MY BELOVED CITY- PUNE
Besides being my birthplace, the culture, the liveliness, the emotional quotient, the street food, diversity, history and magnanimity of its heart, make Delhi my favourite city. And then comes Pune, where I have done a major part of my schooling.
My father served in the Indian Air Force. He was posted in Pune from 1985 to 1988.
Pune, then, seemed like heaven. The Air Force station at Lohagaon, then, was at one corner, away from the hulla bullah of a city quieter but ahead of Delhi. Mountains were within a stone's throw. The solitude of jungles was not a luxury. Meeting snakes and scorpions was not unusual.The dialect, Hindi with an excess smack of Marathi, was initially fun for us and gradually made us adapt to it.
Pune fascinated us. We had accepted its superiority over Delhi.We didn't want to leave it when my father got a transfer to Gwalior after four years. But, we had to.
Pune is a city that embodies its own unique charm and beauty. From its vibrant culture to its rich history, there are many reasons why I love this city. Pune is home to a diverse mix of people, making it a great destination for those looking to experience something new. The city boasts beautiful landscapes, amazing street food, and plenty of entertainment options. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to relax and take in the local culture, there’s something for everyone in Pune.
I never went there and found Delhiism back in me faster than it had vanished.Then, in 2019, I happened to visit my second favourite city, feeling the pangs of meeting a long lost love.
However, the two-day-long visit was not enough to feel the aura and ambience of Pune.
Once my beloved city, it called me again this month. I managed to steal three days out of my busy schedule.Pune had changed. It had grown big as I had crossed over to senescence.Mountains had hidden behind the glory and greed of concrete. Natural greenery seemed manipulated. The reptiles had refuged in some unknown space. People, who were already less emotional than delhites, appeared more practical, straightforward and even less sentimental.
Street food was as abundant as concrete, bitumen, bars and noise. One thing that surprised me was the two-wheeler-riders not wearing head gears. I was desperate to check the traffic rules but had no time.
Pune remains my beloved city but the visit left me worried and sad. Pune is losing its charm. It is not the same as it used to be. The obsession of development is swallowing its scenic beauty. It is no longer a nature's paradise.Wake-up, Pune.Please don't become another Mumbai or Delhi.I liked you the way you were- simple and sophisticated. Despite everything, I will keep loving you.
#pune #Maharashtra #maharashtragovernment #maharashtratourism #PuneMunicipality #Puneadministration #PunePolice #Maharashtrapolice
The so called development has engulfed not just the city, but also the people. Just keep loving those golden old days.. alas!
ReplyDelete... Mahesh Verma
Yes indeed Pune is no more the same as it used to be during our older golden बचपन......जैसे हमने अपना प्यारा बचपन खो दिया है वैसे ही इस शहर ने अपनी पहचान खो दी है। दुख होता जब हरे भरे लहलहाते खेतो की जगह कांक्रीट का जंगल नजर आता है। इसी वजह से पुणे का सुहाना मौसम भी हमसे रूठ चुका है। पता नही हम प्रगती की राह पर चलते चलते कही अवनति को ही बुलावा नही दे रहे??
DeleteMemories are always beautiful...
ReplyDeleteTRUE DISCRIPTION from kashinathmishra
ReplyDelete