Lost joys of aloo-puri & glucose biscuits at Amritsar railway station

I was raised by the rhythm of trains, the warmth of shared food on platforms, and the unspoken peace that lived between arrivals and departures among the old colonial arches of Amritsar railways station. I was taught to live simply, come what may — to never compromise on simplicity. I grew up in a world where Parle-G biscuits and a cup of tea from the railway platform were enough to bring happiness. The environment was modest, the moments honest.

Life moved to the sound of whistles, the clatter of wheels, and conversations over aloo-puri that costed Rs 5— wrapped in newspaper, served with stories and smiles. Traveling in second class, sitting by the window, buying a magazine from a vendor, waiting for the ladduwala — these weren’t just moments, they were magic.

Today, we may fly business class or travel in luxury cars, but that joy… that raw, honest simple life is gone forever. Simplicity now feels vintage — almost mocked in a world of tall buildings, curated restaurants, and inflated egos.

Amritsar has changed. The homes are bigger, the cars flashier, but the hearts are somehow heavier. Somewhere along the way, we stopped valuing kindness, humility, and those who chose to remain soft.

Simplicity, once lived, is now only remembered.

And yet, it remains timeless — a quiet grace in a noisy world.

 Simi Gandhi, Amritsar