Slow down Mumbai

As I stand on the railway platform , I see along with trains passing by , the sea of people walking in one direction as if with a singular aim, the seem almost as if with a mission. They walk at a fast pace slowing down only to catch their breath or overcome an obstacle which is viewed with annoyance. It almost seems like a factory out of which mass-produced goods are manufactured , all homogenous in nature. Everyone is getting to some place or the other. They all have somewhere they have to be. Anyone(me) just strolling around, comes across as a odd one out. You have to have some destination you have to go to.

I have been to other cities & towns & this city is definitely the fastest .Anyone who is slower than the rest is looked upon as a slacker . Noone slow downs come what may.

There is a bombblast- next day people are back on the roads, locals as though it was just a minor setback.

There is mega flood- still as soon as the roads are cleared people are running. Nothing can stop them. One can call it the ‘never say die attitude’ but it is as though we are trained to run & nothing can put those brakes .

Personally I believe Mumbai needs to slowdown a bit, even at the risk of losing some of revenue, as it is affecting us mentally & physically. It is harmful in the long run.

Mentally- constant alertness is something which is needed when we are marching at such a fast pace. This leads to insomnia, loss of concentration, stress, feeling of restlessness during gaps between these activities. We stop noticing, feeling the little things as everything is a blur at that pace.

Physically- Obviously exhaustion is the foremost result as our bodies are not made for such a strain.

I have for long been trying to keep up with the pace of this city. I have been successful at it. But after slowing down & just opting out of the marathon for a bit , it certainly feels good, I have realized I have 5 senses, & become more sensitive to the little things. The blur has turned into a focused lens. I have been able to think clearer, since my mind is not fogged with where I have to be next. When I wake up in the morning there is no feeling of get-set-go ….So as my title suggest i just wish to say Slow down Mumbai before things go out of control.