Once again, I am in one of my favourite cities in the world, New Delhi. No matter how many times I visit, there is always something new to discover and fresh perspectives that open my mind.
India: one of the most ancient cultures in the world, filled with wisdom and scriptures, the birthplace of Yoga and Ayurveda and so much more.
The recently introduced Citizenship Amendment Bill is still a hot topic here and something I have been discussing with my friends since I arrived here. I am always in awe when I visit New Delhi, especially of its people and the way they conduct their lives even when they have nowhere near the resources or means so easily available to their western counterparts. I love the way they unite in adversity whether it was the bomb blast in Delhi in 2008, or crimes against women or even this new bill, the nation took to the streets, united in protests and raised voice. India the world’s largest democracy looks up to its people, especially the youth to share awareness and initiate change.
New Delhi reminds you to make the best of what you have; happiness is not about having a perfect life but readily accepting imperfections. New Delhiites seem to have embodied that concept in its full sense. Even if most of the people here does not have the most luxurious or comfortable lives, they still manage to have fun, enjoy and laugh by finding happiness in the simple joys of life.
A family get-together with tea and snacks or sitting and chatting at favourite food joint with a hot ginger tea, they do not need 5 star hotels, expensive clothes or luxurious vacations to have a good time. A simple walk or picnic in Lodi Garden makes a perfect afternoon.
In New Delhi you can witness the great divide that runs between two separate worlds sharing adjacent spaces, completely oblivious of the other side. Slums, diseases and hunger co-exist with opulent Oberoi and Taj hotels; hunger stares affluence in the eyes every day. Sad and astonishing as it may seem to an outsider, it’s the way of life for those living here. The wealthy do not feel guilty of their comforts and the poor do not waste their life crying about what they don’t have. People just accept their realities and seem to get on with it! I will be heading back to Doha this evening and I am already thinking about the next time I can come back for a visit. If you have not visited India yet, I sincerely wish that you put it on your places to visit list.
The author is a consultant and coach. Instagram handle: @miss_shefa, Website: missshefa.com
Shefa Ali
