B’luru remembers Kempegowda as residents mourn city’s lost charm
June 27th marked the birth anniversary of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru. As the city celebrated this occasion, social media platforms were abuzz with heartfelt tributes to the legendary leader. However, what began as a simple commemoration of Kempegowda Jayanti evolved into an emotional conversation about the city’s transformation and the loss of its charm.
On Reddit, a dedicated community of Bengaluru residents gathered to share their thoughts and reflections on the city’s changing character. The discussion began with warm tributes to Kempegowda, acknowledging his vision and dedication to building a thriving city. However, as the conversation progressed, it took a somber turn, with many users sharing their personal experiences and observations about the city’s decline.
“B’luru has changed so much over the years,” wrote user BengaluruBlore. “I’ve lived here for over 20 years, and it’s heartbreaking to see the city lose its charm. Gone are the days of quiet mornings, peaceful evenings, and the smell of fresh coffee wafting from the streets.”
User CoffeeLover echoed similar sentiments, lamenting the loss of the city’s unique character. “B’luru used to be a city that was all about people and their stories. Now, it’s all about concrete and steel. Where are the quaint cafes, the old bookstores, and the street vendors selling fresh produce?”
As the discussion continued, users shared stories of their favorite childhood haunts, now replaced by high-rise buildings and commercial complexes. Memories of lazy Sundays spent in parks, watching the sunset over the city, were replaced by the hum of traffic and the glow of neon lights.
“I used to love taking walks in Lalbagh on Sundays,” wrote user Wanderer90. “Now, it’s just a sea of people trying to take selfies against the backdrop of the lake. The city has lost its essence, and it’s hard to find peace in the midst of all the chaos.”
Despite the nostalgia, many users acknowledged the city’s growth and progress. User Bloreite noted, “Of course, the city has changed, and it’s not all bad. We’ve got more job opportunities, better infrastructure, and world-class amenities. But amidst all the growth, we’ve lost touch with our roots and the things that made this city special.”
The conversation also touched on the role of the city’s administration in preserving its heritage. User HeritageHawk lamented, “The government seems more focused on making the city look ‘modern’ than preserving its history and culture. We need more efforts to restore our old buildings, promote local art, and support small businesses.”
As the discussion came to a close, users agreed that it was essential to strike a balance between growth and preservation. “We need to find a way to blend the old with the new,” wrote user UrbanPlanner. “We can’t just demolish our heritage and replace it with glass towers. We need to preserve our history and culture while also allowing the city to evolve.”
As Bengaluru residents mourn the loss of their city’s charm, they are left wondering what the future holds. Will the city find a way to balance growth and preservation, or will it continue down the path of unchecked commercialization? Only time will tell, but for now, the residents of Bengaluru will continue to cherish their memories of the city’s lost charm and strive to preserve its unique character.
