Couldnt keep off the Internet for too long. So, I came to a cyber cafe :p

Outlook magazine did a rather acrid cover story on the capital city in its May 1 edition. Delhi, it seems, is a "Rude City" and "Delhi sucks". Interesting debate. I feel everyone's busy criticizing Delhi and its people as if their own cities are nothing short of paradises. Unfair, I say, although there may be some truth in it.

I've been here for eight months. Here's what I agree with:

1. "Road rage capital" – you can get to see some really rash driving on the roads of Delhi – even the aunties and the uncles – they all do it.

2. Dusty, dry, hot, cold – you bet. There's tons of dust everywhere. Tons!
3. Unsafe for women – if you are a girl, and that too a good looking one, get ready for some lecherous looks from 15 year old kids and 50 year old uncles alike. Everyone knows about Delhi's reputation in eve teasing.

4. Autorickshaws – auto drivers rule their world. Their pricing is completely arbitrary. In fact, you dont need a computer program to generate a random number. All you need is a Delhi autowallah – perfect randomness is what you'll get.

What I disagree with:

1. People are rude and unhelpful – I have met more rude people in Hyderabad. In fact, people talk to you with respect here, in some fine Hindi. If you ask for directions, they are quite willing to help. Of course, you get to meet the odd "not my business" types but dont they exist throughout the country?

2. Not really cosmopolitan – hmmm, havent socialized much so I dont know. They look cosmo atleast.

3. Dont receive outsiders well – they've received me quite well.

4. Girish Kasaravalli from Bangalore even goes to the extent of saying Delhi has a "very inhuman and arrogant look to it". Eh? "It is a strange place that does not create a visual memory in my mind. I just cant read the place". I have nothing against Bangaloreans but I want to ask: Who's fault is it if your mind "cant read" the place?

What I like about Delhi:

1. Delhi Metro – rocks totally! Hats off to DMRC.

2. The roads – wider, smoother – few traffic jams.

3. Cleaner air, except for the dust.

4. The greenery.

5. The women – they're so beautiful.

Anyway, the "my city rocks, your city sucks" kind of attitude that was sported in the article isnt very cool. It'll be better if people from various cities complement themselves and share constructive criticism instead of stuff like "Why Delh sucks".