Bangalore: A Journey Through Time

Today, as I find myself in Bangalore on 4th December, a day celebrated as Navy Day, nostalgia floods my mind. Three decades ago, this very city marked the beginning of my naval journey. I vividly remember walking through the gates of 12 SSB on Cubbon Road, nervous yet excited, unaware that the decision I was about to make would shape not just my career but my life.

Back then, Bangalore was fondly referred to as the Garden City of India—a title it truly lived up to. The city was a haven of greenery, with lush parks, quiet streets, and a climate so pleasant that air conditioning was almost unheard of. It was famous for its pollen grains, which would leave their subtle mark on every visitor's senses. Traffic was minimal, and life moved at a pace that allowed people to pause, reflect, and breathe.

Brigade Road was the go-to hangout spot—a street that combined the charm of old-world India with a sprinkle of urban aspirations. The first Barista café, a novelty at the time, drew crowds seeking a taste of the “new,” while Bangalore’s roots held firm with iconic spots like Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR) serving up authentic South Indian delicacies. This was the Bangalore I fell in love with, a city of parks, lakes, and cafes—a perfect blend of culture and simplicity.

But as the years rolled on, change became the city’s constant companion. Today, Bangalore is no longer the quaint Garden City I once knew. It is a bustling urban metropolis, a hub for technology and innovation, often called the Silicon Valley of India. The greenery has given way to glass-and-concrete towers; the quiet streets now echo with honks and hurried footsteps. While the city's growth and global stature are commendable, the charm of a simpler, greener Bangalore feels like a distant memory.

In many ways, this transformation mirrors the evolution of the Indian Navy over the past three decades. When I joined, the Navy was a force deeply rooted in tradition, with its operations and strategies largely reflecting its colonial past. Over the years, it has evolved into a modern, blue-water navy, equipped with cutting-edge technology, indigenous warships, and a global outlook.

From INS Vikrant, India’s first aircraft carrier, to the commissioning of the new INS Vikrant, the Navy’s journey has been one of growth, resilience, and adaptation. It now stands as a symbol of India’s maritime strength, capable of protecting our nation’s vast coastline and asserting its presence on the world stage.

And yet, like Bangalore, the Navy has never lost its soul. The traditions, camaraderie, and values that drew me to the service three decades ago remain unchanged. Just as Bangalore continues to be a melting pot of cultures and aspirations, the Navy remains a harmonious blend of the old and the new—a force that respects its heritage while embracing the future.

As I walk through Bangalore today, I realize that change, though bittersweet, is inevitable. The city has grown, just as I have, just as the Navy has. And while I miss the Bangalore of my youth, I cannot help but admire the spirit of this city—its ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive.

On this Navy Day, I salute not just the men and women who serve our country but also the resilience of Bangalore, a city that, despite its transformation, continues to inspire. Here's to growth, to change, and to remembering where we came from as we chart the course for where we are headed.

Happy Navy Day!