Memories down walking lane

Memories down walking lane
Vijay Times

No doubt Bangalore has become Bengaluru. Yet, Austin Town, Cubbon Road, Victoria Layout and all the 18th crosses are here to stay.

Though the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike keeps renaming roads in the City after freedom fighters, veteran film stars or the inactively act politicians, the famed cross roads still find a strong mention and are a part of the lifetime achievements among the many residents there.

Wondering what this cross road funda is all about? Well, if you have any sentiments attached to the Chitrashilpi Venkatappa Road, sorry, I meant the 18th Cross in Malleswaram, you will definitely agree with what I say.

From the Krishnamurthys, Viswanathans and Kumars to the Bhats - the prestigious lineage that boasts of Malleswarmites of yore, all speak nostalgic tales at length about the famed 18th Cross. It is not only this road, there are a string of te roads attached to the nomenclature of many here that defines where they belong (or belonged) to.

And, if you still live on the 16th, 17th or 18th crosses of Malleswaram, the oldest residential areas of the Garden City, the joy you derive while disclosing the safe heaven, used for activities best known to you, is something that needs a mention.

The teen (16th, 17th and 18th crosses) tales of Malleswaram are sure to amuse you. Though renamed Chitrashilpi Venkatappa Road, 18th Cross is a part of the family for a few hundreds residing there. From dancers to industrialists, traditional households to the ones with a cosmopolitan outlook, all have been there and done all that.

There is an aura about this street which prevents many from moving out to other streets, or even localities. And, with real estate prices soar ing beyond the moon and Mars, its a bit higher here than neighbouring crosses.

The main link to Sampige Road and towards Sadashivnagar, this road is a paradise for every passer-by. And what with the street turning into one-way couple of years ago, vehicle users still love taking this route throwing traffic norms to the wind. As a perfect tree-lined avenue, 18th Cross still serves as a meeting point for the sixt plus souls of the area, who exchange their sweet nothings during an early morning or a late evening walk. And mind you, the heavy traffic on this road has not deterred them from calling it Namma 18th Cross.

How can the young couples be left behind from this busy lifeline? Parking their vehicles at the small lane behind the 18th Cross bus stand, the cupid-struck hearts walking hand-in-hand, along the straight stretch is not to be missed.

On the whole, ask anybody attached to this street, they go endless, filled with passion, to t about this celebrated street. And dont blame me that I am talking of 18th Cross in Malleswaram alone. You too may be attached to a certain 18th Cross in your locality and feeling the same.

And if you ask me what happens when there is a change in name, I say nothing. But with sentiments you attach to a place and the sweet memories to be etched in your heart, names do matter.

Long live the souls on this Cross Road.