Beloved Bhatinda: Travails of an outsider

It is challenges which make our lives delectable, add spice to our life else there is no point going thru the rut.

I work in an Oil & Gas organization which has presence across the country and employees are transferred to various locations based on the job requirement.

In this transfer season, I got the news of my transfer to one of the most important and beloved states of India, Punjab, it was something which I always wanted. I was transferred to the city of Bhatinda which is also known as city of lakes.

Even though it was a coveted position but there was trepidation in anticipation as I was moving to a new city. I was elated as well as it was one of the most challenging assignments as we need to be on our absolute best to manage the entire supply chain to North India. This refinery caters to states of Haryana, NCT Delhi, Punjab, Chandigarh, UP and thru rakes to the states of Bihar, MP & Jharkhand.

As a Punjabi this transfer also presented me with the opportunity to sharpen my Punjabi oratory skills. Full of enthusiasm and verve I packed my suitcase and travelled to Bhatinda in my car and reached Bhatinda by traversing thru the cities of Bahadurgarh, Rohtak, Hissar, Sirsa, Dabwali. Only obstruction was in crossing the Delhi border which again was occupied by our brothers from Punjab on 7^th of June 2021

Pall of gloom had descended over the country as Covid second wave had engulfed the entire country and many precious lives were also lost, lock down, quarantine and Ajithromycin were the new buzzwords. All markets and shops were closed and there was little activity.

I reached the guest house in the evening. Our guest house is located at Ganpati enclave which is a lush green picturesque colony, beautiful plants and assorted varieties of trees greet you as you enter thru the arch shaped structure with Lord Ganesha firmly parched in the middle blessing the residents. A beautiful fountain from which various streams of water ooze out to different heights makes it a site to marvel at. There are burly guards who guard the colony round the clock and do not allow intruders to enter into the colony.

As one enters the colony there is a vast open space and an entire lane is given to all the shops which sell whole host of things from groceries, to cakes to stationery to medicines and off course liquor without which any Punjabi is incomplete.

Midsize trees of date palm are planted on the divider of the main road along with a three feet hedge. Both sides of the road are covered with exotic trees. Along the footpaths, there are Gulmohar trees, foxtail palms, royal palms , cactus and beautifully trimmed ornamental plants.

There is a fifteen-meter-wide track which has bougainvillea vine which clambers across the eight feet wall adjoining Housefed colony and on the other side of the track which adjoins Ganpati enclave it has Plumeria trees.. Divine music plays out during mornings and evenings which makes walking a heavnly expereince.

A revered temple spread across an area of 1000 Sq. Meter is also constructed in the middle of the colony. Idols of Gods and Goddesses carved out of stone adorn the walls of the temples. As the chants of bhajans and Kirtan reverberate thru the air it engulfs you with positive thoughts and takes you in the realms of spirituality.

All the above facets make colony so alluring and I could not resist to stay there and as luck would have it I got a place on 1^st floor of a newly constructed building which had all the fittings and the amenities that I wanted.

I was learning the nuances of my job and also was getting used to with the new life in the city of Bhatinda, I had an inkling that something was brewing in my house. As it was a double storied building other tenants  who were locals were also staying on the ground floor and the lady in that house started making things difficult for us and as time progressed things took turn for the worse, we were continuously troubled by our neighbors, living on the first floor we were not even given the way to climb up the stairs, trash was kept in the stairs, mop was hanged on the railing, shoes and trash was kept in the stairs and all such moves to annoy us and make us feel uncomfortable. If we said something it was met with extreme resistance and sparks would fly. We realized the futility of counselling our neighbors or mending ties with them and decided to shift to a new place without exacerbating the issue.

We explored some houses in Model town area and most of those houses were spacious with huge open areas and but by now we had used to the cozy confines of Ganpati enclave so we zeroed in on an apartment at Ganpati only on the third floor which even though was an old construction but worth it. Shifting itself is a herculean task which involves money, effort and pain but the pain of staying in the same house was more than the pain of shifting to a newer place.

All this power struggle led us to believe that Bhatinda treats outsiders with an iron fist, even though Punjabis are known for their warmth and welcoming behavior it is better to be cautious and take an independent place on rent if you can find one.

My request to all the natives of Bhatinda, please respect the people who are coming to your city, they might be different from you but that is what the ethos of our country are unity in diversity and respect for individuals and that is what makes any city, any society and any country vibrant, colorful and above all more prosperous.

Most of the Punjabis want to move to Canada and what makes Canada such an enticing prospect, it is the culture and its people , if we can replicate some of it at Bhatinda it will accentuate the allure of this city and state of Punab.

Let us spread the fragrance of Punjabi jest and spirit.

May Wahe guru bless all !!

Image Credits : Google Images

Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and are not to malign or hurt anyone.