Chandigarh is the city where I was born and bought up and still living in. Touchwood for this unbroken bond between me and this beautiful city.Here is an account of what I know and think about my city.
HISTORY
The name of the city is derived from Goddess of power known as Shri Chandika whose temple is on Chandigarh-Kalka Road. The temple is known by the name of Chandi Mandir. It is considered to be an ancient site and has a major religious significance for Hindus.
After India’s independence from British rule Punjab became a state without a capital. Though there was a temporary secretariat at Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, the political leadership decided on the construction of a modern and accessible capital. This was Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s Dream City of modern India. The city was named as Chandigarh. This was to be the first planned city of India.
The responsibility for the design was given to the French architect Le Corbusier or the Crow. With the help of his cousin Pierre Jeanneret, and that of the English couple Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew Chandigarh, the present capital, came into existence at the foothills of the Shivaliks (the first of three parallel chains of the Himalayas).
It was built in 1953 and till date serves as the capital of two states, Punjab and Haryana. It is administered by the Central Government and is hence classified as an Union Territory.
ADVANTAGE CHANDIGARH ! CITY BEAUTIFUL
1)A planned city offers many benefits.One has just to visit Delhi, Patiala or for that matter any city of India. Planning translates into wide open roads, parks, neat shopping malls and a feel good factor.This feel good factor is missing in most of the Indian cities except Pune and Bangalore.
2)The quality of education is perhaps the best in the country. The city has 12 Convent Schools besides other private and government schools which are renowned for their results. The famous Punjab University is the heart of higher education in North India and has a 5 star status.The city is also home to Punjab Engineering College which has the second best placement record after IIT DELHI in the region.
3)TOURIST HOTSPOTS
The Sukhna Lake is an enormous man made lake which is the favourite chill out of most Chandigarhites.A refreshing walk along the lake periphery is my favourite passtime in Chandigarh.Migratory Birds who arrive in the winter seasons are an added bonus
The Rock Garden is perhaps the only garden in the world made up of waste material.It has waterfalls, caves, hills and a perfect place to spend the day.
The Rose Garden is the biggest rose garden in Asia.The annual Rose Festival is worth visiting.
LIFESTYLE:Chandigarhites were accustomed to a casual and leisurely lifestlyle which has now gradually changed to
a fast and busy one.I miss those old days. Nevertheless, people are friendly and broad minded.This reflects in the fact that Chandigarh has now become a trendsetter in fashion.
THE FUTURE
The City Beautiful has a bright and sunny future but big city problems of overpopulation and slums have started raising their head.If properly managed, this city will surely become the ICON of MODERN INDIA
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