A SCHOOL of thought goes that addas are similar to small talk in social parties – the main difference being that while society gatherings pay more attention to topics that tend to reveal the inherent one-up attitude of humans, addas are impromptu affairs.

Vociferous arguments interspersed with thumping of tables are a part and parcel of experts in the field. The adda can be termed to be a valve that provides release to your pent-up feelings against the system. The local addas usually concentrate on neighborhood issues like what sort of cultural programme would be suitable to welcome a son of the soil who has proved his prowess in a foreign land. Those in the workplaces deal with more intricate subjects like chalking out the future strategies of the super powers for maintaining harmonious world relationships or whether the N-deal with USA would really benefit us 50 years down the line. In between would come the discussions on the latest flop film of Bollywood and the down slide of dress codes. In between someone would chip in with details of the latest fast food joint in the town.

Immediately, the adda would veer off towards mouth-watering dishes accompanied with grouses of increase in cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Heated discussions would follow on medicines and advices of doctors – allopathic, homeopathic as well as Ayurvedic – none was taboo.

The Calcutta Coffee House on College Street situated in close proximity to the university was one of the most favoured venues for serious discussions, sorry addas. Obtaining a degree from the Calcutta University was as important as being a part of the addas to keep abreast of latest happenings and to understand, which way the wind blew. A college degree minus the experience of being in the thick of addas was just not on.

The Coffee House used to be invariably full. Most of the tables would remain reserved. Those who strayed in as occasional visitors would have to be lucky to manage a seat of their choice. If you wanted a corner of your choice, you had to have proper contacts. The ever alert waiters would politely request you not to occupy certain seats because it was meant for so-and-so who was expected to be there any moment. That so-and-so could be a film personality, a person of the Press or even of some political party.

I had visited the place last time in 1995, when I was in Kolkata as a participant in the Kolkata Book Fair. The place had lost its gloss. With cut throat competition at every step, no one wanted to part with his knowledge – he only wanted to add to it. He picked up the pearls of wisdom and hid them from prying eyes. The youth had clearly defined objectives. Regular streams of arts, science and commerce were way down the priority list.

These have now made way for examinations for admission to prestigious institutions like the IITs and IIMs. Students do visit the Coffee House on College Street but, their intention is to rest a while and sip a cup of coffee while they wait for a friend – not to be a part of any adda.