I live in Pune, a city racing to become a smart-city whilst holding in veneration its heritage temples and forts.
Smart-city initiatives include new metros, flyovers, electric buses and renovation of ancient structures and memorials. Simultaneously, we see new businesses popping up and others dying.
These changes stick out prominently in my early morning walks and whatever interests me , i capture through my phone camera.
Then, i share my photos and notes on Google Maps so that others may discover hidden jewels or enjoy places or things that they may have overlooked. I am passionate about this sharing. Here’s a sampling of what i love to share.
Pune was established by the warrior tribe known as Marathas. The founder of Marathas built a memorial named Shinde Chhatri in 18th century in Pune. It comprises a community hall with arts and sculptures, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and a cenotaph of the founder. Quite a tourist attraction- a combo of history and art.
Shinde Chhatri is built on Rajasthani style of architecture. (Rajasthan is a north Indian state.)
There are rough paintings and sculptures around the Shinde Chhatri complex.
My morning walks include a visit to a temple where i pray for benediction and enlightenment. Recently, a Durga temple got renovated at our neighborhood, Wanawadi. Durga is the warrior goddess who combats evils and demonic forces that threaten peace and prosperity.
Flower sellers are ubiquitous outside Hindu Temples. Their stalls are very colorful.
New Municipal parks called gardens are cropping up all over health-conscious Pune. These have jogging tracks, open-air gyms, swimming pools and other exercising facilities.
Open-air gyms are mushrooming in Pune.
People like to walk barefoot on pebbles as it energizes them.
Whilst the gardens and parks are peaceful havens, messy constructions of flyovers and metros is gumming up the city. When i notice such problem spots i take a picture and share the progress status.
Pune is home to a large army centre. It is not uncommon to chance upon exhibits of war horses at the gates of defence establishments for public viewing - quite exciting!
To sum up, i get primed for the day by praying and playing around at the gym. Then, when i walk the neighborhood, changes in landscape stand out ( a new park, or a new facility or cafe) and i capture them in my phone. When one walks with an inquisitive mind the “plain old neighborhood” throws up a thousand gems. Whatever is new and useful i share on Google Maps which is excellent platform to navigate the local and global terrain.
That’s it for now. More to come…
Ciao!