'Bangalore not a city, but beautiful experience': Tech entrepreneur pens emotional note as he shifts to Pune

In a heartfelt farewell to Bengaluru, tech entrepreneur Ujwal Asthana, who is migrating to Pune after 14+ years in the city, shared an emotional post celebrating the city's role in shaping his life. Reflecting on his time in the Silicon Valley of India, Asthana wrote, “Bangalore has been home for 14+ years. The city has given me all the good things in my life – first job, first foreign trip, a life partner, 2 successful businesses, funding, startup acquisition, great friends, a network worth in gold and much more.”

Personal note: I am leaving Bangalore for Pune.

Bangalore has been home for 14+ years. The city has given me all the good things in my life - first job, first foreign trip, a life partner, 2 successful businesses, funding, startup acquisition, great friends, a network worth in…

— ujjawal (@ujjawalasthana)

Personal note: I am leaving Bangalore for Pune.

Bangalore has been home for 14+ years. The city has given me all the good things in my life - first job, first foreign trip, a life partner, 2 successful businesses, funding, startup acquisition, great friends, a network worth in…

— ujjawal (@ujjawalasthana) November 24, 2024

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Asthana, originally not from Bengaluru, expressed his deep connection to the city, stating, “I am not a local but there wasn't a day when I felt like an outsider.” He went on to explain that his experience in Bengaluru was far from the typical expat bubble, recalling his years of navigating the BMTC, auto, and cab rides.

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He described his bond with the city saying, “Bangalore is not a city, it is a beautiful experience that is hard to explain in words. You experience it once you live with the people here and walk in the lanes of Jayanagar.”

Asthana concluded by acknowledging the critics who trivialize the city’s essence, stating, “People who call Bangalore ‘meh’, need to live beyond the weather, coffee, beer and startups.” While moving to Pune, he promised, “I will keep walking in the lanes of Bangalore...the city I have called home since I became an adult, on each trip.”