Most of my memories of childhood revolve around two communities – REC and BHEL. These self-contained communities made my childhood almost idyllic and perfect. I haven’t visited Trichy in years but I will always carry the memories of BHEL and REC with me.

Surprisingly (or not so surprisingly) the memories of BHEL that cling to me are its landmarks – the Hands sculpture at Training Centre, the Bicycle stands, the parks (that remain closed most of the time) and the shops. If I close my eyes really tight I can smell sugarcane being crushed and conjure the lady who served them.

An ode to BHEL

Township it was called

Silent witness of my steps

Feeding souls and lives 

 

Blooms of many kinds

Decorating look alike homes

Yellow, pink and more

 

Raja Bakery

Spicy mixture, bread and more

My stomach now growls

 

Fancy store Edlove

Here fake feathered pink birds drank, spit

Dark, surly it was

 

Sugarcane juice stall

Vegetables, cassettes, linen

Shoes for every feet

 

I remember it all

Carved in the mind, set in stone

Memories forever

Pictures Source: Facebook Trichy BHEL Township Page 

Coming up tomorrow, C: Clubs