Mumbai Mania

We are still recovering from last week's terrorist attacks, and the angst, frustration and anger that was building up inside had to be let out. Living in Mumbai is no more safe, and we had to take things in our own hands. All the roads led to Gateway of India today, against the backdrop of the destroyed Hotel Taj Mahal, as thousands of Mumbai residents gathered to send a strong message to politicians and the neighbouring country, Pakistan, and mourn the deaths of innocent people.
The protest was organised through SMS and social networking site and people gathered in humongous numbers. I have never seen something like this before, everyone speaking the same language, in unison, demanding justice and security.

The roads were crowded right from Flora Fountain, many people including me choose to walk from there to Gateway of India, instead of waiting for the traffic to move ahead.

As I moved closer to Regal theatre, I could feel the energy building up. The attacks had pushed people to the edge of taking action. People were screaming slogans of "Vande Mataram", "Bharat Mata ki Jai", "Pakistan Murdabad" etc. They were carrying placards, banners bashing politicians and terrorists. The atmosphere was electrifying, as people moved slowly towards Gateway. People of all age groups turned up. I was so glad to see college kids, students, working crowd, elderly citizens, even small kids who came with their parents to show that people of Mumbai are united. The patriotic fervour was evident among each one of us. Watch the video below to witness the huge crowd and emotional outpour post the terrorist attacks. Sorry about the quality, it was really dark and no streetlights were on.

Small pockets of crowd were waving the Indian flag, cheering for the country and its deceased heroes, and shouting out that they care about their country, not the money-seeking politicians. Another video I managed to take of the rally, this was while walking ahead with the crowd.

At every step there was a level of warmth among people, no pushing or rushing forward. In fact there was no nudging or groping, like how it generally happens when women walk in a overcrowded place. People lit candles and paid tribute to the deceased, it was an emotional moment. As I reached closer to Gateway of India, I stared at the Taj, thinking of the gruesome attacks and the long siege that took place last week on November 26th. It was one of the worst nightmares of Mumbai. The entire area was cordoned off, with only few cops guarding the place, and the entrance to the hotel was fully sealed.

Group of people screaming out anti-Pakistan slogans.

Rapid Action Force, who did a remarkable job, was also guarding the area. I saw many people actually go up to them and congratulating them for doing a good job, and uttering few encouraging words like, "Well Done," "Acha Kaam Kiya". There was a signature campaign on, and the picture below, shows their strong call for action. This time the cops didn't create any havoc either, things went by smoothly, there was no stampede, as I initially thought. On my way back, a very kind man made a separate way for the ladies and families to walk on, it was easier to get out. On moving forward, I saw a couple of Sardarjis giving away water and tea for free. It was a very nice gesture, especially when you are so dehydrated and tired, symbolisng that we all were part of one community, religion was no bar. Its only the politicians who create communal fights among people, instigate them for their own vested interest, I truly salute the spirit of Mumbai.