Sipping Aarey's Energee drink conjures up memories of school days when my dad use to buy me that instead of any cola. Colas are bad for you, he would say, and I would happily rejoice the flavoured milk. It still is my favorite drink, and am sure many of you'll like it too. Energee doesn't harm your body since its milk-based, and it has nutritional value too. My personal favorites are Pineapple and Strawberry flavours, and also available are Coffee, Cardamom and Orange flavours.
Energee is available only in special Aarey dairy booths in Mumbai and not any retail outlets or departmental stores, and it still is the hottest selling soft drink.
I went recently to one of the booths near Churchgate and the guy served me some flavoured milk of another brand. I asked him in a surprised tone, has Energee stopped, the guy replied that its all sold off. That was the case at all the booths, it sells like hot cakes.
Most of these milk booths are found outside colleges, offices, and outside the station. During lunch hours it generally gets crowded, because people come to take a sip of this tasty flavored milk.
You might have noticed these booths become a hangout place for many, because you have to return the bottle back, so you are sipping and talking about what your boss told you or how frustrated you get at work.
Many times one Energee gets you feeling better. But the prices have gone up from Rs 9 to Rs 11, still cheap though. Somehow one bottle is never enough, it leaves you craving for more. Then other options available are Masala Milk, which is flavored milk with nuts in it, and Lassi.
Christmas is round the corner and the city, which is always lit up during this time, is subdued. There is an uneasy feel in the air, post the terror strikes on 26/11. I walked along Colaba Causeway last week in the evening, and was surprised to see the shopping hub usually bustling with tourists and bargain hunters, less crowded.
I could walk adjacent to my friend on the pavement without having to nudge anyone, if you are a regular there, you would know exactly what I mean.
There were just handful of foreign tourists around, the brave ones who choose to stay back. The roads get empty early than usual. There has been a major drop in the number of tourists visiting Mumbai, hotels are running empty, some operate with only four guests. The situation looks grim.
No New Year's Hungama
Things have changed quite a bit this time around. Five-star hotels, which host New Year's bash, have cancelled their party, owing to security concern. For instance - The ITC Grand Maratha Sheraton at Sahar and the Grand Central Sheraton at Lower Parel have cancelled their New Year celebrations.
The JW Marriott at Juhu and the Renaissance hotel have also called off their parties as a mark of solidarity. Besides, on New Year's its difficult to man the city, because everyone is out on the road, so this might help the cops do their job better. However, hotels like Leela Kempinski and Sahar Star are planning to go ahead.
Even Christmas dances held on December 24th on grounds and gymkhanas have been cancelled. Clearly, people aren't in the mood to celebrate, such was the impact.
Here's a thought-provoking article by Arundhati Roy on Mumbai's terrorist attacks.
Living in Bombay we have to deal with certain aspects in our day to day life no matter what we are doing. For four years of my life I traveled from Andheri to South Mumbai, Nariman Point and Kemps Corner, by rail and by road.Not only have I had other people's sweat drip on me but also had to endure smelling armpits and oily hair rubbed on my face. The overcrowded trains is a well known issue in Mumbai, what we are even more famous for is our potholed roads, you literally have to dodge potholes if you are going to drive even a kilometer in the city.
We have garbage and dirt everywhere, everywhere we walk there are either pan stains plastic bags, leftover vegetables, the possibilities are endless. In my locality Seven Bungalows the beach faces a unique problem, every time the beach gets a set of new dust bins, they are robbed. So the beach is littered even more by the few people who would use these dustbins.
A solution comes to mind is that if the dustbins are placed at frequent intervals and there are so many of them, the value automatically hits an all time low, the Government should invest in a massive amount of dustbins so the thief finds his time more valuable than the actual cost of dustbin.What about the air levels and water pollution, the pollution control website does not have the test results updated since 2003. On Google Earth we can actually see the entire sea pumped with our black sewage from the city untreated! Apart from that there's a new hazard raising its head in urban Mumbai, cell phone radiation towers that emit more than 50 times the safety limit and no ones doing anything about it.
Apart from that the 16 CCTV's at CST station didn't record any footage of the terrorist attacks because the recording device was not functioning. It's absolutely crazy, a system that is so corrupt that the people who are suppose to protect you rob you at every opportunity, where fear is the game they play, to keep us at bay!
I think its time we wake up and make things happen to protect the lives of the future generations that will need a safe and healthy environment to live. We need to wake up Mumbai, its time to be the change we want to see!
The dark memories of 26/11 attacks will remain for a while, as the people of Mumbai gather piece by piece and begin to lead a normal life. The advertising world expressed their anger and angst against the terror strike through a series of hard-hitting ads.
The messages are pretty clear, that Mumbai needs to strike back. These ads were made at the request of a daily newspaper.
Have a look at the ads, everyone one of us can relate to the feelings expressed in them.
Don't let the fervour and agitation showed during the Mumbai protest rally fade away.
Violence, hatred, anger, revenge, it is a vicious cycle. We need cut the hate, stop the cycle. 
Time has come to write an open letter to the Prime Mnister, express our angst, frustration and tell him that enough is enough. 
Another hard-hitting ad, poinitng out the real picture. 
A perfect ad that highlights how incompetent our security guards and cops are. Snooze, thats what they do most of the time on duty. 
Last but not the least, this ad salutes the fighting spirit of Mumbai. 
Image Source:
Angst and Anger on ad avenue
There has been a splurge of chain mails doing the rounds after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. We decided to merge and put a couple of them up to give you a clear picture of what is actually happening to and by the people of Mumbai who are fed up of being take for a ride by the politicians.The pictures are from the protest rally, the first email is an open letter to the Prime Minister of India.
Dear Mr. Prime minister,
I am a typical mouse from Mumbai. In the local train compartment which has a capacity of 100 persons, I travel with 500 more mouse. A mouse can at least squeak but we can't even do that.
Today I heard your speech. In which you said 'NO BODY WOULD BE SPARED'. I would like to remind you that fifteen years have passed since the serial bomb blast in Mumbai took place. Dawood Ibrahim was the main conspirator. Till today he is not caught.
All our bollywood actors, our builders, our Gutka kings meet him but your Government can not catch him. Reason is simple; all your ministers are hand in glove with him. If any attempt is made to catch him everybody will be exposed. Your statement 'NOBODY WOULD BE SPARED' is nothing but a cruel joke on this unfortunate people of India.Enough is enough. As such after seeing terrorist attacks carried out by about a dozen young boys I realize that if same thing continues, days are
not away when terrorists will attack by air, destroy our nuclear reactors and there will be one more Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
We the people are left with only one mantra. Womb to Bomb to Tomb. You promised Mumbaikars-a Shanghai and what you have given us is a Jalianwala Bagh.
Only today, your home minister resigned. What took you so long to kick out this joker? Only reason was that he was loyal to the Gandhi family. Loyalty to Gandhi family is more important than blood of innocent people, isn't it?I am born and brought up in Mumbai for the last fifty eight years. Believe me corruption in Maharashtra is worse than that in Bihar. Look at all the politicians- Sharad Pawar, Chagan Bhujbal, Narayan Rane, Bal Thackray, Gopinath Munde, Raj Thackray, Vilasrao Deshmukh all are rolling in money. Vilasrao Deshmukh is one of the worst Chief ministers I have ever seen. His only business is to increase the FSI every other day, make money and send it to Delhi so that Congress can fight next election.
Now the clown has found a new way and will increase FSI for fishermen so that they can build concrete houses right in front of sea shore. Next time terrorists can comfortably live in those houses, enjoy the beauty of sea and then attack Mumbai at their will.Recently I had to purchase a house in Mumbai. I met about two dozen builders. Everybody wanted about 30% in black. A common person like me knows this and with all your intelligence agencies & CBI, you and your finance ministers are not aware of it. Where does all the black money go? To the underworld isn't it?
Our politicians take help of these goondas to vacate people by force. I myself was a victim of it. If you have time, please do come to me, I will tell you everything.
If this has been a land of fools, idiots, then I would not have ever cared to write you this letter. Just see the tragedy, on one side, we are reaching the moon, people are so intelligent and on the other side you politicians have converted nectar into deadly poison.
I am everything Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Schedule caste, OBC, Muslim OBC, Christian Schedule caste, Creamy Schedule caste, only what I am not is INDIAN. You politicians have raped every part of mother India by your policies of divide and rule.Take an example of our former president APJ Abdul Kalam. Such a intelligent person, such a fine human being. You politicians didn't even spare him. Your party along with opposition joined the hands, because politicians feel they are supreme and there is no place for a good person like him.
Dear Mr Prime minister-you are one of the most intelligent persons, most learned person. Just wake up, be a real SARDAR. First and foremost expose all selfish politicians. Ask Swiss bank to give name of all Indian account holders. Give reins of CBI to independent agency. Let them find wolf among us. There will be political upheaval but that will be better than dance of death which we are witnessing every day.Just give us ambience where we can work honestly and without fear. Let there be rule of law. Everything else will be taken care of.
Choice is yours Mr. Prime Minister. Do you want to be lead by one person or you want to lead the nation of a 100 Crore people?
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.
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.
With bomb blasts, terrorist attacks becoming frequent, people are beginning to realise that the politicians and terrorists are playing a game of divide and rule. More often than not, the blame is put on Islamic militants or jihadi groups, igniting a feeling of animosity against the whole community.
In the wake of the recent terror attacks in Mumbai, which is suspected to be carried out by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba, a dear friend of ours Mohammad Sabir, working as a journalist with one of the financial dailies, sent us his views on terrorism having no religion, and how being an Indian is more important than being a Muslim.
These terrorists are not amongst us (Muslims). They have tried to target the sovereignty of our nation. They have left such a wound on the psyche of Indians, that it will take a long time to heal and even if it heals, the scars will still remain.
I was shocked and mentally disturbed. While walking on the road close to CST, which otherwise is bustling with people, an eerie silence crept inside me and made a home for itself.Accidentally, I took the path where the three top policemen of Mumbai were killed by these cowards. My mind went numb. I relived those horrifying moments that took place at the Taj, Nariman House and Oberoi Trident.
The other day I was reading Hindustan Times and found out that the bullets fired by these terrorists didn't recognise people on the basis of religion. It killed everyone and anyone that came its way, among the dead were many Muslims too.
My sincere condolences to all those people, Muslims, non-Muslims, police officials, NSG commandos and all others who sacrificed their lives so that we the people of Mumbai could sleep in peace.
I and many of my Muslim friends are of the same opinion that these cowards are not one of us. A former police commissioner, Julio Reberio said, this should be an eye-opener for the country. I know a lot of fingers will raise against Muslims and their involvement. But is one considered a patriot only if he/she shouts Bharat Mata ki Jai or Vande Mataram.
Many like me turn up for blood donation drives to help strangers in need. There were, if not many, a few Muslim men, who stood at the time of crisis and helped the authorities to overcome the situation.
We are facing very difficult times indeed. Its time to detach our views from those politicians or nationalists who have only one agenda, to gain POWER by any means.
Image Source:
Mumbai After the Smoke has Cleared
Very litle was known about the Jewish center called Nariman House, also called Chabad House, located in the narrow lanes of Colaba. In fact I didn't know something like this existed, in spite of living in South Mumbai for 26 years, until the recent massacre. The reason I am telling you this is to give you an idea of how low profile the place has been and how well-researched the terrorists were. Chabad House is a centre to serve the Jewish community, conduct religious classes, etc.
A young couple, Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife, Rivkah, ran the Chabad center, where they managed a synagogue, offered lodging to Jewish travellers/backpackers, ran a kosher kitchen, among many other services. The place was more like a home away from home for travelers.
What is heart-rending is that the Rabbi and his wife had a 2-year old son, Moshe, who is now an orphan, was rescued by his Indian nanny. Pictures of little Moshe crying out for his parents at the memorial service appeared in newspapers, its so sad to see a small community being harmed in Mumbai.
Rabbi Banned Photos of Nariman House
With a fear of being attacked by terrorists, Rabbi Holtzberg banned the media from taking pictures inside the building. He didn't want the Chabad House to get unnecessary media coverage, as it could help terrorists looking for information on the layout of the building.
Little did he know that his fear would turn into reality. A private search and rescue organization based in Israel, ZAKA, most of who are Orthodox Jews, is trying to take the bodies of the Jews killed back to Israel.
Mumbai Jews Feel Insecure
There are approx 6000 Jews in India, out of which around 90% of them live in Mumbai and the neighbouring suburb of Thane. Its a small community, who live in harmony with other religious communities in Mumbai.
There never has been an incident as far as I can recall, involving the Jews living in Mumbai. I guess that's why very little is known about them. These terrorist attacks by Islamic militants has put Jewish community in the spotlight.
One of my former colleague, Reema Sisodia, a Mumbai Jew, expressed her concern after these attacks. She was quoted as saying in BBC, "It does not feel good at all. This was like a bolt out of the blue. I am an Indian first, and I am married to a Indian Hindu. I wear the Star of David, and I have never even thought of hiding it. But suddenly I am feeling conscious that I am wearing it. I am feeling vulnerable." What I find even more ridiculous is that Mumbai Jews, unlike in other countries, are closer to Muslims than to Hindus. They have lived in Muslim-dominated neighbourhoods like Byculla and Dongri, so many Muslim students go to Jewish-run schools, then why did the terrorists kill them?
Terrorism has no religion, faith or spine. They have no purpose in life, except kill people and rejoice with their death. My heart goes out to the 2-year old boy who was crying out "Ema!" (mother) during the memorial service.
Image Source:
Rabbi's pal heard voice of evil on phone during Mumbai massacre