That’s what they call it here in Gujarat. One of the most liveliest cities in India, Amdavad has prospered in many fronts while still being able to hold onto its traditional look and feel. And while there are many places here which are more than worth paying a visit, there are many other reasons why I loved this city…
The Father of the Nation lived here, this very room, this very place, this very city. Bapu has been one of my role models for a significant part of my life. It is from him, that I learn to keep calm, be tolerant, patient and most importantly, feel proud of my own nation, for all its glories. Being in a place where Bapu had been, would always be special for me. Besides, this place is so calm and serene, it is always occupied by squirrels, parrots, sparrows, and many creatures the names of whom I still don’t know.
The people here seem to have inculcated a lot of values from Bapu. Always smiling, jolly, cheerful, lively, they are ready to help anyone and everyone. They would always start a conversation in Gujarati, they are proud of it, but once you tell them you don’t understand Gujarati, they would start speaking Hindi, no hesitation, no judgement. Having been brought up in a city like Mumbai and having spent significant amount of time in Pune, I know what to expect when some small mishap happens in public places. But here in Amdavad, all that follows is some mutual understanding and an exchange of gestures indicating ‘all is well’. They splurge a lot, and know how to enjoy life to the fullest!
One reason behind the lively public here might be the fact that there is a nice and regular power supply here. Minimal load shedding, maximum comfort. And for a place which has the mercury touching greater heights day after day, one badly needs a fan at least. Thanks to the thermal power plant, Sabarmati Power House, Torrent Power limited for the nice and smooth power supply. No wonder Amdavad is undergoing a significant industrial boom.
This photograph here is that of a four lane road near Subhash bridge over the Sabarmati river. The road gets crowded as one moves along it, either way. But never did I see a severe traffic jam on any of the roads in the city. The transport facilities are so very well organised here. The roads are spacious, pothole free and the traffic police do their job extremely well, ensuring smooth transport even on a 2 lane road. Added to it is the fast track bus service – BRTS(Bus Rapid Transit System), simply awesome!
What a way to make use of a river bank! This project has made the city a more beautiful place. People of all ages come here, be it couples, family, friends. The view of the river, although polluted, makes it a good place to relax and watch the rising and setting sun.
They don’t cut trees, they find a way around it, literally too, paying them all due respect they so rightfully deserve. Development and environment often seem to contradict each other with trees being cut, land being dug and buildings and roads being built. But here in Amdavad, they have tried to do their bit towards nature by making use of trees to create lanes for vehicles even on main roads. The location in this photograph is near L.D. College and is common in the city.
The state is developing, the place too is developing, but there are certain things which give away the urban look of this place and show its original rural side. These cows and buffaloes are there everywhere in the city, and they keep reminding me of my roots, my village. The residents don’t seem to mind them either. After all, these are the creatures who have given this state the gift of Amul. It does become annoying when you land your foot in some dung, but I don’t mind it much, I like the rural look of Ahmedabad.
Well, who doesn’t like to be with these furry creatures… This presence of animals in every corner of the city should be credited to the conducive environmental conditions maintained by the government and the people. There is more to it, the elusive peacocks wander near human settlements, the small birds, whose identity I fail to determine, make me smile with their sweet tunes and vibrant colors. This squirrel was photographed trying to beat the heat by lying belly down on wet soil, it really is very hot in Gujarat.
As the climate is very hot in Ahmedabad, it won’t be hard for one to imagine walking along a road on a scorching hot afternoon, badly in need for some refreshments. When and if you find yourself in such a situation, think about Amul, and keep walking in any direction, within 2 minutes, you will get an Amul outlet. They are simply everywhere! Amul milk, lassi, chaas, ice-cream to the rescue! Whenever I went past one such outlet, the song ‘Zara si hasi, dulaar zara sa…’ would start playing in my head, unknowingly bringing a smile on my face.
From the good old days, where women were restricted to the household, till today where women lead major business and firms, all of them can be seen in Amdavad. What is more is that they do both these days, with much ease and finesse. They are bold, educated, dynamic, charming of course and very much capable to take on any challenge. This statue is that of Jhansi ki Rani, a salute to Womanhood, come to Amdavad and you will find reasons to respect women.
Acknowledgments
My heartfelt gratitude
To Patil family and Kenjle family, for being my family and friends.
To this tower for guiding me back on track whenever I lost my way photowalking. This tall tower being visible from a far distance has told me directions like a compass. I don’t know the name yet, couldn’t find it either. A good excuse to name it whatever you want!
To my summer internship station – Infibeam, for not being too strict with the schedule and indirectly inspiring me to venture into the city with my camera.
To the people of Amdavad for their helpful nature. I find it worth mentioning a particular rickshaw wala who gave me a free lift just because I clicked his photograph.
“Baad main chaho to delete kar do.”
that’s what he said
“Aapne meri photo khichi, Insha allah, aap bahut acche photographer banoge”
after the ride.
Musings 