The Daily Tussle

Honking, the train reached the station as if announcing its arrival to the impatient crowd. It screeched for the last time before the halt and the crowd jostled their way in through its narrow doors. Within two minutes the entire ocean on the platform was gulped by the monster; and when it had its fill, it crawled out of the station like an overfed python. This is a routine scene at any railway station in Mumbai, especially during the wee hours and the evening hours or as they say ‘the rush hours’ of the day.

Government and media proudly and glamorously call this routine struggle of an average Mumbaikar as ‘Spirit of Resilience’. Occasionally, paparazzi take pride in displaying the city’s distorted image. But those who face this seamy side of life, are least bothered about all the tags that are bestowed upon them, what they are concerned about is their survival in the cosmopolitan city. The daily tussle has become an integral part of the people in Mumbai and they face it with endurance. But sometimes it’s amazing to see how these people derive pleasure even from small things associated with this routine struggle. May it be the shopping spree in the crowded train or a game of cards or a short tiff or a brawl, the local train travellers involve dedicatedly in all the activities. Even in their busy life, they take out time to enjoy every brief moment of happiness.

(Dated: 6/4/2007)