I was an army brat and travelled with my folks all over the country. We moved a lot, and Delhi, of course, was close to my heart since we visited here often. Who knew I would call this city home a few years later, and eventually settle down here. One of my first few fond memories of Delhi was driving on the wide open roads, especially Lutyens’ Delhi, always beautiful with an outstanding architecture. We’d drive into the city and always make a stop for our favourite milkshake at Keventers.
Over the years, Delhi has gone through myriad changes. To begin with, we have to learn how to be civil with each other, from behaving properly on roads to just being nice to your neighbour. Etiquettes begin at home and we meed to inculcate these values in kids from the beginning.
The pollution levels in the city have risen to alarming levels. We can all do our bit by opting carpool or using metro, so that there are less cars are on the road. We need to leave a cleaner, safer and breathable Delhi for the next generation.
A few days ago I received a WhatsApp message from a friend. It read that if trees gave wifi we’d all be planting them like crazy. It’s a pity that they only give oxygen and that’s something, most of us take for granted.
Lastly, the biggest issue not just faced by Delhi but the whole country is how we treat women. Rape and molestation incidents are being reported almost daily. I feel the government should start educating people, especially men on not whistling at women, using filthy language and passing lewd remarks.
The lines Khuswant Singh wrote in his book Delhi are apt for the city:
“Once through this ruined city did I pass
I espied a lonely bird on a bough and asked
‘What knowest thou of this wilderness?’
It replied: 'I can sum it up in two words:
‘Alas, Alas!”
But we cannot just ignore things and walk away. The change has to start now and we should be the voice of reason.