Industrialist Harsh Goenka recently stirred a lively online discussion with his post on X about Bengaluru’s rapid growth. Sharing a photo of Infosys co-founders Narayana Murthy and Nandan Nilekani, Goenka reflected on the city’s transformation from a calm retreat to a congested urban landscape. He nostalgically recalled the days of peaceful morning walks in Cubbon Park, casual drives in Premier Padmini cars, and leisurely afternoons in charming bookstores.

“Bengaluru was once a serene haven—morning walks in Cubbon Park, drives in Premier Padmini, and lazy afternoons in quaint bookstores. Now, thanks to a few IITians and their seed money, we spend more time stuck on Outer Ring Road than enjoying the ‘Garden City’ breeze. Progress, they call it!” Goenka wrote.

Murthy and Nilekani, both IIT alumni, co-founded Infosys in 1981, a move that has been credited with turning Bengaluru into India’s global IT hub.

Goenka’s post quickly went viral, splitting opinions online. Many agreed that Bengaluru’s infrastructure struggles to keep pace with its rapid expansion, with one user sharing a comparison between the city in 1991—green and spacious—and its current, overcrowded form. Others, however, defended the role of tech pioneers in shaping Bengaluru’s rise, even acknowledging the city’s strained infrastructure.

Some users argued that growth always comes at a cost, while others pointed to the lack of planning that has contributed to Bengaluru’s urban woes. Despite the controversy, one thing remains clear: Bengaluru’s future and growth continue to spark fierce debates.

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