It has been years since I last visited a village. Growing up in Jaipur, it’s been easy to forget that the majority of the country still lives in rural areas. My father’s village, Budgara, is a small settlement near Chandak in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh. It’s a place I haven’t been to in a long time, but it remains etched in my memory. The simplicity of life there, the vast stretches of greenery, and the slower pace of living are things that urban environments rarely offer. Villages like Budgara are a reminder of a different way of life, one that feels increasingly distant as cities grow busier and more crowded.
The last time I visited Budgara, I remember being struck by the calm that seemed to permeate the air. Unlike the constant noise of city life, the village was quiet, save for the occasional sound of birds or the rustling of leaves. The simplicity of daily routines, the open fields, and the sense of community were refreshing. It’s a place where time feels slower, and the connection to nature is immediate. In cities, we often seek out parks or green spaces to find a semblance of peace, but in a village, it’s all around you. The contrast between urban and rural life is stark, and it’s something I’ve come to appreciate more as I’ve grown older.
Today, I woke up with a desire to visit Budgara again. I’m not sure if I dreamt about it, but the thought was vivid. It’s fascinating how the subconscious works, bringing forward memories and desires we might not actively think about. The idea of returning to the village, even if just for a short while, feels appealing. It’s not just about nostalgia but also about reconnecting with a part of my roots. In a world that’s increasingly fast-paced and digital, there’s something grounding about being in a place where life moves at a different rhythm. While cities are often the focus of development and progress, villages remain the heart of the country’s culture and traditions. They offer a different kind of calm, one that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. As I think about planning a visit, I’m reminded of how important it is to step away from the noise and chaos of urban life, even if just for a little while. The simplicity and serenity of village life are things I’ve taken for granted in the past, but now, they feel like something worth seeking out again.