Dehradun: In the once-upon-a-time days, Dehradun was a town for retired people – a place for grey heads and green hedges. The only crowd one saw was during the Jhanda ka mela, Dushera Mela or when the Gemini or Apollo Circus put up their tents in Parade Ground. Fast Forward to today to find the new resurgent India on the march in one of the many malls, that dot the valley of the Doon.
National holidays help. One needs to see it to believe it. People across all ages flock to celebrate India’s 70th Republic Day at the ‘Mall’ to end up with a lighter wallet. Families arrive in droves to shop, some to window-shop, few to watch a movie or just to grab a quick bite before heading home or elsewhere.
The ITBP band rocks to the beat of patriotic songs, against the backdrop of those who come visiting. Beyond the tokenism of the tri-colour painted on cheeks; tri-colour badges sitting pretty on winter wear and tri-colour balloons floating around, is all that sets Republic Day celebrations at the Mall apart from the weekend footfall.
If you are looking for a fly in the ointment then it is that everybody is lost in the world of their mobile devices. My honest advice, do not bother to dress-up or dress-down, everyone is so glued to their mobile screen that they don’t even look where they are walking, let alone admire or berate your look.
Today, as India celebrates its 70th Republic Day, our Malls are witness to a proud nation as it marches into a brighter tomorrow.
