The city has not limited its interests just to cycles and hosiery. It seems Ludhiana has welcomed the internet bug with open arms.
According to the latest data, there are nearly 800 communities on Orkut which are related to Ludhiana in some or the other way.

The communities range from Sarabha Nagar market to those of various schools, from coffee lovers of Ludhiana to those who love Ansal Plaza.

Then there are the shady ones like Beautiful Ludhiana girls, night life@Ludhiana, Ludhiana dating and cool friends Ludhiana.

There is a community on Ishmeet, Art of Living, Ludhiana rappers, Book Club and Sardari Club.

The cheekiest of the lot is undoubtedly a community called Risky Drivers of Ludhiana.

Jasmine Khurana, who is a regular visitor in cyberspace, says, “I am hooked. I study in Delhi but some of the Orkut communities keep me updated on what is happening in my hometown”.

Says Sandeep Jain, a student of St Thomas Public School, “These communities are just the right way to stay in touch with all my schoolmates”.

And what about those who are not registered on any of the communities.

“A search is very helpful. It informs one about the character of the city. I am surprised to see how this city has grown by leaps and bounds not just in terms of money but also in its mindset,” says Rahul Singla, a young bank employee.

Rahul’s friend Amit Sardana, says, “Many of these communities are based on sex and dating. While it may seem vulgar to many, youngsters these days are talking about these things very openly. For someone who lives alone or doesn’t have enough friends, these communities are the perfect salve. Even the way youngsters are talking about their relationships through these communities is a revelation”.

But parents are a worried lot. Says Surjeet Singh, who has two teenaged children, “I have gone through the list of communities and having communities on sex, rash driving and weapons is not a very healthy sign. What is more disturbing is the fact that I have no means to stop my children from joining these communities. Information is too easily available to children these days”.