A Criss-Cross Journey Through the City's Heart: Reflections on Diwali, Economy, and the Real State of the Nation

As Diwali festivities light up the city, it's tempting to get swept up in the glitz and celebrations. But step beyond the illuminated facades, and a different picture emerges. Recently, in conversations at home, my wife and I found ourselves reflecting on the reality of our middle-class experiences. A single glance at the staggering count of unsold cars suggests a larger, dispirited trend. Is this emblematic of a faltering economy, or just the tip of an iceberg that has long drifted unnoticed?

Rising Prices, Dimming Hopes

A few weeks before Diwali, the price of vegetables surged in anticipation of the festival season. My wife put it simply: “The heavens fell long ago.” Indeed, it didn’t take Nobel laureates or a tangle of HDI data points to reveal the rising cost of living, the struggle of families to make ends meet, or the persistent struggles in our economy. No footnotes are needed for this—just a walk through the streets of our city or a drive into the surrounding rural expanse.

Through the City’s Criss-Crossing Veins

On Diwali, we roamed the city’s varied sections: west, east, center, and south. And beyond the glow of high-end malls and eateries, the shadows grow long. In quieter neighborhoods and semi-urban areas, streetlights, if any, flicker dimly. The disparity is glaring. While some areas thrive, a large portion of the population navigates the same poorly lit, potholed streets and inadequate facilities they’ve known for years.

These glimpses of reality mirror the state of rural areas, where infrastructure falters, and opportunity is scarce. It’s one thing to read about growth rates and GDP forecasts; it’s another to witness the daily reality of so many who remain untouched by it.

The Reality of a Forgotten Majority

As the festivities wind down, the show goes on. Beyond the bright lights and cheerful gatherings lies a sobering truth—one that affects not just the economic future but the spirit of our people. The glitz of city lights may offer a comforting illusion, but the reality is harder to ignore. It’s time we start talking more openly about it, with an eye toward genuine solutions.