Apparently Mumbaikars appear happy with BMC, since its 24 hours grievance line has few takers.

1916 the BMC call line set up nearly two years ago, so that people did not have to visit local ward to file a complaint.

Between August 07-08 2.94 lakh complaints received BMC claims to have redressed 2.20 lakh complaints.

Surprising statistics are they not:)

Now try sending an SMS to their local corporator. For their mobile numbers check www.karmayog.org/mumbaiwards

The wife had gone to Tirupati and was returning by chennai - bombay express, so went to Dadar to pick her up. Reached pretty early, having been reading & hearing about how security has been beefed up; checking has been happening; it will take time to reach the station etc.Visiting Dadar TT after nearly 10 years, found it a bit clean……that is all……

The same nexus of coolies; taxi drivers; traffic constables turning a blind eye, government car flouting rules & what have you!!!

The home gaurds, security were lazing around, no directions to go through the metal detectors, absolutely nothing……Hoping to share this with Photographs……remember…..A photograph is a thousand words…..merrily clicked them on my phone; except the constable, nobody objected, so here goes the saga…..

A week back, after an entertaining citizens meeting at Atithi (nay, we were asked to vacate the restaurant) Bawa international, left to come home along with couple of friends.

Coming out from the one way of domestic airport, waited to cross over the highway. No cars passing on the highway towards bandra, a cop gesticulating all over the country side from beneath the half complete flyover, cars honking from behind, no visible signal and I moved ahead, crossing the highway & came to a stand still below the flyover.

Up rushed the gesticulating constable Vijay Gopal Kurade badge nos 960452. And the questions started…….

Did you not see the signal? No sir, it is not visible on the other side
You have come ahead already? Yes sir, but you were waving to come
I was not waving for you. Ok but how am I supposed to know
You are educated, how can you make such mistakes. Yes sir, but I did not take the constable’s exam
Licence. Yes
Gujarat licence Yes
Maharashtra Car Yes
And multiple other questions……before the punch line……Pavti Phadu Kai!

Having earlier warned my friend not to speak (since he is a maharashtrian); I had exhausted my vocabulary, so said ‘Jo rule hai woh karo saab’

This was followed by a description of where I would have to go, time taken etc. etc. But we were insistent on the Pavti

Finally, he gave up, preparing the same, admonishing us that his duty was getting over soon, so we better hurry back.

Off we went, to the airport where a trailer was occupied by traffic as a chowky.

Went in, empty, with AC working full blast. 10 minutes later, some constables who were outside loitered in to find out what we were upto. My friend who was smoking outside, gave them the version (and no they did not ask him to stop smoking in a public place). They came in, verified and asked me again whether I wanted to wait or what? Since I was insistent & told them to call the Sub Inspector, one of them dragged his mobile phone & called up! Why could they not use the walkie talkie which were lying around, no idea….

Sub Inspector walked in 5 minutes later….And there the story changed…..India there is hope for you…….

Polite, courteous, introduced himself, apologies for delay, explained that being a friday….Don’t Drink & Drive was being organized (it is a different matter & story that I shall relate sometime) and hence. Made the challan, accepted the fine (a measly 100/-) bade us good bye….with the wish that there should be more responsible citizens like us.

Reaching the junction again, Kurade handed over the licence…..his smile clearly saying……Win some Lose some….

In the last 15 years in Mumbai, this is the second time, I have had to pay the challan & have not paid without it! But it left me with a sense of self satisfaction that in my own small way….i did not try & corrupt the system.

Do not know the origin of this; but this Post has not been written by me originally. However, loved it.

Chaiya Hame Bawaji……….The word ‘Parsi’ is derived from the word Pars or Persia. Hence, Parsi literally means ‘people who have come from Persia’. And what progress we have made since then!From coming as humble refugees from Iran , to building great empires like Tatas and Wadias; from being persecuted in our own motherland, to carving a niche for ourselves in other’s hearts in a completely foreign country, Parsis have truly come a very long way.Today, Parsis are one of the most loved communities in the world. Every Hindu, Muslim or Christian is bound to have at least one Parsi friend. And boy! Do the good times roll when Parsis are around! Right from their long noses and fair complexion, to their unique Hindi and witty wisecracks, Parsis are a pleasure to have around you, and are the life of any party. Read the rest of this entry »