The CGAP Curry - Blending the people of Bharat

             Around 2009, somewhere in Central India, two friends Anvith (from Southern India, Anakapalle near Vizag) and Prateek (from Northern India, Agra) had acquainted each other during the first year of graduation. In spite of their totally different cultural background, they had become buddies. The flavor of education backed by the concept of modern Gurukul (modern day college / education system) had made their bond solid like a rock. This story has its own twists and turns, similar to a curry, which has its own aroma and preparation style.

        As both these friends graduated, they got jobs in their native places, albeit not in their own but exactly opposite cities. Prateek (from Northern India) got placed in a company at Vizag (Southern India) in AP, whereas Anvith(from Southern India) had to join Raebareli in UP (Northern India). They both had their own challenges while starting their new phase of life whether it was food, language or the weather. The combo of these 3 factors gets strangely and beautifully diversified in no other country than Bharat. So, let's have a peek into their lives 15 years down the lane in 2024 today. Over a telephonic conversation, they discuss with each other :

Prateek: Hey Anvith, Congrats on becoming a Dad! Ab to Vizag ya Hyderabad wapas aake settle hoja idhar (Now, come back to Vizag/Hyderabad and finally settle here) --  It's so fascinating ! The hope of getting united with your best friend in the same city and planning future trips and adventures

Anvith: I've already explored a lot of Southern India and past 15 years of Northern India has amazed me a lot. The delicious food, the rich and vivid culture and the river Ganga from its origin to the Gangotri to its amalgamation into the sea, keeps me engaged to know more about our fabulous country, Bharat.

Prateek: Bro, I can't understand why you don't want to come back to this amazing place called Dakshin Bharat. With your due permission, Telugu lo matladavachha ? ( Can I speak in Telugu ? )

Anvith: Oh My God ! Your learnt Telugu, that's awesome !

Prateek: It's a beautiful language and equally delicious are your sambhars, chutneys and rasams. 

But you know what, when I came to know about one of my colleagues and parents staying at different places within a radius of 5km (10 mins), I was surprised and wanted to know the reason. I came to know that it was by choice. It actually took care of the privacy and independence for both the families. More importantly, the love and bond between the family members had strengthened more than the default setup. Here, at my place, one cannot even think of doing this !

Anvith: Agree! Even here also, I can't complain about anything in UP. People are so welcoming, always ready to invite you for a quick tea, lunch or dinner, that I haven't felt away from my family. 

By the way, How is your health and how is everyone back there at home?

Prateek: You know  Anvith, I found a great ancient treasure of India called Ayurveda for myself, which has changed the course of my health and lifestyle. Kerala has been a stalwart in Ayurveda, but I am happy that it has grown from India to the world. How is your "Adventure Trip Every Year" check box of the college times going on ?

Anvith: I have recently associated with many hiking groups, in which we go hiking/camping/solo trips to hills and valleys. I came across numerous people from Sikkim, Mehalaya, Gujarat, Aruncachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and so on, during my trips. They all have this amazing spirit of traveling, team playing, sharing, which we all should learn in our lives.

Prateek: Totally! Also, you know what I feel, one should change their base from their birth place to an altogether different space, which is completely different in culture, language, weather and people. You then tend to appreciate others more.

I learnt a new language and want to learn some more languages now. I also joined a book club, a writing club, a readers community here and I can't thank my destiny enough to be here in this city of destiny. It's been a whole lot of self-exploration through the cultural, geographical, lingual, culinary diversification I have experienced in these 15 years.

Anvith: So, what would you like to call this experience?

Prateek: The CGAP ( Cultural Generational Ancestral Pakwaan(Dish) ) Curry flavored by the spices of Bharat (India).

Anvith: Haha ! You and your strange names, man ! Good one though. See you soon , Take care bro !

Prateek: Milte hain phir bhai (Let's meet soon bro) ! Bye.