Mumbai Musings

The Thackeray Memorial

Exactly a month after Balasaheb Thackeray was cremated at the iconic Shivaji Park at a historic funeral (the first public funeral since Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak’s in 1920 in Mumbai), the makeshift memorial comprising of the metal frame, Sena Supremo’s photo, a lamp and lots of flowers was removed. The round the clock vigil by Sena workers and continuous trickle of people for offering their respects may now get over. Carefully done in the intervening night of December 17 and 18, just after the Indian Army wrapped up its celebrations of Vijay Diwas on the ground and was packing up, the removal of the structure created no trouble whatsoever.

Even as the Sena leaders now speak of how they kept their promise of removing the makeshift memorial from the cremation site at Shivaji Park, the discussion (and whispers, murmurs, rumours) have moved to the next level. It is now about the place that will finally be the memorial. In all probability it will be right next to the grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, after whom the park gets its name and Sena its ideology. Also the park may just retain its name, resisting Sena demand of renaming Shiv teerth, as Thackeray used to call it.

Even if the proposal is accepted by the Sena-run Municipal Corporation, there could be some legal hurdles depending on what kind of memorial (in terms of space, grandeur) Sena wants.

In Defense of Open Spaces

Activists working for open spaces have suggested a few ideas which fell on deaf ears. “Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial was constructed in Mani Bhavan, where he used to stay in Mumbai. Similarly, other memorials of great leaders have been built at their residences,” said Bhaskar Sawant of Maidan Bachao Samiti adding the rich cultural and political history of the park must be preserved. The park, now a silence zone, was a significant space during freedom struggle, Samyukta Maharashtra Movement, apart from being “cradle of cricket” with several academies and school teams practising over here.

“Why try to create a memorial somehow in the corner of a ground? Rather than that create a grand one at Kohinoor Square, which is right opposite Sena Bhavan or Matoshree (the residence),” said Sawant pointing out that there have been selfless leaders like Madhu Dandawte who donated their bodies after death and had specifically instructed that there should be no memorial or funeral procession.

Ramakant Achrekar’s daughter who runs the Kamat Memorial Cricket Club, Kalpana is diplomatic about the issue of space for children to practise their sport, “We don’t know if it is going to come up or how much space it will take. At the moment couple of nets cannot be set up but no one is opposing the memorial. One is concerned about children’s game. Anyway matches get cancelled because of several political and other public events.”

In this cacophony of demands made by shrill loyalists of Sena, objections raised by some political leaders and arguments forwarded by activists, one must not forget the little Tendulkars and Gavaskars who practise relentlessly at the ground. They may just be our hope for a test tournament five years down the line?

Irrigation Scam Probe

Finally after several flip flops and run-ins with the opposition and a disputed release of the white paper (followed by a black paper by none other than Kejriwal) the Maharashtra state government has set a Special Investigation Team to probe the irrigation scam/transactions/projects etc. 

Headed by water expert Madhav Chitale, the terms of reference, other members and probe deadlines will be set up before the yearend, announced the state water resources minister Sunil Tatkare during the winter session of the state assembly in Nagpur.

Ajitdada Pawar’s resignation and comeback, both created enough furore in the political circles and provided ample fodder for the media. Hopefully, the probe will set the ball rolling for providing adequate water for the state.

Bombay ki Kahani, Mumbai ki Zubani

Not April as TS Eliot pronounced in the Wasteland, but it has been December that has really been the cruellest month for the city of Mumbai. Post Babri Masjid demolition on December 6 the city saw spate of riots in December and January, which was then followed by serial blasts. And peace seems to have eluded the city since then. 

However, in keeping with the spirit of the city – which now seems like a bad cliché sometimes – a series of programmes have been organised by several organisations and Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Music, films, art works, discussions, lectures and so on. 

Unfortunately, I wonder if those who are already sensitised are the ones attending/supporting the wonderful initiative and the ones who continue to be prejudiced are being reached out. For those interested or even mildly curious please look up Bombay ki Kahani, Mumbai ki zubani. 

Safe No More

Delhi may have been shattered and shocked with the gang rape of a young girl, who continues to battle for life, however, Mumbai seems to be catching fast. Every day at least two to three incidents of crimes of passion (jilted lovers, husbands, stalkers attacking women), molestation and rapes, killing of people who oppose eve teasing, are being reported in the city. The pattern also reflected in at least two surveys recently conducted by two independent NGOs working in the field of women’s rights and civic issues, not to mention the crime figures released by National Crime Records Bureau.

Home Alone

Loosely connected to the above-mentioned point are the survey findings released at the BMW Guggenheim lab, an international joint initiative of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and the BMW Group. Part urban think tank, part community centre and public gathering space, the project aims to address several urban challenges.

The lab is here after conducting similar project in New York and Berlin. Here till January 20 2013, we are awaiting their further research findings about the maximum city that has perhaps had its fill.

Some findings with reference to public and private spaces – 87% of the respondents feel some public spaces are inaccessible to women – safety, eve
teasing being the primary reasons.

Although more than half of the respondents lived in slums, chawls or pavements, home is where they find time for themselves, are most comfortable expressing their private thoughts and meeting family, friends or partner.

Is it because we are scared of expressing ourselves in public (couples at bandstand and marine drive, please stand up!)or are there really no public spaces? Both perhaps, considering cinema theatre is the “most used” public space followed by parks! You find a park in suburban Mumbai and I will find you a pothole-free road! Dhundte reh jaoge. (Let us take a moment to remember the loyal migratory Flamingos at our fast receding mudflats and promise to save that at least!)

Most participants also wanted privacy from neighbours and family and preferred spending time with friends, family and then themselves. Guests seem to affect sleeping space of 60%participants along with affecting bathroom and eating pattern. Most equate privacy to solitude and comfort and need it when they are upset/sad. Too much to ask for Mr. Santa?

It's Christmas Time in the City

There is some good news though, finally, for Mumbaikars and it comes from Goa of course. Late Indian cartoonist Mario Miranda’s exhibition at Nehru Centre’s Art Gallery,on till January 6, should surely add some cheer to our Christmas and New Year. You can also pick a 2013 diary with his ever awesome cartoons on every page. Still no happy? Then go watch Dabangg 2 and welcome the festive season “fevicol se.”