My City My Pride – Heart Is Where My City Is….Always Will…

My City My Pride – Heart Is Where My City Is….Always Will…

There are moments in life which remain etched in your memory forever. Mine would be when I got down from a train and stepped on the only platform of Bhubaneswar Railway Station one early morning in 1958. My young eyes could not see the end of the platform, on either of its sides.

We jumped down from the platform and walked across the tracks to a wooden gate that opened to Bhubaneswar. Then we walked along a path lined with trees, and later I was told it was the Jhunjhunwala Garden. A few minutes more and we came to a large thatched house which was my home till 1977, when it became a victim of Emergency.

My first memory of Bhubaneswar takes me, at least half a century, back in time. Now I am 67 and someone who has grown up with the city, I have seen its adolescence, youth and now witnessing its prime. For me, reminiscing about my life and times in Bhubaneswar takes me through a prism of memories.

As a seven year old, I was enrolled to St. Josephs Convent School and by 1960, I had moved to Stewart School and three years later, as a 12 year old, I joined the Sainik School where I completed my schooling. The memory of those days is that of the undulating roads, lovely evening breeze, colourful butterflies and birds chirping their way from morning till evening fell.

Beautiful as this memory is, it also makes my heart heavy because a seven-year-old today will never enjoy such natural beauty of the four seasons that I was witness to as a young resident of the City of Temples.

Time flies and cityscape changes. I recall the landmarks which were so distinct and have stood testimony to this beautiful city’s history. Next to my house was Master Canteen; the old residents of this town still talk about the huge samosas. For a mere four annas, we could relish two of those remarkable snacks. From where we stayed, we could see the Capital Cabin Square, which is now known as the Raj Mahal Square. In between, where Royal Midtown Hotel stands today, was the tinned roof Burma General Store, a name which brings memories galore. One could purchase anything one needed for daily use.

The next landmark which still holds on to its old name is the Kalpana Chhak, named after the Kalpana Cinema. I have many memories of this hall where I watched so many films but the best memory is that of a young man – always impeccably dressed in white shirt, half pant and white shoes – who would usher you to your seat.

I am not sure how many still remember Roop Mandir, a thatched-roof film hall in Old Town area. I can recall the Hindi School behind the Unit -1 Haat which used to run from a government quarter. I mentioned it because as kids, we used to go to school on the same route and on our way back, the vegetable vendors would give us, students, one radish each for free. That was the beauty of the new capital back then – people were amicable and very friendly.

When I see the Market Building in Unit II today, it reminds the young boy in me of Flex Shoes, Kumar Tailor and Spencers where one could get Polson butter, ham and cheese. The only post office was also in this Market Building complex.

How can I possibly forget uncle Nair who used to be a driver in the state-run ORTC bus! Passing by our house, he will halt and call out to my mom: “Bhabiji Cuttack jana hai” as the helper would pull the string of the bell placed next to the driver and scream: Capital Cabin.

The other memory is of another driver of ORTC who proudly wore his frayed blue jacket – INDIA written on the back – since he had represented the country in the first Asian Games held in New Delhi. Wish I could recall his name! I used to be in college then.

Memories of graduating from BJB College, Post Graduation from Utkal University and the numerous friends I made are still green. Such was the time that it was impossible even considering moving out of Bhubaneswar and settling somewhere else despite going through heart wrenching incidents which are personal.

After living a whole life in this endearing town where I came as a seven year old boy, I accept the changes that the city has witnessed over the decades but what hurts is that these changes have been very haphazard. Residents of Bhubaneswar which I remember took pride in the fact that even after a pounding shower, all it took was just fifteen minutes for the water to drain off. The humble cycle was the queen of the roads but today we can hardly think of using one. It was once considered a city good enough for retirees because of its environment, cool evenings and plenty of green cover. Despite the changes, the memories of the past are strong enough to force me to hold on hoping that the good old days will come back as it transforms into a Smart City.

The author believes his has been a roller coaster life. He started off his career in the construction business and then went on to work in the social sector. Currently, he is enjoying writing English poetry. Two of his books Crossroads and Mirrored Reflections have been published and he is looking forward to the third, preferably on short stories.

Pictures by: Rakesh Kumar Roul