Depanshu Gola

A/2333/2011

Urban spaces, Disney- divinity and moral middle classes in Delhi
In this paper, the author wants to focus on the changing definitions of urban common spaces or
the space where people want to hangout. He took the direct example of Akshardham temple,
Delhi. This temple site was a river area and alongside, there was a slum. The slum was cleared
asking the land for a temple which deals with the question of slum removal or urban renewal.
But the question is what the identity of this temple is, to which part of the society it caters. Try
to imagine the context of the upcoming city around it. Akshardham temple lack its spiritual
character and the experience is more of like a tourist spot where you are provided with every
facility. The author uses a metaphor Disney for this temple. I agree to it completely, the way
people or the authority using the morality of the society. And the way they use the moral
values of the people/group of people of the society leading to a full proof consumerism.
Another example is ISKCON organization, they serve you whole new lifestyle which is new to
you, gives you a purpose for your day, and you feel less guilty. The blend of BHAKTI with money
is commendable. But then the question arises here is is this the wrong way of defining urban
spaces? Spiritualty has also been redefined if take a look at it closely.
Then there are spaces like DILLI HAAT, what they are doing is not directly charging you the
money for everything, but gives you the essence of each part of the countrys essence, how
authentic they are ? Thats highly subjective. So they are serving another face of consumerism
which deals with the blindness of the consumer and manipulating them to accept what they
have to serve. If we compare this to the west culture of malls and the spaces like this, then I
think its good what they tried and achieved to convert street market to a place of a certain
values of SWADESI. But the another point of view regarding this is that we can lose the
authentic essence of the original places and in future places like this will overshadow the
real.
But ultimately, all these urban spaces are good with a certain pros and cons. because of the
new concept and idea a whole new window of opportunities and quality of life opens up.