Meri Mumbai jhakaas!. Review on Mumbai

First let me wish everyone at MS a belated Happy Diwali and Eid Mubarak!

I came to Mumbai in the June of 1991 from a not-so small town, Nagpur. I had loved Nagpur so much that I felt my heart would break if I had to live elsewhere. But almost 14 years hence I realize that Mumbai accepted me unconditionally and now I belong utterly to this city.

Mumbai actually should have one of those statues with arms wide open, like in Rio, at the station. Because, that is exactly how this city accepts all those that come through its portals. Even though this influx of people is causing great damage to the city, the city still never fails to welcome and acknowledge.

Mumbai has been called many things, the city of ambitions and dreams, a city of opportunity etc. But what it really is is a city of refuge. It is also a city with a soul. I have never seen so much enthusiasm where there should be despondency or so much perseverance where there should be fatigue.

PEOPLE

The people of Mumbai are its soul. The population here ranges from the extravagantly rich to the equally spectacularly poor. The middle class however rules the city, even though the elitists and the slum dwellers get more newspaper coverage. The people here have mastered the art of adjustment and have adjusted to everything from open drains to huge glittering malls. An outsider will find the citizens of Mumbai, though they behave slightly superior, to be amiable and helpful people. If addressed properly, these people can help strangers out and even offer them a cup of tea if they have the time. The people are not apathetic either. If they do not assist a man lying drunk on a station or steer away from accidents, it?s generally because of fear rather than apathy.

On the whole people here accept the daily grindstone as a fact of life and face it cheerfully. The great example being the scores of people traveling daily from Mira Road to Churchgate in packed trains, but singing bhajans.

TRANSPORT

I think Mumbai has one of the best transport systems across the country. Even though the trains are occasionally dirty and almost perennially crowded, a Mumbaikar knows that it?s the best way to get from one place to another really fast. The buses are amazingly efficient and though crowded are almost never filled with groping men. Out of personal experience I can tell you that barring the occasional exception crowds in buses here are the most civilized I have ever seen. Rickshaws in the suburbs and taxis in town are a godsend at times and carry a stamp of professionalism and efficiency, even though they do fleece people coming from airports or big stations on a regular basis.

TOURISM

Tourism in Mumbai has far greater depth than the usual ?and that is Amitabh Bacchan?s bungalow, and that is Shahrukh?s?. Though Bollywood is still a huge pull and Arey Milk Colony is still a picnic location, there is so much more to Mumbai tourism. Firstly Mumbai caters to all kinds of visitors.

People find motels at INR 300 a day to suites in big hotels at INR 3000 a day. If you wish to have vada pao and cutting chai for breakfast, biryani for lunch, bhel puri for tea and roadside Chinese for dinner, then Mumbai awards you with the same plethora of choices it awards those who want pink champagne and caviar. Nightlife is vibrant and even that extends across the community types.

Besides restaurants and pubs, Mumbai has a lot of culture to offer. An artist in Mumbai, be it a photographer, a painter or a sculptor can have a beautiful experience walking around town with its huge gothic buildings, art deco architecture, lovely museum (CSVS) and Kala Ghoda where they can visit the Jehangir Art Gallery. For the shoppers, Mumbai is paradise, right from Crawford Market?s cheap prices to the extravagant designer clothes in The Courtyard.

For the nature enthusiasts, believe it or not, Mumbai has tons to offer. Did you know that Borivali National Park is 105 sq. kms big?? That makes us one of the only cities in the world to have jungle in its heart. Adventure sports, treks, paragliding, parasailing all have their takers in this city. Kanheri Caves, Elephanta Caves are all a delight for a history enthusiast. Though the beaches here are not as beautiful as Goa, there are still a few offbeat ones that are still great to visit and picnic.

EDUCATION

Couldn?t help but add this category. Mumbai has great institutions on offer for everything from a professional MBBS or BE to a BA in Psychology or an MBA from a B-school. There is a whole lot of variety and definitely there is class. The student community here is vibrant and progressive. This is definitely a good place to come to if you want to study. Hostel facilities are also great and cost of living can be adjusted by minor adjustments in lifestyle.

CONS

Unfortunately as it is inevitably, a city like this has problems. Major problem in Mumbai is its ever growing population. Pollution, congestion, traffic jams, slums, filth are all but consequences of this big problem. Property prices here are sky high and most people have to make do with tiny living spaces, even though they could have big houses with courtyards in their village. Mumbai is no longer the ?enfant terrible? of industrial revolution, but has become the Grand Dame.

Mumbai still carries weight and respect however, and as long as its people carry on their love affair with it, Mumbai will survive and be as strong and vibrant as ever.

Hope this was useful, especially for those out-of-towners who can?t make up their mind whether to visit our grand city or not.