Science city

On main roads of Ahmedabad, one could see signboards showing the direction and distance to "science city" and immediately would be tempted to visit there, and so did I. As science city is situated very near to where I stay. Me and classmate started on the afternoon on a sunny sunday, despite the 43' celcius. 

While nearing it, one could see a big model of blue earth approaching towards us. I initially guessed it to be some movie theatre, but it was mere model of earth in science city and nothing related to entertainment. 

Inside science city, first we visited the science exhibition, where India's space achievements, models of satellites and rockets and many other interesting geographical are displayed. The exhibition also consisted of miniature experimens showing the properties of air, water, glass, light and etc. Looked to me like an ideal learning place for a 10th standard student. There was also another exhibition "Energy Park" showing models of alternate energy sources.

The main attraction of science city is, India's only 3D movie theatre. We went to the movie "Under Sea", though we were offered only corner seats. Still, the visuals were awesome and one feels like direclty undersea with the 3D experience. To our disappointment, the movie was over in 45 minutes, in that underground movie theatre. There were also posters for various movies like cyberworld, dinosaur and moon walk, hoping to see some more soon :)  

Apart from these, science city has LED screen for cartoon show, thrill rides, activity centre and laser shows for kids.The area is quiet and serene with neatly maintained lawns and light music from speakers all round. Primarily, it looked like a place where one can spend a weekend with kids, for both education and entertainment. More information can be obtained from www.scity.org.

Mohan's Home

"Mohan to Mahatma" is the theme one could see at Sabarmathi Ashram, which is located at the bank of River Sabarmathi. The Ashram consits of the exhibition of Mahatma Gandhi's life in a museum, with numerous portraits showing his life. There were a comprehensive collection of various moments of his life - from being a Barristor Mohan to becoming Mahatma. The other exhibits were his personal belongings,letters to him ( one was addressed as "To: the king of India", another as "To: Gandhi, wherever you are"), letters by him ( to various Indian political leaders, hitler, etc,.), the book read by him and his signature in 11 Indian languages. It is interesting to note that the archives there consists of nearly 34,000 letters to and from Gandhi both in original and in photocopies, about 8,700 pages of manuscripts of Gandhi's articles appearing in Harijan, Harijansevak, and Harijanbandhu and about 6,000 photographs of Gandhi and his associates.
Next to the museum, is the house of Gandhi, known as 'Hridaya Kunj'. At his house , I felt a consecrated silence prevailing there and the thought of history overwhelmed me - the prayer hall, where once Gandhi enchanted various mantras, the 2BHK house wherehe lived, his room where major strategic initiatives shaping the future of our country were discussedand the river Sabarmathi being flocked by many birds and flowing silently nearby. The house was a typicalIndian house with white walls, brown roof and surprisingly cool inside,considering that we visited around 2pm - in the scorching heat of summerabad :)
Primarily, Sabarmathi Ahsram has its significance in the famous Dandi march movement which happened in 1930. Gandhi stayed at this place in Ahmedabad, roughly from 1915 to 1930. It is a must watch place for any Indian, who wish to see the residence, from where a major contribution to the history was made, by a man who is known as the "The Father of the Nation". In tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru said: “Wherever he trod became hallowed land, wherever he sat became temples.”

Ahem Ahem

   Its not uncommon to find a stark difference between where one lived and where one lives, I mean, if one migrates from one city to another. Now being in Ahmedabad for my Summer internship after my MBA I year, what really astonishes me is the fact that the city itself is halved, with downright distinction between the older Ahmedabad, the area before the renowned Sabarmathi river and the area you see after crossing it. The old city is with old building, crowded auto rickshawas, scooters and bikes and old buildings. The newly developed richer half is packed with mega malls, big bungalows, big roads and latest cars.  Also, the area consists of ISKON temple, Science city and other renowned instituitions.

          Regardless of the area, entire city is marked with stalls of vada pavs, dabelis, kachoris, pani pooris, cane juice and tea shops and share-autos. Offcourse one should not forget the mention the scorching sun (hovering around 40 degrees), muddy air and camel-carts unique to this part of the country. Thanks to my half-baked Hindi, I have survived here for seven days so far and I could also read Gujarathi scripts, which primarily differs from that of Hindi, only by an upperline (opposite to underline :) ). Major worry for me here is the fact that Gujarathi's dont take break-fast and hence I have to withstand near-starving every morning, except for the biscuits I take.

        Nevertheless, the low cost of living, the spicy Gujarathi dishes with Aam rus, never ending thirst and interaction with the proud Gujarathi people (proud being a Gujarathi) does provide a unforgettable experience of being in Western India.