Beyond Smart: A Plea for Compassionate Public Spaces in India

As a devotee and minor contributor to Tirupati's smart city plan, I embarked on my pilgrimage to the revered Balaji Tirupati temple with a mix of anticipation and duty. However, my excitement quickly turned to disbelief as I faced a sea of 1.8 million people, sweltering in the 40°C heat, inching their way through seemingly endless queues. The stench of sweat mingled with the fragrance of incense, while the chants of prayers competed with the exhausted sighs of fellow pilgrims. The sight of devotees, like me, collapsing from heatstroke, their bodies giving in to the gruelling ordeal, was a harsh contrast to the modern, efficient Tirupati I had envisioned. This jarring experience made me question the meaning of "smart" development and ignited a burning desire for change.

As we inched through serpentine crowds, the stench of sweat and the fragrance of incense hung heavy in the air. My wife's words echoed with bitter irony: "Meeting God is never easy". A growing unease at the blatant disregard for essential human comfort and dignity overshadowed my spiritual aspirations. In this chaos, your mind can only focus on escaping the turmoil, the potential disaster, rather than connecting with the divine presence one came to seek. The inner battle between love for God and the suffering endured in these serpentine queues leaves you vulnerable and questioning. The experience forced a stark realisation: preserving culture and heritage isn't merely about maintaining structures; it's about honouring the devotion and sacrifice of those who seek spiritual solace within these hallowed grounds.

The resilience of Indian society, an often-exploited quality, should not be a free pass for authorities to neglect their responsibilities. Our systems have conditioned us to endure hardships, often perpetuating these struggles. The irony was as palpable as the sweltering heat: a temple of unimaginable wealth seemingly unable to provide basic amenities for its devotees.

The most affected by this situation were the ones least equipped to handle it—the young, the elderly, and the disabled. For instance, young children were unable to bear the heat and exhaustion; old people with frail bodies struggled to stand for hours on end; and people with disabilities, without proper facilities, found it nearly impossible to navigate the crowded spaces. Public spaces, especially those designed for spiritual reflection, should be symbols of inclusivity and accessibility, not places of hardship. The stark contrast between the grand vision of a 'smart city' and the harsh reality was painfully clear.

However, this is not an isolated incident; it's a systemic issue, a problem deeply ingrained in the fabric of India's public spaces. For instance, temples, hospitals, and markets often need more infrastructure to handle large crowds, leading to chaotic situations. Despite being the nation's lifeline, bus stops and railway stations usually need to provide basic amenities like clean toilets and waiting areas. All these bear the scars of inefficiency and mismanagement. We deserve better. We deserve facilities that cater to our basic needs, respect our time, and enhance our spiritual experiences.

It's time for a revolution. We must not just hope for change but demand it. The younger generation, already disillusioned, will not value these sacred places if their experiences are tainted by hardship and neglect. But they, too, have the power to reshape this narrative and create a future where these spaces are truly inclusive and accessible for all. Their potential to demand change and create a more inclusive future is our beacon of hope.

The time for complacency is over. Technology and infrastructure shouldn't just be about aesthetic upgrades; they must prioritise all visitors' comfort, dignity, and spiritual experience. Imagine crowd management systems preventing stampedes, advanced cooling technologies offering respite from the scorching sun, and accessible facilities ensuring everyone can participate fully. Only then can we preserve our heritage and inspire future generations to cherish these sacred spaces.

We must ask ourselves: Are our gods truly accessible to their disciples? Or are they hidden behind barriers of neglect and indifference? Let us strive for a future where seeking spiritual fulfilment does not entail enduring physical and mental hardships. Let us demand better for ourselves, for our children, and for the generations to come. Our next mission? A nationwide overhaul of public spaces, starting with critical touchpoints like bus stops, railway stations, temples, pilgrim sites, and markets. By making these spaces smart and efficient, we create a ripple effect that will transform entire cities. The time for change is now.