Today’s The Hindu supplement “Magazine” carries an article on the changing face of Mysore. With the IT boom slowly touching Mysore, the negatives that it brings with it are what is most scary for a city like Mysore. Sometimes, it’s the space that you find in Mysore that makes you love it. And sometimes it’s the warmth of the place.
In the article, the author refers to Bangalore and writes:
“The new money power of IT professionals in Silicon Valley has benefited
landlords who charge astronomical rents for cramped premises in sought-after
localities. It has also impacted lifestyles, pushing the demand for luxury goods
and services to unprecedented heights. The effect on the cultural and social
values of this one-time pensioners’ paradise has been devastating. Now it is IT
that is driving the real estate boom in Mysore”
This is what scares me. I have noticed the per sq. ft. prices rising astronomically. It has almost doubled. It is visible. The charm of Mysore lies in students getting free accommodation in homes to complete their studies and having that gratitude forever in their hearts. If not free, they don’t fleece you atleast like they do in Bangalore atleast. I studied in Mysore not very long ago and I don’t remember spending more than Rs. 2000/- per month for everything including rent, food, books and travel. I lived a good life mind you! And the Ajji with whom I stayed during my graduation came for my wedding, blessed me and went back very happily. I owe whatever I am today to her also after my parents. If you take away such Ajjis houses and build apartment complexes or malls in those places, then many budding engineers/ students will lose a place to stay and cherish forever.
That doesn’t mean I am against development. And I quote from the article again which rightly takes into account fears of sentimental idiots like me:
“…Fortunately, with the Heritage tag, help has been forthcoming from the
Centre. Mysore is one of the nine cities awaiting the implementation of the
Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. Also a cause for cheer is the
Urban Development Ministry’s proposal to build a 2,000-acre IT township in
Mysore.”
Now, that’s something to cheer about. I really hope that they implement that IT township and keep the IT boom insulated from the ‘heritage’ city. I hope the IT boom doesn’t blast my city away!
And the article ends with a pondering note. Will it or will it not kind of a thing. The last statement leaves me with nothing to say! Well said June Gaur!
“…the question now being asked here is will development and a higher rate
of growth mean a better quality of life for all or will it result in bizarre
income disparities and a deteriorating quality of life? In these times of
transition, Mysore looks forward to a future where openness to change is matched
by a rooted continuity.”
unfortunately negatives catch up faster than the positives.
Before the IT township is done, the KD circle and KD road will be the hub and the damage would have been done!
Well that’s how it’s going to be so might as well accept it. :(
It will be nice, if the developments not affect our Heritages! how was the Dhasara celebrations going in Mysore?
I visit Mysore in 1997, my best place is Mysore Palace and Brinthavan Garden have lots of memories:)
I agree. Mysore is a place which shouldn’t change. It is perfect for the pensioners. It shouldn’t become an IT hub like Bangalore. That can be restricted to the bigger cities.
wow! only Rs2000/- a month, in which year did u graduate adi?seems like sometime really long long ago..!!
Progress is good. The only problem with the kind of progress that we have witnessed in Bangalore is that, it ruins the very ecosystem that built this place.
The pensioners who made Bangalore their home cannot afford to live there anymore… the same will happen to Mysore with prices going thru the roof.
Shark:
Well, the first statement of yours is so true! :)
But, let’s hope for the best. And do our bit in trying to avoid the worst-case scenario from happening! :)
Jeevan:
My friend, I didn’t attend the Dussehra celebrations this time. But I am told that it was the most spectacular show ever! Full credit to the State Government for pulling it off!
Mysore palace and Brindavan gardens are beautiful places. And they are what people would recall first on hearing “Mysore”. There’s so much to it. I hope I get a chance to take you there with me once. You will totally fall in love with the place. If there was ever “Love at First Sight” anywhere, then Mysore is what would undoubtedly qualify first!
Hardu:
Yes, it shouldn’t become like Bangalore. That’s the last thing I would want to see on this planet! Another bangalore anywhere!
Jo:
That’s the average. Sometimes, it did touch Rs. 3k but maybe only once or twice in the entire 4-year stay.
I graduated in 2001. Not very long ago, right?! :)
Vijay:
Totally agree with you. Ecosystem, is a word that you have been observed to be using a lot, should be kept intact.
I would do anything to retain the royal & regal charm of Mysore. The pensioners should stay here without a problem. I hope Mysore doesn’t get Bangalored! ;)
Adi:
LOL.. I have been using that word a lot… even in my business presentations…
Reminded me 2 posts reading this one.
PG Auntie on Shruthi’s blog & ‘Back from Mysore’ on Vijay’s blog.. seems like you consolidated both…
Well, Mysore may undergo some changes, Mysoreans will not. In terms of ‘Ecosystem’ 2 :-)
Veena:
There you go! You said it! We won’t change! :)