the past. Despite the jests and playful taunts about my “archaic” choice of cell phones, I wear my affinity like a badge of honor, unruffled by their jibes.
Curious souls often tease whether this phone, seemingly rescued from the dawn of mobile telephony, was a relic of the mid-1990s. It’s as though I’ve become a walking museum exhibit, a living time capsule. Some jest that Nokia must be compensating me handsomely to maintain my allegiance to this vintage gem. I respond with a knowing smile, a mixture of patience and pride.
However, hidden beneath the surface of this seemingly unconventional choice lies a profound and poignant reason: my beloved Mother. For 87 years, she stood as a beacon of independence, a force of nature that could not be swayed. As she navigated life’s twists and turns, I couldn’t help but worry about the moments when I needed to reach her urgently. But persuading her to embrace modern cellular technology was akin to coaxing a lion into a bubble bath.
In an era when touchscreens and app stores reign supreme, the Nokia 3310 was a glaring outlier. Its simplicity was its strength: a generous display, an enduring battery life, and soft, raised buttons that beckoned even arthritic fingers to dance upon them. Yet, the path from apprehension to adaptation was strewn with challenges. Her gnarled and stiff fingers struggled to dial with precision, often resulting in wrong numbers. The concept of Speed Dial baffled her, like an intricate puzzle without a solution.
In an effort to bridge the technology gap, I embarked on a journey of empathy. To resonate with her, I procured a Nokia 3310 for myself, a parallel universe where old met new. Through a bit of digital wizardry, I retained my original number on both devices, seamlessly connecting two worlds. Mother’s joy was palpable, her worries quelled by the notion that “Nokia to Nokia” was the magical conduit for connection.
When the shadow of the pandemic loomed in 2020, circumstances aligned, and Mother came to reside under my roof. Now at the ripe age of 90, she battles the encroaching fog of dementia, her reliance on a cell phone no longer a necessity. Yet, I persist in keeping the Nokia alive, a beacon of memories in my palm.
The Nokia, once a lifeline between us, has evolved into a charming anecdote in our daily lives. As time has warped Mother’s grasp on reality, she playfully confuses my phone for hers. When it rings, her instinct propels her to answer, setting the stage for comical conversations that dance between the past and the present.
And so, in this digital age, my Nokia 3310 thrives as more than a relic. It is a symbol of resilience, of connection that transcends time and technology. As I hold it in my hand, I am reminded not just of the past, but of the cherished bond that was nurtured through the simple act of conversation—a bond that endures even as memories fade.
About Mark Manuel
The above thoughts/content has been proudly copied from the wall of Sir Mark Manuel. Being interviewing almost every role model of this country and going stronger each day. Mark Manuel is a respected Mumbai editor, writer, and columnist.
With over three decades of journalism in leading publications. This includes the Free Press Journal, Times, Dainik Bhaskar, Mid-Day, and Afternoon. He is famous for his brilliant pen interviews. He himself is a TEDx speaker.
Further
His interviews have been featured in several leading media houses. They include the Hindustan Times, Huffington Post, BBC, and Network 18. Almost every famous person has been interviewed by him in the country from Mother Teresa to Muhammad Ali. His first book is just out. It’s titled Moryaa Re! It is a crime thriller that is perhaps the country’s first police procedural. He began his career covering crime. And in a tribute to his experience and knowledge of this beat.
Several distinguished officers of the Mumbai Police and its Crime Branch collaborated with him to make this book possible. Amitabh Bachchan wrote the forward in a statement of friendship for Mark Manuel and admiration for his work.
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