Jaygovind Sahu

One evening when I was in a bus, returning from office, stuck in traffic as usual, I heard a very loud sound of explosion. It was not only me who was scared; everyone in the bus looked numbed for a few seconds. In places like Mumbai, you can’t be sure of anything. But then, looking through the window, everyone knew that it was the celebration for ‘Murti Visarjan’ after Ganesh Pooja. No one discussed anything about it but everyone seemed to have taken a sigh of relief after knowing what it was, and more importantly, what it was not. Moments of this kind, which may not seem worth discussing with anyone, makes you thank God for everything you have got in life, the beautiful life.

It is more than eight months now at Mumbai. Now I don’t have to ask strangers to confirm which railway station I am in; I don’t have to look into the map on the back cover of ‘Pocket Local Mail Train Guide’ every time I get out to some place. It is a phase when one starts advising people about the places, routes, markets and timings. In the small hotel where I have my breakfast on weekends, I don’t have to ask for the ‘Cutting Chai’ (still wondering what ‘Cutting’ is all about…) after I have two tasty samosas; they ask me if I needed. Similarly, I don’t have to ask for a cold coffee after the dinner on weekends in another hotel. It feels nice when people start recognising you at unknown places; does not matter if that is concerned with business interests.

I have noticed an extra-ordinary sense of dining etiquette in the people in Mumbai. It may seem funny to some people but really, they use spoon and fork to a very great effect. I had never imagined how someone could have samosas using a spoon, but now I know it. They can even have rotis with spoon. Another thing I noticed is the way the fast food is served in Mumbai – it is really an example for others to follow. You can notice the hygiene they maintain around, with clean gloves in hand while serving pani poori, and with cooks’ caps on all the time.

People here, for some reason, seem really workaholic to me. They seem very dedicated to their work. At an age, when people in my hometown think of retiring and settling down for some spiritual stuff and all; people here discuss about career and growth. They like to be independent. Here there are students who earn more than experienced professionals with their part-time jobs. Few days back I had met a student in a bus who told that he has completed his inter studies with the money he had earned and now planning to earn bigger to complete his graduation. I hope he gets a good job. I feel like it is just the indian version of the better part of american culture of being independent.

With news all around that some LeT terrorists have sneaked into Mumbai and Ahmedabad, people back at home may be scared of yet another 26/11. But here, you have to trust me, no one looks scared. That is the trait of a brave fighter. That is the spirit of Mumbai.

The Queen's Necklace

Merry Christmas.