The city also known as the 'Silicon Valley of India', has a lot of history attached to it. I moved to Bangalore in 1991 with my parents when I was around six. Back then it was a lush green city, with parks and trees almost everywhere. Bangalore of those days has become a part of the history books as well. It has now transformed from 'Garden city' to an IT metropolis.
Now-a-days we're all spoilt for choices when it comes to malls and restaurants but back then our weekend hangout was Lal Bagh. Another hangout was Old Airport road where we spent hours watching planes take off and land. Today Old Airport road has transformed drastically and you no longer get those views. Another landmark, KempFort, where I spent most of my childhood has turned into Total mall.
I grew up eating Bangalore Dairy’s softy ice cream; back then there were no major food franchises present in Bangalore. Now-a-days, I waste more time deciding where I want to eat than eating the meal itself.
I still love Bangalore’s weather but the patterns have changed a lot since the 90’s (blame pollution). Back then, we had the same climate the entire year; one of my friend would wear his sweater to school the entire year. So, you couldn’t distinguish summer from winter.
We have enough people cribbing about how Bangalore’s levels of traffic and pollution have increased in the last few years. Yes, it has but we should remember that everything comes at a price, even development. The construction of new roads, flyovers and the metro rail should help ease traffic congestion.
Currently our transportation isn’t that great but we do have one of the best bus systems in the country. We need a good local rail network to help commuters. Autos are a luxury which even rich people can’t afford; you always have to pay more than the legal fare. The government should set up proper laws and networks to help eradicate these problems.
One thing about Bangalore which hasn’t changed and I’m pretty sure will never change is its culture. We have people from all walks of life living together in perfect harmony.
This, according to me, is the major reason why Bangalore has achieved great success in recent years.
Bangalore has set an example to cities not just in India but across the world on how great things can be achieved if the people and government work together.
Today Bangalore is a leader in education, technology and industry. We all have helped shape this city into what it is today and we all should be proud of it.
(The writer is a resident of J.P Nagar)
Likes
Weather
Medical facility
Culture
Internationally known
Lal Bagh
Dislikes
Traffic
Waste management
Airport is far
Roads
Pollution