I'm in this city up north of India, an hour away from the capital - Delhi, called Gurgaon. It's been one of the upcoming hubs for many a companies to call home for various business setups. So far, I've not seen much besides brick and mortar and many faces that say "don't you know me?". The Locals say it a little more louder as they speak. I feel that I 've probably driven down a few decades, when I drive out a few kms into the conflict of 21st century to the 19th century where gender was so male and expectations were not balanced, social stigma dictated what you do and when etc.... Culturally ! My maid does tell me her sob stories.... about how difficult a living it is in her world with 3 daugthers and 1 son.... and how it was so important for her in-laws that she bear the fruit of male gender. I thought of it and aksed her what she feels about all this - and she is says " I hope my gals do not have to go through what I had to"
I read the recent newspaper that spoke about a married couple going through a divorce because the local community thought that was most appropriate as the bride did not belong to their community, and I'm suprised that the groom agreed (it was a runaway wedding)... ! it flashed as breaking news !
It just strikes me to realize that maybe I'm just born lucky, in tolerable social ecosystem and these cultural beliefs and conflicts will exist for many such decades to come....
I've landed in this city a few times in last 5 years and everytime i wish to see many a warm smiles, nice words, safer community places and lesser about why I shouldn't be going around on my own beyond 7 pm in the evening.......and i was adviced this by a local Taxi drivers who realized i was a new resident to this place.... which i abide by everytime I stay her.... restrict my mobility beyond certain hours.
And I start thinking about other metros in this country, do they feel same?
While I've travelled almost all of them and may have my views and opinions, what do you have to say?
I go back down south this weekend.... but this experience lingers ....
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Believe me, Bangalore is no better now , although curfew is 11.00 pm, it does not help much and we have to be extra cautious of what we do and wear and all that Jazz .... It sucks but its life...
ReplyDeleteLiving and visiting other metros... i still find mumbai,hyderabad and Bangalore safer atleast ... till midnite....
ReplyDeleteBut ye ..caution is everywhere !