My friends never understand my deep affection for Mumbai. I mean it is extremely populated, polluted and has major infrastructure issues. So why care so much about it? The answer is really very simple.
I have faith in my city and it has never failed me. Not in the sense of giving me what I want but by just being there. We all agree that nothing in life is perfect but I still feel Mumbai comes very close to perfection. And this not some misplaced pride but the result of many, many experiences. Like when I had gone for the Mumbai Mirror launch and had collapsed in the heat (courtesy of the event starting 2 hours late on a hot summer day), it was the local cops who revived me. When I had come through I was in their van and some strangers offered to drop me home.
Or take after 26/7, when the whole city was under water, people went out of their way to help those making their long journey’s back home. After the 7/11 blasts at Matunga Road station, I saw people grab whatever blankets and clothes that they could and rush to the station to help anyone in need. They stopped cars outside and ensured that the victims were taken to the nearest hospital. Cabs ferried without charge. Hospitals were filled to capacity with people offering blood.
This is my city. One that never sleeps. When TV channels go on about the spirit of Mumbai, I laugh. What do they know about being a Mumbaikar? They are just words. Live here for a few years and you will understand the real meaning. To the outside world, Mumbai stands for a mean, brutal city. But to me, she is a mother teaching her children the ropes of survival so that one day they can help each other past the finishing line. As they rightly say, once a Mumbaikar always a Mumbaikar. Cheers!!
