Aditya Tyagi

My hometown, Meerut, has been there since the time of Ramayana. Back then, it was known as Maharashtra. During the time of Mahabharata, this place was known as Hastinapur. It is also said that the Ashoka pillar during the Mauryan Empire was established here, which was then relocated to Delhi in the 12th century.

I have spent 18 years of my life here. However, for my family, it all started in 1930. My grandfather left his home and shifted to Meerut then to become a part of the Independence movement for the freedom of India. I have read letters written by Chaudhary Charan Singh (ex-Prime Minister of India) to my grandfather. They both were the best of friends, and when I read those letters, they take me to a completely different zone. I've always had this wish to visit my hometown in the 1900s when India was fighting for its independence. Everything I have learnt about Indian history is because of my hometown.

This place is famous for the Nauchandi Mela, which started in 1672 - a symbol of unity between Hindu and Muslims. Ghanta Ghar, established in 1913, is believed to have the sound of the clock travel across 15 kilometres. I feel proud and happy when I see Meerut as one of the fastest developing cities in India, including the first rapid train in Asia from Meerut to Delhi, among other developments. Meerut is the biggest sports equipment manufacturer and supplier in Asia. It is also famous for the production of scissors. The term, 'yahan ke logon ki zubaan kaichee jaise tez hai' (people's tongues run like scissors here) was more or less coined here.

Everything that I have learnt, every story that I have told, every character I have written has the essence of my hometown. Being from a small town like this gives me a better perspective to know people, to understand them. It is impossible for me to write down everything this town has given me. But if I try to summarise it in one sentence, it would be:

Wherever I go, wherever I live, my hometown will always hold the most special place in my heart and memories, just like the town holds all mine within it.