I arrived in Bangalore when I was three-and-a-half. At that point it didn’t seem like the kind of place I would call home. But so much has changed since then. The idea of something bigger than attachment, bordering on patriotism, is what I feel for this city. I can’t go away even for a few days without longing to come back to Bangalore. Even with all its quirks, Bangalore is home.
It’s considered to be one of the best Indian cities to live in for a good reason. For someone who has left their hometown to build a life for themselves, it’s a welcoming place. Accommodation is abundant. The restaurants are great. There are amazing places to shop in and it’s home to some of the most beautiful parks in the country. It has the distinction of being the IT capital of India and has been providing opportunities to build a career for a majority of the youth.
It’s always an advantage that the city is cosmopolitan. One does not necessarily feel welcome when one is forced to speak a language that one is not comfortable with, and I am proud of the fact that even non-Kannadigas feel good here. The city respects individuality. Of course, learners are greatly appreciated. A Namaskara (a greeting) or Hegiddira? (How are you?) can go a long way.
For a tourist or even a Bangalorean, the city holds many attractions. Lal Bagh and Cubbon Park are haunts for nature lovers.
For someone looking for a little bit of history, the Bangalore Palace and Tipu Sultan’s Palace would be apt. There are beautiful temples and churches for those either looking for God or interested in great architecture. And how can we forget the restaurants, malls, BDA complexes, theatres, movie complexes and spas. The weather is pleasant and there are so many bookshops, a treat for everyone.
Sadly, the city, which has so much to offer, falters, even if it’s just a little bit. Some roads are bumpy enough to give you a backache. The traffic is stressful, physically and mentally. Some auto-wallahs are the pride of the city, while most of them may not be. The night life ends pretty early and that upsets many people, including me.
Although the Metro construction is inconvenient now, it will be our pride once it’s up and running. Our garbage management is getting better as well.
But even with its hitches, I wouldn’t give Bangalore up for anything. It has given me too much for me to question it.
(The writer is a resident of Wilson Garden)