Ahmedabad city being awarded with the title of ‘Boston of India’ is a magnificent achievement. This entitlement is particularly due to its rapidly growing economy, administration and development of the city, providing Ahmedabad such ability to have risen to great heights. The city of Boston in the United States strike some similar qualities with that of Ahmedabad with regards to its history and development. Hence, the title ‘Boston of India’
The following question will further elaborate on the particular entitlement:
Why is it called Boston of India?
Boston is the capital city of the state of Massachusetts in the United States of America. It is the most populous city in Gujarat and is well known for its growth and culture. Boston's expansion from a deliberately historic point in the history of America to one of the most developed cities within the areas of economics, finance, and culture is noteworthy. Its progression has been an epitome of growth for many neighbouring towns as well as cities in different continents to build a better livelihood and maintain stability within itself to contribute towards a broader perspective such as the expansion of the country. Therefore, the comparison of Boston with the City of Ahmedabad isn't surprising as the city displays similar traits of development.1) The Administration & Culture of Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is the home to the administrative headquarters of the Ahmedabad district and is supervised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation initially instituted by the 1949 Act of Bombay Provincial Corporation. The primary responsibilities of the AMC are associated with the education, health, sewerage, infrastructure, and public transport services which are well executed by those in charge. The AMC stood at the 9th position for the 'Best governance and administrative practices in India' in 2014. The Gujarat High Court is also located at Ahmedabad, thereby placing the city in the ranks of the judicial capital of the state.
The culture of the city is varied and beautiful, and its primary residents are Gujaratis. However, people of other religions such as Punjabis, Sindhis, Muslims and Marwaris too reside within the city, and thus the diversification of cultural ethos and celebration is extravagant in Ahmedabad. From Uttarayan (Kite flying) to the perfect nights of Navratri and from Eid-ul-Fitr to Raksha Bandhan. All festivals are tied together and are hopeful with each citizen of the city indulging him/herself within the activities related to these festivities.
The city is also widely known for its delicious food, and especially it's Gujarati thali which comprises of Roti, daal, rice, and Shaak (vegetable curry). The beautiful architecture of the city is on the temples such as that of the Hutheesing Jain temple which was built by Merchant Hathee Singh around 1850 AD and the Swaminarayan temple that showcases the intricate designs and carvings which highlights the architectural brilliance. Thus, the rich culture, as well as the political and municipal administration of the city, is quite strong and decisive leading Ahmedabad towards higher prospects.
2) Infrastructure & commerce
Ahmedabad is moving forward at a fast pace with its economic progression and infrastructural development which considerably attracts people outside the city or those residing within the rural areas to migrate and establish better standards of living for themselves and their families. Thus, the urbanisation of the city is in rapid progress with its ever-increasing population at hand.
Some of the known ventures to the town to accommodate the rising population are Jaldhara 319, Satva II, and Shree Radhe, comprising of proper infrastructure, public facilities, a spacious parking area and much more at a reasonable price range suited for all elite to middle-class income groups. The city is steadily emerging as an economic, IT, and commercial hub with significant development in the infrastructural wing.
3) Economy, Transport and Education
The state of Gujarat has accounted for as one of the fastest growing economies in the country with its major contributor being its former capital, the Ahmedabad city. Ahmedabad's economy has been reaching the skies with its GDP estimated around US$64 billion in 2014. The city is also famous for its textile mills which were made in the early 1860s, and which laid out the foundation for a flourishing business ahead. Along with this, Ahmedabad is also a host to other automobile industries and the corporate headquarters of the Adani group. Many projects have also significantly been initiated to preserve water and electricity for a better supply of both throughout the many sections of the society. The transport section of the city is also transforming rapidly with the Gujarat metro under construction and the railway, airport, and roadways being renewed and updated. In terms of education, Gujarat University is one of the most extensive and oldest Universities. Founded by Mahatma Gandhi around the 1920s, the Gujarat University is now affiliated with many colleges of the city, offering students a variety of courses spread across different fields. The literacy level of the town too boosted from 79.89% to 89.62% according to the 2011 census. Thus, the future generation is all set to forward the country's economy further.
4) Beautiful places to visit in the Boston of India and tourism
While Ahmedabad is a well known industrial hub; however, the city is also lined up with historic buildings, lakes, and magnificent gardens that will blow one's mind. The Sidi Saiyyed mosque is quite famous for its brilliant architecture and comprises of latticework windows. Old Ahmedabad depicted the beauty of many monuments like these and is also India's first UNESCO World Heritage City.
Lakes like the Kankaria Lake (Largest Lake in the City), Chandola Lake, Vastrapur lake, and the Naroda lake are quite famous. The alluring gardens of the city include the Law garden, Victoria garden, and the Bal Vatika situated near the Kankaria Lake itself are some of the relaxing places in the city.
Thus, Ahmedabad's possession of the above characteristics presents a perfect blend of growth, sustainability, and maintenance of the already established projects and the smooth execution of the newly inaugurated. This kind of merger leads to the construction of a smart and progressive city. Hence, the title, 'Boston of India.'