A senior moment

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas M Veerappa Moily had his day in the media sun with his metro ride last Wednesday as part of his fuel conservation strategy. That was the big news. Less noticed was a little cameo that revealed much about the minister's sense of self. Instead of sitting, Moily chose to strap-hang to get an idea of the average Delhi-ite's commute. Then, a young man in his twenties courteously offered the 73-year-old minister his seat but Moily refused. Asked why, the minister responded in his unique brand of Hinglish, "Woh seat senior citizen ka tha. (That seat was reserved for senior citizens). I don't want myself to be branded a senior citizen."