The "Spirit of Mumbai"

I have been wanting to say something about this much-abused phrase for a while now, but never did, just like the townsfolk in the Emperor's New Clothes

Here's someone who says it better.

I couldnt agree with him more. I dont understand how a cultivated indifference to human life and decency can be celebrated as a virtue. And what exactly does "Spirit of Mumbai" mean anyway? That Mumbai is no place to live for humans?

My personal experience of Mumbai left the following images in my mind - squalor, gross inequities among human beings and indifference towards fellow citizens.

Coming from Bangalore ( the older version, pre-software era ), the indifference that Mumbaikars show towards others, came as a rude shock. Many times during my stay there, apparent tourists actually approached me for directions or help, after attempts to get help from locals proved futile. The reaction of some of the locals to a stranger approaching them was as if he/she were made of glass ! They just stared straight ahead and went on with their lives.

I actually discussed this with a couple of staunch Mumbaikar colleagues of mine @ Motorola sometime back, and I got the honest answer. Mumbai Junta come back to work the next day after a calamity because they dont have a choice. Its a ruthless city, and every day is a struggle for existence.

These opinions were kinda validated a few months back, when Shobhaa De voiced similar sentiments in her column in the TOI.

My sister works as a doctor in Mumbai and she was saying that the people are finally getting pissed off with the Netas pushing serious infrastructure issues under the carpet while lauding the "Spirit of Mumbai"

Maybe the way to making Mumbai a more humane city lies in exorcising the "spirit" of Mumbai for good. To hell with spirits; give the humans a chance.