|
|
The British designed Kolkata (or Calcutta) like a grand European capital but today it has become one of the poorest and most overpopulated regions in India. The 20th century brought about a change in the character of the city, which until then had been the capital of the country. Lord Curzon, viceroy of India, partitioned Bengal in 1905 making Dhaka the capital of East Bengal and Assam. However, the partition was annulled due to agitation; but in 1912, Delhi became the capital of India. The partition of Bengal in 1947 between India and Pakistan was the final blow. Kolkata lost trade of a particular part of its hinterland. Social problems too were aggravated with the flocking of millions of refugees to the city, from Bangladesh. The ever increasing population led to tremendous housing problems and many of the residents today dwell in slums amidst filth and squalor.
In spite of the seemingly insurmountable social, economic and political problems, the largest and perhaps the most vibrant of Indian cities, is thriving. The people of Kolkata seem to possess a great joie de vivre which is expressed in their rich culture. No other Indian city can draw the kinds of crowds that throng to Kolkata’s book fairs, art exhibitions, plays, football matches or concerts. Durga Puja, the most important Bengali festival is a demonstration of the city’s vitality, when lights illuminate the city and people, whether they are Bengali or not, often come together for nightlong ‘adda’ sessions. The city is also regarded as a food lover’s paradise and the burgeoning of restaurants and coffee shops in every part of the city is ample testimony to that.
Kolkata, however, remains an enigma to its citizens and foreigners and has grown into a city of contrasts and contradictions. On the one hand we see crores of rupees being spent on building entertainment complexes, shopping malls or flyovers whereas on the other hand we don’t see any progress being made as far as checking pollution and protecting nature is concerned. As a voice for the youth of the city, I’d like to say that, yes we agree that Kolkata had made remarkable progress in the recent past. Infrastructure in the city has developed tremendously. But, as future citizens of the world and of the city, don’t we have the right to demand a clean and green city?
The levels of pollution in Kolkata are increasing everyday and it does not help to fell trees in every imaginable part of the city. A more strict approach needs to be adopted where pollution checks of motor vehicles are concerned and a general awareness needs to be developed among the people about the importance of maintaining a clean city. Trees should be planted more rapidly then they are felled. Ivern Ball said “Most of us can read the writing on the wall. We just assume it’s for someone else”. We too need to realize that global warming and lead poisoning are not figments of someone’s imagination but reality. If we don’t start being careful today, very soon we might be living in a city built merely of concrete.
Therefore, I believe that is our responsibility, the youth of the city, to make our ‘City of Joy’ a better place to live in. Cynics say “youth is wasted on the young, before you know its come and gone…too soon”. Let’s come together and prove them wrong because every one of us stumbles and that is why it is always a comfort to go hand in hand.
|
1
Tags
You must be logged in to add tags.
|
Writer Profile
Radhika
I joined TIG only recently and I have found that it is an excellent forum for the youth to express themselves and their opinions.
I am a student of English literature and my passion for writing attracted me to this site primarily. The various issues under discussion not only help me in understanding youth worldwide but also encourage me to write.
I wish to become a journalist in the future and I believe that is vital that I am aware of all issues around the world and TIG has helped me tremendously as far as that is concerned.
|
Comments
Great story Charles Makanga Sendegeya | Jul 12th, 2004
Hi,
story is well done..keep up the spirit for a cleaner environment!
kolkata was never kool manish kumar | Jul 26th, 2004
good work but bluff less,gal
You must be a TakingITGlobal member to post a comment. Sign up for free or login.
|
|
