Another ignored park in this Capital. But I'm sold to its
randomness, its busy patrons, the earthy smell, the large stunning fountain and
its location midst of a hustle-bustle of a famous market. Step into Keshav Park
at the backyard of Sarojini Nagar Market infront of its Parking lot. You have surely seen it if not just have
walked in anytime. This park does not have any benchmark and cannot be compared to the
famous ones like Lodi Garden or Palika Parking Park. But it still has its own
distinctions. The reason it has its own regulars.
Bad maintenance, missing grass in-between, overgrown weeds
and litters everywhere. No joggers or walkers here yet all the benches are
occupied in this muggy weather. Its 4pm here. A middle aged couple is resting
here in-between their shopping in Sarojini Nagar Market. It’s a good place for
a short recess to regain energy under the blue sky and then back to shopping
again. But there's not much blue sky here. There's a huge mall under
construction at its side. This becomes the lunch place for the workers in the
afternoon. There is a tap for drinking water but that does not work or municipality
may have cut the water connection due to its misusage. The whole neighborhood
slumdog children are here and disturbing everyone for money showing off their
crazy acrobatics with Bollywood item hits. They are swearing each other for the
kick of it and running around everywhere chasing each other.
No one is seen in exercise clothes. No dog walkers are to be
found. No one is even playing cricket or football. It has a relaxed atmosphere.
Everyone is doing their own stuff. Its pretty calm and noise free. The
neighborhood villagers come here to chill out with family and kids. The name of
the village is Pillanji. Drivers come and take a walk hands in hands
intertwining the fingers with their girl friends or sit in some romantic corner and enjoy some
cozy moments. Few groups of old drivers are sitting in rounds and playing
cards. They are making occasional noise of victory. One of them is a scribe and
is noting down everyone's score. End of the game the person has to treat tea to
everyone yet there is no tea man or vending guy selling anything in this park.
No beggars, smack addicts, massagewala or homosexual men are seen anywhere
around. So it gives a clean cut to the park. Amid the busy clutter of Sarojini
Nagar Market it definitely has lot of nature to offer. Jai ho!
(Text and Photography by Pupps Roy)
