JOIN USThe comforting ambience of the city and its cosmopolitan culture have made Bengaluru a perfect home for many. Sandip Kumar Dhar and his wife Arundhati, who hail from Guwahati, Assam, share a common love for the city, despite having lived in other places.
Sandip works as a deputy manager (dealer planning) with Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Limited while Arundhati is a teacher with The Samhitha Academy. The young couple live here with their daughter Anwesha.
Though they grew up in Assam, the two have their roots in Bengal and have experienced the best of both worlds.
“Since we live away from home, it has been a blessing to be able to celebrate many festivals like ‘Holi’ and ‘Ganesha Chathurthi’ with friends from across the country who live here,” says Arundhati.
This also opens up the opportunity of experiencing various cultures and cuisines, the couple points out. “It has been an interesting journey so far,” she says.
“Bengaluru lies somewhere between the modern and the traditional way of life. This ensures that people feel at home here,” says Sandip.
The couple find Bengalureans welcoming as they themselves come from diverse backgrounds. “They are open to learning about new places and people,” says Arundhati.
Remembering instances when people have extended their help to the couple, Arundhati says that once she and Sandip were down with dengue and their neighbours made sure that everything was taken care of.
“People from across the country stay in our apartment complex and they made it a point to visit us and ensure that we were alright. They watched over our daughter and made sure that we ate well. It was amazing that even though our families couldn’t visit us, we never felt isolated or uncared for,” she says.
The couple has lived in other cities before shifting here. “Bengaluru has a well-balanced ecosystem. Everything is available here and one can pursue their interests without any inhibitions,” says Arundhati.
They feel that there is something for everyone here. “If you want to go on a nature walk, there are green spaces like Cubbon Park; if you want to step away from the humdrum, there is the Art of Living centre; for some fun moments, one can visit Innovative Film City or Wonderla and for an exciting learning experience, one can spend a day at the Bannerghatta National Park,” details Arundhati.
Recollecting their life back home, Arundhati remembers having typical Assamese sweets like sesame-based preparations and coconut jaggery ‘laddoos’.
“As our diet includes rice, ‘dal’, vegetable curries and fish, it wasn’t difficult to adjust here. We love South Indian food too and like indulging in ‘dosa’ and ‘sweet pongal’,” says Sandip.
When the couple have some time to spare, they enjoy visiting parks and new restaurants. “Our choices vary according to our mood. Sometimes, we feel like going to ‘MTR’ and at other times, we head to a place like ‘Barbeque Nation’,” he adds.
Bengaluru has been the best place to live in, says Sandip. “The weather, the people and the cosmopolitan culture can not be replaced. The additional advantage is that the city also has great educational opportunities which make it perfect for families with children. This is what makes Bengaluru click for everyone,” says Sandip.
He adds, “The city is going through a transitional phase. It is a cool and calm place to be in and the people’s warmth adds to the whole charm.”
Sandip, who grew up in Dhirenpara, also took time to share his childhood memories back in Assam. He says, “Though we grew up in Assam, we were exposed to both cultures. Guwahati is known for its beauty and the river Brahmaputra adds to
its charm.”
A place which was better known as a quiet and calm place once is now bustling
with activity and is a full-fledged city, he adds.
Arundhati says that of the sights and sounds in Assam, one shouldn’t miss the Kamakhya Temple.
“Then there is also the beautiful Kaziranga National Park to boast of. Also, to visit any of the ‘Seven Sister States’, one has to pass through Guwahati,” she says.
Arundhati, who hails from Kahilipara in Guwahati, says that apart from friends and family, the scenic beauty of her hometown is also something that she misses.
“The place is small yet magical in its own way. People are very homely, friendly and down-to-earth. Most of my family is settled back home. The best part is the local
festivals like ‘Durga Puja’ which bring everyone together,” she says.
Despite the sweet memories they have of home, the couple are sure of one thing — they want to be here for good.