By Vimal Kapoor
I am the Dehradun Clock Tower, known locally as the ‘Ghanta Ghar’, and my story began in 1953. For over seven decades, I have proudly stood here, silently watching over this town. I have witnessed its growth and transformation, yet my fundamental purpose remains unaltered: to faithfully mark the passing time.
In those early years, the landscape surrounding me was relatively sparse. To one side the ‘Digvijay Cinema Hall’ stood tall while, on the other, the imposing building of ‘Allahabad Bank’ stared back at me. With open spaces all around, I had a clear view of most of the town. I can still recall a young Ruskin Bond, wearing shorts and T-shirt, visiting the nearby ‘chaat wali gali’ with his friends. I watched them frolic around and have fun, then pedal back towards the ‘Parade Ground’ after savouring chaat and tikkis. During the early 1950s, only a handful of cars could be spotted in the town, and I would admire them with fascination. Only two models–Ambassadors and Fiats adorned the roads.
Mornings saw joggers passing by me on their way to Gandhi Park. Most of the roads were largely vacant, occasionally occupied by pedestrians and school kids on bicycles. In the daytime, bullock carts carrying hardware materials from Raja Road would go around me, their sturdy bulls adorned with small, colorful bells that emitted a charming tinkling sound. The Digvijay Cinema offered four shows, attracting Bollywood enthusiasts who ascended and descended its double staircases.
Lovers of sweets would gather at ‘Kumar Sweets’, where families indulged in ‘Rasmalai’, ‘Lassi’, and ‘Kulfi’. Sadly, a few years ago, the iconic shop had to make way for road widening, but I am relieved to see that they haven’t strayed too far from me. Their new shop is now on the ground floor, at the entrance of the MDDA complex opposite the General Post Office.
In my youth, when chaos and noise were minimal, the toll of my bell could be heard all the way to the railway station. Standing at 85 metres tall, my unique hexagonal shape sets me apart. I may very well be the only clock tower in the entire country with six faces, a fact that fills me with pride.
In 1952, Sarojini Naidu planted the sapling of a Peepal tree near me, which has since grown into a majestic tree. I consider it my dear companion, feeling its massive roots beneath me.
Times have changed considerably. Now there is partial peace only after midnight, and the daytime is filled with cacophony and the constant hum of traffic. Nevertheless, I feel extremely happy when the youth gather around me to celebrate India’s famous cricket victories. They dance to the rhythm of dhol and drums, rejoicing in triumph with a burst of firecrackers. From the historic 1983 World Cup win by Kapil Dev and his team to the Asia Cup last week, I have witnessed the stature of the Indian cricket team steadily rise.
Recently, I received a much-needed facelift. My exterior was repainted, and my clocks were meticulously restored. I am ecstatic that my bells now chime once again, announcing my presence. The surroundings have transformed significantly since my creation. ‘Digvijay Hall’ is now in a state of shambles and no longer screens movies. However, the adjacent General Post Office (GPO) bustles with activity during working hours.
Each morning, labourers assemble around me, eagerly awaiting customers seeking their services for repairs, construction, whitewashing, and painting. School kids, no longer reliant on bicycles, mostly use scooters to reach their respective schools. From my elevated vantage point, I acquire a unique perspective of the world below. Throughout all the changes, I remain a silent observer, neither judging nor interfering. When pedestrians glance up at me to check the time or when youngsters capture my image with their mobile cameras, I am filled with happiness and delight.
I hope that, regardless of the traffic and population challenges, I am never removed or demolished. I consider myself an integral part of the Doon Valley and all the citizens of Dehra as my family members and I wish to remain at the heart of the town for eternity, a constant reminder to appreciate the precious gift of time!
(Vimal Kapoor a Dehradun resident, is passionate about literature, creative writing, cricket and exploration through travel)
