Where have all the PGs gone?

Paying guests (PGs) were originally a Mumbai phenomenon. In those days, it was not easy to find employment in small towns like Bangalore. Job-seeking youngsters moved to big cities, leaving their parents to a quiet life in their 'empty nests'.

In Mumbai, housing was not easily come by. Distances were large, and housing near theu00a0 downtown work area was expensive. But there were rooms to let, in the imposing old 'mansions'. Yuppies and confirmed bachelor types, occupied them on payment. The PG was born!

Initially, Bangalore had few PGs, though there were many NPGs (Non-Paying Guests), Youngsters who came from smaller towns for higher studies (or looking for job prospects) who generally found place to stay with Uncle X and Aunty Y. It was a non-commercial deal, the young person getting free accommodation in the heart of town; and the older people getting the benefit of surrogate children for security and companionship in their lonely old age.

In Bangalore there were old houses, sparsely occupied by an aging population. The typical Bangalore bungalow had many bedrooms, with attached bathrooms opening directly to the back garden (to facilitate cleaning without entering the main house). And there were outhouses. Both ideal to accommodate the new migrants coming from even smaller towns, as small budget lodgers.

Days have changed. A PG room in Bangalore, today, costs a great deal more than a whole house for rent in the old days. And the young migrants are not modest in their expectations. They earn well and they expect to live well, on their own terms.

In the old system it was understood that you lived unobtrusively; you did not take friends of the opposite sex into your room; and they did not stay late. Today's youngsters often share a room with their SI (significant other) and it is none of the owner's business if they are wedded or not. Owners are landlords/ladies, not parents or guardians.

For years I had very pleasant young occupants in my spare large bedroom with attached bath. It is walking distance from a well known dental college and a prosperous Call Centre/BPO. They shared my TV and music system; made their own coffee in my kitchen; and took care of my small errands... But I no longer hear of such lodgers...

(I wonder if you know any nice young people looking for nice PG accommodation in Richards Town or CookeTown!)