Aamchi Mumbai???

Since last couple of days the media is again abuzz with the news of petty community politics that is trying to divide Mumbai /Maharashtra in the name of language. Political parties are playing filthy games, as usual. Politics of caste, community, language and hatred is not new to India. We have witnessed it since independence and paid a heavy price already. What pains me is the fact that this genre of politics still seems to have some appeal.

Politics is beyond my comprehension but I can’t be silent when some political parties’ actions create issues, blow them out of proportion and create havoc that disturbs the life of citizens. The issue of “Mumbai for Marathi manoos”, is absurd. I can say that because I live in Mumbai, am a Maharashtrian Brahmin by birth and I understand and relate to problems faced by my community and country. The very premise of “ Mumbai for Marathi manoos” argument is unconvincing for the reasons;

1) In a democracy like India, the right to reside anywhere in the country can’t be questioned. We are free to embrace any language, culture, religion or lifestyle. We have earned that right of individual choice as part of our citizenship. We don’t need any political party telling us how to go about it.

2) The problems of “Marathi manoos” aren’t result of migration of people from other states. The issues like migration, unemployment, infrastructure, poverty are much larger and are beyond caste, community or state. We have our great constitution that guards our rights as citizens. It has stood test of time for past sixty years. We have distinguished and very committed people, in government and private sector, working hard to find solutions to bring the necessary changes.

3) Nation cannot be driven by politics of hatred.

The recent incidents of burning taxis, movie posters, or vandalizing reflect the misplaced ideologies and frustration of some political parties. I think they need to see deeper and work on the core issues.

Mumbai is a land of opportunities that accommodates everybody. Be it unschooled or cognoscenti! This financial capital of India is a confluence of innumerable cultural identities. There have been plenty of rags to riches stories here! Mumbai embraces people who are willing to work hard.

More than half population of Mumbai consist people from various communities, migrated and settled in this city. Each community brought some cultural ingredients that added immense value and strengthened the city in many ways. This continuous process of past few decades has shaped this dynamic city into a metropolis, we are so proud of today! This very cosmopolitan nature and its vibrant culture represents Indian ethos!

As I said earlier, politics is not my forte. But I have few suggestions for people who claim to be well wishers of Marathi speaking community. Politics of violence is passé. How about equipping people with education and vocational skills? How about trying to help them develop enterprises that make difference and add value to the nation’s economy? How about playing significant role in improving our systems, governance, law and order and regulation? We live in times of shrinking geography where entire world is one big global city. Wake up! It’s high time to realize that the voter is maturing and moving on. People are interested in good governance not eloquent rhetoric and antics. Period!!!