Story of my life

My story unfolds in the prosperous and flourishing port city of Bhavnagar located in Gujarat state. This coastal town was once a princely state or kingdom known for its rich & proud culture, heritage & hospitality.

Although my manifestation took place in the cosmopolitan city of Pune in Maharashtra, known for vada-pav, doodh poli, pooran poli, sabudana khichidi etc, my metamorphosis took place in the coastal town or city of Bhavnagar known for delicacies like gaatiya, doodh peda, jalebi, fafda, dokla etc.

Incidentally Bhavnagar represents both the ethnic & royal culture of "Aapnu" Gujarat. This is the place which taught me how to be simple or modest & yet calculating or deceptive. This is also the place wherein I learnt how to be sweet-natured or sweet-tongued and yet business-like or diplomatic in nature. It is no wonder that Gujaratis are highly successful and prosperous in life. They know how to live their lives and how to lead other's lives !

Bhavnagar is the place where my story unfolds, stretches eventfully for 3-4 decades and folds rather abruptly without much fanfare or "band-baaja" unlike the culture that the city represents. All in all, it was a humble and modest journey altogether with nothing to complain about and nothing to celebrate or boast about. I left the place with no regrets in my mind and no memories to cherish. As much as I arrived in Bhavnagar quietly, I left the place quietly & discreetly without making much noise. It was a sad but dignified retreat or exit from a colourful & non-pretentious environment to a contrasting loud & nawabi environment.

How do I compare Hyderabad (my present abode or shelter) with Bhavnagar, my erstwhile abode and shelter for 35-40 years.

While Hyderabad Nawab or Nizam was the last emperor or king to surrender his throne & kingdom to the Indian Union (post-independence) through external force or through army intervention, Bhavnagar Maharaja was the first king or emperor to surrender or cede his throne & kingdom to the Indian Union. He was indeed a true statesman. He lead by example and paved the way for the merger of all kingdoms or independent states with the Indian Union.

Therein lies the difference between the culture & mentality of the people or citizens of Bhavnagar and Hyderabad. The former represents or stands for consensus, peace & freedom while the latter represents or stands for conflict & aggression.

It is a small wonder that Nizam culture and Nawab mentality still prevails or exists in Hyderabad.