You don’t have to be attractive to make heads turn in a crowd. One untimely sneeze and you became the epicenter of public attention!! Some eyeing you with suspicion, some praying to god to disallow the air-borne virus from entering his/her system and a few benevolent souls praying for your health and vitality.
Gone are the days when one would swell in pride announcing the arrival of their NRI relatives to homeland for a vacation. Now, they are better off in their foreign abode. Indian hospitality now includes not just the ‘tika’ and ‘arati’; but also screening and frisking in its antecedent levels. Amidst the bleak picture, one finds solace as the awareness of personal hygiene is steadily rising in the city.
All this, thanks to one pig that got it all wrong for itself and the rest of the world!
So, what does one do when he/she sneezes? (besides praying-an option invalid for an atheist)
1. Do not press the panic button and declare yourself as an unfortunate victim of swine flu.
2. Realize that common flu and common cold is still in vogue; and so sneezing is not that off-seasonal.
There are other things to worry about. With hospitals circulating mismatched reports, it makes sense to first consult your family physician than just rush to Kasturba. People are selling the N-95 masks at twice or thrice the amount of its listed maximum retail price. Indians that we are, making the most (profits) in every situation, adversities included. I am no medical practitioner to advice people on the current pandemic. But common sense tells that it is better to understand and identify the symptoms of the disease. These include high fever and difficulty in breathing. We also need to take the preventive measures (listed by newspapers, internet portals and TV news channels) and consume a wholesome diet. Nutritionists have said that an intake of Vitamin C can be effective in building immunity. Using masks, which necessarily need to be sterilized after every usage; strictly eating home-cooked food should be a routine exercise.
The flu is here to stay for atleast two more months and a complete reliance on government measures can prove to be fatal. A preventive vaccine can be expected in future, but at the same time we must realize that the projected number of swine flu victims will be showing a steep rise in the subsequent months.
Swine flu has probably come as a respite to Pakistan’s bureaucracy, as Indo-Pak peace talks take a relative backstage. The PM’s B-statement also seems to be forgotten. Pranab’s efforts to dilate the tax slabs are less appreciated. As Indians, and moreover as students, we have a platter full of worries; swine flu just adding to the same.
At this juncture, all we can do is, take care…
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
All’s GAY that ends well!
All’s GAY that ends well
Times are changing for sure. So, the age old-sayings need some alterations. Alterations that will definitely lead to altercations.
The Delhi HC ruling comes as a respite to gay activists fighting a legal battle for over 8 years now. Discrimination on the basis of sexual preference is depriving a person of his/her basic civil right, and the verdict has rightly put an end to it. Now we can expect more people ‘coming out of the closet’ and boldly declaring that we are ‘Gay and proud’; incidentally at the same time. Yet, in a multi culturist society, a state of acceptance is more important than mere provisions. If the professed gays are shunned by the ‘normal’ people, then their freedom becomes too limited. So that calls for another law to be passed which terms ridiculing or disrespecting the gays of the society, a punishable offence. Hence, the acceptance of certain people showing an ‘unnatural’ sexual orientation by the society at large will be reflective of the success made by the latest judgment.
The conservative religious and cultural groups term this verdict as an unfortunate. But the government cannot please all the sections of the society at the same time. Nevertheless, this historic amendment which is bound to have far-reaching implications is a laudable gesture by the government taken towards establishing a state of utopia.
Jai ho!
Times are changing for sure. So, the age old-sayings need some alterations. Alterations that will definitely lead to altercations.
The Delhi HC ruling comes as a respite to gay activists fighting a legal battle for over 8 years now. Discrimination on the basis of sexual preference is depriving a person of his/her basic civil right, and the verdict has rightly put an end to it. Now we can expect more people ‘coming out of the closet’ and boldly declaring that we are ‘Gay and proud’; incidentally at the same time. Yet, in a multi culturist society, a state of acceptance is more important than mere provisions. If the professed gays are shunned by the ‘normal’ people, then their freedom becomes too limited. So that calls for another law to be passed which terms ridiculing or disrespecting the gays of the society, a punishable offence. Hence, the acceptance of certain people showing an ‘unnatural’ sexual orientation by the society at large will be reflective of the success made by the latest judgment.
The conservative religious and cultural groups term this verdict as an unfortunate. But the government cannot please all the sections of the society at the same time. Nevertheless, this historic amendment which is bound to have far-reaching implications is a laudable gesture by the government taken towards establishing a state of utopia.
Jai ho!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Name-Game
The name-game
Finally, the Bandra-Worli sea link opened to commuters. And what better way to celebrate this than to fire a controversy over the ‘naamkaran’ of this ‘setu’!
It is indeed an engineering marvel which took about 4 more years or some couple of hundred crores more, than the stipulated period and amount. As India struggles with its first sea-link, China in the same period is said to have come up with 6 sea-links. So, this scenario presents the Indian bureaucracy with a subject for contemplation as to what caused the delay. Can the delay be attributed to the fisher folk and the Green lobby only? Is Rs. 1200 Cr not an alarming figure which has been taken out from the pockets of the city’s tax payer? A city which has to necessarily rely on its share of tax payers only as it gets no relief funds from other states or unions; but is known to have been shifting its monetary resources to the centre for years together (and then reclaiming it later in form of Developmental Funds/Grants from the capital). Now, that the sea-link has emerged after a 10 year battle with the Indian administrative system, we have the politicians debating on topics like: in whose regime (NDA or UPA) was the tender for the project signed and what on the earth should this engineering wonder be called!!
Certain ‘visionaries’ see this bridge to not only ‘bridge’ the gap between Bandra and Worli, but also between the NCP and Congress. Whether it will really solve Mumbai’s traffic woes is a question that less bothers the politicians. Yesterday the polls conducted by the Marathi news channels showed that a majority of the maharashtrian public wanted this bridge to be named after an honorary person belonging to the state. Surely, Rajiv Gandhi was a visionary, but the state is not deprived of the same. While every fourth turn on Mumbai’s roads is dedicated to the Gandhis and ports and sanctuaries named after the Nehrus ; a christening of a different kind for the bridge will go about to show that the country does have great men who belonged to a dynasty other than the Gandhi or the Nehru.
The commuter is well aware of vote-bank politics. It’s the time and cost of fuel that bothers him more than the name of the bridge on which he may go for a drive. The vernacular news channels have given the verdict as to what the local population desires. . It must be remembered that the sea-link is one of its kind not only in the city but also in the country. Hence, a special sense of belonging felt by the Marathi population is thoroughly justified. It’s up to Sonia and Pawar saheb, to take a call. Though the Congress has recorded a historic win at the Lok Sabha elections, they will definitely not like to lose ground in the state by hurting the sentiments of the Marathi voters, with the assembly elections just round the corner.
While the controversy continues, let us hope that we have more of such infrastructure projects to add a global dimension to our beloved city.
Finally, the Bandra-Worli sea link opened to commuters. And what better way to celebrate this than to fire a controversy over the ‘naamkaran’ of this ‘setu’!
It is indeed an engineering marvel which took about 4 more years or some couple of hundred crores more, than the stipulated period and amount. As India struggles with its first sea-link, China in the same period is said to have come up with 6 sea-links. So, this scenario presents the Indian bureaucracy with a subject for contemplation as to what caused the delay. Can the delay be attributed to the fisher folk and the Green lobby only? Is Rs. 1200 Cr not an alarming figure which has been taken out from the pockets of the city’s tax payer? A city which has to necessarily rely on its share of tax payers only as it gets no relief funds from other states or unions; but is known to have been shifting its monetary resources to the centre for years together (and then reclaiming it later in form of Developmental Funds/Grants from the capital). Now, that the sea-link has emerged after a 10 year battle with the Indian administrative system, we have the politicians debating on topics like: in whose regime (NDA or UPA) was the tender for the project signed and what on the earth should this engineering wonder be called!!
Certain ‘visionaries’ see this bridge to not only ‘bridge’ the gap between Bandra and Worli, but also between the NCP and Congress. Whether it will really solve Mumbai’s traffic woes is a question that less bothers the politicians. Yesterday the polls conducted by the Marathi news channels showed that a majority of the maharashtrian public wanted this bridge to be named after an honorary person belonging to the state. Surely, Rajiv Gandhi was a visionary, but the state is not deprived of the same. While every fourth turn on Mumbai’s roads is dedicated to the Gandhis and ports and sanctuaries named after the Nehrus ; a christening of a different kind for the bridge will go about to show that the country does have great men who belonged to a dynasty other than the Gandhi or the Nehru.
The commuter is well aware of vote-bank politics. It’s the time and cost of fuel that bothers him more than the name of the bridge on which he may go for a drive. The vernacular news channels have given the verdict as to what the local population desires. . It must be remembered that the sea-link is one of its kind not only in the city but also in the country. Hence, a special sense of belonging felt by the Marathi population is thoroughly justified. It’s up to Sonia and Pawar saheb, to take a call. Though the Congress has recorded a historic win at the Lok Sabha elections, they will definitely not like to lose ground in the state by hurting the sentiments of the Marathi voters, with the assembly elections just round the corner.
While the controversy continues, let us hope that we have more of such infrastructure projects to add a global dimension to our beloved city.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Black or White
Black or White…
THRILLER passes into HISTORY. A disturbing headline to start the day, which unfolded to reveal that death can’t be less devastating. Yesterday it was news; today every fan of this musical genius terms it a personal loss. Michael Jackson, the virtuoso, spent 40 golden years of a short span of 50 years of his lifetime as a beloved performer.
His life remained a mysterious saga of sordid affairs, so does his death. His life was haunted by lawsuits and controversies; and death unveiled a massive debt of over $500mn. Multiple face surgeries, alleged vitiligo, child abuse and now death as a result of misuse of prescription drugs, were all a part of his bizarre lifetime. Yet, the artiste prevailed over all other antics. As an entertainer, he was impeccable. 750mn record sales are just a testimony to the same. It is wisely quoted that ‘he was precocious as a child and childlike as an adult’.
He screamed “I’m Bad”, yet the fans never stopped loving him. He exhorted to ‘Heal the World’ and even seductively suggested ‘Don’t stop 'till you get Enough’. Remember the Time, Thriller, In the Closet, Billie Jean, The way you make me Feel, are some of my personal favourites. It has been a long journey for MJ. From Jackson 5 to Thriller, to Dangerous and Bad, he created HIStory and seemed INVINCIBLE. His rage was infectious and awesome.
He showed the world how a video looked with 50 people dancing in the background, a trend which still lives on in Bollywood. He redefined smoothness when he effortlessly MOONWALKed. One is at a loss of words while trying to define him. What will you call a singer, a dancer, a music composer and a lyricist? Let’s term him a ‘perfectionist’. An entertainment package, so multidimensional is made once in a millennium at God’s mercy.
It hurts to learn that he spent his last days in depression and anguish. An early death just led to curtains falling on the final world tour of the legendary artiste. A death which prevented his global audience from gasping and crooning as they watched the ‘King of Pop’ perform for one last time. Yet, what we have bequeathed is an immortal musical legacy; just goes about to prove that a legend has so much to give even in his death; that death is just another act of philanthropy. Let his soul rest in peace. As I pray, I assure myself that dear MJ will continue to live for years; in form of memories, in form of his music; reminding generations to come of the HIStory he once created…..
THRILLER passes into HISTORY. A disturbing headline to start the day, which unfolded to reveal that death can’t be less devastating. Yesterday it was news; today every fan of this musical genius terms it a personal loss. Michael Jackson, the virtuoso, spent 40 golden years of a short span of 50 years of his lifetime as a beloved performer.
His life remained a mysterious saga of sordid affairs, so does his death. His life was haunted by lawsuits and controversies; and death unveiled a massive debt of over $500mn. Multiple face surgeries, alleged vitiligo, child abuse and now death as a result of misuse of prescription drugs, were all a part of his bizarre lifetime. Yet, the artiste prevailed over all other antics. As an entertainer, he was impeccable. 750mn record sales are just a testimony to the same. It is wisely quoted that ‘he was precocious as a child and childlike as an adult’.
He screamed “I’m Bad”, yet the fans never stopped loving him. He exhorted to ‘Heal the World’ and even seductively suggested ‘Don’t stop 'till you get Enough’. Remember the Time, Thriller, In the Closet, Billie Jean, The way you make me Feel, are some of my personal favourites. It has been a long journey for MJ. From Jackson 5 to Thriller, to Dangerous and Bad, he created HIStory and seemed INVINCIBLE. His rage was infectious and awesome.
He showed the world how a video looked with 50 people dancing in the background, a trend which still lives on in Bollywood. He redefined smoothness when he effortlessly MOONWALKed. One is at a loss of words while trying to define him. What will you call a singer, a dancer, a music composer and a lyricist? Let’s term him a ‘perfectionist’. An entertainment package, so multidimensional is made once in a millennium at God’s mercy.
It hurts to learn that he spent his last days in depression and anguish. An early death just led to curtains falling on the final world tour of the legendary artiste. A death which prevented his global audience from gasping and crooning as they watched the ‘King of Pop’ perform for one last time. Yet, what we have bequeathed is an immortal musical legacy; just goes about to prove that a legend has so much to give even in his death; that death is just another act of philanthropy. Let his soul rest in peace. As I pray, I assure myself that dear MJ will continue to live for years; in form of memories, in form of his music; reminding generations to come of the HIStory he once created…..
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Order Now!!
Order Now!!
Those are precisely the words that flash on your television screen, and not to forget the loud vocals in the backdrop, announcing “early bird” prizes for the first 20 callers. “So what are you waiting for??? Abhi phone uthaiye aur number ghumaiye”.
Dear folks, this is tele-marketing for you. Welcome to the world of super-attractive products like “Cat – Eye Taveez” and “Maths Guru”, which constitute the latest offerings by the Home Shop 18 or may be SHOP 24*7 or may be some Sky Shop, aahh…kindly forgive me….cant recollect the agency’s name. Nevertheless, their products have never ceased to be less than mesmerizing.
Let’s delve into the details.
“Cat – Eye Taveez”- It promises to ward off the evil ‘nazar’ stymieing your success and bring you truckloads of happiness and prosperity. It can help you flourish in business by elevating your profits. So now, you can give your overworked managers a break and gift yourself the priceless “Cat – Eye Taveez”. If all the sensible as well as the nonsensical stuff on television has exasperated you, then this breed of advertising belongs to a different genre promising unadulterated entertainment. The strategic mind of the ad maker inspires awe. The portraying of evil ‘nazar’ is no cake work. It is presented as two powerful beams emanating from the eyes of the evil-doer, casting its ill-effects in the aura of your workplace. This vandalizing beam is fluorescent green in color; the color emphasizing its strength. Once cast, your days of struggle begin. No efforts bring you back the past glory. A despondent you, sees this life-changing advertisement and without further delay, grab this miraculous yantra. And lo behold! Once you wear the “Cat – Eye Taveez”, the malicious beam debilitates under its impervious aura; and you are protected from all the negativity in the world and can now safely reach out for unfettered success.
“Maths Guru” is magical. I don’t have the words to express its salient features. I’m sure by now you would have left your computers to switch on the television. So, get to know what “Maths Guru” is all about. Scores of other treasures (includes “Dr. Tea” for slimming purposes) are on sale on Home Shop 18 or may be SHOP 24*7 or the same Sky Shop. For all this free promotion, I deserve a share of commission from these agencies.
So when you register your order, don’t forget to give me a special mention to their executives. Happy Shopping!!
Those are precisely the words that flash on your television screen, and not to forget the loud vocals in the backdrop, announcing “early bird” prizes for the first 20 callers. “So what are you waiting for??? Abhi phone uthaiye aur number ghumaiye”.
Dear folks, this is tele-marketing for you. Welcome to the world of super-attractive products like “Cat – Eye Taveez” and “Maths Guru”, which constitute the latest offerings by the Home Shop 18 or may be SHOP 24*7 or may be some Sky Shop, aahh…kindly forgive me….cant recollect the agency’s name. Nevertheless, their products have never ceased to be less than mesmerizing.
Let’s delve into the details.
“Cat – Eye Taveez”- It promises to ward off the evil ‘nazar’ stymieing your success and bring you truckloads of happiness and prosperity. It can help you flourish in business by elevating your profits. So now, you can give your overworked managers a break and gift yourself the priceless “Cat – Eye Taveez”. If all the sensible as well as the nonsensical stuff on television has exasperated you, then this breed of advertising belongs to a different genre promising unadulterated entertainment. The strategic mind of the ad maker inspires awe. The portraying of evil ‘nazar’ is no cake work. It is presented as two powerful beams emanating from the eyes of the evil-doer, casting its ill-effects in the aura of your workplace. This vandalizing beam is fluorescent green in color; the color emphasizing its strength. Once cast, your days of struggle begin. No efforts bring you back the past glory. A despondent you, sees this life-changing advertisement and without further delay, grab this miraculous yantra. And lo behold! Once you wear the “Cat – Eye Taveez”, the malicious beam debilitates under its impervious aura; and you are protected from all the negativity in the world and can now safely reach out for unfettered success.
“Maths Guru” is magical. I don’t have the words to express its salient features. I’m sure by now you would have left your computers to switch on the television. So, get to know what “Maths Guru” is all about. Scores of other treasures (includes “Dr. Tea” for slimming purposes) are on sale on Home Shop 18 or may be SHOP 24*7 or the same Sky Shop. For all this free promotion, I deserve a share of commission from these agencies.
So when you register your order, don’t forget to give me a special mention to their executives. Happy Shopping!!
Monday, June 15, 2009
The new hues of Journalism
The new hues of Journalism
A few days ago, I read about Pulitzer and his concept of the revolutionary “Yellow Journalism”. It was a form of aggressive, severely competitive, at times even manipulative and exaggerated journalism. This concept, albeit suitably modified, has been applied to Indian journalism today.
DNA – Daily News and Analysis, brought the first all-colour 40 page daily to Mumbai city. So, our news didn’t just look “yellow” like those which appeared in Pulitzer’s “New York World” but had every shade to make them look attractive and sound digestible. In our market, gauged by the IRS rounds and Neilson Survey, TOI immediately refurnished its copy of Bombay Times to an appealing new all-colour format and HT decided to keep it short by cutting the crap. Regardless of the competition, the brand new shades were here to stay.
Most of us are in a habit of sipping the morning tea while glancing at the headlines or closing in with a round-up of the day’s events. The all-colour format has made this daily experience a lot more delightful. Gone are the days when the cartoon strips looked blurred. Reading the news has become convenient as it no longer requires an effort to guess the identity of the photographed person. The sports section never looked so attractive. It is now guaranteed more prominence and space. It is illustrated with clearer images of not just the presentation ceremonies at sport events but also of the superb dives and sharp cuts; straight drives and splendid goals; and all the action on the field captured by the finest lenses of the world, is brought to us by the modernized Technicolor printing. Pictures of Sharapova, Graeme Smith and Button can well be a part of the Collector’s Edition. The sordid affairs, the Page-3 parties never looked as scintillating as they now do! At the same time crime and terror stories looked gruesome than ever. But that’s “capturing the reality in its authentic form”. Sadly this reality is ghastly and brutal and its images traumatizing and spine-chilling. On a lighter note, I wish to point out that even Lalu Prasad and Sonia Gandhi looked charming in the digital images and Prabhakaran, less intimidating!
The media by and large portrays the truest picture of the society. What better than have the true colours to its aid! Journalism has gone beyond the realms of meager reporting of facts. It has extended its horizons to explore the power of photography which has instilled life and soul in the mundane reports. It has matured to realize that an attractive format has the power to garner more readerships. It can even make up for the lackadaisical reporting exercised by the media at times. Yet, the revolution is limited to the English dailies only. Majority of the vernacular media is still characterized by ineffective black carbon ink. While journalism as a career and profession is seeing massive growth and revolution today, hope that even Navbharat Times sees the “yellow” light of the day!
A few days ago, I read about Pulitzer and his concept of the revolutionary “Yellow Journalism”. It was a form of aggressive, severely competitive, at times even manipulative and exaggerated journalism. This concept, albeit suitably modified, has been applied to Indian journalism today.
DNA – Daily News and Analysis, brought the first all-colour 40 page daily to Mumbai city. So, our news didn’t just look “yellow” like those which appeared in Pulitzer’s “New York World” but had every shade to make them look attractive and sound digestible. In our market, gauged by the IRS rounds and Neilson Survey, TOI immediately refurnished its copy of Bombay Times to an appealing new all-colour format and HT decided to keep it short by cutting the crap. Regardless of the competition, the brand new shades were here to stay.
Most of us are in a habit of sipping the morning tea while glancing at the headlines or closing in with a round-up of the day’s events. The all-colour format has made this daily experience a lot more delightful. Gone are the days when the cartoon strips looked blurred. Reading the news has become convenient as it no longer requires an effort to guess the identity of the photographed person. The sports section never looked so attractive. It is now guaranteed more prominence and space. It is illustrated with clearer images of not just the presentation ceremonies at sport events but also of the superb dives and sharp cuts; straight drives and splendid goals; and all the action on the field captured by the finest lenses of the world, is brought to us by the modernized Technicolor printing. Pictures of Sharapova, Graeme Smith and Button can well be a part of the Collector’s Edition. The sordid affairs, the Page-3 parties never looked as scintillating as they now do! At the same time crime and terror stories looked gruesome than ever. But that’s “capturing the reality in its authentic form”. Sadly this reality is ghastly and brutal and its images traumatizing and spine-chilling. On a lighter note, I wish to point out that even Lalu Prasad and Sonia Gandhi looked charming in the digital images and Prabhakaran, less intimidating!
The media by and large portrays the truest picture of the society. What better than have the true colours to its aid! Journalism has gone beyond the realms of meager reporting of facts. It has extended its horizons to explore the power of photography which has instilled life and soul in the mundane reports. It has matured to realize that an attractive format has the power to garner more readerships. It can even make up for the lackadaisical reporting exercised by the media at times. Yet, the revolution is limited to the English dailies only. Majority of the vernacular media is still characterized by ineffective black carbon ink. While journalism as a career and profession is seeing massive growth and revolution today, hope that even Navbharat Times sees the “yellow” light of the day!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Mumbai meri jaan!
Mumbai – The City Of Dreams.
To the tourists of the World, welcome to a land called Mumbai, share the experiences of the City, you will love to make your Homeland. It can be referred to as the First City of India, the Urbs Primus of Indus , a city that is discussed internationally with fervour for its cosmopolitan taste, its traditional roots , its resilient economy, the rich heritage and legacy it bequeaths. Being the Financial Capital of India, the city is accounted in international summits and arguments with much zest as comparable to London or Paris. The real estate here is more precious than even New York and Tokyo, as of today.
So, step out to feel the essence of Mumbai, grab its beauty, let the city grow on you and take back home those memories to treasure till the time you come to visit it again!
The history……
Following the first war of Independence in 1857, the East India Company was accused of mismanagement, and Bombay reverted to the British crown. It is an archipelago of seven islands. The city initially belonged to the fisherfolk – the ‘Koli’ Community. The community survived trading and living along the vast coastline. The archipelago was ruled by Hindu Rajas until 1401, when the Muslim rulers ( known as the Sultans then) invaded their territories and conquered the lands. The Muslims further surrendered to the Portuguese in 1534. They coined the name “Mumbadevi” after the local deity of the city. It later came to be called as Mumbai, the British referred to it as Bombay. The city is called upon by both the names even to this day.
Places to visit……
The city offers you plenty of options in terms of places to visit par you preferences. We begin with:
Gateway of India
This 26 metres high stone archway is the first landmark of Mumbai a visitor sees when arriving at it by the way of the Arabian Ocean. Designed by Writtet in the 16th century Gujarat style, it was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911.
Chowpatty Beach
A popular beach where celebration of festivals such as Coconut Day and the Ganesh Chaturthi immersions take place. It also stands a host to a number of kiosk selling the local chat – namely sev puri, the preferred pani puri and kulfi.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
This is the city-structure which sports the Gothic architecture which is the legacy left by the British Raj. The most exquisite Railway Station that the Nation beholds.
Nehru Science Center
This Centre upholds the scientific aspects and the technological dimensions of the city. It is located at Worli.
Malabar Hill
This plush area of Mumbai, the Malabar Hill has attractive residences, including the Chief Minister's house and a palatial state guest house. Here also, are the ruins of Walkeshwar temple build sometime between 810 and 1260 AD. Hence, it is also known as Walkeshwar even today.
Rajabhai Tower
Built in the19th century Gothic style on the university campus, the 79 metres high clock tower commands a fine view of the city. The tower also houses the university library.
Mahalaxmi Temple
An important Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess of wealth. Devotees throng this temple to seek her blessing.
Best time to be here…..
The Mahalaxmi Race course hosts its racing season during the months of November to April. As an international city, Mumbai boasts of the Mumbai Festival every year in the month of January. This year the extravaganza which portrays the art and culture of the metropolis, attracted huge crowds during the span of 15th – 31st January. The ongoing Kalaghoda festival sports the exuberance of the city. The vintage car exhibition during this period is a must watch for avid car lovers.
The winters in the city are cool and romantic. As a visitor it would be preferable to avoid the rainy season which starts from mid-June to September months. Lord Ganesh being the city’s beloved diety, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with pomp and splendour. The city then showcases its religious dimension in the most beautiful fashion. The festive season reaches an acme during Navratri and Diwali. The New Year is welcomed with great enthusiasm. So, the best time to be in the city would be during the winter months.
Art and Culture…
Mumbai boasts of a cosmopolitan culture and upholds the values of fraternity and brotherhood. The people here refer to themselves as “Mumbaites”.
The city is a connoisseur of artistic subjects. The Prithvi Theatre displays the best talent on-stage while Jehangir Art Gallery exhibits the artistic genius dwelling in every Mumbaite. The city is home to the Indian Film Industry. Yes, Bollywood has seen its birth and development in this very metro. The Filmcity at Goregaon, Kamal Amrohi studios and R.K. Studio is where all the “Lights, Camera and Action” takes place.
How to get here….
Access to Mumbai is easy and well – defined over the airways, roadways and the railways. Mumbai has an international airport. Air India and several international airlines operate flights to connect Mumbai to various cities of the world. Indian Airlines and many private airlines domestically connect Mumbai . Being the headquarters of the Central and Western Railways, regular trains link Mumbai with all major cities like Aurangabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Nagpur and Trivandrum. Mumbai is well-connected to major tourist locations in the countries by means of Expressways.
Food……
While Mumbai boasts of Hilton and The Taj, roadside eateries will give you the authentic spice of the City food. The “Vada-Pav” is something you cant afford to miss. Old fashioned foot and cycle tiffin carriers ( called as the “dabawallas”) bear the lunch for the working class of the city. There are also plenty of gourmet speciality restaurants.
The city has been ripped by terror attacks and its lifeline has been blasted several times in the past years. Yet, the city awakes. Let’s not take its resilience for granted. Let’s hope and pray that the city becomes an enjoyable destination for the globetrotters and a safer abode for the locals. This city truly deserves applause for its immense fortitude.
For the tourist, the best way to feel the city is by breathing the same air that 14 million of its population breaths, criss-crossing their paths as they hurry to their workplaces at distant suburbs and return home trying to keep up to the pace of the city.
You can’t help falling in love with the city; the magnanimous city will draw you to her charms.
To the tourists of the World, welcome to a land called Mumbai, share the experiences of the City, you will love to make your Homeland. It can be referred to as the First City of India, the Urbs Primus of Indus , a city that is discussed internationally with fervour for its cosmopolitan taste, its traditional roots , its resilient economy, the rich heritage and legacy it bequeaths. Being the Financial Capital of India, the city is accounted in international summits and arguments with much zest as comparable to London or Paris. The real estate here is more precious than even New York and Tokyo, as of today.
So, step out to feel the essence of Mumbai, grab its beauty, let the city grow on you and take back home those memories to treasure till the time you come to visit it again!
The history……
Following the first war of Independence in 1857, the East India Company was accused of mismanagement, and Bombay reverted to the British crown. It is an archipelago of seven islands. The city initially belonged to the fisherfolk – the ‘Koli’ Community. The community survived trading and living along the vast coastline. The archipelago was ruled by Hindu Rajas until 1401, when the Muslim rulers ( known as the Sultans then) invaded their territories and conquered the lands. The Muslims further surrendered to the Portuguese in 1534. They coined the name “Mumbadevi” after the local deity of the city. It later came to be called as Mumbai, the British referred to it as Bombay. The city is called upon by both the names even to this day.
Places to visit……
The city offers you plenty of options in terms of places to visit par you preferences. We begin with:
Gateway of India
This 26 metres high stone archway is the first landmark of Mumbai a visitor sees when arriving at it by the way of the Arabian Ocean. Designed by Writtet in the 16th century Gujarat style, it was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911.
Chowpatty Beach
A popular beach where celebration of festivals such as Coconut Day and the Ganesh Chaturthi immersions take place. It also stands a host to a number of kiosk selling the local chat – namely sev puri, the preferred pani puri and kulfi.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
This is the city-structure which sports the Gothic architecture which is the legacy left by the British Raj. The most exquisite Railway Station that the Nation beholds.
Nehru Science Center
This Centre upholds the scientific aspects and the technological dimensions of the city. It is located at Worli.
Malabar Hill
This plush area of Mumbai, the Malabar Hill has attractive residences, including the Chief Minister's house and a palatial state guest house. Here also, are the ruins of Walkeshwar temple build sometime between 810 and 1260 AD. Hence, it is also known as Walkeshwar even today.
Rajabhai Tower
Built in the19th century Gothic style on the university campus, the 79 metres high clock tower commands a fine view of the city. The tower also houses the university library.
Mahalaxmi Temple
An important Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess of wealth. Devotees throng this temple to seek her blessing.
Best time to be here…..
The Mahalaxmi Race course hosts its racing season during the months of November to April. As an international city, Mumbai boasts of the Mumbai Festival every year in the month of January. This year the extravaganza which portrays the art and culture of the metropolis, attracted huge crowds during the span of 15th – 31st January. The ongoing Kalaghoda festival sports the exuberance of the city. The vintage car exhibition during this period is a must watch for avid car lovers.
The winters in the city are cool and romantic. As a visitor it would be preferable to avoid the rainy season which starts from mid-June to September months. Lord Ganesh being the city’s beloved diety, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with pomp and splendour. The city then showcases its religious dimension in the most beautiful fashion. The festive season reaches an acme during Navratri and Diwali. The New Year is welcomed with great enthusiasm. So, the best time to be in the city would be during the winter months.
Art and Culture…
Mumbai boasts of a cosmopolitan culture and upholds the values of fraternity and brotherhood. The people here refer to themselves as “Mumbaites”.
The city is a connoisseur of artistic subjects. The Prithvi Theatre displays the best talent on-stage while Jehangir Art Gallery exhibits the artistic genius dwelling in every Mumbaite. The city is home to the Indian Film Industry. Yes, Bollywood has seen its birth and development in this very metro. The Filmcity at Goregaon, Kamal Amrohi studios and R.K. Studio is where all the “Lights, Camera and Action” takes place.
How to get here….
Access to Mumbai is easy and well – defined over the airways, roadways and the railways. Mumbai has an international airport. Air India and several international airlines operate flights to connect Mumbai to various cities of the world. Indian Airlines and many private airlines domestically connect Mumbai . Being the headquarters of the Central and Western Railways, regular trains link Mumbai with all major cities like Aurangabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Nagpur and Trivandrum. Mumbai is well-connected to major tourist locations in the countries by means of Expressways.
Food……
While Mumbai boasts of Hilton and The Taj, roadside eateries will give you the authentic spice of the City food. The “Vada-Pav” is something you cant afford to miss. Old fashioned foot and cycle tiffin carriers ( called as the “dabawallas”) bear the lunch for the working class of the city. There are also plenty of gourmet speciality restaurants.
The city has been ripped by terror attacks and its lifeline has been blasted several times in the past years. Yet, the city awakes. Let’s not take its resilience for granted. Let’s hope and pray that the city becomes an enjoyable destination for the globetrotters and a safer abode for the locals. This city truly deserves applause for its immense fortitude.
For the tourist, the best way to feel the city is by breathing the same air that 14 million of its population breaths, criss-crossing their paths as they hurry to their workplaces at distant suburbs and return home trying to keep up to the pace of the city.
You can’t help falling in love with the city; the magnanimous city will draw you to her charms.
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