Rhythmic trains on the rails, confident faces on the platform and ticket queues make it evident that Mumbai is back on track after the mishap of 11th July. It indeed was a nice sight that people are up again and moving ahead. No, people definitely are not indifferent or insensitive but believe in fighting back and standing strong against all ill fortunes.
At a glance it would appear that the city is full of haste and people barely have time to notice each other. However, a closer look will reveal that we care; every citizen is tied with a common thread of humanity. People do get angered and frustrated but they know their priorities well – of lending a helping hand when in need. All differences of caste, religion, age, sex and so on seem dwarfed in front of humanitarian trait that binds Mumbaikars.
We have proved it again that we stand united and strong against all natural or man-made threats. Be it July 2005 rains or the serial blasts of 93 and 11th July, Mumbaikar is resilient to everything. This year too, I saw a similar picture on the road that I had witnessed almost a year back. People stuck up in traffic jams, stranded at railway stations & bus stops, and waiting to reach home safely. Last year it was the rains and this year it was the serial bomb blasts that took place across the entire suburban stretch of western railway line. The other lot of Mumbaikars which was comparatively less struggling extended their support to those wanting to reach home desperately. It was pleasant to see how those trapped were being helped with water, tea, biscuits, bananas to console their thirst and hunger. Mumbai doesn’t look back or rethink when it has to help its fellow citizens. The blood banks were over crowded as many gathered to donate blood to the needy.
And today, two days after the tragedy things are normal, as if nothing happened. We were shaken but not shattered is the message that goes out. That’s the spirit of Mumbai which makes me proud as a Mumbaikar.
At a glance it would appear that the city is full of haste and people barely have time to notice each other. However, a closer look will reveal that we care; every citizen is tied with a common thread of humanity. People do get angered and frustrated but they know their priorities well – of lending a helping hand when in need. All differences of caste, religion, age, sex and so on seem dwarfed in front of humanitarian trait that binds Mumbaikars.
We have proved it again that we stand united and strong against all natural or man-made threats. Be it July 2005 rains or the serial blasts of 93 and 11th July, Mumbaikar is resilient to everything. This year too, I saw a similar picture on the road that I had witnessed almost a year back. People stuck up in traffic jams, stranded at railway stations & bus stops, and waiting to reach home safely. Last year it was the rains and this year it was the serial bomb blasts that took place across the entire suburban stretch of western railway line. The other lot of Mumbaikars which was comparatively less struggling extended their support to those wanting to reach home desperately. It was pleasant to see how those trapped were being helped with water, tea, biscuits, bananas to console their thirst and hunger. Mumbai doesn’t look back or rethink when it has to help its fellow citizens. The blood banks were over crowded as many gathered to donate blood to the needy.
And today, two days after the tragedy things are normal, as if nothing happened. We were shaken but not shattered is the message that goes out. That’s the spirit of Mumbai which makes me proud as a Mumbaikar.
Truly, Salaam Mumbai!!!
Comments