Varanasi: Once known as Anandwan, Varanasi continues to live up to the reputation even now. Here you cannot make out a person's intellect by his attire or avocation. Even a paani-puri seller can make a statement packed with mysticism and debate with a doctorate holder with the confidence of a scholar.

The city is also known for the 102-year-old Banaras Hindu University (BHU), which has produced alumni now spread across the globe. A group of teachers from BHU along with some former students, who have seen many sultry northern summers, spelled out a wish-list for their MP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a chaupal held on mid-day's request. They want Modi to improve his performance in this Lok Sabha segment and not just do things — like the city's makeover — for mere optics. According to them, he should work to preserve, protect and showcase the holy and academic city's heritage to the world in an unprecedented manner. They said that the PM should show political willpower to drive the city further in the years to come.