Somaiya College- Magazine Article #2- "Amchi Mumbai"

Leaving No Stone Unturned
To try and capture my experience in India in a simple article almost seems a bit unfair. How does one capture the essence of the most gracious people in the world? How does one describe the food from ALL corners of the country? How does one describe the rich cultural display found on virtually every street corner? How does one leave this country and remain unchanged? The answers are simple, you can’t. India is a place to be experienced, not read about.
I will begin with the people. It is said that when you make a friend in India, you make a friend for life. I agree. There are no people like the Indian people. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. Every door has been widely opened, every family’s arms extended, every heart welcoming of a virtual stranger. I cannot say it enough, the people are what makes this country so special.
Next, the culture of India has captured my heart. I have been fortunate, blessed even, to have been in India during the height of festival season. Of course, it has been said that the festival season in India starts in January and ends in December. From what I have seen thus far, that may indeed be the case. From the time I arrived, I have participated in festivities surrounding Independence Day, Raksha Bandhan, Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Teacher’s Day, Dussehra, Navratri and Durga Puja, Gandhi Jayanti, Diwali, and the forthcoming Christmas holiday, just to name a few. Witnessing the festivities surrounding Ganesh Chaturthi would have to be one of the most memorable moments of my stay here. Never in my life have I witnessed such piety and devotion. From the ceremony of bringing the idol home, to the many pujas, and finally the immersions, Ganesha will always have a place in my soul and in my home.
Lastly, the places of India. No country on earth can boast such diversity, such variation, and such splendor as the states of India. I never imagined I would see so much of this country in such a short time. From the backwaters of Kerala, the pristine beaches of Goa, the deserts of Rajasthan, the Himalayas of Darjeeling, the Taj Mahal of Agra, and the sacred Ganges of Varanasi, I have left no stone unturned. Each region celebrating its own cuisine, fashion, language, and culture, all in the name of one country, India.
The astrologer I visited in Chokhi Dhani said I was lucky. I agree. I am lucky to have been a part of this great country and more specifically, this great city, Mumbai. The astrologer also said that my work here was not done, and that I would be back. He was right. I will be back. So, as I prepare to go, I know that my absence is temporary. Mumbai, with all your chaos, all your load-shedding, all your traffic, and all your glitz and glamour, you have left a permanent mark on my heart, and my soul. Amchi Mumbai.