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.

BE HUMAN BEINGS, NOT HUMANS

BY SELMA PINTO

Grumble! Grumble! Grumble! That’s what I hear most people do, when dogs bark, monkeys enter their compounds, or the like.

Now let me ask you, what do they do when people disturb the poor animals? They cannot fight back except to use their natural instincts. I hear so many reports of dogs attacking kids. In the first place, did anyone ask the dog why he attacked? Not really. Why does the dog not have a fair trial like us humans? Sadly, because we humans cannot understand the dog’s language, even though it is making its point.

We grumble and take action when animals enter our territory. It may be our compound, may be our city. On the contrary, what do animals do when humans enter their territory? By instinct, they will attack or kill. They do not have any courts or laws to help them. And most importantly, just like us humans, they want to safeguard their territory.

Why can’t humans understand that we are invading their territory and hence, due to lack of space, they are entering human territory, much of which originally belonged to them? Why can’t we build higher, than going wider? If we don’t invade their territory, we not only retain our forests, which by cutting trees we are destroying our environment, but are also safeguarding wild animals from entering ‘our’ space.

An animal attacks only when hungry or is being attacked. But in the city, all humans attack the poor animal, making so much of noise, mainly for pleasure. The animal which is already so afraid is traumatized.

Picture courtesy- www.latitudenews.com

Now think about it. Why can’t we teach our children not to harm animals? First of all, this should begin at home. Parents are mostly to be blamed for their children throwing stones at dogs or other harmless animals on the street. I’ve found most parents just shunning animals. When children hear them, automatically they too begin to fear and shun animals. You don’t have to go out of your way and help in any way if you don’t like animals. But it would be nice if you didn’t talk against them either.

Teach your children to love animals. Teach them that they feel pain as much as you do. Teach them that human beings are so much more blessed since they can voice their feelings, both emotionally and physically. But animals cannot. You can be sure that your children will be better human beings, and not just humans.

Try this out. Watch people’s character. Those who are afraid of animals, but do not harm them, are also harmless people. But beware of those who harm animals. They are really dangerous people and cannot be trusted.