Over years our city has been at the receiving end, an easy target of negative hype by various interest groups, and of course our own indifference and lack of involvement to improve living conditions.

Agra has contributed substantially to national history and heritage but the city's profile has never been justly and fairly recorded. The city has been a leader in many fields from general education to medical, to agricultural development to promotion of art, culture, handicrafts. Some of the finest institutions and religious trends have been home to Agra.

The time has come to work unitedly and passionately to change the negative profile of Agra. We have to positively and vigorously work to secure for Agra what is its due.

All cities in India face civic problems. What is so special about Agra that the media and just about everyone should keep harping on those negative features and scare the visitors.

I request to you to join the campaign for a better Agra. If you love your city, you may want to participate in a people's campaign to change the city's negative profile. Agra has everything that it takes to make a city big and beautiful. But the first requirement is that we love the city and its people. Feel proud of the glorious heritage and unique identity of Agra. Share its joys and bounties. Which other city in the country has a better record of growth.

First in glass, iron foundries, Petha, leather shoes, handicrafts, marble inlay work, zardozi, and of course tourism. Agra region comprising the entire Braj Mandal, the Taj Trapezium Zone, has the highest potato yield and the highest number of cold stores. In the past its daal (pulses mills, Oil mills) were known all over India.

As the year progresses, many unique features of the Agra region will be unfolded through activities and constant interaction with the leading lights of various segments.

Some of the oldest educational institutions including the Agra University founded in 1927, Agra College, St. John's College, RBS, Medical College, the mental hospital, Asia's oldest Convent, so many wonderful structures, so rich in history.

Why are Agra-ites on the defensive and apologetic for the negative conditions here? For one year please tolerate and ignore the negatives... Just focus on what Agra region has given to the world.

If you agree with the above, and if you can spare time, please join the campaign and give your support. Also spread the word around so that more people know about it.

A line in response will be appreciated…

Best wishes and warm regards

Brij Khandelwal

Campaign Coordinator

Editor

Agratoday.in