Resembling left-over tidbits of yesteryears' glorious past, the dilapidated structures today bear the scars of the endless graffiti and large-scale doodling that the citizens indulge in every time they visit a monument. And as our rich history cries aloud out of sheer neglect, we don't realise that we're fast digging the grave of our very existence. To put it simply, as we continue to lose sense of our history, we're also becoming insensitive to what gives our city its real character.

In fact, right from the ancient times through the Mughal era and British period to the post-colonial days, Delhi has always been resting on a very strong foundation. And the constant confluence of diverse cultures makes it still very much a centre of power. It's only through studying our past and imbibing it straight into our hearts, that we will really learn to be sensitive. What leaves me completely spell-bound is the fact that in Delhi, all colonies, streets and markets have some sort of history.

On the other hand, what bewildered me is that most of us fail to show even a scant interest in the history on which our present stands. There are innumerable nameless and faceless monuments which stand in ruins, between the streets and bazaars of Delhi. There's still an aura about the mystery of the undying past, which continues to haunt us as we stand at the threshold of the millennium.

How many of us are actually aware that the modern-day Hauz Khas boutiques and shops catering to the haute couture of Delhiites, stands on the foundation where Firoz Shah Tughlaq lies buried? Even the haveli of Ghalib, which lies in neglect, speaks volumes about our attitude towards what really defines us: our heritage.

We only have one solution as we grapple in the dark trying to find our roots, our lost identity and our real character. We have to become increasingly aware about our city and have to appreciate it not in isolation but with the history the place carries along with it. Considering the pressing nature of the problems faced by the citizens -- coupled with the fact that lack of funds usually hampers the government's efforts to restore the dilapidated structures -- it would be much better if organisations such as INTACH are encouraged. In fact, that's the reason why individuals need to contribute on their own, for the betterment of our city. So the motto is: don't rely on government funding, do everything you can in your individual capacity. Only then can the city regain its lost glory and amalgamate both the past and the present.

As told to Abhilasha Ojha