Unforgettable Reminisce

 

personal account of an enjoyable trip to my favourite city in India, Bangalore, also popularly known as Bengaluru. Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka state, also known as the ‘Garden City’ due to its many parks and green spaces. Over the last twenty years it has become a major hub for the IT/ ITES. Thus, often called the “Silicon Valley of India”. My last month’s visit after a prolonged period of two decades, reminded me of my childhood, schooling, college life, friends, family and entourages, the reminiscences that I always carry along with me. I buzzed with excitement as vivid memories of my past flooded my mind. This is the place where my youth thrived, brimming with energy and bright future. Thus, holding a very special place in my heart. Bengaluru has transformed considerably and economically. The city looks bustling due to massive influx of population and urban shifts. However, the rapid expansion has led to traffic congestion, pollution and a change in city’s overall climate. Despite all these changes, Bengaluru undoubtedly remains my most favourite and it did not stop me venturing out and about. My first venture was to the rural school, ‘Namma Halli Shaale’, located in Mandy district, Karnataka, which operates under the mission “Empowering Government Schools in Rural Karnataka,” and is managed by the Paranjyothi Foundation. The foundation is led by Sri M.L. Warchus Vin S.S. Raje Ures, the current Mathadhipathi of Manteswamy Matha – Malavalli, Adi-Honnayakanahalli, and Sri Kappadi Kshetra, and a royal member of the Mysore Palace, along with his wife, Mrs. Sushma Gubbi Vani, who serves as a trustee at Nama Halli Shaale. The initiative focuses on revitalizing rural government schools, aiming to provide quality education through community engagement and sustainable practices. Mrs. Chhavi Z. Ticku, my sister, heads the school and provides voluntary service in the form of guidance and support to the teachers, and underprivileged children. Mrs. Ticku supports the foundation to ensure these children receive high quality education. I attended their annual day function and what was amazing to witness was these rural kindergarten children speaking English, performing skits and singing songs in front of a large audience with confidence and pride. It made me feel proud of Mrs Ticku, whose knowledge and expertise has been helping in developing these rural budding children, significantly and promoting their future.The visit to the school left me feeling overwhelmed with gratitude. What amazed me further was the deep reverence that the people have for their Mathadhipathi, who is not just a religious leader but also a custodian of cultural and spiritual values, with immense love and respect. This kind of gesture is rarely witnessed in the urban areas. I was fortunate to have a glimpse of a different world, where preservation of culture, love and spiritual values guide the future of young aspirant in the society. After my joyful visit to the rural school, my next venture was going to our beautiful, massive Kashmir Bhavan in Jayanagar, the dream every Kashmiri Hindu aspired for after their exodus from the Kashmir Valley. I was fortunate to attend the new year’s day( Navreh) there and enjoy the scrumptious ‘Thair and lassi’ reminding me of my childhood trips to ‘Parbath’ with my grandfather. I was astonished to look at this massive building grandeur, lush green lawns, a vibrant hub for social and cultural activities, a sanctuary where traditions are preserved and cherished. Nestled within its serene green lush ground are Neelkateshwara and Jalal Devi temples, where countless visitors pay their obeisance, seek solace and spiritual rejuvenation. The Bhavan is more than a physical space, it embodies a sense of belonging for us Kashmiris offering a harmonious environment, where people converge to share experiences, exchange ideas and strengthen bonds. It is without doubt, a cherished heart of the community, where the past intertwines with the present, fostering a spirit of unity and continuity. In the midst of the lush green gardens sits a bench engraved with my grandparents’ names. This bench was donated by my parents in honor of my grandparents. Sitting on that bench evoked a feeling that is beyond words. I couldn’t help but think that they were watching over me from above, smiling and cheering me on. I felt honoured to visit the Bhawan and be a small part of celebration. The entire experience filled me with pride as a Kashmiri. The visit to ‘Tazza Thindi’was a must try. The delightful culinary, savouring flavours of South Indian cuisine- crispy doses, soft idilis with creamy coconut chutney, evoking fond memories of my childhood in Bengaluru. The city’s vibrant gym culture especially ‘Cult. Fit’ Gym inspired me to indulge in a brief workout session. I found myself drawn to a dance class, where the unique ‘desi’ vibemade my rhythmic movements flow harmoniously with the enchanting music. Overall, the visit was superb that drove me into reminiscence and restarting back to the era of childhood which became a part of my life journey. The visit, though short, immersed me in a wave of nostalgia. It felt as though I had momentarily reversed clock that shaped the foundation of my life journey. This is also a reminder how past continues to influence the present. In many ways, the visit to Bangalore served both a reflection and a revival of my childhood. I will always be ever so thankful to this beautiful city for being a part of my journey and my life.

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The views expressed in the Article above are SHIKHA ZALPURI KAPILA  views and kashmiribhatta.in is not in any way responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article. The article belongs to its respective owner or owners and this site does not claim any right over it. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing."

Courtesy: SHIKHA ZALPURI KAPILA  and  Spade A Spade-June 2025