LYALLPUR IN 2001
(GIAN CHAND TAXALI, YEAR II)
Student during 1931
In 2001 I retired from Government service and began to take my well-earned rest at my native village. An old class-fellow of mine invited me to spend a few days with him at Lyallpur. Having some early associations with this city and being invited by an esteemed friend. I could not decline the invitation.
I could easily take an aero plane and have a cheaper, quicker and more convenient journey. But I proffered to patronize the railway. The train stopped at the Lyallpur railway station. I stretched out my head from the window. To my great astonishment, I saw that the station was not the same I used to behold seventy years back during my College days. It was about two miles long, roofed all over, and having about 30 platforms. Nothing but trains could be seen. The building of the station offices was five-story high and had electric lifts and subways. Instead of hawkers there were small, bright and attractive stalls. While I was rubbing my eyes and drinking in this changed scene, my friend put his hand on my shoulder and greeted me with a cheerful “Hello, old man, welcome back to Lyallpur.
We went outside the station. On one side there was a grand building on which was written in bold letters : “Rest House for Passengers.” Next a number of aeroplanes were to be seen. On the opposite side, there were numerous taxi-cabs and tram cars. No tonga could be found. My friend asked what conveyance he should arrange. I voted for a car. We sat in one and she moved. I felt as if the car was not in motion; but on looking out, I found she was running most precipitately. It was a rubber road. High and splendid buildings were to be seen on either side.
At last we reached home and ascended by means of an electric lift. There was not even the slightest trace of smoke in the atmosphere , because all the citizens rich and poor cooked their food by electricity. Aeroplanes over-head and trains down in the street were constantly to be seen in an unending procession.
After sunset we went to see the bazaar. Tens of thousands of electric lamps were lighted and the city looked brighter than during the day. Games were being played in the play grounds and groups of ladies and gentlemen were strolling in the gardens. I requested my friend to take me to a performance, He laughed, and said, “What is the use of going all that distance. We can enjoy it at home.” On reaching his place , he placed a mirror before me and an instrument to apply to my ear. After some time actors and actresses were seen acting, and their conversation and songs were heard.
Next we want to see our old College. The building consists of three storeys . Cycles were all gone. And cars and aeroplanes occupied their place. The students had a special kind of phonographic note-book, which jotted down the notes of itself. The College was now a Degree College. No fine or punishment of any kind was imposed upon the students. There were fans and electric lamps every where. The hostels had adequate water supply, and a swimming bath to boot. The Principal and staff had quarters provide on the premises. The library had a separate block and a whole time librarian.
I returned to my village in a couple of days full of wonder, yet suspecting whether all I had seen was a reality or a phantasmagoria