Two months ago, I embarked on a journey to the US to visit my kids. The trip from ATS Derabassi to IGI Airport New Delhi stretched to a daunting ten hours due to roadblocks caused by agitation. Wary of potential disruptions on the road between Delhi and Chandigarh upon my return to India, I opted for a flight from New York to Chandigarh via Mumbai. The return journey progressed smoothly until I reached Chandigarh airport, where my driver with the car awaited. However, my joy was short-lived as I encountered a massive traffic jam resulting from road construction, delaying my ten-kilometer journey home by a frustrating two hours. Despite the inconveniences, I find solace in the familiarity of my ATS colony, embracing the chaos of traffic jams, sweltering heat, and dust. This place is where I belong; it defines my identity. While my children may embrace the modern outlook of the USA as US citizens, I am rooted in the essence of my hometown and my country India. I am reminded of an Urdu couplet.
“Phir Se Ek Baar
Ujad Jaate Hain
Chal Tere Ishq Mein
Pad Jaate Hain”
(Excerpts from a Song from Film Gadar2).
Guchi.
Improve Your Life 