Porbandar

Having heard Gujarat CM Narendera Modi saying "Come to Gujarat ,where life is a Celebration",my employers gave me a chance to explore this part of the country. And as the fate could have it I began my journey where Gandhiji began his,on Oct 02,1869 .Mahatma was born in a three storey blue Haveli here,where his father,uncle and grandfather had all been prime minister to the Jethwa Rajput Ruler

The city get its name from the word "Porai" which is the name of local goddess and "Bandar" means port or harbour,thus Porai Harbour becomes Porbandar.The city has been a prosperous trading center for centuries , conducting much commerce with Arbian and persian Gulf countries as well as East Africa. The trade has been fueled by the typical shrewdness and competence by the gujarati people.

As I walked out of my hotel toward the city center ,a loud sound of broken silencer broke the silence within me,when i looked around i saw the "Chakda Rickshaw",the gujarati version of Jugaad. The word Jugaad literally means work around,which has to be used because of lack of resources and will power,but unlike the other Indian innovation it does have a registration number.The villagers mounted on the Chakda like sheeps and cow, focused on the long and dusty road ahead, trying to reach their destination thinking,"What is this life if full of care ,we have no time to stand and stare"

Knowledge and growth (money) has made the people more competitive and they in turn have eaten into each others open spaces.The houses are made so close that is hard to find somewhere to look where I wasn't infringing someone's privacy ,backyard or bedroom window.The roads have become arena of road rages and ego parades ,so just stick to the walkways and chauffeur driven cabs.Even the soft spoken gujus ,have become more discontent and more wanting due to choices and wealth.

Deep in my thoughts I continued through the dusty street across,there is a structure which marks the greatness of legendary friendship of Jai-Veeru,(kidding people),I m referring to lord Krishna and Sudama.The story comes alive with sight of a beautiful temple in middle of Porbandar,this is the only temple dedicated to Sudama and friendship.The maze on the platform in the courtyard is an intriguing feature here.

As I continue toward the busy market ,there is a sea of people ,the hustle and bustle and most of all noise.Noise everywhere , assaulting my senses ,beeping horns ,moaning cows and shout and screams of people selling their stuffs.Beggars and the said religious men both asking for alms ,with sole purpose of quenching the fire in their stomach,I wonder if stomach is mother of all evils.

As the Sun started to head home ,I went to visit the Bird sanctuary,It was difficult for me to imagine a bird sanctuary amid the city flaunting the coexistence of man and nature.The eco- system is thriving with life with chirping and tweeting of birds in every corner,Humanity has done itself proud my allowing the growth of other species(flora n fauna) here.

With dusk settling in and smoke from the numerous chula (fire stoves) rising,I decided to head toward the sea,to catch the glimpse of colours that the nature paints the sky with.I reached Chowpathy the only place where the ambient decibel levels allows you to hear your inner self.the semi concrete or rather an ill maintained pathway along the rocky beach front is the meeting place of fitness minded sweet eating gujus.Folks come here well dressed to enjoy beautiful sunset ,cool breezes and relax their diligent minds and drink Kawa (masala black tea).

Darkness and the emptiness of the area forced me to start my walk back to the solace of my room in Hotel Natraj and hit the bed.Just a week has gone by and the slowness of the place and loneliness(yes i miss my son and lovely wife) has made me rethink my plans and strategy for life . I thought to write down my feelings to maintain belief in self and hope for a better tomorrow.

It is time to move on to meet my next pit-stop and try to absorb the uniqueness through my lenses.Also learn the changes and diversification my country has to offer.