While travelling in Old Delhi, passing through small lanes, one must come across a cycle rickshaw or squeeze pass a sabzi cart lead by a relentless peddler. But have you ever imagined how it would be to navigate those tiny lanes cycling by yourself? Probably not, because we all know how difficult is it to even walk in those lanes, let alone be on a cycle.

So when we Tribers got the opportunity to cycle around Old Delhi, with DBC (Delhi By Cycle) on Monday morning as part of our scholarship, we were thrilled to embark on this journey; Navigating the ancient lanes, embodying the past glory of the city, on an unconventional mode of transport. What followed was a 15kms ride, with our guide Tulsi and her running commentary - teleporting us to the days of bygone - and people around us - pushing and honking - bringing us back to reality at the same time.

During the rule of both the Mughals and the British, Shahjahanabad (the city which would eventually became Old Delhi) was divided in two - as rulers and slaves, the difference between these two strata of society was very much evident. While on our tour, after crossing the Civil Lines area in Old Delhi, the division of our society is very much visible and relevant today. The context has changed to the rich and powerful, and the civilians. Have we learnt from the past or is history repeating itself?

Privileges of good infrastructure, aesthetics and convenience, were limited to the people in power and with money during the Mughal times and 500 years later, not much has changed. Time travelling on the cycle while navigating through the crowd, was when we understood the importance of having balance both in life and in thoughts.

This early morning ride definitely took away all the Monday blues but kept us awake for rest of the week to think if we are progressing in a right direction or are we cycling in a circle?