Yeh Dilli Hai Meri Jaan

It is nothing but mere coincidence that my third blog post also deals with Life and times of a mega Indian city. I might sound living perilously close to be labeled as an “obsessed self styled analyst of cities”-But my home of 21 years , New Delhi ,certainly deserves this blog post.

I am no City Guru, I am an avid traveler and this post is an attempt to amalgamate my varied experiences.

I have vivid memories of a Grade 6 social studies class where the teacher talked at length about Delhi being “Mini India”. To an unwilling, uninterested student Mini India obviously didn’t make much sense. All of 11, I just managed to grasp the crux of the matter – That the topic was an important one and a question could appear in the examination. The question did appear in the exam later that year and for my own good it’s important that I do not disclose how I fared in that exam. I would like to set the record straight now.

The student in question (Moi) has not changed a lot since then. Much of my undergraduate studies have been very very “question” oriented. Just that, on the verge of graduation (Which hopefully should happen this year.. :)) , I have a better understanding of “Mini India”.

A quick look at Delhi’s demographics will tell you that Delhi has people drawn from all corners of the country. There are in fact very few people who “originally” belong to Delhi, most trace their roots to distant and diverse areas of India. When people from such varied backgrounds blend together, it gives the city a very unique character .Languages and dialects spoken in Delhi are equally interesting. Delhi’s Hindi changes fairly quickly..In a span of few kilometers. Try hitching a ride on a Delhi Bus and you shall know this soon. The dialect these Buswallahs speak is hilarious (No offences intended) and interesting .My NSIT batch mates with years of 764 experience would know this better.

Delhi’s architecture is an interesting blend of structures from different periods and cultures. The Mughal structures in old Delhi lend the city its Grand Royal look.
Lutyen’s Delhi, on the other hand is imperial legacy. The lush green environs of the ridge make Delhi one of the greenest capital cities in the world. CP’s majestic skyline can give any modern city a run for its money. The modern structures coming up in the suburbs are the face of a young nation’s quest for growth and development. This amalgamation of the old and the new makes Delhi special. I wonder why Delhi hasn’t still caught the fancy of filmmakers, the way Mumbai has. I remember having watched a couple of 1970s movies shot in Delhi and the city looks gorgeous.

Delhi’s climate has it all too. My little knowledge of geography tells me that, 28 Degrees 35’ north of equator, away from the moderating effect of sea, Delhi enjoys continental climate. That essentially means that we Delhiwallahs get to enjoy all 4 seasons. The scorching summer followed by soothing monsoons and eventually ‘Dilli ki sardi’are seasons to savour. We people spent a few late December nights under the sky while working on a project and that was when I got the real taste of Dilli Ki Sardi.

Delhi is a foodie’s ultimate dream city. Authentic Indian Cuisine to Videshi stuff –Delhi has it all. Eateries in Chandni Chowk have built global reputation for themselves. I personally enjoy the South Indian food that I get here in Delhi (God Talk of food.. I am already hungry. I must wrap this up early). South Indian food lovers like me may want to try stuff served at 2 famous joints in Sector 2 & 12 RK Puram.

Delhi is a little India in itself with a distinct image and a distinct character. Delhi truly mirrors the vast diversity of India.