VIZAG matters - Sohan Hatangadi's Blog

Vizag’s hidden history Sohan Hatangadi Times of India Vizag Edition  21 February 2016 People fascinated by Indian history are familiar with historical facts of several old towns and cities such as Varanasi, Hyderabad, Chennai or Mumbai. While most old Indian cities and towns have interesting past our own Vizag has a secret history that has escaped some of us residing here all our lives. We pass by structures surrounded by buildings as we rush about our work scarcely throwing a glance at those forgotten spots that have played a significant part in Vizag’s past. Tourist brochures convey a simplistic view of Vizag’s history describing it as a “sleepy fishing village” that over time transformed into today’s bustling city. Somehow we visualise a bunch of fisher folk sleeping all day. In fact Vizag has been an important town for many centuries and has witnessed the ebb and tide of rulers, armies, cultures and outstanding men of vision - who slept very little. What’s ...

First I urge you to read this brave article. It is poignant and powerful. If you love Vizag please pass it on http://www.thehindu.com/ todays-paper/tp-features/tp- metroplus/article2640606.ece? mid=53185 My take: For those of us who schooled and grew up in Vizag the news that the  port  wants to  expand Northward  is a  horror movie  still unfolding.  Only problem is that this is not just a scary yarn, we are not going for a popcorn break - its a chilling possibility - and if Vizag's gentle population are silent - a  certainty . The  "One Town"  or  "Soldierpeta"  area was where Vizag's  heart was. The  Jalaris  along with the local community defined  quintessential Vizag .  A fishing net drawn in from the beach by a dozen fishermen would bring in  half a ton of sparkling catch . Then the  Iron Ore arrived,  crossing over the area on Japanese funded, c...