SPARE A THOUGHT AND REGRET!

BY MUHAMMAD WAJIHULLA

“In previous generations, America’s standing economically was so much higher than everybody else’s that we did not have a lot of competition. Now you have got billions of people from Beijing to Bangalore to Moscow, all of whom are competing with you directly.” 

This statement by Obama made Bangalore one of the most distinguished cities globally. This not only gave a boost to the already flourishing city but through this, it recognized India as a major threat to the developed Nations. Today Bangalore is known by various names, it is globally recognized as the Silicon Valley of India. A place blooming with IT companies and educational institutions we have people pouring in from every corner of the world to get a job in this city. 

The city has seen development and progress like no other city in the country. Economically speaking, there is no end to the way this city has progressed. Today Bangalore makes it as a major economic centre with an economic growth of 10.3%, second fastest metropolis in India. Forbes considers Bangalore as one of the fastest growing cities in the world.

A never seen sight in 1990s Bangalore!

But all this fame and recognition that this city enjoys came at a heavy price that pinches every Bengalurean. Was it really worth it? A question that haunts every Bangalorean. I have been a part of this city from the time the doctor cut of that umbilical cord. My entire childhood grew up watching this city transfer from a garden city to a globally frustrating city. During the Pre-Independence era Britishers visited Bangalore to relax and enjoy its lush green beauty and today people from all across the world travel to witness the city sweating with increase in Temperature and Pollution.

Bengaluru houses more than 1.25 crore people, from 2001 to 2011 the population of the city is increased by a whopping 41.7%. What is more depressing is that more outsiders have seeped in than the rightful inhabitants. We today are roughly 30% of the total population. The immigration that has taken shelter in this city has not valued it or taken care of it like they should have - you can call it ignorance or typical immigrant mentality! 

The Bangalore I knew was a clean, beautiful and quiet place. It was known for its pleasant weather, the lush green atmosphere that surrounds you. The journey from my house to my cousins house in BTM Layout was like a once in a month family picnic. We never knew what traffic was, our small roads were sufficient for us. But today it all looks like a dream. If we spare a thought we realize that the city has thought us three things- its three core values ‘Live, Love and Forgive’”. The city has learnt to live with those who don’t belong here, love them despite their ignorance and forgive them for they know not what they have done. 

Sorry if I have hurt the sentiments of anybody with this piece, all I wanted to convey was my frustration seeing this city melt every day. It hurts to see that this is no more the place where I grew up. And for those reading, if you are not from here- treat the city as your own and see the difference! The embrace you will feel is more peaceful than any you would have felt before.