22 people were killed and 27, injured in a stampede on the dilapidated and narrow foot over bridge that connects Elphinstone Road and Parel Metro stations in Bombay. It's said that four trains had arrived at the two stations simultaneously, forcing people to do the mad scramble and the rain made it even more dicey.
What does one say? The Indian Railways need to modernise its stations on a war footing as most have not seen a face lift for years. The zonal organisations must systematically exercise this undertaking, without delay, so that the stations have the latest facilities and cares for the passengers.
Have used this foot over bridge many a time during my days at Bombay, I can easily say that it hasn't undergone any change for the last 30 years - after seeing the television grabs of the site! Yes, I do agree with the statement that it was a disaster waiting to happen.
If one has to get a feel as to how time passes, one needs to just stand at one of these foot over bridges and watch the scramble of the passengers, in and out of the stations. Each one is focused on his/her journey that I'm sure many, if not all, go through their paths everyday without deviations, as though drawn by a conditioned reflex and a vague knowledge about the entire layout.
My prayers for the deceased and sincerely hope that their near and dear ones are able to cope with the tremendous shock and the sad loss.
* * *
Mini, my younger sister and Sanil arrived at Coimbatore yesterday and along with Midhun-Ammu, they had been to the Thirumaandhaam Kunnu temple to round off my sister's vows regarding Ammu's marriage. She has been waiting for the right moment to visit the temple and it, finally, had arrived today. After the 'darshan', they made a detour to our place and the four of them were with us for lunch today.
It was, thus, a boisterous afternoon and the dining table was 'house full' after quite a while. They left for Coimbatore by about a half past 2 and had called us up at about 6 to say that they'd reached out there. It was nice of Sanil to make two back-to-back trips within a span of 10 hours.
* * *
As we celebrate Dussehra these days, let me take you through its inherent meaning.
"Dasha Hara is a Sanskrit word which means removal of ten bad qualities within you,
which are:-
* Ahankara(Ego)
* Amanavta(Cruelty)
* Anyaaya(Injustice)
* Kama(Lust)
* Krodha(Anger)
* Lobha(Greed)
* Mada(Pride)
* Matsara(Jealousy)
* Moha(Attachment)
* Swartha(Selfishness)
Tomorrow is Vijayadashami, signifying "Vijaya" over the ten bad qualities!"
Tailpiece.
Joy, the grocery shop owner, was overjoyed to meet yours truly after a long lapse and he wanted to know the reason for the absence. I'd fetched up at his shop by about a quarter past 7, after my customary walk, to buy the split 'chana' dal that Lekha had wanted for preparing tomorrow's breakfast! Damn sweet of him!!
What does one say? The Indian Railways need to modernise its stations on a war footing as most have not seen a face lift for years. The zonal organisations must systematically exercise this undertaking, without delay, so that the stations have the latest facilities and cares for the passengers.
Have used this foot over bridge many a time during my days at Bombay, I can easily say that it hasn't undergone any change for the last 30 years - after seeing the television grabs of the site! Yes, I do agree with the statement that it was a disaster waiting to happen.
If one has to get a feel as to how time passes, one needs to just stand at one of these foot over bridges and watch the scramble of the passengers, in and out of the stations. Each one is focused on his/her journey that I'm sure many, if not all, go through their paths everyday without deviations, as though drawn by a conditioned reflex and a vague knowledge about the entire layout.
My prayers for the deceased and sincerely hope that their near and dear ones are able to cope with the tremendous shock and the sad loss.
* * *
Mini, my younger sister and Sanil arrived at Coimbatore yesterday and along with Midhun-Ammu, they had been to the Thirumaandhaam Kunnu temple to round off my sister's vows regarding Ammu's marriage. She has been waiting for the right moment to visit the temple and it, finally, had arrived today. After the 'darshan', they made a detour to our place and the four of them were with us for lunch today.
It was, thus, a boisterous afternoon and the dining table was 'house full' after quite a while. They left for Coimbatore by about a half past 2 and had called us up at about 6 to say that they'd reached out there. It was nice of Sanil to make two back-to-back trips within a span of 10 hours.
* * *
As we celebrate Dussehra these days, let me take you through its inherent meaning.
"Dasha Hara is a Sanskrit word which means removal of ten bad qualities within you,
which are:-
* Ahankara(Ego)
* Amanavta(Cruelty)
* Anyaaya(Injustice)
* Kama(Lust)
* Krodha(Anger)
* Lobha(Greed)
* Mada(Pride)
* Matsara(Jealousy)
* Moha(Attachment)
* Swartha(Selfishness)
Tomorrow is Vijayadashami, signifying "Vijaya" over the ten bad qualities!"
Tailpiece.
Joy, the grocery shop owner, was overjoyed to meet yours truly after a long lapse and he wanted to know the reason for the absence. I'd fetched up at his shop by about a quarter past 7, after my customary walk, to buy the split 'chana' dal that Lekha had wanted for preparing tomorrow's breakfast! Damn sweet of him!!
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