What *is* the other bangalore?

Most of the times, in the evening, I go for a walk to a place called Neelasandra. It is decrepit neighbourhood next to the Infant Jesus Church. A place where Muslims, Christians and Hindus live in houses which are no more than a room. Yet, in general, except for rare times, there is harmony around. Most of the folks making a hand-to-mouth living; some selling fruits, others running small shops, or eateris, or barber shops, or what not.

After a hectic day at the computers, there is no better place for a relaxation. A place where people though poor are full of kindness. Where there does not seem to be much cut throat competition inspite of poverty.

For many of these guys, the evening ends in a bar or a shack after a hard day's work. It is a hard living where a night's drink is the result of a good day. The bars or rather the shacks are ill lit. But those who server liquor are friendly blokes and would be happy if given 10 rupees for a tip.

If one wants to really experience the "other" Bangalore, these and similar places around Bangalore are the placees. Yes, the IT industry has bought better times for these people. Many people who are real estate brokers make a good living thanks to IT folks renting out places. Others like masons, carpenters are happy due to the construction boom. Not many complain.

I heard that TCS employees are complaining about their pay being reduced due to the dollar going down. One needs to spend time with folks such as the one I am talking about and one knows what a priviledged life software engineers live. Sure, intellectual work is very tough, no doubt.

What people in places such as Neelasandra lack is formal education. Many are Muslims and perhaps get brain-washed in Madrassas. Also, disciplines such as software require single-minded concentration. In the circumstances that they live, there is just no space for something like concentration. There are too many people in one square meter of space at any time.

Most dont have a concept of an intellectual life. I am a frequent visitor in those places. Some call me a scientist, others probably think I am some kind of a mad guy. How does one explain to these people the kind of live we live? Leave alone these people, the concept of a serious software is too difficult to even explain to medical doctors, or to parents or to others who are in more people oriented professions.