By Balwant Sanghera
I spent most of this week visiting a few friends and places of interest in New and Old Delhi. In the past it has always been driving from the Delhi International airport to my hometown Pharwala in the Punjab. Similarly, on our way back from India to Canada it was directly from my hometown to the airport and on to Vancouver. Many times I had thought about visiting a number of places of interest in both Old and New Delhi but was unable to do so.. So this I time I took the time to do so. It was a very interesting and enjoyable experience.
Immediately upon my arrival in Delhi I started the visit at the Rajghat and Shanti Van (Forest of Peace). This is the area where Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shastri were cremated. It is a very serene and revered place. From there it was on to the Raj Path. This is a very famous and wide road leading from Rashtarpati Bhavan to India Gate in New Delhi. On the Republic Day- January 2 this entire route is full of dignitaries and the public to witness the world famous parade. The President of India takes salute from the armed forces and various national and regional and cultural groups. The President is accompanied by the Prime Minister, the cabinet, special guests and VIPs . After passing through the India Gate the Parade moves on to end at the famous Red Fort.
Naturally, I was curious to visit the Red Fort as well. It is much different from the one I had visited nearly 50 years ago. There have been lot of changes and a lot of restoration being carried on. Still it was a pleasure to see this wonderful piece of India’s past history. From there it was on to the world famous Lotus Temple. This is a beautiful piece of architecture. There is lot of greenery around the Temple. The Baha’i community has done a marvellous job with this wonderful addition to the capital city of the world’s largest democracy.
The visit to the capital won’ t be complete without paying obeisance at the Gurdwara Sahibs in the capital. It was a matter of great joy and happiness to pay obeisance at three of the numerous Gurdwaras in Old and New Delhi- Gurdwara Sahib Rakab Ganj, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib and Gurdwara Sahib Sees Ganj. All of them were overflowing with devotees. The work being done by countless volunteers in helping the worshippers was amazing. It was a wonderful feeling to be there. Due to the time constraints I was unable to visit more places of interest that I had planned to visit. However, there is always next time. So hopefully , on my next visit I will be able to visit more. India has very colourful and rich history. There is always so much to see and experience.
Balwant Sanghera is a retired School Psychologist and Community Activist. He is currently on a family vacation in India.
