In celebration of the 11th anniversary of G Plus, we invited students from various schools across Guwahati to share their reflections on the city. Through their words, they expressed deep admiration, portraying Guwahati as a place enriched by culture, history, and natural beauty.
The young writers highlighted Guwahati’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, with landmarks like the Brahmaputra River and Kamakhya Temple evoking a sense of pride in the city’s heritage.
GPlus appreciates these heartfelt reflections as a meaningful contribution to its anniversary celebration. Here are a few of the students' write ups from the Childrens.
In awe of the ‘City of Eastern Light
Yugabrata Mahanta
Class- VIII
Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti
Guwahati is, perhaps, the only city I adore like a member of my family. It might just be the mere name of a mere city to others, yet this name is a ringing replica of the haven of memories of carefree days of a carefree child. Being born in the 2010's, Guwahati is the only home I know, the place which holds, engraved in it, my days of childhood and schooling. Set ashore the mighty river, Brahmaputra, Guwahati once known as Prajyotishpura, "The City of Eastern Light", is undoubtedly bestowed with beauty whose ringer ceases to exist. As beauty changes shades with changing seasons, this land has embedded itself the undeniable upholder of the saying of our ancestors "Beauty changes as time change."
During the mellow spring days, trees adorn themselves with green hues of tender leaves, and dusty roads and streets are lined with the red of krishnasura flowers, and stars jewel the skies of dusk. And the Guwahati's October days, they hold visage to the opulence of nature.
Apart from being the hub of nature's beauty, Guwahati holds in itself the cultural and educational richness of India. From the Kamakhya temple that symbolises spiritual possession of the land, being the possessor of the rich silk, to being the educational hub of entire Northeast India, Guwahati has remarkably developed with the course of time to be one of the most developing and economically rich cities of India. Guwahati today, prospering limitlessly in every field, has held itself high to become the pride of every resident of the city, Assam and India. And what else can a child like me feel, other than being awed by the city's opulent beauty in every field and taking pride in its richness?
Pining for the Guwahati of yore
Kritika Kalita
Class-X
Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti
Guwahati, a city shaped by time and the Brahmaputra, is a magical place filled with sights and sounds that captivate young minds. "The Gateway to Northeast India," a city brimming with culture and diversity at every corner, Guwahati is filled with several sites that catch a child's eye.
As a young child, the Brahmaputra river was a sight of wonderment, and watching the sunset over the river, turning the sky into a canvas of colours, made it feel like a scene from a storybook.
There are several places that I, as a child, loved exploring in Guwahati, including several parks and museums. Guwahati is home to many temples, including the famous Kamakhya Temple. While adults may appreciate the spirituality, I was fascinated by the stories of gods and goddesses.
As a child, Guwahati was more than just a city to me; it was my home, a playground filled with adventures. And although I still love this wonderful city, it is difficult to ignore that its previous sense of glory is dimming.
For now, there is more dust and smoke than rain, and the loud sounds of speakers and the honking of vehicles has dimmed the sounds that I associate with this city. The situation is nothing if not dire, and if proper action is not taken soon, the Guwahati that we remember will soon cease to exist everywhere except in our memories.
Missing the Krishnasura flowers
Rumana Ganguly
Class IX
Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti
I remember, how as a child I always loved walking down the streets of Dighalipukhuri. Perhaps, it has something to do with my immeasurable adoration and love for my beloved city, Guwahati. On days like these, I simply window-gaze, while wondering how my roots have always been attached to a land where culture meets tranquility.
This city is so much more than just its riverine island, the sacred Kamakhya Temple, the ‘Kaji Nemu,’ the mighty Brahmaputra and the endless laughter of the little children. These children often turn into great storytellers, considering how they’ve grown up listening to Assamese folktales, especially that of ‘Tejimola’ and those known as ‘Buri Aair Xadhu’. Starting from the diminishing greenery to the heavy honking amid city traffic, just like any human, this city too has started having its own flaws. Often at times, these flaws do slip out of control, through endless potholes, faulty construction, and frequent flash floods. As I walk down the streets of Dighalipukhuri today, my inner child cries herself to sleep, for she no longer finds the bright Krishnasura flowers along the streets, the same flowers which gladdened not just my heart, but perhaps the invisible smiles of the fresh breeze. It saddens me, how this exuberant cityscape has now turned into a place harboring endless food stalls. Whatsoever, the ancient beauty and serenity of this landscape still lingers. Guwahati still is the city, where the lapping of the flowing waters echoes in everyone’s hearts.
A dream destination
Shrijona Borthakur
Class – X
Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti
To any child with a curious heart, Guwahati is a city of limitless enchantment. The majestic green hills enveloping the city provide a sense of security and comfort. The mighty Brahmaputra River, flowing through its heart, beckons dreams and imagination.
From the mystical Kamakhya Temple's captivating architecture to leisurely sunset ferry rides on the Brahmaputra, Guwahati exudes magic. The city's unique attractions – rare animals at the state zoo and expansive Nehru Park – ensure entertainment for all.
Guwahati's vibrant festival celebrations are unparalleled. Durga Puja's colourful lights adorn entrances to grand fairs, while Diwali's dandiya parties draw fashionable crowds. Eid's elegantly decorated mosques dot the landscape, and Bihu, Christmas, and New Year festivities fill the city with jubilant crowds.
Guwahati is a one-of-a-kind city, a dream destination for many. Its infectious energy and warm hospitality make it a place where wonder and excitement know no bounds.
A blend of adventure and serenity
Adeena Farid
Class X
Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti
``A city is not just a place to live, but a place that lives in you’’. This enigma of a city is filled with life and serenity as it is filled with cozy cafes, immaculate malls, alluring green parks facing the riverside, and countless exquisite historical sites of great importance to the people residing here. Guwahati, the "Gateway to Northeast India," empowered many to dream big and bold, thereby laying the foundation of dreams and aspirations of many. This city, where I took my first breath, has an aura of its own that is impossible to replicate.
Filled with the riches of history, Guwahati’s beauty comes alive in the peaceful sunsets over the Brahmaputra and the gentle hills that surround the city. Whether it’s a quiet moment by Deepor Beel or a boat ride along the river, this city feels like a blend of adventure and serenity. Inside the boundary of this picturesque city, reside people of diverse backgrounds from all over the country. Unlike any other place in this world, this town gives you the choice to either live life in tranquillity or live life on the run. This cityscape filled with painted dreamscapes on the wall is home to some of the kindest souls who will go out of their way to help you with anything you need but on the contrary shelter some not-so-kind hearts too. Here the people live life according to their terms and the weather shows similar characteristics for the rain comes and goes as it pleases. Its streets and lanes are filled with bustling crowds of people, each racing to reach someplace they belong, trying to make something of themselves in this ever-busy and ever-crowded city I call home.
But for the increasing pollution and global warming
Samprity Das
Class X
St. Francis de Sales Higher Secondary School
In the heart of Assam lies the metro city Guwahati; a city that captivates with its natural beauty and rich culture. Guwahati as a place offers a warm welcome with its majestic Brahmaputra river, lush greenery and a rich historical heritage lined with significant sacred temples. As a child, being born and brought up in Guwahati feels great with all the possible amenities required to live a cosy life. Guwahati is known for its cultural diversity with various ethnic communities, languages, traditions and festivals like Bihu and Durga puja celebrated with great enthusiasm. With such rich culture and heritage, this place provides me with an opportunity to learn our ancestral cultural norms and customs. Guwahati is home to several reputed educational institutes, including schools, colleges and universities which make Guwahati a suitable place for students. Guwahati is well equipped with basic sports facilities with numerous stadiums that allow children like us to play and grow well. It is an exciting place with game parlours, trampoline park, water parks, movie theatres, cafes and restaurants, malls, street food hotspots, etc. where I can enjoy with my family and friends. While I enjoy every bit living in Guwahati but increasing pollution and global warming is leading to various health hazards. Also flood is another matter of concern that is continuously disrupting our daily life.
All inclusive, Guwahati is a blend of traditional and modern influences, presenting a unique lifestyle shaped by its cultural heritage and natural surroundings.
Where tradition meets modernity
Mayank Gupta
Class X
Happy Child High School
Guwahati, the "Gateway to the Northeast," holds a special place in my heart. Beyond being Assam's largest city, Guwahati thrives as a cultural, commercial, and natural hub. For me, Guwahati transcends geographical boundaries, embodying tradition and modernity.
The city's topology is striking. Nestled amidst the Eastern Himalayas and straddling the majestic Brahmaputra River, Guwahati's landscape seamlessly blends urban and natural elements. The sprawling city stretches across both riverbanks, with hills like Nilachal and Narakasur shaping its skyline. Standing on the Brahmaputra's banks at dusk, watching the sun dip beneath the horizon, is a poetic experience. The river, like the city, flows with ancient grace, carrying stories of past civilisations while adapting to the evolving present.
Guwahati embodies Assam's spirit – deeply rooted traditions alongside constant evolution. The revered Kamakhya Temple coexists with bustling commercial centers like Paltan Bazaar and Fancy Bazaar. This contrast between the sacred and secular, ancient and contemporary, makes Guwahati a city of dynamic experiences.
Culturally, Guwahati is a melting pot of ethnicities, languages, and lifestyles. With its Assamese roots, the city hosts diverse populations, making it a microcosm of the Northeast. Vibrant festivals like Bihu and Durga Puja celebrate unity and tolerance.
However, my perspective acknowledges Guwahati's growing pains. Rapid urbanisation poses challenges: traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and balancing development with sustainability. Despite these issues, Guwahati remains resilient, with growing educational institutions, businesses, and infrastructure signaling a promising future.
What makes Guwahati special is its ability to retain its essence amidst progress. The city seamlessly blends past and present, old and new.
In conclusion, Guwahati's vibrant contrasts shape my perspective – a city rooted in tradition yet evolving, combining natural beauty and urban dynamism. Guwahati is not just a city I inhabit; it's an integral part of who I am. Its growth, challenges, and spirit reflect my journey of discovery and adaptation.
Where dreams take root
Ayushi Nang Ukoi
Class IX
St. Francis De Sales Hr. Sec. School
To children, Guwahati is more than just a city; it's a magical land where dreams and reality blend. The Brahmaputra River flows like a shimmering silver ribbon, carrying whispers of the past. Children ponder the secrets hidden within its ancient waters.
Rising likewise giants, the hills safeguard endless adventures awaiting young explorers. During Bihu celebrations, the city resonates with joy, filling young hearts with delight. Temples like Kamakhya transform into mystical castles, where legends and gods come alive.
Guwahati's expanding skyline, with malls and flyovers, reaches for the stars. Schools nurture dreams, reflecting this generation's aspirations. Yet, children wonder: Will they build an even greater Guwahati?
Innocent minds question the city's challenges: "Why smoke fills the air? Why streets flood?" But with youthful optimism, they envision a cleaner, greener Guwahati.
For children, Guwahati is a living story of wonder, questions, and dreams. Perhaps, in their small hands lies the power to craft a brighter tomorrow.
A City of Resilience and Diversity
Shreyam Das
Class IX
Happy Child High School
Surrounded by hills and the majestic Brahmaputra, Guwahati is the gateway to North East India and South East Asia. As the largest city in the region, Guwahati boasts natural beauty, scenic landscapes, and vibrant culture. Born and raised here, I've witnessed its transformation into a thriving economic and educational hub of North East India having many educational institutes like IIT, AIIMS, National Law University, Skill Development University and an upcoming IIM.
The city's sports scene is thriving, hosting national and international events. Modern hotels cater to visitors, while private companies provide customer service centers.
I have a bond as strng as an umbilical cord with the city. Guwahati is an ideal place for recreation and retreat as the region consists of green hills, tea plantations, religious places etc.The people of Guwahati are quite simple, courteous and welcoming. The city is known for its rich history with sites like the Kamakhya Temple showing its spiritual significance. Guwahati has it all starting from the Planetarium that explains one about planets, to the nine temples on the hill top of the Navagraha Hill devoted to the astrological celestial bodies. People from various communities like the Assamese, Bengalis, Biharis, Kocharis, Michings, Tiwas, Karbis, Nepalis etc., live very socially together. The culture of the city is an amalgamation of various cultures and festivals like Bihu, Durga Puja, Diwali, Eid etc, are celebrated with great fervor. Even small festivals are also followed with great enthusiasm and devotion.
However, Guwahati faces challenges: urbanisation, traffic congestion, environmental concerns, and poor drainage. To ensure sustainable development, we must address these issues.
Despite these challenges, Guwahati remains a symbol of resilience and diversity. I feel blessed to call it home. The city seamlessly blends nature's serenity with urban vitality.
Student Life in Guwahati
Akanksha Chanda
Class 10
Don Bosco Panbazar
My life as a student in Guwahati is a mix of school life, academic pressure, bonding with friends, leisure time for myself, and family time. A normal day starts by waking up and reaching school on time due to the enhancement of road conditions and making it a safe trip to school. After 7 productive hours of school, I get on my school bus to come back home. The ride takes almost 1 hour for me to reach home due to heavy traffic. Finally, after reaching home, I take rest and again face the time consuming traffic for me to reach my tuition classes. This is the cycle that continues almost everyday, a leisure time is sometimes what everyone needs in this period. Whether it be visiting near Brahmaputra, one of the world's largest rivers, flowing gracefully through Guwahati and sitting there feeling the cold breeze, taking part in the city's busy life and going roaming the city, or having a nice time listening to music is the perfect answer. Guwahati has shown its fusion of cultural heritage and modern life and made a balance of it for its people. This growing city has met the calmness of nature and the richness of tradition.