In the past couple of years, Bengaluru has developed quite a reputation. From its superb corporate culture to wonderful weather, people started highlighting how the locals living in the city, who are known as Kannadigas, are hostile towards those who have migrated from other cities. The language divide keeps on fueling the fire, with cases of harassment and road rage being reported almost daily.
However, Ujjawal Asthana, an entrepreneur and techie, took to X to share a touching note upon leaving Bengaluru after having lived there for over 14 years. He is now moving to Pune but before leaving the city, he decided to dedicate a sweet note to it.
“Personal note: I am leaving Bangalore for Pune. Bangalore has been home for 14+ years. The city has given me all the good things in my life – first job, first foreign trip, a life partner, 2 successful businesses, funding, startup acquisition, great friends, a network worth in gold and much more,” he wrote.
He emphasised how despite not being a local, he was never made to feel like an outsider. He built his life from scratch in the city, doing the quintessential struggle – BMTC buses, autorickshaw rides, and walking through the lanes of Jayanagar – which made him discover Bengaluru’s charm.
“I am not a local but there wasn’t a day when I felt like an outsider – and if you are thinking that’s because I live in a bubble of high rise and car – that’s not the case. I have also lived the BMTC, Auto, Cab life in the city for longest time. Bangalore is not a city, it is a beautiful experience that is hard to explain in words. You experience it once you live with the people here and walk in the lanes of Jayanagar.”
He urged people to look at the city with a new lens – not the one that focuses on the weather, cafes, breweries and startup culture.
“People who call Bangalore ‘meh’, need to live beyond the weather, coffee, beer and startups. And while I am going to make Pune my new home, and I can’t wait to start my journey there, I will keep walking in the lanes of Bangalore – the city I have called home since I became an adult, on each trip,” he wrote, ending his note.
Have a look at his full post here:
Personal note: I am leaving Bangalore for Pune.
Bangalore has been home for 14+ years. The city has given me all the good things in my life – first job, first foreign trip, a life partner, 2 successful businesses, funding, startup acquisition, great friends, a network worth in…
— ujjawal (@ujjawalasthana) November 24, 2024
Several people agreed with what he had to say and wished him all the best for his future in Pune, assuring him that he would love the new city as well. Have a look:
I spent 7 months in Bangalore working in a sales role, which took me on countless journeys through the vibrant lanes of JP Nagar, Jayanagar, Indiranagar, and Koramangala. Exploring these neighborhoods, especially the charm of Old Bangalore, was truly an unforgettable experience.
— Jitesh Kumar Singh (@jiteshkrsinghh) November 24, 2024
Amazing. Bangalore is truly the best despite all its flaws. Have a great stay in Pune. ✌️✌️
— Lynn Joseph (@meetlynnjoseph) November 24, 2024
Good luck Ujjawal ! Being a Bangalorean and traveling to Mumbai Pune frequently, you will not find much difference between two .. except food habits , of course !! Enjoy Pune , and don’t forget Namma Bangalore ?
— Politicaladman ( INDIA IS MY FAMILY ) (@AnandKu86537625) November 24, 2024
More than you’re going to miss Bangalore, Namma Bengaluru is going to miss you. Heartening to see so much gratitude you carry towards this beautiful city. Wish you the very best!
— Prasanna Hegde (@hegdepch) November 24, 2024
“… walk in the lanes of Jayanagar”. Absolutely. It’s Love at first (or every) sight, at Jayanagar 🙂
— Aravinda (@avibhat29) November 24, 2024
What a wonderful tribute to the city this is!