“In our younger days: Discovering Gangtok

Here’s a revised version of the passage with some improvements in language and style:

“Gangtok, a compact town with a high population density and extensive urban development, is characterized by its vibrant central hub known as M. G. Marg. This bustling street is adorned with cafes, bars, pubs, and bakeries, all designed to cater to the influx of tourists who flock to this hill station for holidays, honeymoons, and other leisurely pursuits. Gangtok is primarily a business-driven town, relying heavily on the thriving tourism industry. Situated in close proximity to Nepal, Bhutan, the Tibet Autonomous Region, and West Bengal to the south, Gangtok has a historical association with the smuggling of various goods. In bygone eras, a wide range of products, from branded merchandise and bootlegged music to sneakers and sports jerseys—items not commonly found in the mainstream Indian market—would find their way into the North-Eastern region. This inflow of goods carried a significant cultural influence, creating a tapestry of impacts that would continue to shape the interests of young people for generations to come.

From my formative years in Gangtok to the present day, this cultural exchange has manifested itself in various ways. It has sparked interests in music genres such as hip-hop, heavy metal, and K-pop, as well as in fashion and activities like skateboarding. The latter is a relatively recent phenomenon, emerging no more than four years ago. The inclination toward these cultural commodities, predominantly Western and urban in nature, triggered shifts in perceptions and social dynamics. While society at large often viewed these pursuits as mere phases, for the younger generation, Gangtok, with its slow pace, felt too small to contain their ambitions. They turned inward, nurturing their passions with the hope that these could one day become their livelihoods. While some youth resorted to substance use, others chose a healthier path by dedicating themselves to pursuits that held the promise of personal and professional growth.”