Tags:
Journalism of Courage
The early morning ride on Delhi Transport Corporation’s University-special is my anodyne for Monday morning blues. The ride, although ephemeral, lets you just sit back and relax and provides a look into the fast-paced life of Delhi, from the boulevards of Moti Bagh and Sarojini Nagar to the claustrophobic lanes of Moti Nagar, Pira Garhi. Every Dilliwalla seems to be on the run to complete the arduous tasks of doing one’s dharma, whether it’s going to office on vehicles ranging from spluttering scooters to sleek sedans, to riding school buses packed like a can of sardines.
Emerging from South Delhi, it becomes difficult to fathom the lives led in the run-down homes and shanty gullies of north Delhi, with most of the buildings appearing to be at logger-heads with each other. Yet none of this dampens the indomitable spirit of the Delhiite.
The atmosphere inside the bus is one of general bonhomie, with conversations ranging from cricket matches and movies to unfinished assignments and mass bunking plans. All through the chatting, the bus ambles along, nonchalantly fighting for road space with other vehicles far more recklessly driven. The conversations help you keep abreast with all the happenings on the campus. It gives the juniors an opportunity to interact with their seniors and get information on examinations and internships.
Like everything else in life, the U-special too comes with its own set of flaws. There are times when it breaks down or runs out of gas — a dire prospect indeed if the examination guillotine happens to be hanging over our necks.
But these inconveniences apart, the U-special is truly special. It the most wonderful way to start your week and the most wonderful way to start your weekend.
In any case, where else in India can you reach the other end of the city with just ten bucks in your pocket?
