
We have read a lot about The Great American Dream, The phrase being Used by many since decades. It’s said in every city across the world millions of people everyday live with the hope of shifting to America and start their lives over there with a dream of a better life for their children.
To Explain What is the “Great American Dream” it is about a country free from the despotism, privileged orders and monopolies, intolerable taxes, and constraints in matters of belief and conscience. Everyone can travel and settle wherever he pleases. The rich stand on the same footing as the poor; the scholar is not above the most humble mechanics. Wealth and possession of real estate confer not the least political right on its owner above what the poorest citizen has. Nor are there nobility, privileged orders, or standing armies to weaken the physical and moral power of the people, nor are there swarms of public functionaries to devour in idleness credit for. Above all, there are no princes and corrupt courts representing the so-called divine ‘right of birth.’ In such a country the talents, energy and perseverance of a person … have far greater opportunity to display than in monarchies.( Source : #Wikipedia)
Is it not what is all about the great “Mumbai Dream”, VT, CST, Kurla, Panvel, bandra and so many more stations, millions alight everyday from every corner of India. AND GUESS WHAT THEY ALL STAY BACK.
Mumbai keeps inheriting population year after year. All of them with one hope of a better life. “The Great Mumbai Dream”. The idea of Better salary, Developed City, Good food, Great Education and what not.
A place which takes us all in. A place where we can be happily ever after.
But ponder what it gives a lot of struggle, a lot of traffic, Sky High Cost of Real Estate, A life after 12am and up to 6am.(As rest goes in office and roads in jams) But do that diminishes hope, but does that become reason for killing this dream. Where we see our kids just growing in sleep. Where we live our life Sunday to Sunday. Where our life is just about a sq ft living. The concept of the Guest room and dining area is in grandma’s story. Where growth is measured in the size of a car. Where festivals are celebrated but new jobs and appraisals become the biggest diwali. Where every festival is a leave for vacation away into the forest. Where sunlight is blocked by skyscrapers surrounding all sides. But at last still we survive and don’t lose the hope of a better life yet.
Still the Idea of relocation makes us sad, stil we proudly call ourselves “Mumbaikar”. As Mumbai does not provide a life but it’s all about a “Soul”, The soul which never dies, the soul which never rests, the soul which is very fast. The soul of Ambanis, Adani’s, Nadar’s and Damani’s. From that local Chawl to Antila everything becomes the national topic. From the “Dabbawalas” to Vada pav Chains. From Bollywood to Autowala. Everyone is embedded in this life. We don’t know our next door neighbour but friends travel from Panvel to Andheri, Where The Financial Hub BKC is next to Asia’s Biggest slum Dharavi. Where a Movie Slumdog Millionaire is shot to reflect life in chawl and does Box office collection of $350 million and above. Where sweat doesn’t smell anymore and perfumes sales are highest.
I am living this Mumbai Dream and so many of us are around.
This dream is still sold in every tier II and Tier III where parents just tell their kids to study so when they grow up they can settle in Mumbai. Mumbai has given us a lot and will give yet more as the soul never ends. I live for the soul of Mumbai now, I Love Mumbai Now.