HYDERABAD-VISIT DOWN THE MEMORY LANE

I had been to HYDERABAD, a place where i started my CA articleship some 39 years ago.
Since then Hyderabad has become a place assocaiated with me for many memorable moments and not surprisingly, this has become a place desired by my son too.The surprising element comes from my wife as Hyderabad is the only place, next to Chennai for which she has developed a special liking.
1972 was the year in which i visited Hyderabad,first,courtesy, my paternal uncle who decided on my behalf that i am going to pursue CA, after my BSc.CA to me then (and i feel even ow to some extent)is greek and latin to me.But i have the knack of getting into such situations with ease and coming out of the same with grace of GOD.Thus CA was successfully completed.
1997, exactly after 25 years i had been to HYDERABAD for another stint,(Courtesy my office , on elevation to AGM cadre)this time following my son, who was already in H'BAD for his MA degree.
Since then almost every year i had been to Hyderabad, offically or personally and each such trip redoubled my liking to Hyderabad.
The recent visit between 11/11 to 14/11 , to attend the marriages of siblings of two close friends is no exception.
In AP i am informed marriages are solemnised at nights.The two marraiages which i attended were scheduled to be solemnised one at 10.38 pm and another at 10.40 pm.I had a great company from CHENNAI in the presence of my best friendJ.
Marriages in nights €if there were no load shedding) is a treat to watch.First there is no sweat.The atmosphere is cool and blessing all ready.The crowds thin down immediately after dinner , which is normally scheduled between 7 and 10 pm.Then it becomes the occasion only for close relatives andd friends.
From cost angle also this appears to be appealing as except for Night dinner, there are normally no other costsinvolved.

Hyderabd, in November is already looking like heaven.The mandapams where the marriages are held are huge and inviting, and with the colourful lights and music made it appear to be a Rain bow , BLESSING THE COUPLE BY NIGHT.

HYDERABAD, still retains it s many credits. Its iddly and vada(the likes of which are yet to be tasted in CHENNAI),the value for money,the way in which streets are daily cleaned in the morning hours, the Birla mandir, the birds eye view which one can have of Hyderabad atop the mandir, the famous Buddha in the middle OF Hussain Sagr, the umpteen number of boats carrying the young lovers whispering sweet nothings and the elder generation blessing them with a knowing smile, the eat street and its splendour,the list is endless.

But quite a few changes have also touched the city. One maong them is the malls replacing theatres,In RTC cross roads which is known for its half a dozen theaters lined across the road, some of them are giving way to malls.If this can be assumed as a change inevitable, the other change is far from satisfactory.Autos refusing to put metres and demanding lumpsum amount and at times exhorbitant too.It is a bad culture of Chennai autos which has possibly invaded Hyderabad.

During the trip i had the occasion to visit Jubilee hills where a friend of my friend J resides.I had travleed by two of the costliest cars, a Skoda Octavia, and a Honda CR-V ownwed by this friend who appears to be very ordinary and humble,The home where he took us is another splendour.A beauty, so to say, with each room having been tastefully decorated and each peice of item adorning the home right from the Fish cum woman statue welcoming at the entrance beneath which golden fishes swim to bring good luck, to the balcony where there is a hanging garden full of green grass with a swing placed right at the centre to add grandeur.I was speech less, The gentleman attributed allt hat to his wife who subsequently proved her worth in her hospitality too,during Lunch in which i was hosted with a full meal curr€iculam of Samabar, Rsam curd, koottu. keerai. porial etc.A made for each other couple blessed in totalityby GOD.

By the time i returned back to RTC cross roads to buy tea leaves (another speciality of Hyderabad..Lasa and Lmasa tea, at the behest of my wife)my thoghts went back down the memory lane when me and my son used to travel across these roads atleast twice a day for break fast or dinner or for going to our respective destinations.I even paid a visit to the house where we stayed initially at Himayat nagar.

The cycle seems almost complete as this visit also marks the beginning of my second innings after my retirement. My first innings of articleship for CA commenced here and i could recall with satisfaction my performance in first
innings(if my son agrees can i equate it to Dravid's ton at Eden GARDENS).i HOPE my second innings will be equally competent and more of contentment.

When i boarded the Charminar (DELAYED START by 45 minutes due to a fire accident ) and settled in my seat i started waving bye bye to the great city and the distant Birla mandir, etched on the bank of river bund, right from the time the train entered the Necklace road, till it left Hussain sagar, with fond hope and knowledge that the next visit which is hardly 3 months away will be the most memorable one when my son accomplishes his dream.

Till then cheers all the way .and love to twin cities...