Kashi: A City That Never Ceases to Amaze ( Part -2)

Visiting Benaras again and again can hardly satisfy one's insatiable curiosity. The more you explore, the more you feel that something remains unfulfilled deep within you, as though the city still has countless secrets waiting to be discovered. Blessed with an abundance of earthly treasures, Varanasi occupies a unique place among the world's sacred destinations. Its ancient monuments, arterial lanes, and age-old history make it a place of extraordinary significance for pilgrims and tourists alike. Its divine ambience, the vast expanse of the Ganga, and the spiritual aura that permeates its surroundings continue to draw visitors throughout the year. Every visit undoubtedly reveals a new Kashi, offering fresh experiences and awakening new curiosities.

Kashi is an intriguing blend of tradition and modernity. Its ancient temples and age-old rituals coexist with modern riverfronts, luxurious cruises, and bustling streets. Yet, despite the changes that have transformed the city over the years, its spiritual essence remains deeply rooted in the lives of its people.

My boat journey began at the ghat near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. As I descended the steps towards the riverfront from the rear of the temple premises, I saw a huge crowd gathering to witness the evening's Ganga Aarti. The ghat was flooded with lights, and the entire surroundings looked mesmerising. Devotees and tourists had gathered in anticipation of the sacred ceremony, while the illuminated riverfront created a magnificent spectacle against the approaching dusk. There was something deeply captivating about the scene, as though the city were preparing to reveal one of its most enchanting faces.

Ganga Aarti is performed at several ghats in Varanasi, each offering its own distinctive spiritual experience. From the river, the illuminated ghats and the crowds gathered along their steps present a remarkable sight. After boarding our boat, we began our journey along the Ganga, moving away from the ghat towards the middle of the river, where the current was stronger. The boat rocked gently with the waves as the boatman steered it through the flowing water. The sensation of sitting in a boat that swayed with the current, while a cool breeze brushed against my face and body, was unlike anything I had experienced before.

As we moved farther into the river, numerous boats and luxurious cruises passed by. Each seemed to have its own character and atmosphere. In some boats, groups of visitors were singing songs, while music played in others. In one, a guide was explaining the history and significance of the ghats to his passengers. The chuffing and throbbing sounds of the boat engines mingled with music, conversations, and the gentle movement of the water. The river was alive with activity, and the entire scene seemed to reflect the many moods of Varanasi.

Those accompanying me on the boat added to the joy of the journey. They burst into a continuous stream of jokes and songs, filling the air with laughter and merriment. I felt extraordinarily light-hearted, spiritually fulfilled, and blissful in a way I had never experienced while visiting any other sacred place. Sitting in the boat, swaying to the rhythm of the waves as the cool breeze brushed against my body, gave me a rare sense of freedom and contentment. The experience was so distinctive that I found it difficult to express my feelings in words.

The boat continued to sail past several ghats, each revealing a different aspect of the city's beauty. As the sun went down, the riverfront grew increasingly vibrant. The ancient steps, temples, and buildings glowed under the lights, while their reflections shimmered across the rippling waters. The ghats seemed to acquire a renewed vitality after sunset, as though the city were growing younger with the arrival of night.

Some ordinary boats had seating arrangements on their rooftops, allowing passengers to enjoy picturesque views of the ghats. The luxurious cruises, brilliantly illuminated and equipped with modern amenities, looked particularly elegant as they glided across the river. Their lights reflected on the water, adding to the grandeur of the evening. I could hardly take my eyes off these magnificent vessels. The contrast between the traditional boats and the modern cruises captured the distinctive character of Kashi, where the old and the new exist side by side.

Yet, beyond the lights, the boats, and the architectural grandeur, it was the Ganga herself that held my attention. Before me stretched a vast expanse of water, flowing placidly and majestically through the heart of the city. In some places, the surface appeared calm; in others, the current created gentle ripples that made the boat sway. The sight of the river stretching into the distance stirred something profound within me. It seemed as though I were witnessing not merely a river but a living symbol of faith, continuity, and civilisation.

The Ganga Aarti is one of the most captivating experiences Varanasi offers to its visitors. The melodious ringing of prayer bells, the chants, and the collective devotion of the people create an atmosphere that is difficult to describe. Hundreds of devotees and tourists gather at different ghats to witness the sacred ritual. Many watch in reverent silence, their attention absorbed by the ceremony unfolding before them. The sound of the bells echoes across the riverfront, blending with the chants and prayers to fill the surroundings with an extraordinary sense of divinity.

From the boat, the illuminated ghats presented a spectacle that was both magnificent and spiritually uplifting. The boats stood or moved slowly along the riverfront, gently swaying with the waves as the ceremonies continued on the steps above. The lights, their shimmering reflections, the ringing of bells, and the sight of devotees immersed in prayer combined to create an unforgettable experience. At such moments, one feels deeply connected with the divine, as though the distance between the outer world and the inner self has momentarily disappeared. The spiritual aura surrounding the riverfront was beyond the power of words, and I found myself wishing that the moment would last a little longer.

The chuffing and throbbing of the boat engines were not particularly pleasant to the ears, but the beauty unfolding before my eyes made every inconvenience seem insignificant. The boat ride was unparalleled, and the surrounding spectacle more than compensated for the noise. The gentle swaying of the boat, the cool breeze, the vast river, and the illuminated ghats created a combination of sensations that I had never experienced elsewhere. It was a journey in which the physical movement of the boat seemed to blend with an inward journey of the mind.

One of my most unforgettable experiences was passing beneath the massive railway bridge as our boat made its way towards Namo Ghat, the modern riverfront situated at another end of the city. The journey seemed to take us through different layers of Varanasi: from the sacred surroundings near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the bustling ghats, from the ancient traditions of the riverfront to the modern attractions that have become part of the city's changing landscape. As we approached Namo Ghat, I felt that the journey had offered me much more than a panoramic view of the city. It had allowed me to experience its changing moods from the unique perspective of the Ganga.

Describing this ancient and artistic city in a few words is undoubtedly an arduous task. Hundreds of historical accounts, local legends, and mythological stories are woven into the fabric of Varanasi. Some are familiar to many, while others remain hidden in its narrow lanes, ancient buildings, and forgotten corners. Every ghat has its own history, every temple its own significance, and every street seems to hold a story waiting to be discovered. Varanasi has many faces, and what you discover depends on how you see, feel, and experience it. The city seems ever ready to answer the questions you have long been nurturing, while awakening new curiosities that make you want to explore it again.

Varanasi is also a paradise for food lovers. An astonishing variety of food is available along its streets, reflecting the city's rich culture and traditions. From local delicacies to international cuisine, roadside eateries offer something for a wide range of tastes. Food and Varanasi are almost synonymous. The city is particularly famous for its mouth-watering sweets, refreshing lassi, and an assortment of chaats available at almost every street corner.

From small makeshift stalls to large sweet shops displaying colourful arrays of delicacies, food forms an inseparable part of Varanasi's identity. The enticing aromas drifting from roadside eateries, the lively atmosphere around food stalls, and the sight of sweets carefully arranged in shopfronts make the city's culinary scene an attraction in its own right. These delicacies do more than satisfy one's appetite; they offer a glimpse into the everyday life and traditions of the city. A trip to Varanasi feels incomplete without sampling the food served at its roadside eateries and discovering the flavours that have become part of its enduring appeal.

As I reflect on my journey, I realise that Varanasi cannot be understood through its temples, ghats, history, or food alone. Its true character emerges from the way all these elements come together: the sacred and the ordinary, the ancient and the modern, the bustling crowds and the moments of solitude. A boat ride on the Ganga offers a moving panorama of this extraordinary city, but it also creates space for introspection. The river carries not only boats and their passengers but also centuries of memories, beliefs, and emotions that are difficult to put into words.

Perhaps this is why visiting Kashi never quite satisfies one's curiosity. Each visit reveals something new, yet leaves behind the feeling that there is still so much more to discover. The city does not merely invite you to see it; it invites you to experience it, to feel its pulse, and to immerse yourself in its timeless spirit. And when you leave, a part of you seems to remain behind, beside the flowing waters of the Ganga, waiting for the day you return.

 Beyond the Glass Towers: What Should Education Really Teach Us?

I don't quite know where to begin. Sometimes, a place leaves such a deep impression on your mind that you find yourself struggling to put your feelings into words. You arrive with curiosity and excitement, expecting to discover something new, but return with questions you had never anticipated asking. My recent visit to Gurgaon was one such experience. It was not the towering buildings, the modern infrastructure or the extraordinary pace of urban life that left me unsettled. It was something less visible, something that had little to do with the buildings themselves but much to do with the society taking shape around them.

Before my visit, I had heard a great deal about Gurgaon, particularly its celebrated Cyber City. Friends had spoken of its magnificent architecture, fashionable cafés, international brands and sophisticated atmosphere. During a short trip to Delhi, my neighbour's son invited me to visit him in Gurgaon. I was genuinely excited. Here was an opportunity to see a place I had heard so much about but had never experienced for myself. I imagined that I would return with pleasant memories and interesting stories to share.

I reached the room where he was living with one of his batchmates. Situated in a crowded lane, the accommodation was surrounded by the everyday bustle of a busy urban neighbourhood. Almost everything one might need was available along the roadside, from fresh vegetables and fruits to ready-to-eat food. The street was alive with movement, voices and the constant coming and going of people. There was something fascinating about its restless energy. It reminded me of a place that never sleeps.

By around nine in the evening, the lane was already vibrant, its activity spilling into every corner. My neighbour's son explained that the liveliness would continue well into the night and that the intensity often increased after midnight. As I walked along the street, I witnessed a variety of activities, some ordinary and some that made me uncomfortable. Gradually, my curiosity began to give way to a desire to return to the room.

But my host was keen that I should not miss Cyber City. He insisted that I accompany him there, reminding me that my friends had recommended the place for a reason. Eventually, I gave in. Despite my fading enthusiasm, a part of me remained curious to see what had made Cyber City so remarkable.

We moved along a road leading towards the vast commercial district, where the towering buildings began to dominate the skyline. As we approached, the surroundings seemed to undergo a transformation. The crowded, unassuming streets gave way to an expansive and meticulously planned urban landscape. The contrast was striking.

The buildings rose majestically above us, their broad glass façades reflecting the surrounding lights. Some appeared almost transparent, as though the inner spaces might be glimpsed through their enormous glass panels. The architecture had a sleek, contemporary elegance that made the structures seem less like ordinary office buildings and more like carefully crafted monuments to modern ambition.

Inside the complex, the broad lanes opened up into an impressive expanse of space. As I walked through them, I experienced a curious sensation: for a moment, it felt as though I were strolling through a foreign land. Everything seemed so different from the familiar surroundings I had left behind. The buildings, the pathways, the shops and the landscaped areas appeared to have been designed with extraordinary attention to detail.

The lighting added another dimension to the spectacle. The pathways glowed beneath carefully arranged lights; the ornamental plants were beautifully illuminated; the shopfronts shone with their own distinctive brilliance. Every corner seemed to have received its share of attention. The branded showrooms, souvenir shops, cafés and other establishments stood out against the illuminated surroundings, while the greenery softened the imposing concrete and glass.

The entire complex possessed an almost regal magnificence. Its broad avenues, sparkling façades and beautifully maintained landscaping created an atmosphere of luxury and refinement that I found difficult to describe in words. The place was not merely attractive; it was designed to impress. Everything appeared polished, organised and visually harmonious. Never before had I seen such an impressive concentration of modern architecture and urban landscaping. I found myself admiring the ingenuity and effort that must have gone into creating such a place.

Yet, as I continued walking, my attention gradually shifted from the surroundings to the people moving through them. The visitors appeared, for the most part, to be affluent professionals and people enjoying the comforts of a prosperous urban lifestyle. Luxury brands, fashionable cafés and a wide range of food and beverage outlets offered almost everything one could associate with contemporary consumer culture.

There was nothing inherently wrong with any of this. Indeed, the place represented many things that a developing country could take pride in: modern infrastructure, commercial growth, employment opportunities and an environment designed to attract investment and talent. I could understand why people admired Cyber City and why so many young professionals might aspire to work in such surroundings.

And yet, amid all this beauty and sophistication, one particular sight caught my attention and stayed with me.

I saw several young men and women drinking wine and smoking openly in the midst of the otherwise impressive surroundings. It was not the sight of a glass of wine or a cigarette alone that troubled me. Nor do I consider myself entitled to pass judgement on strangers whose personal circumstances and choices I do not know. What unsettled me was the larger question that arose in my mind about young people's health, their habits and the kind of guidance they receive while growing up.

Alcohol consumption and smoking carry well-established health risks, and the younger a person begins these habits, the greater the concern can be. Behind every young person is a life still unfolding, with ambitions to fulfil, responsibilities to shoulder and relationships to nurture. I could not help wondering whether enough attention was being given to the long-term consequences of such habits, particularly when so much emphasis is placed on professional success, financial independence and an attractive lifestyle.

I also wondered what their parents might think if they happened to see their sons and daughters drinking or smoking in such surroundings. Would they be comfortable with their choices? Would they see them as expressions of independence, or would they worry about the possible consequences? Of course, parents cannot control every decision their children make, especially once they begin living independently. Nevertheless, the thought stayed with me: how do we prepare our children to make responsible choices when they are no longer under our direct supervision?

That question led me to another, more fundamental one.

What is the true purpose of education?

We send our children to distant cities and prestigious institutions, sometimes even to foreign countries, hoping to give them opportunities that we ourselves may never have had. We invest our savings, sacrifice our comforts and place our hopes in their academic achievements. We want them to acquire valuable qualifications, secure good jobs, become financially independent and live with dignity. There is nothing wrong with these aspirations. In fact, parents have every reason to feel proud when their children succeed through hard work and determination.

But is professional success the only measure of a good education?

Should education prepare a young person merely to earn a handsome salary, occupy an impressive office and enjoy the privileges of a comfortable life? Or should it also help that person develop sound judgement, self-discipline, empathy, respect for others and an understanding of personal responsibility?

A degree can demonstrate knowledge and competence in a particular field. It cannot, by itself, guarantee wisdom, good judgement or a sense of responsibility. A person may excel academically and professionally while still struggling to make healthy choices or understand the consequences of certain actions. Equally, a young person who makes a poor decision should not automatically be regarded as a failure of education or upbringing. Human behaviour is influenced by many factors, including personal circumstances, social pressures, peer groups and individual choices.

Perhaps, then, the question is not whether modern education has deteriorated, but whether we have allowed one aspect of education to overshadow the others.

In our eagerness to prepare children for competitive examinations, demanding careers and a rapidly changing world, have we given sufficient importance to health awareness, emotional maturity, self-restraint and social responsibility? Do our educational institutions teach young people how to succeed without losing sight of their well-being? Do we encourage them to question harmful habits, resist unhealthy peer pressure and make thoughtful decisions even when nobody is watching?

These are not questions that can be answered simply by looking at a group of young people in a commercial district. My brief visit cannot tell me how they were educated, what values they hold or what kind of people they will become. It would be unfair to draw conclusions about an entire generation from a few observations. Yet, sometimes, an ordinary experience can prompt us to examine larger questions that deserve serious consideration.

Cyber City left me with two contrasting impressions. On the one hand, I was filled with admiration for its magnificent architecture, sparkling glass buildings, beautifully illuminated pathways and carefully maintained greenery. It represented a world of opportunity, enterprise and modern achievement. On the other hand, my observations prompted me to reflect on the responsibilities that accompany prosperity and independence.

Perhaps this is where the real conversation about education should begin. We should not have to choose between modernity and tradition, ambition and responsibility, or professional achievement and personal well-being. A progressive society should be capable of embracing scientific knowledge, technological advancement and economic growth while also encouraging healthy habits, mutual respect and thoughtful decision-making.

Our children do not need less ambition. They need the wisdom to direct that ambition towards a fulfilling and responsible life. They do not need to be shielded from every temptation or disagreement. They need the confidence and judgement to navigate a world in which choices are plentiful but consequences are real.

As parents, teachers and members of society, we must ask ourselves what we truly hope to give the next generation. Is it merely a collection of certificates, impressive job titles and financial security? Or is it the ability to lead a life that is successful without being careless, independent without being irresponsible, and modern without losing sight of human values?

For me, the visit to Cyber City became more than an opportunity to admire a remarkable urban landscape. It became an occasion to reflect on the kind of society we are building and the kind of people we hope our children will become.

The glass towers may reflect the brilliance of a modern city, but the real measure of progress lies beyond their glittering façades. It lies in the wisdom of its people, the responsibility they exercise and the values they carry into their everyday lives.

After all, education should not merely teach our children how to make a living. It should also help them understand how to live.