Prof. S. S. Dogra
This was my first visit to Kanpur, yet it has become the most cherished chapter in my diary of memories—one that will remain forever special. It was not merely a journey to a city; it was an experience woven with relationships, warmth and selfless affection—an experience that gently touched the deepest corners of my heart.
The entire credit for this unforgettable stay goes to my respected host, Shri Mahendra Pratap Singh ji, along with Ankur Gupta ji, Rohit ji, Rahul ji and Sunil Mangal ji, who welcomed me not as a guest, but as a member of their own family. Their affection, simplicity and graciousness transformed Kanpur, for me, from just a city into a place that truly felt like home.
Meeting so many warm and kind-hearted people made this journey truly priceless. My friend from Kanpur, social influencer Shikha Shukla ji; senior journalist Krishna Vishnoi ji; President of the Kanpur Cricket Association, Dr. Sanjay Kapoor ji; Shivam ji; Pankaj Raj Mewara; Himanshu Malik; Ranveer Singh ji; Sukhbir Malik ji; Shiva ji, Binda Jaiswal ji—who has served Green Park Stadium with unwavering dedication for years—along with the ever-respected Curator Shiv Sir, each added a unique human touch that enriched this visit with profound emotions and memories.
My heartfelt interaction with Curator Shiv Sir at Green Park Stadium on 2nd February was still fresh in my mind when, on 3rd February, the tragic news of his untimely demise due to a heart attack at the very same ground reached me. Some meetings are brief, yet they leave an imprint that lasts a lifetime—this encounter was one such poignant experience.
Meeting the Championship’s Brand Ambassador, Shikha Shukla ji, in her own city was equally heartwarming. On the second day of the event, being publicly appreciated on stage for my journalism journey by Dr. Sanjay Kapoor ji, in his capacity as Chief Guest, became an unforgettable moment of honour and inspiration. On the concluding day, having the privilege of presenting awards to the victorious para-athletes remains etched forever among the proudest moments of my life.
Time spent with the NSS volunteers of DAV College and their guiding force, Prof. Saurabh Srivastava ji, added intellectual and social depth to this journey. Furthermore, meaningful and sensitive interviews with Shikha Shukla ji, Sukhbir Malik ji, Binda Jaiswal ji and Curator Shiv Sir offered invaluable opportunities for dialogue, reflection and learning.
The grand dinner hosted on the evening of 1st February at Haveli Amritsar, Shyam Nagar and the warm hospitality of the gracious hosts—Manish, Santosh and Pankaj ji—stood as a living testimony to Kanpur’s legendary culture of hospitality.
On 2nd February, a personal tour of Green Park Stadium with Ankur Gupta and Shivam Gupta, followed by tasting the famous Swaroop Nagar kachoris and laddoos prepared with pure desi ghee, along with a comfortable three-day stay at Malik Guest House, Rama Devi—ensured that Kanpur settled permanently not only in my memories, but also in my palate.
Thanks to my host Mahendra ji, being invited as a Special Guest to the First Para Darts National Championship, held for the first time in Kanpur, sharing moments with hundreds of Disabled athletes and interacting with fellow media professionals—all became historic milestones in my personal journey.
I departed from Kanpur on 2nd February, but the affection, respect and love I received here will forever live on in my heart as indelible memories.
In closing, I would like to recall senior journalist-writer Vivek Shukla ji (based in Delhi), who commented on my Facebook post while I was travelling back to Delhi on the Vande Bharat Express, that after Delhi, Kanpur is his most beloved city. Truth be told—after spending just three days here, I too have fallen deeply in love with Kanpur.
Kanpur—
You are not just a city,
You are a feeling.
And you will always be remembered…
