Born and raised in Bangalore, my fond memories of the city and its ever growing needs and challenges go back over three decades.
Unlike today, when I was a child, Bangaloreans knew their neighbours well. In fact, it constituted a large part of the social circle for adults and playmates for kids. We used to play lagori, marbles and our favourite sport - hockey. As teenagers, my twin Roopa and I went on to represent our school at the state level in hockey and later our university at nationals. Our practice sessions included jogging on the streets of Bangalore with our team and coach at 6.30 am.
Crisp air and the aroma of idly sambar, bread omlette and chai from roadside stalls would make us eager to finish practise quickly and feast on them.
Karnataka State Hockey Association back then called the Shanti Nagar stadium, was where we would often practise. Now it's an amazing astro-turf stadium hosting state, national and international matches - championships and leagues. It's been great to see it transform from an uneven ground with grass and puddles to one of the best hockey stadiums in our country.
Another memory is of cycling from home to our school on Museum road everyday. Back in the 90s, it was safe and fun to ride a bicycle as vehicles were very few. Ambassadors, TVS mopeds, Maruti 800s, Bajaj scooters, and KSRTC buses ruled the roost. Some cycling groups continue to pedal to work or college even today but it's challenging to beat the ever growing traffic. I wish we had cycling tracks all over the city.
Once, shopping and hangout destinations meant Brigade Road, MG Road and Commercial Street. Now, you can get everything you need anywhere in Bangalore.
Even the music scene here is is very happening. We Bangaloreans welcome and appreciate all kind of music, be it Indian classical, Bollywood, kawali, folk, western classical or rock. You name it, Bangalore knows it. We have some of the best choirs, bands and musicians in town. Not to forget the best dance troupes well-versed in all forms of dance. Numerous gigs feed the unending need of Bangaloreans for music.
Bangalore always had a lush green cover, which I dearly miss. To see it losing its green belt; the beautiful trees being cut to make way for the growing needs of our city is disheartening. Earlier,home to different species of birds and sparrows, they have become rare now.
Social causes and charity has become an abused word over the years, however you will find certain groups & communities working continuously towards overcoming the challenges faced by our city.
Since my heart transplatation in 2009, I became the first woman in Karnataka to live with my donor heart. Aware that many patients in the city suffer from end stage organ failure and organ transplant being their only hope, I started started 'Light A Life - Reena Raju Foundation', a charitable Trust which promotes cadaver organ donation/transplantation, counsel patients suffering from end stage organ failure, organ recipients and gifts free medicines to needy organ recipients.
Here's where I saw a very different side of Bangaloreans who embrace, contribute and support various social causes. The support and encouragement has been overwhelming.
The pulse of the city lies in it's people, it's spirit of giving; people here are open and adaptable to change and work together for a better world.
(The writer is a resident of JP Nagar 7th Phase)