I am back in Agartala for few weeks. The city I made home for 4 years and the city which taught me many things about life and work. I am really happy to be back after almost a year and half.....and yeah I declared it to the world, expressing my happiness as my facebook update is the same. But what is different about this visit is that I am here for academic work and not to do what I consider, I did best in my professional life.
Talking about Agartala, I personally feel its one of the best cities to live in North-east India, during the 4 years, I saw many developmental activities and changes in the State. Development like improved infrastructure, new hotels, a small shopping mall and opening of many branded showrooms. I saw all these transformation happening in a very short time and not just in the cities but even in other district and at villages too development did happen. As my work required me to travel lengths and breath in Tripura, I saw improved infrastructure in villages and district head-quarters. For a rural development professional like me, I've to to admit that developing cities does not necessarily mean development in real sense but what matters is the development of rural areas, which I've seen is happening in most parts of Tripura. Though nothing much has changed since I left the city but yes I've changed.... for good I hope and assume.
Its a weird & funny feeling but I feel like a tourist this time, though a different kind of tourist, as I know what to expect and what not to, I know each corner of the city and what is best about the city. To feel like a tourist in a place which is so known to me is sure weird. But yes I do plan to eat the best food the city has to offer ( Ilish Mach @ my fav. Shankar Hotel tops the list) , shop, take pictures and buy tant sarees and some souvenirs like all tourist do and yeah meet all the people I know in this hot. humid but wonderful city.