That tag line from Sri D.V. Sridharan's http://www.pointreturn.org has been an inspiration for me for long -- well, for over 2 years now, since I learnt about his site and his wonderful work. The point is to return. What a wonderful line. Many of us going from one place to another always think of returning to the origin. That thought - some of us visualize and then realize. But very few probably really RETURN. I, for one, am not the same but brought back a lot of baggage with me (not everything physical).
After landing in HYD, I went to a couple of closeby places - which was enough to give me a glimpse of the changing landscape. In the two days since we landed in Bandar - I walked through many thoroughfares and side streets of the "lazy town". Well, for one thing, I realized it's not lazy any more. Agreed - there are no pubs (or are there, in the gullies I haven't been to, or may be hidden somewhere else under non-descript sign boards?!), not much of a night life other than the homeless and the live cattle taking center stage in the center of the town. Agreed - there are no Fun Parks, IMAX Multiplexes or even McDonalds and Pizza Huts.
But what I have seen thus far is that there are many small businesses that cropped up; many young entrepreneurs making a living with colorful themes and trying to make a mark, grabbing the opportunities. I am surprised to see many Computer Institutes touting "live projects" and offshore contracting work from mega corps. Of course, I am sure much of it is worthy of humor :) But still, people are trying it out - of all places, in Bandar. I see people taking their purses out and spending. I see people eating out more and more.
Not that I haven't been to Bandar in ages. I visit my native place almost every year (except 2009, when I made just a 5 day dash to Desh). But I guess my glasses are different now. I am not visiting any more... trying to live here. Makes all the difference eh?!
But above all, it's still a sweet town (no pun intended). One can go anywhere and get work done without having to see better part of their day relegated to history. Need I add you can do it in a healthy way too?! Yes - you can almost walk to any place, without much bother. Innovas and Civics are not new to the roads here - don't get me wrong. You can have them - but don't need them here. How sweet - eh?! Not to talk of Bandar laddu, badam milk, mashala etc - the delicacies of the main thoroughfare in town. Am yet to indulge in them - not in a hurry.
So any way... The point is to return. Still a long way to go. Haven't found a suitable house to make home. Yet to finalize a school - out of 3 shortlisted - for the boys. And that's only one half of the puzzle. I have to set shop and Usha has to put her skills to practice - almost like pulling teeth...er... not almost. That's what she does :)
Swasti!!
