TRAVELLING AT K.G. MARG

A Walk in the Crowd

Sixty Seconds, yes, a single minute at the K.G. Marg, one of the main arterial roads that lead into and out from the iconic Connaught Place in Lutyen’s Delhi is enough to tell you that this is no ordinary place, rather, it possesses a sense of urgency and an air of self importance which hard to miss.

Located in the heart of New Delhi the K.G. Marg may be seen as a microcosm of Delhi’s macrocosm. Like the city, it is an eclectic blend of history and modernity, of the haves and the have nots and of sights and sounds that amuse as well as exhaust. The K.G. Marg is a major business hub which is evident from the monstrous buildings that flank the road on both sides. Based inside these towers are offices of some of the most famous corporate houses providingemployment to a huge number of young hopefuls who dressed smartly in formal attires with a glimmer of anticipation and a sense of expectation can be seen moving around. However, hidden behind their bright countenance is the sheer burden and pressure to make it big in life. They are part of a rat race, they know it yet their spirits are resilient. This in a way is the image of the Indian youth, burdened with hope and aspirations of her parents but dogged in her determination to succeed.

Intersecting the K.G. Marg is the Tolstoy Road and it is this road that lends the urban chaos some charm and a sense of relative peace and order. The Tolstoy Road is covered on both sides with a carpet of grass and a canopy of leaves that spread over the sturdy trees. And, through this curtain of greenery one can have a glimpse of history. Because situated here are some of the oldest bungalows in Delhi. Standing rather shyly, behind the trees and manicured lawns, they are clearly relics of the past. These houses are a legacy of the British era with arcs and pillars, and large windows adorning their façade. Though now lonely and sad, it is not difficult to imagine the joys, the passions, the pains, the intrigues and the sounds that had once breathed life into these forsaken custodians of the past.

Moving away from the busy, crowded and noisy main road one can find peace and comfort in the small lanes that cut across them. As you walk through these lanes an interesting sight greets you. If you watch the walls that stand beside the lane you may see tiles bearing images of gods, goddesses and iconic figures decorating them. For those who may not be aware, Indian men have the distinct habit of relieving themselves against public walls. Of course, the more desolate the place the better and these quiet lanes attract them like bees to flowers. Having images of deities apparently discourages them from carrying out their sinister plans. From the clean air and the pleasant fragrance, I must say the idea seems to have worked.

Finally, a word about the food. Well, there are a number of small eating counters or stalls in the vicinity serving a wide range of food items from sandwiches to noodles to Indian gravies, to juices, cigarettes and so on. Though some eateries, particularly those around the office complexes are very busy through the day, the quality of the food should not be judged by the numbers eating there. Most people eat here because one the food is cheap and two there are limited options available. I tasted Egg Biryani from the heavily crowded and chaotic food stall at the Atul Grove Road. It’s one of their most popular dishes but I simply found it too spicy and greasy for my taste. Having said that the hoards of young people didn’t seem to mind or care.