HarDilMumbai

Mumbai is city of contrast. You can find tall skyscrapers facing a vast area of slum. People live in what can be only described as “Nano” apartments which are valued in the multiple of crores. Rental prices are sky high while cost of living is otherwise low. The stark divide between rich and poor which India is identified with can be observed in this city.

Amongst other things, it’s a city on the move. Einstein would have come up with his ideas on space-time continuum much earlier had he visited Mumbai. A trip in “Mumbai local” is all you need to be inspired about space, time and how they come together to create a multi dimensional experience. You realise the value of a “square foot” when you find yourself jammed in it with a few strangers. Entire city is like particles in motion rummaging through the obstacles of space and time just to make a daily living. Just as in many other cities, from time to time you can get a sense of being alone in the crowd.

Yet, on occasions like “Ganpati” (popular Indian festival), you can see the city come together to celebrate as a community. The city on the move comes to a standstill. All the contrasts fade away. You can see the common denominator that brings this city together. You can feel the heart beat of the city. The young and old, men and women, natives and immigrants cutting across religious lines come together and showcase their common identity - Mumbaikar.

Yet, you can argue that it’s not too uncommon for a village, town or a city to come together and celebrate a religious festival, especially in India. After all, it gives a sense of high to the individual and it’s for their own benefit.

I was able to witness the heartbeat of Mumbai in a very different context. A city on the move deserves a marathon and what better than the “Tata Mumbai Marathon”. It is the biggest marathon event in India with over 55000 participants across race categories. Full Marathon alone had over 5000 participants.

Thousands of amateurs like me were cheered by common people throughout the route. They were thoughtful enough to offer apt food and refreshments for the runners along the way. Many were holding banners with positive messages. Kids were out on the side lines extending their hand of support for the runners. Mumbai police offered us support along with their protection. Indian Navy band was in full swing. Artists both traditional and western entertained us with music and dance. I felt like a celebrity taking a rather long (42.2K ,4h12m)  lap of honour.

It is what I imagine how a cricketer would feel in a packed stadium filled with supporters. Cricket is played by 11 people on the field. Often the home crowd is attributed with the “12th man effect” Thousands of people uplift the atmosphere and make it more special for the players on the ground. Often it brings out the best in players as they feel charged up. It certainly brought out the best in me as I managed my personal best timing despite suffering from blisters from 16th kilometre onwards. Marathon running is an internal dual within our mind. It can get lonely particularly in the mid section of the race. I never felt alone throughout the run.

Great Barrier Reef is regarded as the largest living organism in the world. Mumbaikars have the ability to connect together and become a single organism when they want to. Imagine the effect if this happens across a country or our world. I believe, that people coming together for a single cause to form an organisation or a community should take a leaf out of how Mumbai comes together. Perhaps, James Cameron was inspired by not just our language when he came up with the name “Avatar”. Would it be a stretch to think that he was inspired by the spirit of communities like Mumbai when he created “Eywa”?

What I witnessed in TMM was many hearts coming together and beating together as a single heart for total strangers. While it was a perfectly organised event, it is impossible to organise this experience. It has to come from within. That’s perhaps why TMM’s tagline is “Har Dil Mumbai”.

Happy running!