New Year, New Mumbai

After the terror crisis in Mumbai last year, it was inevitable for most people involved to take stock of their lives and think about what is really important for them on a number of different levels. I was no exception to this - there's nothing quite like being caught up in the trauma of a city under siege - especially one the size of Mumbai, to get you thinking about goals.

The reason for the break in the blog since last year was largely because I decided to spend some time back in South Africa with my loved ones. I don't think I've ever been so glad to be reconnected with my parents, siblings and friends. Not too long ago when a friend of mine was caught up in the terrorist attacks in London, he experienced something similar. I now fully appreciate the magnitude of the experience and while I would not wish it on anybody, I am certainly grateful for the chance it's given me to reflect.

I'm returning to Mumbai shortly to continue some studies in the journalism field. I will also be continuing making cartoons for the cartoon blog looking after the Bollywood Nights strip - probably not as frequently as I was before but continuing on it nonetheless.

I'm not sure what it's going to be like to go back to Mumbai - I imagine things will have settled down a lot by now and normal life resumed as expected. I will keep you posted once I arrive back in Mumbai next week. All the very best for the New Year and look forward to a fun year ahead!

Mumbai post terror

Things are settling down and things are getting back to 'normal'. The fear is still around and people are visibly more cautious than they were before. At least there is a firm sense of accountability that I didn't really experience in South Africa. From celebrities not wanting to be associated with fear mongering and plugging themselves to the people of India basically standing up and saying the government is to blame for the poor security and this needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

The police force are no where near as well-equipped as the the force in the UK after their tube terror attack a couple of years back. They are definitely more visible in terms of presence but in terms of effectiveness... a lot of work is needed.

Mumbai terror attacks

So this has not been the best week of my experience in Mumbai - the city is in a mess and mood is dire. I remember my friends who were in London and the US during the time of their mass terror attacks and it all came home for me right here.

Fortunately I am living some distance away from the Taj, Oberoi etc but rest assured the mood has not been confined to just that area. Mumbai is definitely resilient but some proactive preventative measure need to be put in place so this kind of thing can be avoided. Security is way to lax here compared with the UK.

The media of course in true media fashion have tried to get celebrities to comment on the disaster hoping to bait additional viewers etc. None have been so blatant to speak out against this as the megstar himself, Amitabh Bachchan in his blog. The media have been pestering him with calls and smses trying to get him to comment and he has flatly refused and reprimanded the press for their behaviour.

The mood in Mumbai will still be pretty somber over the next few days. A friend of mine's father in law passed away as a result of the gunfire in the attack so have been spending some time with her. Not really in the mood for making cartoons about Bollywood stuff at the moment but will be back on soon.

Prayers and best wishes to all Mumbaites - Jai Hind!