Bangalore is swalpa kahi, jasthi sihi

Bangalore is swalpa kahi, jasthi sihi

I consider myself extremely fortunate to be living in this city since birth. And it’s not just locals, but also people who move here from elsewhere, who fall in love with this city so much that Bangalore becomes their ‘home’ city for the rest of their lives.

Over the past few decades, I have seen this tranquil city transform into a cosmopolitan, yet slightly lazy city. We can attribute the laziness to the climate we enjoy.

I am not sure if any one with great foresight could have predicted such hyper growth. Bangalore is soon going to be in the 10 million population club. Isn’t it amazing that this city, home to about half a dozen public sector companies just three decades ago, has rapidly grown in many sectors providing job opportunities to so many people in diverse areas? It is overwhelming to see Bangalore continue to be the number one IT city in the country, despite all the infrastructural woes.

Bangalore is certainly a foodie’s paradise, especially if vegetarian. From darshinis, “western” looking vegetarian restaurants to the traditional city restaurants, Bangalore offers such wonderful variety of food that is hygienic and largely affordable. I am sure people who have travelled outside Bangalore, even to other states, would appreciate the food options in namma city.

Notwithstanding the recent garbage crisis, I have found Bangalore to be much cleaner compared to other metros in the country.  Of course, we cannot compare Bangalore with Singapore. Yet, there is absolutely no doubt that BMTC (earlier BTS) buses are by far the cleanest in the country.

While most people complain about the traffic and pollution, I think these are unintended consequences of the growth we have witnessed.  We are not Shanghai to impose restriction on people migrating into our city. Neither can we have any restriction on addition of new vehicles. Even the most organised city in the world has traffic woes. So, I think it is tad unfair to constantly complain about our traffic problems. I think we should live with this.

If I compare attitudes towards compliance with traffic rules in Bangalore with other cities in India, I can confidently say we are the best. But the big question is if this is good enough. Although the traffic police is doing a great job, we Bangaloreans should learn to be patient and be considerate to fellow motorists especially during traffic jams.

I hate to see two-wheelers using the footpath during traffic jams causing trouble to pedestrians and creating more traffic chaos.

While I find Bangalore a very peaceful place, it is rather unfortunate to see violence every time the news of a popular film star’s death is announced. This is very disturbing and maybe the police should be better prepared in handling such incidents going forward.

Bangalore is undoubtedly a great city. Of course, there are a few things needing improvement, but that’s fine. For me Bangalore is swalpa kahi, jaasthi sihi.

(The writer is a resident of BSK 3rd Stage)

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