Dharavi - A Landmark in Mumbai

Slum dog Millionaire put Dharavi on the world map; otherwise it was just the rows of narrow streets in Mumbai where you could find leather products, small scale industries and garment and embroidery workshops. Cleanliness is not important, nor does any law govern this street, ‘Go at your own risk’ is what was said to me whenever I had expressed a desire to visit these streets on my own.

During Diwali season, we go to those lanes to visit the rows and rows of shops selling mud pots and diyas at wholesale rates. There is great variety of goods available at very cheap prices.

The only problem is that we had go to there by foot, since there is no transport small enough to drives through this narrow and congested streets.

We had to ask more than fifteen taxi drivers before one finally agreed to take us to this street.

The Sapling Project in Mumbai

There is too much dust, pollution, population in Mumbai and there are new constructions cropping up everyday and the sad part is that the trees are chopped down for this concrete progression. But do you realize that soon there will be only concrete jungle with no greenery left and the only place where we will find greenery is when we to go to a park for our regular walk???

And have you thought about birds? They have no trees to build their nest. Last time I went for a holiday and my balcony was invaded by crows. In Mumbai, we only see two kinds of birds: crows and pigeons, where are those other beautiful birds?

But wait.. I just got good news…My friend buzzed me about 'The Sapling Project in Mumbai! Wow! I can plant trees in my backyard and you can do it too. We can help keep the greenery by planting some trees and take care of it ourselves…its just for two years. The rewards? Did you say rewards? Yeah!! We can enjoy the fragrance of leaves and flowers all day long……all our life….

The plants will be distributed free to all…Want to participate? You can come and collect your sapling on 19th December 2009 at Barista, Shivaji Park in Dadar. You can also buy sapling for Ashoka tree or Neem tree but for that you have to pay Rs40.

But what is Rs40, as compared to the wealth of fresh air that our future generation will inherit?

We just have to take care of the plants for two years and then they will take care of us….and our children

Mumbai Christmas Fest and Racing Carnival

This Saturday, I have an invitation to attend Mumbai Christmas Fest and Racing Carnival at Royal Western India Turf Club (Mahalakshmi Race Course)

Shopping does not interest me but I would like to taste German cuisine and buy some cheese and sauces perhaps. Moreover I am also interested in watching kid’s reaction when they meet Santa, yes! Santa is going to be there so that should be fun.

The festival will be on from 5th December 2009 to 12th December and the entrance is Rs250. children below age of 12 are free…..
Earlier, 2007 Christmas fest was a huge success.

Planning to take some kids with me…see you there….