Dighalipukhuri
(or the long pond) is a famous landmark in my hometown, Guwahati. I used to
cross this tree-fringed pond every day on my way to school. The beautiful
location of the pond and its proximity to famous institutions such as Cotton
College and Handique College ensured its popularity amongst young couples eager
to spend some quality time with each other. An activity that used to raise the
BP levels of the older generation considerably. I particularly remember a
letter addressed to the Editor of the venerable daily, the Assam Tribune,
lamenting how the Assamese society is crumbling under this onslaught of unbridled youthful
passion (or words to that effect). All because the writer spotted some cooing youngsters
at Dighalipukhuri when he went for his morning walk. Couples who obviously found each other’s company more interesting than
early morning lectures on Keynesian economics or the difference between mitosis
and meiosis.
Much
water has flown down the Brahmaputra since then, but the attitude towards
public displays of affection hasn’t changed much even today. There is some tolerance.
A bit of grudging acceptance. At times, there’s also tacit approval. Take Mumbai’s
Bandra Bandstand for instance. A romantic albeit rocky Eden of sorts for lovers
craving some us-time away from the prying eyes of millions. Previously, cops patrolling
the area used to act as the moral police. Any hint of affection was quickly
dispensed with a stern warning. Now they intervene only they see couples oblivious
to the incoming tide and are in danger of being swept out to sea. On the other
hand, there are the culture zealots who preserve our age-old culture by ganging
up against these young couples on specific days of the year. Or, if they have
nothing else to do, on specific days of the week.
It’s
really difficult to comprehend how simple expressions of love can be frowned
upon. Simple being the operative word here. Of course, people have a right to
express their reservations about tonsil hockey being played in a bus or bare-bodied
horizontal calisthenics being performed in a nana-nani park. But other than
that, I really don’t see any other reason why we shouldn’t celebrate being in love
in public like this lost-in-love couple. In an increasingly violent and
intolerant world, these are the moments that serve as a reminder that life
could be beautiful too.