Rajeev Khandelwal Article

'I owe a lot to the city'

PEOPLE IN AHMEDABAD HAVE RETAINED THE OLD CULTURAL VALUES

• UNIQUE CITY
A city that houses simple, cultured people who value their tradition — that's Ahmedabad to me where everything is unique. Peaceful, quiet and friendly — it's a beautiful place to live in. This is one city I always want to return to.

• DOWN THE MEMORY LANE
I have spent several years of my life in Ahmedabad, I have fond memories of the city. I have studied in St. Xavier's College (Chemistry honours). I used to visit the Municipal Market situated on CG road, Xavier's hostel, Drive-in cinema, Relief road, Kankaria lake and MG science college as I had a crush on a girl who studied in that college. I remember the way we used to park ourselves outside the girls' hostel, just to catch a glimpse of the girls — it was fun! I miss watching girls with face and hands covered zooming into the streets on their two wheelers, which is so typical of Ahmedabad. One just doesn't get to see such a spectacle in Mumbai.

• QUINTESSENTIAL AHMEDABAD
The city has just got bigger and the beautiful landscape simply oozes vivacity and energy. The city has witnessed exponential growth as it becomes obvious from the malls and multiplexes one comes across. What impresses me is that the spirit of the city remains the same where people are warm and welcoming. Ahmedabad still remains rooted to its rich cultural heritage. It's a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

• I WISH
Too many transformations actually take the characteristic charm away. I want the people here to remain what they are. Prosperity and progress in terms of infrastructure development, and quality of life are always welcome. But what should not change is the attitude towards life which is every Amdavadi's forte. The city should not try to copy another city. I see Ahmedabad among the top metro cities in the country, in the next ten years.

• HUMAN TOUCH
A positive attitude makes an Amdavadi a breed apart. I am glad that people here continue to cherish the values and the rich tradition even though the city has inched towards progress and embraced modernity. The essence of the old culture exists even today. Youngsters have become more enterprising. And a bright future awaits them.

• YUMMYLICIOUS
Gujarati food is simply irresistible. I just love the khaman and fafda served along with green chillies. I make sure to grab a bite of it whenever I visit the city. I am happy that the taste and flavour haven't changed a bit over the years.

• SKY IS THE LIMIT
I owe a lot to the city. Wherever I am today it is all because of my friends, classmates and dear ones. My teachers and the principal of my college have also inspired me a lot and I am still in touch with all of them.
(As told to AMRITA MULCHANDANI)

i m glad that i m part of gujarat and some from ahmadabad too

hey, i'm frm gujarat too. Thanx 4 d article.