How much have we heard about the "Kolkata work culture". For generations it is a well known fact that Bengali-s are a lazy lot, dreaming away their days and singing and chatting away evenings, till its time to sleep. In Kolkata only though. Take a Bengali out of Bengal and he is a different animal. He not only works his backside off, and parties through the night, but also is the first to call his country cousin's bluff, first to criticise the above mentioned work culture, the first to point out that "they" all take siestas and jump for joy on bandh days.

We have a whole separate set of vocab for our gabbing. The "babu", with all its negative connotations is a quintessential Bengali term from the time when Writers Building first came into existence.

Have you heard of "rowak culture"? That is when a group of people sit on a 'rowak', that is any level ground where you can sit, and "give adda", (a word now in the Oxford dictionary, all hail) or while away time by talking. And how they talk. Any typical 'rowak' conversation could start with Bhajji's insult and end with Sarkozi's declining support in France and maybe touch Anjelina's pregnancy somewhere in between!

But Bongs, they are a-changing. The latest news is that "rowak adda-bajs" are joining the list of the endangered. Can it be that Bengali-s are finally trying to get some work done? Could well be. Leave Dalhousie's laid back lumbering afternoons and head towards the swanky buildings of Salt Lake Sector 5. The only locality in Calcutta spared the onslaught of Bandhs (another word recently introduced to the Oxford dictionary). That's the IT hub in the city, trying hard to look and feel Bangalorean. Glass walls reflect well dressed young men and women rushing about for a quick bite, a far cry from loose trousers and 'half-shirts' of the Government employee.

Real and retail estate is on the rise once again. Malls like South City are creating a whole new place for kids to spend their time. The Bengali has finally learnt to dress for a night out. Night clubs are usually full, restaurants have one hour waiting periods, marks and spencer lingerie is selling like hot cakes. And we are working for it. Finally there is an outcry against another bandh. People are out on the streets, almost defiant, inspite of lathi weilding goonda types (party workers, no less). We want the world to know we are not like that. We want that message out- "look ma, no holiday".

We are trying to stop talking and start walking. And if that happens in the heart of Bongland... watch out world.