And for a Friday in Aamchi Mumbai, watching the city gearing up for Diwali 2022, some thoughts….. some musings…..
Mumbai is Mumbai. Most roads are dug up for coastal project, Metro, underground, overpass, whatever. So what !!!! The hard working Mumbaikar finds his way thru all these turmoil silently and efficiently knowing fully well. End of the tunnel of Coastal Road Project from Napean sea road to Marine Drive has already seen day light. The engineering marvel is done and successful. This city will have world class infra. Mumbaikar is now all set and preparing with a vengeance for Diwali 2022 at all price points. Shopping, buying for family, friends and neighbours. Walk thru any shopping street. Full of people carrying multiple shopping bags. Jhaveri Bazaar looks like a fish market. Such are the crowds, buying gold not fish !!!! This Diwali, most people are travelling and shopping with a frenetic vengeance, particularly the middle class citizens who had skipped all celebrations for last two years, courtesy the scare of Chinese gift of “Covid”.
Indian economy has its own unique growth engines which generates demand and sets the GDP in motion. It’s the demand at the bottom of the Pyramid which swirls the economy. The never ending festivities in some or other part of country. If Onam is big for Kerala markets, Dussehra competes in Karnataka, Durga Pooja in Bengal and Baishakhi in Punjab. Every region has its own reasons to rejoice. Pan India festivities like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, New Year etc. etc. These big and small community oriented festivities is at the heart of the Indian psyche of caring, bonding and celebrating in “Giving”, not hoarding, not splurging on oneself, but enjoying with others. Every earning member cares for every other family member. This is the Indian spirit. Combined with innovation and ability to respond to all kinds of uncertainties, India is at the tipping end to make the best of the current VUCA times in the Developed Economies.
Let’s all look forward to the Festival of Lights with Optimism and in a spirit of togetherness to build a strong India, the festive way, the unique way, the SEEGOS way.