Death of a Great Town

I spent my childhood in this small Town. My ancestors lived here for centuries and large number of relatives still love to live here. Though it is the District Headquarters, for centuries it remained isolated from the rush as seen in many coastal towns. For its quiet ambiance, it was aptly called Pensioner's paradise. For the neat, systematic town layout, it was called second Madras. Once you are in this town you will fall in love instantly.

It is historic Town. One of the Congress sessions were held in 1920's. It is a cultural Town. Many cultural organisations emerged in this town and sustained in this town for a long time. It is religious town. In fact, a street itself is named Temple Street. It is a seaside town. Colonial masters liked this place and loved to live here and, we could see the colonial structures and schools named by missionaries.

It is a Educational town. It prided itself with the best Engineering and a Medical College. It is town that prided with a one of the best Art's college. All these famous institutes produced, many reputed personalities. Many of them went on to serve the state, Country. Many of them moved away from the shores and live in many parts of the world. All these people, still love to go back to this town, love to live a simple, nonchalant life.

After two decades, I visited my native town only to get shocked. The dabas have gone. In those place we see apartments. Rickshaws have gone. In those place we see Autos. Cycles have gone. In those place we see cars and motor cycles. Everything is changed. It is hard to convince my daughter that it is a place for the retired people.

Now we have Chemical factories ruining the environment. We have Gas based industries ruining the atmosphere. Everybody appeared to be very busy and rushing. In the name of Andhra State or in the name of Real Estate, the cost of living is shooting up. The typical Udipi Hotels have gone and in those places we can see the Residencies. The excellent tasty food I used to buy for Rs.2.00, I cannot get even for Rs 200. Now with the announcement of the Refinery, I think the Town -- oh, I understand it is a City now, is going to charge forever.

After spending, a day in the City I regretted because, all my well preserved two decade memories have gone in 24 hours!

My dear Kakinada - in the name of Globalisation or mass / rapid Urbanisation - you will never be same again. But, I cherish your memories for ever.