Iyer feels Navi Mumbai has negative as well as positive aspects. He wants the latter to weigh heavy in the scale.
The well planned Navi Mumbai appeals to KVS Iyer in many ways and is the reason he has been residing here for 25 years. According to him, people shape a city, their behaviour and outlook give it an identity. Well, most Navi Mumbaikars with their friendly nature have created a healthy social fabric.
“I love the cosmopolitan spirit of the city. People in all the nodes of the city have a friendly bearing.
One will hardly find animosity or bias based on religion or language. If you as a person have the same nature, you will end up having numerous friends in the city without making a conscious effort. From being a part of festival celebrations to attending community events, one is sure to be busy,” says Iyer, a Panvel resident.
Iyer also feels recreational centres in the city are aplenty for anyone who wishes to settle here, with the Karanala bird sanctuary providing a getaway from the daily commotion or the Wonders Park in Nerul that is a light for children. Devout and God-fearing, Iyer and his family however, like go to the Balaji temple in Nerul and be a part of all the festivities. “My family and I go to the Balaji temple in Nerul regularly. Apart from that, we all love Carnatic music and Bharatnatyam, we are sure to be present at any such programme,” he says.
This love for performing arts takes him to the Shanmukananda hall in Mumbai makes him long for such a venue here also. “The Shanmukananda hall is a reputed cultural institution that has for years propagated our varied and rich heritage of arts. It would be great for Navi Mumbaikars if such a facility is created in this city,” he says, adding, “In my opinion, people are ready to make monetary donations if they will be assured and apprised of how the funds are being used for the purpose.”
Similarly, there are many changes that need to be brought about in the city for its efficient functioning, feels Iyer. “One of the menace that needs to be curbed is rash driving by youngsters on bikes. They completely lack road sense and discipline. I have witnessed quite a few accidents due to this, wherein pedestrians are the victims.” He believes it is high time people understand that the road is not only for them to use but for everyone.
Another callous behaviour is of people not using the dustbins placed at various locations by Cidco and littering everywhere. “In matters such as these, no amount of external supervision will bring about a change. It is people who have to realise and be more responsible.”
One of the major upgrades needs to happen in the public transport area and more BEST buses should be introduced connecting Navi Mumbai to Mumbai and Thane. “NMMT is not at all able to cater to the rising population. Its services are totally below the mark. Without waiting for the introduction of the metro, more BEST buses should be introduced. This has many benefits as many people will opt for public transport thereby reducing traffic and fuel consumption,” he adds.
In the educational sphere Iyer feels that parents are not taking full advantage of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). He says that in a school of 5,000 students, hardly 50 parents attend the PTA meetings. How then can they expect to understand the schooling and suggest changes for any developments? He further adds that such an attitude will give the school a picture of disunity among parents.
“These matters, if improved will help in elevating the life in Navi Mumbai and make people love the city even more,” he concludes.
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