I was born in Bombay. A good part of my childhood was spent in the company of her fun, lively, dreamy, cultured ways. But then she was sold off to the mafias, politicos, crazy builders. Like a good wife, she changed her name. And consequently her personality too. She lost much of her youthful charm, her mangroves and flamingos. Of course there was no one to see the ravage as it was tucked neatly by a growing economy (malls, brands, media, the Ambani's, Tata's and Birla's)
I've had several arguments with people who put down my city on grounds of pollution, poverty, crowd, dirt. And I want to lash out at them; tell them how they, the outsiders, have invaded my city, raped her and left her to rot in misery. While she allows them to live, and thrive, they laugh at her helpless state, scoff at her problems and tune out her cries of help. Make money and move on. It doesn't matter who you trample upon on your way up. Idiots! Don't they know that sooner or later karma will get them!
I love my city. I am proud of her. But I wonder if she'll welcome me back. Because today I am an outsider. In my own home.
From this distance, when I read news reports stating that I should speak only Marathi in public places, I am a little scared. Not because I can't speak the language or understand it. But because I don't think talking in any other language, as long as the person I am speaking with understands me, should be a crime.
Should knowing Marathi be made compulsory for the cabbies? Let's rewind to the history of Mumbai. Who did she really belong to? Who led her to such fantabulous heights? The fisher folk, Parsis, Gujratis- the business community that created the job opportunities. Having said that, Mumbai is a part of Maharashtra and I totally support the the idea that cabbies ought to know the local language. Tamilians are extremely proud of their mother tongue. Some autowallahs will go out of their way to make you feel small for bargaining in English over Tamil. I know I need to learn it. When in Rome, do as the Romans. When in Maharashtra, speak Marathi. And why not?!
Every state is proud of its local language, why shouldn't that be the case with Mumbai? Every state-level minister takes his/her oath in the local language. So why should the demand for the same in Maharshtra court controversy. Shouldn't it just be NORMAL?!
As far as employment is concerned, every city gives preference to locals. So when Maharahtra hopes for the same, why is it so wrong? I think it's quite fair.
But does all of this call for destruction of public property, open threats, law and order problems? Does all this justify the vandalism, rampage in a hospital (remember Singhania HOSPITAL for God's sake!) Aren't there better ways?
When I visit Mumbai now, I'm going to think twice about openly speaking in Bengali with my family. Never mind that I grew up here (or that my grandfather had lived in a Juhu and Bandra that were paddy fields). Never mind that my heart bleeds for the city. I am going to have to prove my love through a language test.
I may understand the demands. But not the methods. Not this goondaism. Why should anyone have to clarify and apologise to people who do not hold any government office, or are not part of any of the armed forces? What makes them the uncrowned rulers of the city? But above all, what makes the crowd obey this self-appointed other government system?. It's fear. And if fear is the foundation of their kingdom, it's not going to stand firm too long.
There are a few things that I find really odd. Apart from telling apart Marathis from South- Indians, Gujratis, Biharis etc. , apart from changing the name of Bombay to Mumbai, what constructive work has the party done that can be remembered? If at all there has been any, the party itself has seen to it that it is overshadowed by such behaviour.
Shouldn't the cause of the Marathi Manoos extend to all parts of Maharashtra? Why focus so much on Mumbai alone? Yep, everyone wants to rule the financial capital of the country!
Shouldn't a party that stands for all things Maharashtrian work ceaselessly (at least that's a better ground for votes) to develop lesser privileged sections of the population and backward areas within the state? Create more job opportunities? Take active measures to curb suicide of farmers? Aren't these the real issue of the common Marathi Manoos?
In a country like ours, finding an issue is never too hard. But why can't the right issues be raised? Why can't people talk of saving tigers without a corporate body initiating it (for a short time, mind you. Put up a website, generate a buzz, make some sales and find the next publicity gimmick).
Where is the class in our debates? The real solid issues? Presentable, educated, sane, firm leaders? Argh! When will this madness stop?!
Follow the link
I've had several arguments with people who put down my city on grounds of pollution, poverty, crowd, dirt. And I want to lash out at them; tell them how they, the outsiders, have invaded my city, raped her and left her to rot in misery. While she allows them to live, and thrive, they laugh at her helpless state, scoff at her problems and tune out her cries of help. Make money and move on. It doesn't matter who you trample upon on your way up. Idiots! Don't they know that sooner or later karma will get them!
I love my city. I am proud of her. But I wonder if she'll welcome me back. Because today I am an outsider. In my own home.
From this distance, when I read news reports stating that I should speak only Marathi in public places, I am a little scared. Not because I can't speak the language or understand it. But because I don't think talking in any other language, as long as the person I am speaking with understands me, should be a crime.
Should knowing Marathi be made compulsory for the cabbies? Let's rewind to the history of Mumbai. Who did she really belong to? Who led her to such fantabulous heights? The fisher folk, Parsis, Gujratis- the business community that created the job opportunities. Having said that, Mumbai is a part of Maharashtra and I totally support the the idea that cabbies ought to know the local language. Tamilians are extremely proud of their mother tongue. Some autowallahs will go out of their way to make you feel small for bargaining in English over Tamil. I know I need to learn it. When in Rome, do as the Romans. When in Maharashtra, speak Marathi. And why not?!
Every state is proud of its local language, why shouldn't that be the case with Mumbai? Every state-level minister takes his/her oath in the local language. So why should the demand for the same in Maharshtra court controversy. Shouldn't it just be NORMAL?!
As far as employment is concerned, every city gives preference to locals. So when Maharahtra hopes for the same, why is it so wrong? I think it's quite fair.
But does all of this call for destruction of public property, open threats, law and order problems? Does all this justify the vandalism, rampage in a hospital (remember Singhania HOSPITAL for God's sake!) Aren't there better ways?
When I visit Mumbai now, I'm going to think twice about openly speaking in Bengali with my family. Never mind that I grew up here (or that my grandfather had lived in a Juhu and Bandra that were paddy fields). Never mind that my heart bleeds for the city. I am going to have to prove my love through a language test.
I may understand the demands. But not the methods. Not this goondaism. Why should anyone have to clarify and apologise to people who do not hold any government office, or are not part of any of the armed forces? What makes them the uncrowned rulers of the city? But above all, what makes the crowd obey this self-appointed other government system?. It's fear. And if fear is the foundation of their kingdom, it's not going to stand firm too long.
There are a few things that I find really odd. Apart from telling apart Marathis from South- Indians, Gujratis, Biharis etc. , apart from changing the name of Bombay to Mumbai, what constructive work has the party done that can be remembered? If at all there has been any, the party itself has seen to it that it is overshadowed by such behaviour.
Shouldn't the cause of the Marathi Manoos extend to all parts of Maharashtra? Why focus so much on Mumbai alone? Yep, everyone wants to rule the financial capital of the country!
Shouldn't a party that stands for all things Maharashtrian work ceaselessly (at least that's a better ground for votes) to develop lesser privileged sections of the population and backward areas within the state? Create more job opportunities? Take active measures to curb suicide of farmers? Aren't these the real issue of the common Marathi Manoos?
In a country like ours, finding an issue is never too hard. But why can't the right issues be raised? Why can't people talk of saving tigers without a corporate body initiating it (for a short time, mind you. Put up a website, generate a buzz, make some sales and find the next publicity gimmick).
Where is the class in our debates? The real solid issues? Presentable, educated, sane, firm leaders? Argh! When will this madness stop?!
Follow the link
1 comments:
Brilliant. Finally, someone's eloquently said what needs to be said.
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