In conversation with Lakshmi Suresh

Eight Years at the Shop, a Lifetime in the Area

My name is Lakshmi Suresh, and I work at SLN Medicals. The shop has been running for 28-30 years, and my husband and I have been working here for eight years. I've been in this area since I was born and I have been brought up here, so I know this place very well.

Two-Way Roads Became One-Way Roads

It's an old area, and it's pretty much the same in many ways, but there have been major changes with traffic and roads. Two-way roads have become one-way roads. The traffic has increased so much compared to before. There are a lot more changes now. There are more eateries everywhere, and a lot of outsiders have come into Malleswaram.

When It Was Purely a Place for Kannadigas

First, there were only Brahmins, Vaishyas, Iyengars living here. Now there are different people coming in from other places. It has become a diverse place. That time it was purely a place for Kannadigas—everyone spoke Kannada. Now you see people from different states coming in, and Kannadigas, or people speaking Kannada have become fewer. This is happening in a lot of areas in Bangalore, not just here in Malleswaram.

The Old Temples Are Still There

But the old temples are still there, festival celebrations and rituals are vibrant and enjoyable. You get everything you need in this area. All kinds of people live here now—both rich and poor, educated and simple people. It's still a good place to live and work.