Aamchi Mumbai!

Mumbai/Bombay-The capital of Maharashtra, may not be the country capital, But is also particularly known as the Economic capital of India. Just a mention of this city is enough to trigger a thousand things about it. My mind creates a huge collage of the things that I can correlate. The 'Cutting Chai', The legendary Wada-pav, The 'Tapori' language, The never-ending Traffic, The non-stop and Fast life, The most welcoming Local trains, The most awaited Monsoon, The lovely breeze at Marine Drive, the Glory of The Gateway and last but certainly not the least- The spirit of this city. This list actually is endless! Irrespective of all the faults, This city has the ability to make anyone fall in love with it. If you are in this city, It is a hard, tough and unimaginable task to even think about leaving. 

This city shows the real Indian contrast. On one side of this city- Dharavi- Also known as the world's largest slum, And on another there is the lavish, posh and sophisticated locality- be it Colaba, Malabar Hills or Peddar Road. right here is something that makes me love this city even more. This city can engage and involve anyone and everyone, Irrespective of what their bank balance. No one will feel lonely here for a considerable time. Every stranger on the street no matter how busy or frustrated, will seem like family.

During my 4-day visit to Mumbai, on a school trip, I was hit with this sense of realization and was enchanted and cast under it's spell. This city holds a special place in my life as this is the city that welcomed me with open arms in this wonderful yet complex world! As I entered this city, I immediately felt a sense of belonging. I felt Calm yet Excited. Peaceful yet Restless. I felt Amazing. Mumbai is my Paradise on Earth! 

To be precise- Marine Drive is my Personal Paradise on Earth. About Marine Drive people might say-"The water is dirty- It stinks"... But when I was there these factors hardly mattered! I sat with my feet left down-dangling- and eyes closed, A sense of satisfaction and feeling of being 'At home' dawned upon me. This is probably one of the best feelings one can experience in this ever-changing and drastic world. The light breeze that blew along with the calm sound of splashing waves was more than enough to make me love this city even more. I had always heard that there were people who cried when they felt extremely happy. "Yeh toh khushi ke aasu hai."- They said. I was so overwhelmed that day-at that very moment-That I almost cried.

Apart from being the Industrial and Business Hub or the most happening and Lively place, or The city of Dreams, It is also the best inspiration. It is the epitome of strength, beauty and optimism. This city of late has been harmed and attacked several times in the past few decades. The attacker may be Nature or a Terrorist. Be it the 2006 Mumbai floods or the 2008 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The city never shook or trembled. Instead, It grew stronger every time and has risen a more powerful city with a strengthened character and spirit. This is what I Love about Mumbai THE MOST. 

On the 6th Anniversary of the 26/11 attacks, I salute to all the Brave survivors, The courageous Martyrs and This Amazing spirit of the City. 

I will always cherish this city not only because I was born here or had my very first Roller-Coaster ride, But because- 'Yeh hai Bombay -meri jaan'.