Humara Pyaar, Hisar
Like everyone else, when I used to think of Haryana, all I could have thought was swanky cars, khets (farms) and one of the states with the highest per capita income. (Hence, the swanky cars!) I’m sure not many people know that there are 22 districts in Haryana and for most of us in the cohort which is a crazy mix of 24 associates (out of which an overwhelming majority is from Maharashtra), Haryana was all about Gurugram, Faridabad, NCR and of course, Panchkula and Chandigarh (for obvious reasons :p). This was before joining the programme, of course. Though Chandigarh, I’d like to clarify is not technically a part of Haryana- it’s just the shared capital of both Punjab and Haryana.
So, of course, when I got posted in Hisar as a CMGGA, I had little to no idea about the district. I half expected myself to roll down the car windows to ‘dharti sunehri amber neela’ as I made a dramatic entry into Hisar district from Chandigarh. But much to my surprise, it wasn’t even remotely close to what I’d expected. And I’m pretty sure the facts below will surprise you, too! So here I am busting a few myths for you all.
Myth number 1: Sarson ke khet
It’s not all sarson ke khet all around and not quite the vision I thought I would see. (Insert-Shahrukh Khan dancing away to glory in those lovely yellow fields with the crops gracefully flowing with the soft blowing winds in the background.)
One of the first things that one will notice is the gradual urbanising trend of the population in the city with wide roads and the Jindal Steel Factories. It is also the largest producer of galvanized iron in India. There’s Jindal tower, Jindal school, Jindal Chowk. We have Miniso AND McDonalds! It’s also called the steel city of Haryana AND India and is also a popular destination for higher education as three renowned universities- Guru Jambeshwar University, CCS Haryana Agricultural University and Lala Lajpat Rai of Veterinary Sciences are located in the heart of Hisar city.
Myth number 2: Dramatically, no history
There’s little to no historical significance to Hisar.
WRONG.
Rakhigari, a village in Hisar, is one of the five known biggest townships of Harappan civilization on Indian sub-continent. Other four are Harappa, Mohenjodaro and Ganveriwala in Pakistan and Dholavira (Gujrat) in India. Two mounds, out of five, were thickly populated. The archaeological excavations revealed a mature Harappan phase represented by planned township having mud-brick as well as burnt-brick houses with a proper drainage system. Animal sacrificial pit lined with mud-brick and triangular and circular fire alters on the mud floor have also been excavated that signifies the ritual system of Harappans. Mind=blown!
Additionally, one can visit many such sites across the district like Asirgarh Fort, St. Thomas’s Church, Dargah Char Qutub. It’s the perfect blend of the remnants of a bygone era and the reflection of a steadily urbanising and modern district.
Myth number 3: Sarkaar kaam nahi karti
WRONG. AGAIN. (This was a revelation for me, too)
Hisar is an important district from the point of view of administration in Haryana State. It is one of the six divisions and is also the divisional headquarters of the Hisar division and the headquarters of Police Range. Therefore, ideals of good governance stand strong in the district which is amply visible in the respect that the Deputy Commissioner and the Additional Deputy Commissioner command in the eyes of the people who not just respect them, but also hold them accountable for their welfare. Since, the time I have arrived in the district, I have seen that people here expect a lot from the district administration which includes Superintendent of Police (SP and DSPs), SDMs and various Heads of Departments. Through channels of CM Window and public dealing-the Mini Secretariat is forever flooded with people who come in the hope that their voices will be heard and their grievances will find a redressal. It has been an eye-opening experience for me to see how people engage themselves in aspects of governance which in turn facilitates the decision making of the district administration to be more people-oriented. Working with the government has forced me to view the government with a different lens. Unlike the indifferent attitude I had to the government and ideas of governance before; I now understand how vital a role it plays in our everyday lives. From the street lights on the pavements to the door to door collection of waste from our homes and from ensuring that all schemes and services are effectively delivered to citizens to ensuring education for all in government schools- I see how government is not just restricted to government offices and buildings, but it’s a part of our everyday lives. Without it, one wouldn’t be able to imagine India to be the kind of democracy it is today.
All in all, it’s a lovely district to visit where you have the most wonderful concoction of old and modern. From amazing eateries and fine dining places to amazing roadside Dhabas, Hisar has something for everyone. And FYI, there are beautiful sun-kissed ‘khets’ too!
