Today's The Hindu supplement "Magazine" carries an article on the changing face of Mysore. With the IT boom slowly touching Mysore, the negatives that it brings with it are what is most scary for a city like Mysore. Sometimes, it's the space that you find in Mysore that makes you love it. And sometimes it's the warmth of the place.
In the article, the author refers to Bangalore and writes:
"The new money power of IT professionals in Silicon Valley has benefitedThis is what scares me. I have noticed the per sq. ft. prices rising astronomically. It has almost doubled. It is visible. The charm of Mysore lies in students getting free accommodation in homes to complete their studies and having that gratitude forever in their hearts. If not free, they don't fleece you atleast like they do in Bangalore atleast. I studied in Mysore not very long ago and I don't remember spending more than Rs. 2000/- per month for everything including rent, food, books and travel. I lived a good life mind you! And the Ajji with whom I stayed during my graduation came for my wedding, blessed me and went back very happily. I owe whatever I am today to her also after my parents. If you take away such Ajjis houses and build apartment complexes or malls in those places, then many budding engineers/ students will lose a place to stay and cherish forever.
landlords who charge astronomical rents for cramped premises in sought-after
localities. It has also impacted lifestyles, pushing the demand for luxury goods
and services to unprecedented heights. The effect on the cultural and social
values of this one-time pensioners' paradise has been devastating. Now it is IT
that is driving the real estate boom in Mysore"
That doesn't mean I am against development. And I quote from the article again which rightly takes into account fears of sentimental idiots like me:
"...Fortunately, with the Heritage tag, help has been forthcoming from theNow, that's something to cheer about. I really hope that they implement that IT township and keep the IT boom insulated from the 'heritage' city. I hope the IT boom doesn't blast my city away!
Centre. Mysore is one of the nine cities awaiting the implementation of the
Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. Also a cause for cheer is the
Urban Development Ministry's proposal to build a 2,000-acre IT township in
Mysore."
And the article ends with a pondering note. Will it or will it not kind of a thing. The last statement leaves me with nothing to say! Well said June Gaur!
"...the question now being asked here is will development and a higher rate
of growth mean a better quality of life for all or will it result in bizarre
income disparities and a deteriorating quality of life? In these times of
transition, Mysore looks forward to a future where openness to change is matched
by a rooted continuity."
