For me growing up in Dehradun was like living in a quaint, timeless bubble. But, today as I walk through the streets of my beloved hometown, I can’t help but reflect on the drastic changes that have transformed this once serene valley. Dehradun of my childhood was a place where simplicity and tranquility reigned, a stark contrast to the bustling urban landscape it has now become.
In the 1970s and 80s, Dehradun was a sleepy little town, known for its picturesque scenery, lush greenery, and a pace of life that was slow and unhurried. I remember the long, lazy afternoons of our Summer Vacations spent in the litchi and mango orchards, playing endless games of hide and seek. My friends and I would climb trees and splash around in the clear, cool waters of the nearby canals.
There was a sense of freedom and adventure without the confinement of electronic gadgets and urban living.
School days were marked by the joy of cycling to classes along narrow, winding roads, lined with towering Eucalyptus, blooming Gulmohars and Laburnum laden with golden showers. The sweet scent of wet earth after a summer rain filled our senses. We wore simple uniforms, carried homemade tiffins, and spent our recess playing traditional games like ‘pitthu’ and ‘kho-kho.’
As the years passed, the quiet town started to expand, modernize, and urbanize. The orchards where we once played are now covered with concrete malls. The majestic trees that lined the streets have been replaced by high rise buildings and the canals that were our summer splashing arenas are now covered. The air, once so pure, is now heavy with the fumes of countless vehicles.
My students today lead a vastly different life. Their days are filled with structured activities, coaching classes, and an active social media life. Yet, heading The Heritage School North Campus, one of the best CBSE schools in Dehradun I have noticed that amidst this whirlwind of change, some things remain the same. The innocence of childhood, the deep friendships of middle school and the bond between the teacher and taught continue to shine through. I believe that the hearts of all my students still echoe with songs of birds, the rustling of the wind and the warmth of friendship.
As I look back on my childhood with a mix of nostalgia and longing, I am sure that the future generations will find a way to balance progress with preservation, embracing the new while cherishing the old. After all, it is our past that shapes us, and it is our memories that give us roots, no matter how much the world around us may change. This is the life lesson that my students imbibe at North Campus.