India, June 19 -- When is a surprise not really a surprise?

Answer: When Indians look at Reels of GenZs queuing up to try out a new cafe, a viral dosa restaurant, a beauty pop-up on the weekend, a sneaker drop or a limited-edition sale.

We can hear the Boomers grumbling already. "Why would anyone stand in a line for dosa?" "It's just coffee, not a cup of gold!" "What? There are diamonds in those sneakers?" Always the tone of derision. As if queuing up is cringe, some kind of comedown. And the confusion about "kids these days" doing it.

Have Boomers forgotten? Every generation has queued up for something. From the 1960s, Indians have stood, uncomplaining, at ration shops so they wouldn't go hungry. Visitors famously waited 14 hours outs...