Remember that kid in class VII, good in studies, karate, cricket, dance, singing… and his parents would send him everywhere, for all the classes…COMPLETELY EXHAUSTING the poor little kid! His life had become an event. But the point is, “Where is it eventually heading?”
Similar is the case with my city, Mumbai. The very mention brings forth innumerable thoughts and emotions. City of dreams, international city, city of hopes, city of glamour, maya nagri, city that teaches you life… and the list of synonyms for this city are endless. However, I’d say Mumbai is an emotion. Being the Financial capital that provides funds for the healthy functioning of different states and their welfare. What really does the city get? More dreamers coming here to fulfill their dreams, lesser space to accommodate all, stiff competition, rising prices, polluted air, unhealthy surroundings and scores of overlooking people lost in their own world!
While the onlookers will notice the crowd, the glam and the glitz of the city… a Mumbaikar, will always eventually swear by his love for the city. Once a Mumbaikar, life will never be the same anywhere else. There is something very different about of this city, one like none.
However, you will often hear a local complaint of the weak monsoon preparations, of the endless traffic and crowded locals, of the street side eateries and sky kissing properties… and all of the other negatives, he is sure to curse the BMC for a million valid reasons, that remain unchanged!
Over the years, Mumbai has seen a lot. The lot is not a comparison with the rich culture of Bengal or the heritage, yet well developed Delhi or the incessantly delightful Bangalore. Mumbai has its own taste, a taste which is the blend of all. The blend of various cultures, styles, people, events, leaders, revolutions and circumstances, today, enable us to boast of the ‘Spirit of Mumbai’. A spirit that goes beyond any other state in the country- the spirit of a fighter, the spirit of a humanitarian, the spirit of an achiever.
My city, my janma bhoomi & karma bhoomi, lacks nothing but development. I mean planned development.
“Comparing most of our lives with the city, most tempting things are up for grabs!”
But, for the reputation that it has been carrying around for ages, my city, by the expectations of the world, should possess every advanced amenity- bullet trains (at least a Metro like Delhi), well maintained airport, good transport system, high standard of living for the people, better bridges and highways… and no the list won’t end any sooner. Cherry on the cake, the BMC, some builder/ developer or some public figure comes up with proposals that bring him easy money and claim to fame with a new bridge, building or area being redeveloped by him.
And there ain’t any plan for the development of the city! That, giving you enough reasons to get stuck in traffic thanks to the 10 year long Metro construction process, potholes and road constructions. Of course! We’ll blame the BMC. Because, no planning only short term goals.
Such is our life. Unplanned, unthought and often aimless. Lets hope to make it a story that will be for its subtleness remembered. Too many cooks do spoil the broth; too many things, most unwanted only add an extra bit of clutter. Good things happen out of aimlessness too, after all life has its own plan for you. But don’t let your dreams fade away, may be your dreams are a key to something better. Live your life by your standards and not others demands and wishes. Doing something extra is not a waste, but at the cost of not doing something important is loss.
Mumbai’s biggest gift to anyone is that it teaches them the way of life.
To cope with the where, what and how’s of life.
To brave every situation and to keep going.
It teaches you the "Never Say Die" attitude.
It teaches you to DREAM. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. CHASE YOUR DREAMS. LIVE THEM.
It teaches you… whatever you can learn from it!
And yes, it teaches you to LEARN.
Hoping that my city for all its right glory and our lives, for all the right reasons get the ‘desired direction’
