In the Cradle of Metropolis

During my student life, finding my true calling was a faraway thought. Coming from a high-class family with middle-class income, my aim was to earn money, no matter what the job or place was. I never imagined that later, I would choose a profession I truly enjoy and a place close to my heart.

Recent meet up with my former students 

After finishing my studies, I joined the teaching profession near my native place. Most of my friends who studied engineering and other courses went to Bangalore. I often wondered if Bangalore had enough space for all of them. The population keeps increasing day by day.

People often say that life in a metro and life in our native are as different as Earth and Jupiter. Busy roads, traffic signals, high food prices, and a fast lifestyle are common in Bangalore. I believed for many years that life in our native was far better.

But after my recent visit to Bangalore, I started thinking differently.

Many of my friends, students, and relatives now live in Bangalore. Those who work in big companies get two days off every week. This gives them time to rest, follow hobbies, or meet friends and family. Some are lucky to work from home while living in their native place. They enjoy both the salary and the comfort of home.

One of my friends once told me I was lucky to stay in my native and work there. But now, that friend is married, has children, and owns a house in Bangalore. People say money is not everything. But to say that, we need to have some money first.

For a long time, I believed that life in a metro is not worth it. I only saw one side of the story. But now, I feel I should have had a more balanced view.

The first few years of my teaching job were special. I had a strong bond with my students. I also acted in theatre plays and trained my students with the help of a colleague. Our connection was not just in classrooms but outside too. Students showed interest in subjects beyond their core ones. That made me feel more fulfilled.

When I planned a reunion recently, I saw that most of my old students are now in Bangalore. Meeting them in the city was easier than asking them to come to the college where they studied. My younger cousins and a few older ones also live in Bangalore. I share a good bond with them. They are used to Bangalore life. Whenever I visit, they are happy to meet me and spend time with me.

Even though there is traffic, traveling in the city is not that hard if you are ready to spend some money. Metro trains, Uber, Ola, and Rapido make travel easier. One day, after meeting my students at a restaurant, I booked a Rapido to go back to my cousin’s house. The rider spoke to me during the ride. He said he works full-time, goes to the gym in the evening, takes some rest, and rides Rapido from 9:30 pm to 12:30 am. He said, “If I was in a relationship, I would lose sleep anyway. Now I earn instead. That’s better.”

Another Uber rider told me, “Sir, you seem like a nice person. But Bengaluru is not good for everyone. Some people cheat here.” I found his comment innocent and kind. Even after I spoke in Kannada, he continued to speak in English. Maybe he wanted to improve his language skills.

My uncle, who spent most of his life in a village, now stays in Bangalore with his son. One day, I went with him to buy vegetables. I enjoyed how he took time to bargain and joke with the shopkeeper. Even though he lives in the city now, his village habits are still with him.

Now I wonder—when I can meet people who are dear to me, when the city gives comfort, chances to grow, and all services at my fingertips—when some people even get to enjoy their hometown life with a high salary, is it not okay to long for this Mahanagara?