A tale of Indian cities

It is always fun visiting new places and meeting new people. And it is always with the human mind that we tend to compare our cities and people residing in those cities. I have stayed in Ahmedabad for most of my life. But things started to change after my college got over.

I stayed in Kanpur for 4 months, when i visited Agra and Lucknow too. Then i went to Chennai and stayed there for 4 months. After that i came down to Pune and now it has been 1 year since i have been staying here. I have been a frequent visitor to Mumbai and Delhi too. I just came back from my Bangalore trip. I have also been to Vadodara & Chandigarh amongst the major cities of the country. So, now i have visited most of the big cities in the country, with the noteworthy exclusions being Hyderabad, Kolkatta, Jaipur, Patna and Surat.

Starting with Ahmedabad, it being my home town i love that city and even with many negative points that city have, i will always love to make that my permanent residence any day. Ahmedabad has the best electricity and water facilities amongst all the cities i have been to. Roads do get a beating during monsoon, but otherwise it has quite wide roads and the public transport has been on a way up since last few years, with the BRTS being the latest icing on the cake. But still there is a huge improvement needed in terms of public transport. Also with IT industry not having a prominent presence there and with most of the Gujju population going the business way, there is not enough diverse population present there. And also being a dry state, the NaMo land lacks in terms of hangout joints like pubs or discs. And greenery is a big negative point about the city. There are not enough places for youngsters to pass their time at, apart from maybe huge number of malls and multiplexes.

Then coming to Pune, where i have stayed for the longest duration after Ahmedabad. The city lacks big time in terms of basic infrastructure like roads, electricity, water supply and public transport. Most of the population here consists of youngsters only because of the big presence of Educational institutions and IT industry, which with it brings a huge chunk of young, money spending crowd. This in turn leads to a diverse climate and that leads to a happening environment in the city with many pubs, good restaurants and discs and all. But, the best thing about the city is its climate and the places to see around. It is located in the middle of the beautiful, lush green Western Ghats. And there are so many options to trek around the city. And the monsoons make the city wear the look of a newly wedded Indian bride (i dont know, but the newly wedded Indian wives look very beautiful. May be for the obvious reason).

Mumbai will always be one of my favorite cities, mainly because of the people residing in the city. It is the only city with the true metropolitan crowd, according to me. The public transport is also the best in the country. The local trains rock, somehow. And can't believe the pace at which this city lives. Life begins at 5 in the morning and it boasts of a brilliant night life also. The beaches are another jewel in the crown of this city. But yeah, being the biggest city of the country and one of the most costliest in terms of land prices, there are many other factors worth consideration for this city.

The best thing about Chennai was its beaches. Watching the sun rise from the endless waters, while relaxing on the beautiful brown sand, is the most amazing feeling one can get anywhere. The public transport is also very good over there. But i dont think any North Indian (which according to people over there is anything above Tamil Nadu), will enjoy staying there. There are some really nice places to visit around as well, with Pondicherry being my favorite.

Bangalore, to me was very similar to Pune. But yeah, almost double the size of Pune, and the population density also quite huge as compared to Pune. The worst part was its traffic. The roads are very narrow, just like Pune and the traffic is a big chaos. But yeah, public transport is definitely better than the one in Pune. And it is ofcourse way more costlier too.

Apart from these, Kanpur was a big chaotic city. Hadn't expected much else from a UP industrial city otherwise also. I have never liked Delhi much. But yes, metro is a very beautiful service there. Lucknow was a good, small, clean city. Vadodara is also a very decent, small city.

So, finally to end it, i would like to appeal to the civic authorities that they should understand that cities are for the public and they should atleast take efforts to keep them clean and green. The other basic facilities like good roads, public transport, electricity, affordable homes, water supply, places to hang out, etc are also very necessary. But ideal cities are a far cry in our country with so many other problems like corruption, poverty, education, etc. Again ending it with a hope, that times will change and change for the good.

And German bakery was no more…

BANGGG and there was heart breaking silence all around... As if a mouse has been found lurking around in an open ground surrounded by big, fat, hungry cats all around... Or as if 2012 Nostradamus dream has come true all of a sudden 2 years earlier... Or as if a 1 year child has been thrown in a big wild storm and has been asked to come out alive.. He tried to come back to his senses, but everything was black in front of him… Suddenly, the pictures of a few hours ago started coming back to his mind…

"You are not going to find a single girl for tomorrow, shame on you Abhilash. Yet another valentine's day without a girl-friend. Ha Ha Ha.." said Rashmi. And all the friends started to laugh and make a mockery of Abhilash. But Abhilash was in his own dreams. As usual he was dreaming something else. He had a bet with his friends that this year's valentine was not going to be yet another dry-day for him. And expectedly, he had failed yet again. But he had come close this time. He had been talking to a girl, Chopsuey of late. And again she seemed to him as his yet another "true love"...

"So what, there is still one day to go. I will take Chopsuey out tomorrow. She is the girl for me." Abhilash started giving his mysterious, mocking smile to all. At the back of his mind, even he was aware that nothing of that sort was going to happen. But like always, he liked to make fun of himself by boasting of things around him and about him.

"Are Praveen bhai, make me a good salad today. Am too hungry. Had nothing since morning. Are Selvin, look at that gal mate. What a cool dress and what legs... Whoaaa…. Haven't seen a cool girl like this all day. " said Abhilash, staring at a girl standing at the money counter.
"Oh yeah, she is a babe." said Selvin who was wearing a cool beach shirt and was sitting near Abhilash staring all around.
"Here is your salad, Abhilash bhai... It seems like summer has started." said Praveen, the regular waiter in his usual casual attire with a yellow spotted shirt and a cream colored trouser.
"Yeah, especially with such hot girls around, the temperatures seems to rise at a higher rate." They all had a good laugh at that comment.
"By the way, what is the time Abhilash? I have to reach home before 8. " said Rashmi.
"Are baba, you always have some problems. Why do u have to torture yourself so much? Chill and relax. It doesnt matter if you reach some place a little late. Who cares after all. And ya by the way, it is just 6.45 and so u have enough time left."
"We girls have many duties to perform. Life is not as easy and chilling as u guys. "
"Ok ok, but at least you can stop worrying till u are with us all. You can be tension free for the next 1 hour or so."
"Oh yes yes, i am not against that. I am not taking tension also. Relax."

They were sitting in their regular hang-out joint. And being a weekend it was crowded as always. There were regular youngsters who had made that place a second home for them. Everyone had a smile on their face. The young couples holding each other's hands were happy for being in each others company, the small kids who had come with their parents for having come outside their cage like home to breathe a free air, the daily travelers for the prospect of the day coming to an end, even the frustrated IT employees were looking happy as it was a weekend. For the young guys roaming around for no reason at all, there was a reason to celebrate as well, as their eyes were getting free exercise. There were many beautiful girls around in their smart, sexy, exquisite attires to grab the attention of most of the guys around. And which girl won’t be happy with the attention. If there was a measure of gayness in a person, then even the guy with the maximum marks would also have been attracted to the girls around. Then there were the foreign breed roaming around in their long ankle length red gowns. They looked like a banana wrapped in a red covering and roaming around in a wheat field.

It was a moment of joy. It seemed like people were celebrating something. Their freedom, the freedom to be there and enjoy that moment with everyone. The freedom to smoke, to smile, to shout and to scream with joy. The joy that no one can take away their freedom. But everyone had a horrendous feeling deep inside the bottommost corners of their hearts. The feeling that their freedom may not last forever. But no one seemed to care for that feeling. Everyone wanted to have their share in the joyous spirit evolving around.

"It seems such a happy place. I just love this place. Especially with such a great crowd. We should ask our manager to shift our company at this place. We will be able to work for more hours and far more efficiently." said Abhilash.

Rashmi and Selvin smiled to that wild idea, another of those stupid suggestions made by Abhilash. Vikas, who like Abhilash was also in some deep thinking all the time, suddenly rose and replied "What a great idea, Abhilash!! It would really be the nicest thing that can happen to us IT people. After all, who needs to work in those shitty environment with all the shitty people sitting around us, keeping their shitty eyes on us and asking us to work all the time." This was the usual language in which Vikas used to talk. And his friends were used to that.

"Can you please get me a herbal tea Abhilash." said Rashmi with her sweet smile embracing her face.
"Ha, who can say no to that beautiful smiling face."
"Stop flirting and get me the tea please."
"Ok as you say. But i must say i have a strange feeling that you should not have tea at this moment."
"Stop it Abhilash, you and your feelings. Are you getting or shall i get it myself?"
"Ok darling, i will get it." said Abhilash and went to the cash counter nearby.


"Wake up Mr. Abhilash Hooda. Wake up". said a tense looking face staring down. Abhilash opened his eyes suddenly. He was smiling. He didn’t know why. He couldn't remember what had happened. He could see nothing. But suddenly there was a splash of water on his face. He tried to remember what had happened in the last 5 minutes. He had gone to get the herbal tea for Rashmi. As soon as he reached the money counter, he had heard a big bang. And then everything went black in front of his eyes. He looked back and could only see some red patches on the walls and the floors amidst the dark black smoke. People were running all around.

It took around 2 minutes more for him to get his senses back. And he, unwillingly, very sadly and in a panicking state, had to convince himself to see back… And the harsh fact, which he had tried to not to think of, came alive when he saw back - "German bakery was no more."...

P.S. All characters in the story are fictitious and any resemblance to a real life character is merely coincidental and is deeply regretted.

CWG - Time to re-unite and rekindle hope

We are just 4 days away from celebrating 63 years of independence. And many people believe it is time for India now, that it is time India shows its strength to the world and rises above the pity situation being showed in many movies and books and to finally make it up finally on the world stage. That it is time for India to move on from a developing nation to a developed nation. And yes, people may be right in some of the fronts in praising the country. But on the other hand, there have been instances when we feel India will never be able to rise to a developed state any day.

The latest dark spot on India's pride comes in the form of Commonwealth Games(CWG) organizing. India won the bid to host the 2010 CWG in 2003. And there was a huge hue and cry over the win with the media declaring it as a big success. Though there were a few skeptics who doubted India's capability to host such a big event on an international level, but overall it was a feel good climate amongst the general masses and media.

But as and when the date came nearer, things started to change. And it reached the vantage point, when the corruption charges were reported in the media a few weeks back. Now there are just two months left before the games begin. And still we are lagging too far behind in terms of infrastructure, planning and finances. The corruption charges were of the worst possible order. Some very, very clearly visible charges. The media understandably went berserk in reporting the faults and the misdoings of the CWG organization. But, what was expected was some reaction from the government or PM, but none came. There were just a few statements here and there and a parliament discussion which was again marred by allegations from the opposition and all that usual scenarios. Mani Shankar Aiyer, Congress's senior leader and a Rajya Sabha member went on to say that he will be happy if the CWG turns out to be a disaster as that would turn out to be a lesson for the country and the people involved in the crimes. Also that would prevent India from bidding for a major sporting event in the future and those crores of Rupees could be used for some productive work.

Yes, i agree that what happened was wrong and that strict actions should be taken against those found guilty and a thorough inquiry should be undertaken. But what is more important at this point of time? Why should the misdoings of a very small minority cause shame to other mass population of this country? The event, that should have been a showcase of India's strength, pride and its upcoming, should not turn out to be a showcase of what the foreigners associate most often to India - poverty, corruption, crime. That is not what all India is.

Even South Africa is no better than India as far as economic, social or political conditions are concerned. The problems there are much worse than in our country. The crime rate, racism, aids, poverty, etc are very big problems troubling them. But still there was no voice being raised over there before or after the cup and all that we could hear was invitations to visit their country. And the way the 2010 football world cup was conducted, should have raised hopes for Africa and so many developing nations. The Athens 2004 Olympics was one more noteworthy example. The conditions there were similar to what it is here now. The stadiums were way behind schedule just 2 months before the games. But that was when the people of the nation united and overcame all the difficulties to conduct a reasonably good Olympics.

Why can’t the people of this country unite and bring up a show of solidarity? Why can’t the media have a little more positive environment now and help build a positive atmosphere in the country? It is time when we come forward and show the world that India is not what they perceive it to be. We don’t have just those few corrupt people having their say in all the important matters. It is time now, media stops all that negative marketing and positive steps are taken to see that the games are organized in the best of the spirits. But yes, all this with the promise that those found culprit will be punished and nothing of this sort will be tolerated in future.

I would also like to thanks Mr. Subroto Roy here, whose letter related to this in all news dailies a few days back, changed my point of view in terms of the games and motivated me for this article.

Signing off with the hope that we are able to organize the CWG successfully and in the best possible manner. Also that all those found guilty of the charges be punished and steps are taken to ensure that the chaos caused this time doesn’t occur again.