The digital learning curve

As computers were not used for office work when I was in service, I had to pick up, post-retirement, some simple operations such as typing letters using MS Word and creating an email account. Though there were voluntary organisations in my neighbourhood offering training for seniors on using digital and communication tools that would be useful in day-to-day life, I depended mostly on my smart grandchildren who offered to make me digitally literate, gradually. Recently when I wanted to buy the monthly milk cards, I was taken by surprise when I was asked at the cash counter to make the payment only by “card” or using QR code. I went to a service centre where I was asked to give my previous cellphone number linked to my Aadhaar card. Every time I went to the shop I was successful in the authentication process only after a few attempts using different fingures, even as the shop keeper sniggered as he watched.