The Vijaynagar Connection

The world is well and truly a small place. I am a believer in this motto for quite some time now. I can recollect many instances where people who I have never met before know me-either by reading my nonsense written on this blog, or through mutual friends.  Most of the times-the latter. Sometimes, you come to know people, become friends with them, and when you add them on social networking sites, you are surprised to see that they know a few people who you too know, and are left clueless to the question “How on earth do they know each other!”(Especially if the two people are living in different cities, and sometimes even in different countries.) The world certainly seems a small place- and quite often, owing to its smallness, throws quite a few surprises at you. 

People tend to observe other people on public transport systems, especially in foreign countries, to look out for people who speak same language as them, or are from the same city as them. I'm a Marathi manoos, so it is but obvious that I tend to seek Marathi speaking people on the train, and if I come across one, I do make a point of going and talking with them. The most interesting thing about such interactions is usually the “common link” that connects the two of us. The following incident, was of such random “common link” seeking action total brought upon me the sheer awesomeness and respect that Vijaynagar/Chandrashekhar society in Mumbai commands, and undoubtedly, the fame my mama and aai have in that society.

I had had an awesome Chindian (Chinese Indian) dinner at the city center in Singapore, and was on my way home. I jumped into the MRT that connects City Hall to Boon Lay, and engaged myself in playing cricket on my mobile phone. God damn cricket is so addictive-as a topic to view, chat and play on grounds as well as on mobiles and PCs. Anyway, I was going well, a 10 over match between India and Pakistan, where my Indian batsmen were thrashing the Pakistani bowlers at a run rate of over 24 runs an over. Then suddenly, I heard something that made me lose the wicket of my well settled opener- people conversing in Marathi. I turned around and saw that a couple were in the train right next to me and speaking in Marathi- and immediately, I could conclude that they were from Mumbai(Me alelo-finish!) I decided to complete my innings- only 2 overs were remaining, and go and greet them. So, with a greater urgency, I thrashed those virtual Pakistani bowlers for 50 runs in 2 overs, saved the game and went to have a chat with my Marathi co-passengers.

I greeted them in customary way you greet unknown Marathi people here. “Tumhala Marathi boltana aikla” then introduced me, and what I do here. The couple also introduced themselves, and we got talking about how we so seldom meet Marathi people here, although now that is changing. Then we got to the topic of where we live. Me being a true Punekars, the first response was “Sadashiv Peth” instead of Jurong West, which was probably the expected answer. They also said that they were actually from Mumbai, but have been living here since before I was out of school. So the focus now shifted to where in Mumbai, since I had already closed the loop from my end by stating Sadashiv Peth. I guess that identity must have been enough for them to remember me, although I must admit my physical characteristics and typical Pethi mannerisms leave a more vivid an lasting image. Anyway, so the focus was now on where in Mumbai. Since I have lived in that place- and that too in a society like Vijaynagar Colony, I thought that I had enough ammunition with me to prove a point that even in knowing Mumbai, Punekars are better! 

My co-passenger told me the location of his suburb in Mumbai, and I also got talking I used to live in Andheri before I came here(Somehow i relate Andheri East-Vile Parle =Sadashiv Peth of Mumbai). His wife seemed to take particular interest when I said Andheri, and enquired further about where in Andheri. I don’t need second invitations to declare my ties with Mumbai through Vijaynagar/Chandrashekhar, and promptly replied, “Chandrashekhar Society!” And Behold! The person who I was talking with for more than 10 minutes had grown up and lived in Vijaynagar Society till 1988. Once the Vijaynagar link is established, a special kind of bond is created I guess. I don’t know why, how much I curse Mumbai, I simply cannot fault this place. It’s unique. The people there are unique. We got talking about the society and how it has changed now and how it was much better before. I have fortunately witnessed both-but for me it’s still the same, for a place is known by the mentality of the people there- not the buildings. 

 

The comparison which gets me recognized at the unlikeliest of places!

(Left: Me, right: Mama)

While the discussion on Chandrashekhar redevelopment was going on, he asked me whether I was related to Shirish Chaphekar (my Mama), since him though I looked a bit like him and Chaphekar kaka (My grandfather) and my Mom. Lots of people have told me this thing; I do admit I bear a great deal of resemblance with my Mama. I'm regular subject of this comparison in Pune and Mumbai( sometimes my mother calls me as “Shirish” by mistake! ), but I had barely expected this comparison anywhere outside these two places- let alone on a train in Singapore. To say I was a little bit surprised would be an understatement. This is the unique kind of thing that probably happens because of the affinity all people from the colony have about each other and the social programs that happen over there, which brings everyone together.  After talking for a while, I came to know that he knew my Mama, my Mom, my Mavshis, and he used to sometimes come and take tuitions from my grandfather. When I told him Im Shubhadas son, there was a smile and a shaking of head follwed by "vatlach mala".

Time flew by as we were talking about the colony and life over there and how everyone, especially some old aaji-ajobas are doing, and how many of them are still alive. Finally, his station came. We bid goodbyes to each other, and no doubt will definitely meet sometime soon- for a Vijaynagar Bond has been established. But the incident left me in sheer awe of the society. I had a brief stay of about 6 months over there, but those six months were enough to provide me with memories which can be cherished for a lifetime, and unexpected surprises such as the one just narrated. I do really miss this place.

[Anyone from society if you are reading this, please click a nice photo of the society and email it to me, so I can attach it here]
[Im deliebrately not mentioning the name of the person I met. Creates more mystery. Plus, on previous occasions ive been told off for doing so. Anyway, the gentleman from Vijaynagar used to live in the old number 5, and was 2 years my Mamas junior and a classmate of Medha Mavshi] 

My Love Affair with the Indian Railways.

No other mode of transport evokes so much excitement in kids, as much as railways. I was no different. As a kid, I was fascinated by trains- so much so that I had the whole timetable of trains arriving and departing from Pune junction completely memorized. I knew the platform number from which the train departed and the platform on which it arrives. Infact, I used to be so engrossed with this subject that even the stations on the way to Mumbai VT as it was then called could be told in their correct order at any instant. The fascination with trains, with locomotives, with the engine drivers, with the way in which the tracks were laid out in Pune station, Mumbai VT station was unending. No wonder, I tried to go, and once successfully managed to get into the locomotive every single time.

Indian railways, along with the postal system are the only things for which I extend my gratitude towards the Brits. Had they not been here, atleast Indian railways as we know it would not have existed, for it was them, who laid the foundations for one of the largest rail networks in the world. My love for the Brits ends at the establishment of these two government organizations, but extends a little bit for the establishment of Mumbai.

Coming back to the main point- Railways was always a fascination. Especially the train ride from Pune Jn to Dadar. Every summer vacation and every December, me, my sister, my mother, my aunt (moms sister) and my cousins used to go to Mumbai for a week or two to spend time with my grandparents. The most awaited part of the journey used to be the train ride from Pune to Dadar, and back. Forget living in Mumbai for a few days- those 4 hours in the train was the reason why we actually travelled. In Mumbai, my grandparents used to stay very near to the Andheri Station. So every evening, after finishing cricket at 7, me and my cousins used to go to the footbridge over the Andheri station- just to look at trains- no, not ordinary trains- but the Flying Ranee and the Rajdhani express, which usually zoomed out of the station at full speeds.

Fast forward 15 years- my fascination and love affair with the Indian railways continues. I remember, as a kid, I used to go out at Lonavla station, and Karjat station to get chikki and Vada Paav respectively, and not enter the train till the locomotive blasted its warning horn. Six months ago, on my one day trip to Mumbai with my cousins- we did the same thing. Forget getting down at Karjat- we even went to see the engine being attached to the train-our very old habit- and watched it with the enthusiasm of a six year old. Numerous trip to Mumbai over the last few years- some for work, some with my ajoba, and a few with my cousin Rohan- just because we were bored sitting in Pune are vivid. Vivid for the memories it provided. Vivid-because a road journey though quicker by 1 hour or so, costs 3 times more money (money which we eventually spent on eating on the train anyway). Vivid because of the journey done standing in the door of the railway bogey, catching fresh air, letting the wind run through your hair as the train speeds through the Ghats- and watch unprecedented beauty of the Sahyadris.

        (Traveling in the Deccan Queen-Photo taken near Palasdari-Karjat stretch.)

As a kid, other than railways, I grew up fascinated by many things around me- the history of the Marathas, history of inventions in science, the geography of India. Somehow, of all the things I studied in school, the most interesting were History and Geography. History, for obvious reasons, and geography- for it taught me the sheer audacity of my country- in terms of area, resources, distribution of resources just to name a few. The history, geography and economy of India, I realized, was all interlinked by its railways. If I read about an interesting historical place, I could locate it on the map, thanks to geography, and draw imaginary plans to travel from Pune to the nearest possible station to that location. Other times, if the newspaper said that there was shortage of a resource, or a new industrial plant was being built at some location, immediately, I would draw the maps of how the resource could be transported and distributed, thanks to the railways. 

Now when I look back, I do realize that indeed, Indian Railways is the lifeline of the country. It covers the entire nation – even reaching parts of Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura etc., which are extremely hilly. With a few permutations and interchanges, you can travel from any part of the country to any other. Goods from extreme south can be transported to as far as Punjab in a matter of a few days, which would otherwise take weeks to transport through roads. Indian Railways bring millions of Indians- belonging to various regions, customs and habits in contact with one another. It is truly a melting pot for ideological exchange. Other than this countrywide linkage, Railways employs more people- directly or indirectly, than any other organization in India. These are reasons enough to keep me fascinated in the super giant that is the Indian railways.

Yes- there are a few more things that keep it interesting. The names our Railway gives to its trains. Indian railways have express trains which have some of the most beautiful names- related to the destination of the train, the route on which the train runs, the history of the train etc. Shatabdi Express, Rajdhani Express are the crown jewels – and it still gives a sense of pride and privilege to travel in one of them. Others such as Goa Express, Jhelum express, Pragati express, Suvarnajayanti express, Indaryani express, Dhauli Express hold a special place in my heart. But a large section of my heart is devoted in its entirety to the Deccan Queen. It’s not called the Queen of the Deccan for no reason. It is a special train. I don’t know what it that makes it so special, but nevertheless it is special. Pune Mumbai travel if not in Deccan Queen, is not worthwhile or enjoyable. Oh Deccan Queen-the train we used to stop to gaze at when it went from the overhead bridge near Shivajinagar, the train which halts everyone in their tracks, just so that they have a glimpse of this beauty, my heart shall always be yours.  

As India marches on its path of progress, better roads have led to fewer commuters on the trains, as they prefer roads which are much quicker. Too bad the average Indian kid now cannot with the same fascination hold the high regard for railways. I must say I was blessed to be born in a generation, which for sure is the last one, to know the legacy of the Indian railways, and possibly have a love affair with it. The real beauty of India can only be viewed traveling in the second class compartments of the Indian railways- her diversity and cultured can all be found in one place – the railways. For me, Railways is India, and India is its Railway.