Mumbai's spirit shines through- The Times of India

Mumbai's spirit shines through- The Times of India

In 1993, I witnessed the horrible attack on the spirit of Mumbai. Official's say only a few died, western world always played it down to about only 100 odd so dead. A typical Mumbaikar that I am, born and bought up in the greatest city on this planet earth, I kept quiet. I did not feel it necessary to make a hoopla about the the tragic event.

Last year, similar event occurred on a smaller scale in London. The entire world media was focused on misery and tragic events of what happened to innocent people in London. Mumbai was forgotten. Never mentioned.

Then I read this article stating that Mumbai is one of the most arrogant city in the world. This was testing the patience of a Mumbaikar. That Mumbaikar, who has never demanded anything, works hard to keep the city ticking, does not complain and in times of trouble extends all that he can to help those in need. Mumbaikar, whose trust and faith in the city has also made Mumbai one of the safest cities where a woman can by and large walk home safe without the fear of being kidnapped and raped. Mumbaikar and Mumbai, the only people and place that celebrates new year 6 times in 365 days. This city is called arrogant? Fool are those who haven't realised the charm and beauty this city is. Blind are those who did not see that every smiling face of Mumbaikar, never showing the pain of hardship and sacrifice he goed through.

And once again, some ideological fanatic or plain old sick criminal mind, jealous of Mumbai and the darling Mumbaikar, makes a foolish move to threaten the common man of Mumbai! Mumbaikar is that ever illusive super human being. Hero without mask and cape. It take something extra ordinary to be an ordinary Mumbaikar. To kill the spirit of Mumbai and it's resident is purely imagination. No matter what happens, a Mumbaikar, in times of trouble will always rise and go beyond the call of duty to make sure that fellow human being is not suffering. A Mumbaikar will always share a cutting chai and some biscuit after helping people. That cutting chai and biscuit shared in pouring rain, scoarching heat on in middle of tragic disaster like the recent explosion, is the biggest reward for Mumbaikar. As a true Mumbaikar, I don't need any international agency sitting in some developed country living in most modern comforts, to decide if I am arrogant or not. We Mumbaikars are like this and that cannot be changed. To my fellow Mumbaikars, I would rather give highest respect, a salute of 21 guns.

With tear in eyes and pain in heart for those who lost their loved ones and for those who are critical in hospital, I would like to say one thing and only one thing. We Mumbaikars will never ever let anyone scare us or stop us. We have shown the world and will keep showing them, what is unity and humanity.

Salaam to Mumbai and Salaam to Mumbaikar