Lung Space

Having spent my childhood in the Capital of India known for vast expanses of 'lung space' with beautiful gardens and heritage monuments as backdrops, shifting to 'Garden City' was a challenge! It was surprising to see that every colony does not have a good garden where people can bring their children to play or enjoy a family picnic. Spaces meant for gardens are encroached and it takes a concerted effort to create awareness for public utility.

Such an effort was made a few years ago by enterprising residents of the 'Old Bangalore' colony that I reside in. People wondered if they would be allowed to enter the park once the landscape was improved, as this turned out to be the jewel in our colony.  The shining example of love and hard work of a few residents with green fingers, who envisioned a place for healthy interaction. Money and time was pooled in to create a beautiful space meant for peace and tranquility. 

 This is short-lived, as population  exploded in this once ‘unheard’ of little town.  The park is the center where  so much is happening in and around that it is mind boggling.

Around the park, walkers (while trying to clear foggy brains early morning) are startled on some days by Karate students emitting sudden shouts at irregular intervals.  This group of boys are very intent on the ‘actions’, oblivious to amused on-lookers or nervous passersby. The ‘action’ in the morning around the park is carried on in the evening – inside the park with less healthy intentions.   Here the ‘action’ takes place literally in the lush bushes between couples oblivious to shocked looks or interested glances.  An over enthusiastic gardener could be the cause for such thick foliage! Children frolicking in their play area wonder what’s happening seeing grown ups grappling each other. Their entwined positions would invoke Vatsayana’s spirit to shudder and realize that his Kama Sutra is outdated!

The park entry ticket appears quite cheap for viewing such X-rated scenes! Some smart fellows do the hurdle over the park railing, to avoid paying too! The erstwhile bandstand built for the ‘burrah sahibs’ to enjoy late night  dancing and merrymaking, now stands mute testimony to people groping in the dark! Should one blame such bold behaviour to the onslaught of MTV  or is this the heights of desperation?    One tends to think that they want to be part of the labour of love. I mean the park…. Is this love’s labour lost?