A Wednesday

Before shifting to Pune in 2004, I was a Mumbaikar and stayed in Lower Parel. I often used to go out to the Oberoi Trident for a late night bite and have some really happy memories of times spent there.

The sheer audacity with which terrorists struck and caused carnage in Mumbai on Wednesday, November 26 is unprecedented. We asked some Mumbaikars, now settled in Pune, about their memories of a city lost in the quagmire of violence and where they think the metropolis is headed.

Aporajita Mukherjee, Entrepreneur
Before shifting to Pune in 2004, I was a Mumbaikar and stayed in Lower Parel. I often used to go out to the Oberoi Trident for a late night bite and have some really happy memories of times spent there. But what has happened is terrible and no matter which strata of society you belong to, this simply cannot be tolerated by anyone. Along with ensuring that its citizens get the basic amenities, the government must make sure that they are safe and secure. The irony is that in all this, no politician ever gets affected; it8217;s only the common man who has to suffer the most.

Chef Shahid Karim Khan, Head Chef, Kiva Lounge
I was with the Taj, Mumbai for nearly eight years and while I may have shifted base to Pune, the Taj will always remain special for me. But now, as I see my former place of work being so ruthlessly violated, I want to just go back there and be of help, in any which way. These terrorists don8217;t realize how much damage they are causing by these dastardly acts. They say they are fighting so that past wrongs can be avenged, but in the process, they are giving a bad name to our entire community in India. I personally condemn this cowardly attack on Mumbai.

Neerav Panchamiya, Operations Head, E-Square Multiplex
Mumbai has been home to me for 21 years and I8217;ve spent some great times there. The Taj, in particular holds a special place in my heart. A lot of my friends were married there and it was a lovely place to be in, in those days. But now, it8217;s in the limelight for all the wrong reasons. While it8217;s understandable that terror strikes can take place anywhere, the scale and violence caused in this attack is unprecedented and unimaginable. And this time, the terrorists came by boat and landed at the Sassoon Dock, in the heart of Mumbai! I mean, imagine their audacity!

Chef Prashant Admane, Executive Chef, Sun-n-Sand
I was with the Oberoi Trident for about seven years and worked in all parts of the property. It was a most wonderful time. While working there, I could never imagine that one day, I8217;ll have to see its public defacement splashed out on T.V. I remember, in 1989, while I was there, a huge fire broke out. It was serious but was soon brought under control. But nothing could8217;ve prepared us to expect such a huge, orchestrated strike on the hotel. Of course, I8217;d still like to go back, given an opportunity, and work there, despite all that has happened.

Rashi Sanson, Architect
I completed my architecture course from the J J School of Architecture and my hostel was on Marine Drive. All the places that are terror targets were frequented by me and my friends. Leopold Cafeacute; was our favourite hangout and we often had dinner there. When you hear about all this, it shatters you completely and makes you jittery just thinking about, 8220;What if I was there?8221; However, Mumbaikars have an undying spirit and they are a resilient lot. In this hour of trial, my heart goes out to my favourite city and I salute the spirit of the ordinary Mumbaikar.

Chitra Sripad, PR Professional
It is very sad and unexpected. I have studied in a South Mumbai college and my company8217;s head office is also in Colaba. From now on, everybody will be more wary about their safety and security will perhaps be beefed up. But Mumbaikars have been through this before and I am sure their spirits wouldn8217;t be dampened. However, Taj and Oberoi were the last places where we expected such a terror strike to take place.