Of people, attitude and safety
Being born and brought up in Delhi, I am used to having intrusive relatives, nosy neighbors and staring strangers all around me. Be it entering a party hall when you feel all the aunties are looking at your dress to entering the metro coach where you feel the eyes of random strangers on you. Have seen it all.
Keeping in mind how people in Delhi are, I have never worn skirts as I commute by public transport. Call me whatever, but I have just treaded a safe route. Yet, have not escaped the road-side cheap comments at all. Have seen it all.
Now a short trip to Mumbai, walking on the roads, traveling in the public transport, I could gauge what makes Mumbai what it is.
I have written that before also in my Delhi post that it is the people of the city that make the essence of the city. Delhi, whatever media and the world makes it out to be, is not bad. It is the people who are contaminating the city. Those amongst us only. No outsider. Similarly, if we know Mumbai as a city that lets you be, that doesn't intrude in your space, that is both a friend and a confidante to you, it is because of the way its people are.
People are non-intrusive but helpful. I remember asking people at different points of time about train timings and they readily helped us through that smart app I told you about yesterday! Even the relatives who were earlier in North side of the country and now settled in Mumbai are not the same! They have imbibed the Mumbai culture so well. I love that non-intrusive part. Thank God for that!
I won't claim that Mumbai is the safest city in India. But comparing it to Delhi, there definitely is a sense of safety. I never for once felt scared or hesitant traveling late. I do that in Delhi also and I can assure you, the safe I felt in Mumbai, have never felt in Delhi ever. Oh wait. May be around Commonwealth Games in 2010. For 15 days. All roads were well lit-up, there was police posted every nook and corner and it was just very safe. Like I mentioned, I have never worn skirt in Delhi. But in Mumbai, while going for a night-out, my cousin insisted I wear one. After much deliberation, I did wear a skirt. I used the public transport as well. And trust me, not even once I felt bad and uncomfortable about the decision. I felt great!
Also, the kind of space I am in, both mentally and emotionally, Mumbai is the city that kind of suits me. It does not question you, accommodates you and sets you free.
And this reason is enough for me to think about moving base. Not that I am going to anytime soon. But soon in the future. I would definitely like to breathe in that air. Soon. :-)
Keeping in mind how people in Delhi are, I have never worn skirts as I commute by public transport. Call me whatever, but I have just treaded a safe route. Yet, have not escaped the road-side cheap comments at all. Have seen it all.
Now a short trip to Mumbai, walking on the roads, traveling in the public transport, I could gauge what makes Mumbai what it is.
I have written that before also in my Delhi post that it is the people of the city that make the essence of the city. Delhi, whatever media and the world makes it out to be, is not bad. It is the people who are contaminating the city. Those amongst us only. No outsider. Similarly, if we know Mumbai as a city that lets you be, that doesn't intrude in your space, that is both a friend and a confidante to you, it is because of the way its people are.
People are non-intrusive but helpful. I remember asking people at different points of time about train timings and they readily helped us through that smart app I told you about yesterday! Even the relatives who were earlier in North side of the country and now settled in Mumbai are not the same! They have imbibed the Mumbai culture so well. I love that non-intrusive part. Thank God for that!
I won't claim that Mumbai is the safest city in India. But comparing it to Delhi, there definitely is a sense of safety. I never for once felt scared or hesitant traveling late. I do that in Delhi also and I can assure you, the safe I felt in Mumbai, have never felt in Delhi ever. Oh wait. May be around Commonwealth Games in 2010. For 15 days. All roads were well lit-up, there was police posted every nook and corner and it was just very safe. Like I mentioned, I have never worn skirt in Delhi. But in Mumbai, while going for a night-out, my cousin insisted I wear one. After much deliberation, I did wear a skirt. I used the public transport as well. And trust me, not even once I felt bad and uncomfortable about the decision. I felt great!
Also, the kind of space I am in, both mentally and emotionally, Mumbai is the city that kind of suits me. It does not question you, accommodates you and sets you free.
And this reason is enough for me to think about moving base. Not that I am going to anytime soon. But soon in the future. I would definitely like to breathe in that air. Soon. :-)
I am taking part in The Write Tribe Festival of Words 1st - 7th September 2013.
- See more at: http://whilethecoffeebrews.blogspot.in/#sthash.Gp8s738o.dpuf
- See more at: http://whilethecoffeebrews.blogspot.in/#sthash.Gp8s738o.dpuf
I am taking part in The Write Tribe Festival of Words 1st - 7th September 2013. - See more at: http://whilethecoffeebrews.blogspot.in/#sthash.txzf9RM3.dpuf
I am taking part in The Write Tribe Festival of Words 1st - 7th September 2013. - See more at: http://whilethecoffeebrews.blogspot.in/#sthash.txzf9RM3.dpuf
I am taking part in The Write Tribe Festival of Words 1st - 7th September 2013. - See more at: http://whilethecoffeebrews.blogspot.in/#sthash.txzf9RM3.dpuf
I am taking part in The Write Tribe Festival of Words 1st - 7th September 2013.
Naina - when I first moved to Mumbai from Hyderabad, the fact that I didn't know too many people and that everyone seemed to go on their merry way struck me. At first I missed the warmth of Hyderabad, but now I enjoy the anonymity of Mumbai. I think you defined it so well. Wondering what you'll blog about on Day 4 :)
ReplyDeleteNice post, I absolutely loved the way you praised Mumbai without necessarily putting down Delhi or any other city.
ReplyDeleteAnd despite the recent happening, Mumbai as far as I am aware and public opinion goes still remains one of the safest Indian cities for women.
My formative years were in Bombay and even though I don't remember much, I do remember that I love love Bombay. I have to visit soonest.
ReplyDeleteJoy always,
Susan
Yes a city is what we people make of it!! Well said Naina...
ReplyDeleteIts the people who make or break the culture of a place. Am glad that you found Mumbai to be a bit safe and enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThat echoes what someone said - "Where every prospect pleases and only man is vile" - applies to Delhi :) Mumbai, as you say, is a whole lot better.
ReplyDeleteAgree Agree Agree - 100 percent agree !
ReplyDeleteMumbai is the only city where even you travel alone at night and you'll feel safe.
ReplyDeleteI told you my Mumbai is a great city to belong to :) I know what you mean by feeling safe in public places and transports, I miss my birthplace :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with this, completely Naina. I was just talking to a friend the other day about this and how I have noticed young girls so comfortable in their hot pants buying bhaji at the railway station. That just says it all. This place is liberating. It lets you be.
ReplyDeleteAhhhh Mumbai a happening place for me though i enjoyed in many places there. Fast life and fast people!
ReplyDeleteNice post!
emotestar.blogspot,com
I was born and brought up in Delhi. Mumbai is certainly safer than Delhi but I love Delhi.Dilli Meri Dilli.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love Mumbai and amazed how you get addicted/ emotionally attached to the city that make locals out of outsiders. It's so true how people are helpful in the city. I just loove the city:)
ReplyDeleteVishal
Everyone should definitely be in a place that feels safe and comfortable! Glad you found yours!
ReplyDeleteFast life is what defines Mumbai!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on that part. Liberation of minds plays an imp role in all aspects!
ReplyDeleteLovely read!
My first job was in Mumbai. I was all wide-eyed about 'the Bombay'. But soon I warmed upto it. I worked their for over one year and safety was never an issue. I have traveled at 1 am in Taxis from Worli to Andheri without knowing a thing about Mumbai or without knowing anyone, and yet I never felt scared. And let me tell you, I am not adventurous types. I don't know about 'safest city' but I find Mumbai and Pune much safer than any other cities.
ReplyDeleteMumbai embraces one and all with equality but it also gives you your anonymity and that's were the beauty of the city lies.
ReplyDeleteyou can check out my post here-
Karan - Brother