I was born in this city. Yes, this city is my pride and I love my city. It’s not just about my home and my family; I have spent my half life in this city. I have made Tons of memories, growing up what I am today. Some of these memories are crazy and some funky. Some brings joy and some pain. Some upgrade and some degrade. All these memories are my achievements even though I may not receive any medal from them. They have made me grow strong and bold by facing all the ups and downs in my life. The candies I bought from the shop or the secret corner I used to hide while playing hide and seek or the hotels I went with my family and friends reminds me of the joy I had and refreshes me with old memories.
Now as a 24 years old grown up, need no company to go to the same candy shop or the hotels or to the places I prefer to roam about. But I am forced to take my brother or my friends to places I hang out. In the burning summer, where no one prefers to hang out, I have to hang out in day. My city which I love and have spent half lifetime is NOT SAFE for me. The lane or the park I played is unsafe today. My secret corner has turned into dangerous corner. The way to my school I travelled as a princess is also unsafe today.
When young, I loved those long rides my dad used to take me in the night. The cool weather in the night thrilled me. Today, I can’t experience the same joy alone on my bike.. I am in a dilemma that should I be proud of my memories I spent in this city or should I be shameful that my own city is unsafe for me today. I think this condition is not alone in my city; it’s the condition of all the cities in the country. The daughters of the cities feel insecure to go out in the night or even in daytime; they have to hear the comments as a statue displaced in the exhibition where people comment on the looks and colour or size and shape.
That smiley expression I would get once I hear my city name is turning and haunting as a question tag.
– Shruti. M. Kasar
Mount Carmel College/Takshashila Institution
