Alwar

Nestled among the beautiful Aravali Hills in Rajasthan, India, Alwar has been home to my family since the1950’s. The surrounding areas of Alwar are particularly beautiful, with plenty of wild life, and the Sariska Tiger Reserve close by. The mustard fields, with a sea of yellow flowers, blow mildly in the breeze as if to beckon and invite its weary travelers with open arms.

As a young man I remember playing frisbee in the streets with rarely a car passing us by. Now the throngs of development have taken over this sleepy little town with traffic and crowds everywhere.

Dad was a major figure in this small town in the days of old. Almost like the town patriarch with the Midas touch. His kindness manifested itself in his support of education for the less privileged, and building a Hindu temple for the community. Rarely did a poor person leave our doorstep without something from Dad. Such was the man. Such is his legend.

Sitting atop one of the hills overlooking the city is the Alwar fort — keeping a watchful eye on the people below. Alwar was a princely state and I was privileged to have dinner at the palace with the current Maharaja and his Queen. The Royal trappings of the past were visible in every aspect of the palace. It brought back childhood memories of visiting these royal surroundings with Dad when I was a little boy.

I was greeted by familiar faces in the local bazar and in the neighborhoods — the shopkeepers, the lady who washed our laundry, the domestic help in our home &mash; many who have been affiliated with our family for over 30 years. The town is no longer the quaint sleepy town that I knew. However, it’s rustic charm remains. And it’s memories are safely nestled in my heart and psyche.