26th July 2005

Came across a preview of a realistic budget movie on IndiaGlitz - 26th July at Barista .


Brings back memories ... 26th July 2005. The day when it poured & poured on mumbai, but mumbai didn't stand still, The gutters were clogged but it opened its heart to everybody.

Complete strangers helped each other wade through the water. Formed chains & tied ropes to get people across. Stood in the gushing waters & informed if an open manhole was hidden. Traffic police became the only visible government. People gave food & shelter to strangers in their homes.

I myself was out of the 300 odd stranded employees of a firm, who didn't know if they will be able to get food for everybody. There were others, stuck in the lobby. Being in a low lying area, the building was surrounded by torrents of water on two sides & a nalla on the third.
Help came, The builder had arranged a party on the completion of the highest floor, it got canceled. With whatever ingredients he had, the caterer made delicious khichdi for everybody in the lobby. Ultimately, the hr department was somehow able to get food for all.
We slept on our work desks that night.

Why have we come to take this as an expected reaction from the city which never sleeps, has cut throat competition on the streets ,11th July,,, maximum city ?
This article by sudheendra kulkarni describes his journey through that night.
I hope this ability isn't taken for granted & stretched beyond its limit by those in the chair.