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.
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