Mumbai's Remarkable Uber Driver: A Blend of Politeness and Knowledge
Yesterday, we had a most pleasant surprise when we booked an Uber cab to go to BKC Metro station from where we planned to take the Aqualine 3 train to Hutatma Chowk. The cab was neat, and the driver was a bearded Muslim gentleman in a clean white dress wearing a typical “jali topi.” He greeted us with a polite ‘good morning’ and asked for the booking code number. When we gave it to him, he said “dhanyawad” in pure Hindi. Out of curiosity, we started talking to him.
He introduced himself as Mohd Salim, a 55-year-old man from Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh. Salim shared that he had learned Sanskrit and could recite entire Sanskrit “shlokas” fluently. He proudly mentioned that he has two sons, one of whom is pursuing his doctorate, while the other has completed his law degree. “Education is everything,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of learning and personal growth.
The Aqualine Metro, a 33.5-km-long line, is a game-changing connectivity project for Mumbai. The state government and its IAS officer, Ashwini Bhide, deserve a standing ovation for this engineering feat. Despite some initial issues like entry-exit problems and signage, the fast connectivity provided by the Aqualine line from Andheri East to Cuffe Parade is truly a godsend. One can escape the noise, pollution, and traffic jams and reach their destination in air-conditioned comfort. The authorities have done their job, and it is now up to Mumbaikars to make this Rs37,000-crore project a super success.
Rex Bakery, located on Hormusji Street off Colaba market, is a 24/7 culinary gem that has been serving fresh-from-the-oven “paavs,” buns, “kharis,” and other treats for years. Even during the 2008 terrorist attack on the Nariman House, Rex continued to feed the hungry. The bakery is a small place opposite the Hasidic Jew synagogue and is a must-visit for anyone in the Colaba area.
A message doing the rounds on social media says, “Deepavali hamara tyohar hai, Amazon ka nahi.” This sentiment highlights the cultural significance of Diwali and the importance of supporting local businesses and traditions over corporate giants. It’s a reminder to celebrate our festivals with a sense of community and heritage.
