KOLKATA – The City of Joy

Last weekend, when I came to Kolkata for my annual vacation, the flight hovered over the city before landing. It gave a breath taking view of the city which has been inspiration for various writers, poets, educationalist and freedom fighters.

During my last visit to Delhi & Mumbai, the view just before landing was an astonishing one. All I could see was miles and miles of concrete buildings, reaching as far as the horizon. When I compared the landscape of Kolkata, there was a phenomenal difference. There were numerous lakes and patches of greenery supplementing the ocean of high rise buildings. It was heartening to see that a city which is growing at such a pace has still got a lot of greenery around.

At this point, I start thinking how the city got termed as the City of Joy. What in it makes it being termed so? In order to find the name of the person who coined this term for the city, I guess I need to take the help of Google (I have done enough of scratching of my head to find the answer to the same).

For people who come to this city as a hop over destination often believe that a city like Delhi & Mumbai is way ahead of Kolkata in terms of development. This makes me ponder as to why on the earth was Kolkata given this title.

Some people might suggest that as Kolkata was the base of East India Company and hence it grew at an enormous pace as compared to the rest of the cities in the country. With no other city in fray, this city was coined with a synonym. Well, it might be a case! It’s something like the big bang theory. There have been so many hypotheses for the creation of universe; but none know for sure that exact cause of it.

So, I would also put forward my opinion on the same (WOW!! Finally, a hypotheses from me). My reason for terming this city as the city of joy is because of its magnanimous nature. It has with its open arms welcomed one and all; be it the wealthy marwari businessmen or the daily wage earning labors from the neighboring state of Bihar. This city provides the basic necessities to everyone with ease. From the people residing in the air conditioned homes in Park Street, to the people working in the offices at Lindsay Street to the over crowded city area; everyone associated themselves with the city. The city has something to offer to each one.

The celebration of numerous festivals all across the year also bridges the gap. It gives the poor also to forget their worries and enjoy. People are happy with what they have. I would say their satisfaction threshold is pretty low and it can hence be easily met with.

The emergence of so many internationally acclaimed writers and noble laureates has to do something with the satisfaction levels. It’s often seen that when the basic requirements of a person are satisfied, only then the person can venture in the creative field. (Science is also creativity in itself; one needs to think beyond the usual – out of box). So it really doesn’t come as a surprise that this has been a land that forms an integral part of Indian culture. Any visit to India is incomplete without visiting this place!!!(So all those who havent visited this place, what are you waiting for.....pack your bags and head for it!!!)