Flyovers and wide, flat
streets have replaced the narrow pot holed filled roads of yesterday. Bare open
spaces have been replaced by residential high-rises. The nightly groupings at
paanwala’s have been shifted to Barista’s. An unorganized galli cricket has
taken shape of an official league. School auto rickshaws have been replaced by
vans. All night Garba’s are now restricted till midnight during Navratri.
Life or should I say time, has
changed Baroda. But has it really?
The flyovers and broad boulevards
have not stopped Barodians from going on the wrong direction instead of taking
a long u turn!! Stray Cows and dogs still wander the streets and cause traffic
jams. Even though there are long waits in Coffee shops, paanwalas’ also command
the same popularity. Cricket, politics and movies are still the favorite topics
of discussion. So what if roadside cricket is not as popular now a days, Sports
academy’s and organized leagues are garnering the same level of interests. Cricket
is still played with same passion. Rickshaws are not a common school vehicle now
a days but just as in yester years, kids constant chattering is still responded
by drivers bawling and more importantly there is always space for ‘one more kid’
in a packed school vehicle!! 12 am deadline during Navratri has failed to put a
dent on Garba crazy Barodian’s enthusiasm.
When I walk at midnight on VIP
road, crossing the new flyover, I can’t help but wonder if it is the time that
has changed or is it our perspective? The city, as I see, has been the same
since I left. Traffic rules are still broken, cricket experts and international
relations gurus still gather at the roadside paanwala’s, school vehicles are still
flooded with kids and their backbreaking backpacks, the famous roadside food
vendors are still packed till late night with food junkies. Navratri is still
the best time of the year.
Here’s to one of the best things
that ever happened to me…I spent my school years in Baroda.
To the city that gave me more
than I bargained for, it gave me an identity…Thank you!!
