growingup in the 90s

 HereTitle: The 90s—Songs, Freedom, and Unforgettable Memories

Ever wondered how a single 90s song can transform your entire day? Even now, when ‘Pehla Nasha’ plays on the radio, I find myself drifting down memory lane—back to the glorious, simple days of the 90s.

School was a mix of board exams and background melodies, Walkmans plugged in while my mom scolded me to study. From 10th and 12th boards to those crucial engineering days, every milestone had a Bollywood soundtrack.

Engineering Days: Freedom, Family, and Counting Down the Days

Manipal—my first real taste of living away from home! That excitement of freedom was matched only by missing family, especially during those long semesters. I still remember marking off dates on my hostel calendar, counting down every day until the next holiday, desperate for both home and aunty’s home-cooked food.

Speaking of food, Ananya Mess was legendary—unfortunately, mostly for how awful the meals were! Yet, the laughs shared with friends over those disaster dinners, the jokes exchanged on the hostel terrace, and sometimes even tears from missing home, are unforgettable.

Rainy season? We’d borrow a friend’s bike, sometimes one barely held together, and race to End Point at full speed—drenched, nervous, but loving every minute. Then there were those evenings at Deva’s, savoring bun masala and “Keshto”, always grabbing our favourite table. That was the real flavor of Manipal—friendship and freedom!

Songs, Friendships, and Little Moments That Matter

• Board exam prep always felt easier with ‘akelehum akele tum ’ and ‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga’ echoing in the background.

• Group study sessions meant snacks, endless tea, and sneaking in Sonu Nigam songs alongside the textbooks.

25 Years Later—Those Memories Matter the Most

After 25 years in the corporate world, there’s still a part of me that’s stuck in the 90s. When deadlines loom, I cue up a 90s playlist. When team meetings need a morale boost, I bring the spirit of hostel bonding. Sometimes, just the memory of Keshto at Dev’s or singing at Malpe Beach makes everything brighter.

In the End—True Richness is in Memories and Melodies

Sure, life may have moved forward, and achievements are worth celebrating. But real richness comes from the songs, friendships, and those legendary moments in Manipal.

If you ever want to travel back, just listen to “Pehla Nasha.” Freedom, friends, and flavor—everything the 90s gave us is waiting in those memories.

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