Grey Hair, Golden Journey !

 Grey Hair, Golden Journey !

There’s a quiet joy in witnessing the birth of a place—and a deeper satisfaction in watching it flourish. I’ve always found myself drawn to new beginnings: the inauguration of a mall, the launch of a metro line, the maiden flight of a regional airline. These aren’t just events to me; they’re milestones in a living story, and I feel privileged to be part of them.

Years ago, I stood at the inauguration of 'Westend Mall' in Aundh, Pune, and more recently, at the opening of  'Phoenix Mall of the Milennium' in Wakad. I wrote Google reviews, shared photos, and watched these spaces evolve into vibrant hubs of community life. Today, they feel like second homes. I often take Madhura there. She has grown up exploring these places with wide-eyed wonder. I still remember when she wasn’t even a year old, yet she walked all six floors of Westend Mall, her tiny feet echoing with joy!

When 'Fly91' launched its Jalgaon–Pune flight, I was among the first to book a ticket. I traveled, documented the experience, and wrote a blog. Similarly, when Pune Metro’s first phase was completed, I journeyed from Jagatguru Sant Tukaram Station to Fugewadi, marveling at the engineering feat, especially the Diamond Cutters used for tunneling. I penned my reflections, blending technical insights with the thrill of progress.

Now, with the Vande Bharat Express connecting Ajani (Nagpur) to Pune, I’m preparing for another journey. In a week, I’ll board the train from Jalgaon, eager to experience this new chapter in connectivity.

Innovation doesn’t only live in infrastructure, it thrives in small ventures too. When a young IT engineer in Pune launched 'Kannu Ki Chai', I visited the outlet near my home in Pimple Saudagar, Pune. I still go there often, sipping tea and chatting with bright minds who carry the spark of creativity.

My love for Mumbai runs deep. When the 'Bandra–Worli Sea Link' opened, I took a taxi from Bandra just to experience the drive. The view of the Arabian Sea was breathtaking!  I’ve captured essence of Arebian Sea in my book.

What makes these experiences richer is the human connection. As an engineer with an MBA in finance; and yes, my grey hair, I find it easy to engage with the people behind these projects. Over a cup of tea, they share stories of challenges and triumphs. There’s a quiet respect, a recognition of shared curiosity and lived wisdom. Occasionally, family insists I color my hair, but I prefer the silver strands; they’re my badge of experience, and they open doors to conversations that matter.

There’s more to share, more places to explore, and more stories to tell. This journey of discovery, dialogue, and delight is far from over!