Mumbai Meri Jaan

 Mumbai Meri Jaan

 

Situated on the west coast of India, the island cum linear city of Bombay was rechristened Mumbai in 1995. It is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra and is the financial capital of the country.

The city was initially built on seven islands that were later connected to form the island city. Its significant expansion beyond the original island boundaries, stretching both north and south along the coastline, has led to its linear growth both towards the north and south.  

I have fond memories of travelling to Mumbai to spend school vacations with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The journey and the vacations were both exciting, and we hated to return. Those were the days when summer vacations were spent at Grandma and Grandpa’s home. So it was Mom, Brother, and me rocking and rolling as the Gitanjali sped down the tracks to Mumbai. Dad usually never accompanied us because of work.

Mom had been born and bred in Mumbai and was always happy to visit her former home and family. To us children, Mumbai was this magical city of bright lights and busy people.

It hustled and bustled with life then, and it hustles and bustles with life now.  The iconic places of interest, like the monuments and beaches, remain the same, but the public transport system has been upgraded. The AC local trains, the metro, the coastal road, the sea link, and the Atal Setu have all eased the congestion a wee bit. The introduction of the Ola and Uber cabs has also made life much easier for the residents and non-residents of the city. The BEST bus service continues to serve the citizens of the city. The city is well connected, but the fly in the ointment is none other than merciless traffic snarls that are a serious test of patience and a waste of time. My husband and I prefer commuting by rail rather than by road.   Parks and gardens have increased in number as people have begun to take the matter of health more seriously. As far as educational institutions are concerned, you have much to choose from.

This thriving city is where you can ‘shop till you drop’. From the iconic Crawford Market to state-of-the-art malls to little stores tucked away in lanes and bylanes to entire streets dedicated to fashion and more. Truly, Mumbai is a shopper’s paradise. Happy shopping, folks!

The dabbawala, another iconic figure, continues to exist and is a boon for office-goers. Dressed in white and sporting a Gandhi cap, the dabbawala carries nearly 60 to 65 kg on his head. This famous century-old network of lunchbox deliveries remains strong. However, the service suffered during COVID-19 due to the shift to remote work.

Mumbai is home to Bollywood, and from music to theater, you are spoiled for choice as far as entertainment goes. The Mumbaikar is quite the foodie, and you’ll find everything from McDonald’s to a place of fine dining. Smaller eating houses and street food prepared right before you and served from carts or tiny makeshift stalls also abound all across the city.  You can indulge in everything and anything, ranging from Chinese noodles and dosas to the signature pau bhaji and vada pau.

The Mumbaikar is always on the move—commuting to work or elsewhere, rushing to catch a plane, train, taxi, auto rickshaw, or bus.

The local train is more than just a mode of transport. It is also a space where lifelong friendships are made.  An aunt made some of her closest friends on her daily commute, and so did my neighbor. Additionally, the train also serves as a mobile marketplace where vendors sell wares ranging from imitation jewellery to vegetables and fruits.

Mumbai is known as the city where dreams come true. Migrants from every part of India move to the city in search of a better life. Some find success, while others must keep striving. Despite the disparity in wealth distribution, if you are willing to work hard, you can achieve success. In this vibrant city, you will have the opportunity to experience the diversity of cultures and cuisines that are unique to India.

The city has been home to me for the past 28 years, and I doubt whether I could live anywhere else. Having been born and raised in Mumbai, my significant other feels a strong connection to the city and will not move unless circumstances force him to.  Our sons have been born and raised in Mumbai and will not take kindly to the thought of moving to another city.

 

This vibrant city, with its energy and sights and sounds, both ugly and beautiful, simply grows on you. Once you’ve lived in Mumbai, you may not want to live anywhere else.

 

I share with you a popular yesteryear but evergreen hit on the city of Bombay.

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