By Geetanjali Sharma
A year ago, I found my fate drawing me to a city I believed I always had a connection with. In years of being juvenile, travel to Dehra was frequent yet limited to a certain part of the city which kept me away from the true joys of the hill capital I now call home.
Dehra, your city of culture and class, greens and glistening mountain ranges, cool summer breeze with warm hearts, welcomed me to a circle so loving and kind.
From an outsider to a Doonite, my heart has grown fond of the way our city holds its style. The art of building relations or finding common perspectives, society has already shown me a subtle glimpse of how well knit the city is.
Being married into a family that lives for art, culture, literature and everything around truly showcases how much value this city holds for finer things in life.
Now, a year later, with my little boy snuggled in my arms, I walk around our Rajpur home, in awe of the beauty and abundance we have. The privilege he has of living in his own paradise of flowing vines and fluttering butterflies is the greatest gift this city could offer. Warm winter sun adds to the beauty of nature and the fact that it is a perfect place to live and grow, both in age and life.
It is only fair to respect the natural beauty Dehra finds pride in rather than adding concrete structures to the landscape. Living just a few kilometres short of the childhood hotspot for ‘summer vacation’, I have been seen the city trying to fight back and maintain its traditional state of green cover and untouched forest area. But who is listening?
A lot to discuss and share, a fresh perspective and insight on our lives in and around Dehra and everything in between. Grateful for the opportunity to be able to share my story, thoughts and experiences and become a part of your journey as a reader.
To Dehra, a community that feels closer than family!
(Geetanjali Sharma is an author and communications specialist. She holds a post-graduate degree in international communication from Macquarie University, Australia)
