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ShareMumbai: Despite challenges and hardships, dreams prevail
It's our never-say-die spirit which makes Mumbai the city that makes dreams come true. Mumbaikars go out of their way to help someone to stand on their feet, yet they can be curt and not encourage any sort of dependence. It is the place to learn evolution and survival of the fittest. Whether you are driving in your SUV on the sea link or eating vada pav on the street, dreams exist within. Challenges and hardships do not take away dreams, it's the people who quit when the going becomes tough.
--Praful Baweja
Fat pay packets continue attracting people to the city
The tag 'city of dream' suits the city as it gives people opportunities which other cities don't. During the last six months, I have seen many people from small towns moving here with dreams in their eyes. Most dreams do come true. People from other towns and even remote villages come here to earn a better livelihood. The only thing that upsets me is the fact that we have a wide rich-poor divide. We can see people in Ferraris and people sleeping on the roads simultaneously. The government needs to do something about it.
--Shaili Jani
The spirit of residents makes all the difference here
Isn't it ironic that the city which hardly sleeps is still called the city of dreams? Everyone comes here to get a better lifestyle, but life expectancy figure hovers at 56 years. We dodge potholes, rains and terrorists. But despite this I love Mumbai, since I was born here. I like the occasional smiles in trains, the spirit of people coming out of their homes and distributing tea and biscuits, during rains. If I relocate I would prefer to stay in Ladakh which is less crowded and pollution free. However, I would come to Mumbai intermittently.
--Rahul Manjal
Mumbai has energy and dynamism, which no city offers
I have always lived in a culturally-rich and embracing milieu and Mumbai offers the same to people. There are some pockets which aren't all that accepting. But Mumbai offers the best opportunities to people who are willing to work hard and deal with hardships. A city offering such opportunities will attract migrants. While I may choose to live and work, I wouldn't like my children to grow up here. It's a great city to make a career, but not to settle down. I would like to stay in a place where there are parks and greenery.--Niharika Hanglem
Gives fair chance to everyone to come out of poverty
There is no doubt that this city is a dream come true for migrants. It has a range of opportunities. I belong to Ratnagiri, but to pursue my education and career I had to come to Mumbai. Although many areas are crowded, the city has discipline. There is huge disparity between the rich and poor, but the city gives a fair chance to come out of poverty. Despite overwhelming number of poor, NGOs and social organisations come to their aid. People work hard in the city, unlike the villages where lack of work kills entrepreneurial spirit.
--Amruta Kokate
Expert view
Spectre of parochialism hampering growth
Availability of best health facilities in the city is certainly a myth. How can we claim that we have good facilities in the city, when no new hospital has been opened in the city? Moreover the water carries diseases and the tree cover in the city is making way for broader roads.Healthcare facilities have improved only for the rich and privileged, due to privatisation of industry. The BEST bus transport system is no longer subsidised by the state, the fares of the ticket are going up consistently. Private taxi services have been introduced, road transport hasn't got any better. During the rush hour, traffic situation has become worse. Socially also it is in ferment, the nightmare of economic gloom and parochialism hamper its growth. But despite that surprisingly Mumbai still continues to be the metropolis of dreams since there is no other city like it.
--Jerry Pinto, writer
Facilities offered here are beyond compare
It is difficult to define what makes Mumbai the city of dreams. Whoever comes to Mumbai has a particular goal to pursue. The aspiration can be to become a painter, architect, teacher, actor, businessman, sportsperson, sociologist, singer, writer, director. The city can fulfill all these dreams for those who have the dedication to pursue their ambitions. There is no other city in India that can actually provide so many opportunities at one place. Secondly people either original residents or migrants have created a culture of friendliness. The city is open to people of all castes and religions. Every city has some kind of problems, but the facilities that this city provides are unparalleled. Once anyone gets the taste of the city, it is too hard to leave and go away.
--Rahul D'Cunha, theatre director and playwright
Despite hectic lives, have a healthy lifestyle
There are many factors which are unique to Mumbai, due to which the life span of people is decreasing vis-à-vis other people living in different states and even the rest of Maharashtra. Firstly, people reside away from their workplace and commuting everyday to their offices tends to take a toll on them.
Travelling for long hours takes a lot of energy and time, which is harmful to our body in the long run. Secondly, the city is a hub of BPOs and the glamour industry which have hectic working schedules. This leads to haphazard eating and sleeping hours which is destructive for the body. Thirdly, youngsters are attracted towards night life and don't mind sleeping late. Lastly, due to the hectic pace, people opt for fast and street snacks. Due to decreasing immunity one becomes an easy prey for diseases and mental illness. Therefore, people should try and maintain their health. One needs to follow a discipline to stay fit and healthy.
--Minnu Bhonsle, consulting psychotherapi
