The By-Lanes of Paharganj
I have been always fascinated with the myriad of experiences and the rich culture that Delhi has to offer. For years I have been laughing silently at the people who know nothing of the beauty that this uncouth city holds. They look at the cynical smile that I offer and tell me that I have too deep a tie with this city to be able to do justice to an unbiased argument. Fellow Mumbaikars curse Delhi for the sheer lack of etiquette and demeanor. Yes they are, and always have been correct. Delhi is loud, uncouth and on certain occasions uncaring. But there can be no denying of the fact that there is no city as vibrant, as colourful and as lively.
What I never knew about my favourite city was that not only is it an amazing place to live and grow up, but also Delhi can boast of some amazing people, intellectual movements and extraordinary courage.
Work took me to the by-lanes of Paharganj last week. It’s this area somewhere towards the north of Delhi which is perennially overcrowded and offers a cheap abode to foreign tourists. This is a place where you find commercial sex workers from all over the world, haggling on the roads with their ‘desi’ pimps. This is also a place where you will find all the narcotics which have been banned by the government quite easily.
And in this place, I learnt one of the most valuable lessons of my life. Humility.
The people in Paharganj brave new challenges everyday. From water shortage to MCD ceiling, Unsanitary neighbourhoods to crime and prostitution. And yet, I saw deeper smiles on the faces of the street children, brighter shades of hope in the dimming eyes of the elderly and more contentment in the voice of the street vendors than I have ever seen before.
In my profession, I always deal with people who become victimized by their situations. People who cannot adapt to their fast changing environments, and yet a few hours spent with the children and the elderly in this part of the city coloured my beliefs in brighter shades of the spectrum.
And for those few hours spent on a hot May afternoon… I am today a better person.
- Neha
Anirudh says:
so true…~~
May 4th, 2007 at 09:03 pm
sahana says:
Enjoyed this piece.I too love Delhi… for the treasuretrove that it is to history buffs.
brighter sade of hope…lovely…
May 5th, 2007 at 01:45 pm
ajay says:
how true i also agree
April 1st, 2008 at 10:58 pm