Tree Of Destiny

I am a century-old banyan tree standing tall outside the Gateway of India. Today I am going to share the ups and downs in the 107 years of my life. 

When I was 1-year old I saw KING GEORGE V and QUEEN MARY coming to the Gateway of India in 1911. I saw the terrorist attack on 25/august/2003 when a bomb blast left trails of blood in front of the GATEWAY of INDIA. The old TAJ MAHAL hotels rooms were jumping in the sky with fire. The bombs were in a taxi which was parked outside THE TAJ MAHAL HOTEL. Many people were thrown into the sea because of the explosion. 1 day on 13th August a mentally disturbed man stabbed 2 young beautiful girls.

Following the 26/11 terror attack on THE TAJMAHAL HOTEL, public access to the area around the GATEWAY was restricted. Now, I have turned old and become very broad and heavy. I always remember the attacks when I lost my friends and family and was left alone.

Now I have a marble platform built around me. It does suffocate my roots as they are not able to find the path to grow and have a strong grip on the ground. However, I like it when people sit here to relax, chat, laugh, have some food from the canteen nearby and then proceed to the boats for their visit to Elephanta caves. Although, some unhygienic people come and spit or litter near my trunk which hurts me a lot.

  

These days the photographers, all attired in a black and white dress, have become quite tech-savvy. They take excellent pictures and provide instant prints at Rs.30 per print on their portable printer.

During this lifetime, I have enjoyed the celebrations like Diwali, Holi, India's Cricket World Cup wins etc, witnessed all the seasons, some good days and some bad days from the year Nineteen Hundred Ten till now in 2017. Hoping and praying for peace and happiness for all, to sum up, I would like to say that my life has been a rich and pleasurable journey to date.