EL Dorado …is the mythical city of gold that 16th century Spanish explorers believed existed somewhere in South America. Man’s quest for “the city of Gold” has prevailed since ancient times and has shown up in many cultures. The thirst for ready treasures and ready made wealth all gather together for us to find. Sounds very appealing….however remains a myth.
This morning as I opened my news paper I was pleasantly surprised to find my bhori brothers from Bhindi bazzar had decided to build themselves an El Dorado in the heart of central Mumbai. Many of us, know Bhindi Bazzar and are only acquainted with it’s chikin work material, mehndi cones, fire crackers and feast on lavish roza menus during Ramazan. This however is going to change and that to in the very near future.
With the blessings of their Pontiff His holiness Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddi; This community has taken up the project of redeveloping an area of 18 acres over the span of next five years.
Project includes spanning the current road to 60 feet, reconstruction of most of the old houses into modernized buildings and commercial centers, who would have thought a project on such a scale was possible in the heartland of Mumbai. It makes me wonder if this project is an ideal example of the proverb “If there is a will; there is a way”.
But then again, My empty brain made me think....
§ Does this project make our government and politicians look almost redundant; makes us think if our politicians would have ever been able to take up such a project?
§ And even if they did would they able to complete it? (Without political glitches that is)
§ Would they miss an opportunity to make this a communal issue?
§ Is it time for communities ( not only classified by religion or cast, but by neighborhood and common purpose) to take up development by themselves and let the government take care of regions in dire need?
Our government has been trying to convert Mumbai into Shanghai...Why not make Mumbai so beautiful and unique for people to want to make themselves like us.
Frankly speaking, I don’t know and as of now I don’t care. I am just happy knowing at least some one is actually doing something to improve “Amchi Mumbai".
Salam Mumbai!!!
ishir
