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ShareSome wish for a better Mumbai while others hope no one calls them 'silver' in 2008. Kareena N Gianani finds out what is on people's minds as they step into the new year
You may find it amusing, but I don't want to enter 2008 -- instead, I want to move back to the 1980s. This is not a case of a pessimist grumbling incessantly -- look at the world around you and you will know why I feel so strongly about this. We live in a polluted, overcrowded, concrete jungle where people are shoved and pushed around like cattle.
Traffic jams are the only places where one has time for conversation. Takalluf (courtesy) has taken a back seat. India is not shining -- look out of your car and you will see the plight of the aged and the have-nots. The idea of justice is crumbling with brides being burnt and children getting married in villages. I see Mumbai and Delhi wasting away in front of my eyes -- be it 2002 or 2008.
These are dark times for senior citizens, too. With families breaking up and children marginalising parents, seniors have no where to go except old-age homes. I am ashamed to see my local moongfalliwalla who is on the streets not to make money but just because he has no roof over his head. I wish a better year for him and millions with similar stories to tell.
--Anjolie Ela Menon, artist
I look forward to my regular routine in 2008 -- waking up at 6am, trying to keep fit and working as hard as ever. Come to think of it, I don't feel 79 at all.
Of course, I envision a few changes in issues topmost on my mind. 2008 must see people come together and put up a fight against corruption and communalism. It is killing Mumbai's spirit and I am concerned about the state of affairs in the forthcoming year. Seniors, with years of experience, must lead the youth in this initiative.
As a silver and an ex-commissioner of police, I am proud to see senior citizens at the forefront with the RTI Act. It's a lethal weapon against bureaucracy and it is the 'retired' population that's doing a commendable job unearthing irregularities. And why not? Senior citizens must help the uninitiated understand the Act, frame questions and set an example for the youth. It's one of the best ways to serve the society that has nurtured you for decades.
--Julio Ribeiro, ex-commissioner of police
My husband's death is the most vivid memory I have of 2007 and, needless to say, it will shape every year of my life. In 2008, I will be careful with my time and how I treat people around me. You know, we always feel we have all the time in the world to make amends or express our feelings. We don't. I remember my school teacher who had cancer and was on her deathbed. I procrastinated my visit for months and she passed away before I actually 'got the time' to tell her how much she meant to me. I will not let anything similar happen in 2008. I will live in the moment sans grudges and leave no room for regret.
--Nandini Sardesai, sociologist and member of the Censor Board of India
You know what I really want for next year? I wish people stop addressing me as a 'silver' and a 'senior citizen!' The jargon makes one feel at the end of the road -- which is just not the case. Who says only the young can dream? I am 60 but have the enthusiasm of a 25-year-old. I enjoy good health and pack so much into 24 hours that one of my 'regular' days can put a teenager to shame. I exercise, indulge myself in music and dance, read voraciously and write a lot.
I passionately follow the news and am abreast of current events in world politics. 2008 will see me visiting exotic locales in Egypt, Greece and Turkey where I can enjoy the people and culture. I look forward to finishing all my novels, the recent one being about the spirit of youth. Can anyone say I am 'ageing'? I think not. The fact that I still get agitated at injustice proves my point. I believe that the right to indignation is a sign of an animated, youthful mind. After all, all revolutions in the world have been possible thanks to youth. However, I think youngsters are getting complacent and sloppy today.
They do not have an ideology. Young journalists, for instance, prefer playing it safe -- how often do we see them taking a stand? It's a worrying trend to see them either biased or indifferent. I fervently hope things change for the better in 2008 with respect to human rights and environmental abuse, too. I wish for the best.
--Vaasanthi Sundaram, author
The year gone by saw controversies over open spaces. I would like the government to look into the matter and give Mumbai more playgrounds and improve education facilities in 2008. A Mumbaikar must grow and aim for a better life tomorrow.
Seniors may see a better year since the new law requires their children to take care of them. This must be encouraged and will help many seniors live a better life. I hope the coming year is safe, green and fruitful.
--Nana Chudasma, former sheriff of Mumbai
