Mumbai, marathi and me

Random thoughts about Mumbai/Maharashtra and Marathi.

The views expressed are solely my own views. I have tried my best to be objective and value based, and I urge the readers, marathi or non-marathi, to read it with open mind and heart!

Q. The Indian constitution allows anyone to migrate any where in India. So isn't the marathi campaign a direct attack on the constitution?

Constitution is to be understood in not just the words but also with correct spirit.

India is a combination of several states with different ethnicities. Every state was orally assured autonomy and sovereignty when they came together to form India. This was with the intention that regional/cultural ethos and interests will be served appropriately. Thats why we have respective regional governments in power, and in addition to the central government.

And it is also understood that centre will not try to be too dominant undermining regional sentiments. If a state finds that it has lost all it's 'say' or rights then that state might protest and feel alienated from national stream (like Kashmir or some of the north-east states)

Now, coming back to the point, if some states remain backward and some states do good progress then, there will be 'largescale' migration which doesnt necessarily add value to the migrated state. But only a balanced development within the country can stop this large-scale migrations and solve issues resulting in.

Besides, it is to be understood that only laws are not sufficient to solve the problems. Take any example, the palestine issue, kashmir issue, Ayodhya issue - laws were not sufficient. There is a law that states that Kashmir is part of India but not sure if it is in sync with the sentiments of the people. Well, lets not get into this!

But some things are plain moral values, there are no laws for them. There is no law that says you should not lie. Hence, moral values should have higher ground than the laws. Hence, similarly, even though constitution has not stopped anyone from migrating, this issue needs to dealt with maturity and based on sound principles. Laws are meant for people, not the other way. (And by the way, the law states that – "people have right to migrate anywhere in India provided that they do not cause any problems to the locals" . The freedom for migration comes with the responsibility)

Q2. What are the root causes of friction between marathi and migrants/non-marathis, what are the core factors that drive Me'Marathi’campaign.

Lets consider various aspects involved.

Mumbai and the issue of Infrastructure - It is understood that those migrated people come here for earning, for better opportunities. Its not entirely their fault. But we also need to understand that Mumbai is becoming too crowded. There are thousands and thousands migrating to Mumbai every year and the infrastructure of Mumbai is under burden all the time and may even crumble in near future. (The 1997 floods is a prime example).

How long a city like Mumbai can afford this. This is not good for everyone, for original mumbaikar, be it Marathi or non-marathi. The quality of life should be more important than mere quantity - say population.

Besides, many of the migrants encroach empty lands wherever they feel like. You just have to travel by local train in Mumbai to get an idea. You can easily see the roads, footpaths, area nearby railways, empty lands getting encroached. But then later on some vote-bank politicians offer them so called ‘help’ – offer taxi licence/slum/ ration card and protection from government/police in return for votes. Slums nearby chembur, dahisar and many more…this keeps on growing day by day and the genuine taxpayers money goes into feeding this population. These people get enough water and electricity than those poors in (maharashtrian) villages who are suffering from load shedding and water shortage. But it is sad that very few people have raised voice against this.

The politicians, it seems, do not want to take tough stand against this because then they would appear to be anti-poor or anti-inhuman whatever you may call it. And not to really speak against any party or region, but typically Congress and Samajwaadi party leaders like Abu aazmi, kripashankar, Javed khan are such politicians who ‘help’ the illegal migrants – and typically the U.P and Biharis. (Bye the way, it is a common phenomenon across almost all the politicians - They want to take the ‘populist’ approach than the 'correct' approach - be it national security or development. Some people say, it is inhuman to remove illegal encroachments and make people homeless. I wonder if these same people would even allow their own land or society’s premises to be used by others)

First of all, there should not be such free lunches in the world - Whatever migration should happen, should be with proper planning and legalities. Otherwise it would be chaos. And why should Maharashtra Government bear this. If the government really wants to help the poor, it should help those farmers first who are committing suicide in villages. And to be Mumbai specific, I think, maintaining the city infra-structure and the quality of life for common man should have greater priority over helping these migrants who have not even contributed to the city.

Regional agenda – natural instinct?

If law of nature is considered, we know that animals ferociously protect their territories and do not tolerate outsiders. This is a natural instinct on their part because there is always competition for food and resources. Man behaved in the same manner in early ages and still does. Based on this, can we say that the son of the soil issue is not really something new issue but a natural instinct? (perhaps that is why there is an additional clause in constitution regarding migration - that the interests of the local people should be protected)

Every state/country tries to maintain their regional/cultural ethos (and it is correct too). I want to see one state which does not. We have seen Assamesse fighting against migrants, Kannad/Tamil doing the same, Shiela Dixit have raised voice against the migrants time to time. The south indian states maintain their identity passionately. We have seen Americans and brits crib when they suffer because of outsourcing. Now these countries are creating new policies so that local people get more benefits, and they are not jobless in the face of recession.

Ok, enough of examples! I think Mumbai is the first state capital where local people are becoming minority! I doubt if these other states will allow this to happen in their own capital city. just try it with Chennai or Banglore.

Take any migration all over the world. There will always be friction if the migration is on large-scale and if it is burdening the local population. Cant single out Mumbai alone.

The Mindset

Some people come to Mumbai/Maharashtra to feed themselves and their family. They come here because it’s quite safe here (than UP or Delhi), because there are many opportunities and so on, but they think they do not have anything to do with Marathi or Maharashtra in return. They want the freedom without being responsible. They want all the benefits of Maharashtra without being part of Maharashtra. This hurts marathi manoos little more.

Here I am talking about the attitude – which is lack of gratitude and is self-centred. Now one would say I am paying tax for my stay here and my job is done! Well, as per law you are right. Because there is law that can teach feeling of gratitude or respect for the land that has given you so much (KarmaBhumi).

An Ex- Indian High Commissioner to Australia has put forth his candid views about the racial attacks on Indians in Australia. The following is the excerpt. According to him, the Indians are also responsible for whatever happening in Australia. Most of the Indians go to Australia for better opportunities but they remain typical Indian over there – that is, they mingle in their own Indian groups, speak in Hindi all the time in public, and so on. Nobody is opposing this as such, but these people don’t get assimilated into local culture and are only concerned about getting good jobs/green card/citizenship there. They do not love Australia, they remain non-australian at heart but want the Australian Govt to protect them. Whoa! Naturally, local people perceive them as outsiders and as a threat to them.

The point is simple, wherever one goes, one should try to be part of that place (by heart, by action). The same rule applies to Maharashtra or Mumbai. There is an old saying – ‘Be like a Roman when you are in Rome’. It is not without any reason!

Of course, we do not want anyone to stay in India who does not respect or love India, isn’t it - whether he stays legally or not is out f question. We don’t want someone to reside in Punjab without he loving Punjab. Nothing different should be for Mumbai!

In short, One should understand that any place/state and the respective local culture are the two ends of the same stick. One should not choose one end (benefits) and avoid another as per convenience.

Cosmopolitism

''When Parsis came to India, they were worried...they asked their spiritual leader...how can we have any place in this country with such different tradition and religion than ours. The leader took a cup of milk filled to the brink. He asked, do you see any place for anything else in this cup. People said no. Then he took a spoon of sugar and added to the milk. The sugar dissolved without any problem. The leader said, ' like this sugar, get blended with Indian people, accept their cultures, be part of it (without losing identity of course), you will have place and you will have peace.'' (Well, I would be fool to expect similar advice from Lalus and yadavs and Amar singhs! )

Many people who came to Mumbai before have shown this kind of good attitude. They may be kannada, sindhi, but they jelled with local people/culture without making fuss about it. Overall, they felt connected with the city and the marathi culture even though they maintained their own ethos. Local people also accepted them well, treated them fairly. This is true cosmopolitan spirit I believe!

Mumbai is known for its cosmopolitan culture and we would like to preserve it alongside. Its good for the city and the people. I believe nobody (should be) against migration to mumbai on a personal basis. But when it is coupled with the shortage of breathing space, infrastructure problems and with the incorrect attitude of the some of the migrants, the demand for the son of the soil would become stronger.

I believe I am saying all this based on values and principles, not just for the sake of it. The values expressed apply to any region, or any responsible human being. And I believe I am asking for the legitimate rights of the local people in Mumbai or Maharashtra, and the Marathis without being against anyone else. Being assertive marathi manoos does not mean rejecting other communities.

Indian or Maharastrian, Hindi or regional

When I speak on this subject, some people say, you should be Indian first and then Marathi. As if these two things are mutually exclusive! If I fight for the rights of animals, am I anti-humanity? This is myopic thinking. One can love both, his state/city and country at the same time. I wish to fight for the correct causes - whether it is related to Maharahstra or Kashmir.

Besides, I doubt if all these migrants are really indians in that sense. If one is truly Indian, he should feel connected with every region/state equally, including Maharashtra. Why disparity!

Hindi as National Language –
Yes, we love India and Hindi. No doubt. But this ‘hindi’ card has been played by a section of the north Indians for their convenience. These people stay in Maharashtra for odd 10-20 years, get all the benefits here and still cant relate to Maharashtra or can not read few lines of Marathi.

And these people insist on Hindi, not necessarily because it is national language but because it is their convenience. Lets be honest! Let us also understand that ‘Hindi’ mindset is not necessarily ‘National’ mindset. For example, if someone is grown up in U.P would, obviously he would follow hindi traditions because it is a regional thing there. If the national language would have been English, they would have different agenda. I can be proud Marathi, and Indian at the same time.

It seems Marathis, Gujjus, other south Indians generally get assimilated into respective local cultures easily. They adopt, adjust to the region they are in. But it seems it does not happen easily with section of Hindi people. They might have some misconceptions about ‘Hindi’ as mentioned before. They think that others should change and try to fit into their ‘hindi’ culture – which they mistakenly assume as ‘national’ culture. Sorry, but we have said India is diverse country. Hindi is just a language for convenience.

Mumbai belongs to whom -

Who should India belong to? The people who love India - the people who follow Indian culture. Isnt it. If this is correct, then I think Mumbai belongs to everyone who loves Mumbai and Maharashtra. How can Mumbai belong to anyone who does not stay in Mumbai, does not Love Mumbai or who doesnt know Mumbai. If one says, Mumbai belongs to India first then it means that Maharashtra doesnt have anything to do with it. Is that correct. Then why conduct local/regional elections. Bring the central rule. But bring that rule in Chennai and banglore also. Just dare to do that with these states :) One should say Mumbai belongs to Maharashtrians and also Indians. Please do not skip Maharashtra :) And this is not at all anti-India stand.

Regionalists
(* I am using term ‘bhaiya’ not in derogatory sense but to refer to the typical north Indians)

There are enough regionalists in India. Politicians - Lalus and Yadavs raise their voice when there is attack on north indians in Mumbai. The only reason - the victim is north indian. Does he ever care for the marathis. Amar Singh comes to Mumbai for the Bhaiyas only. Railway Ministry puts advertisements in Hindi daily only, tries to fill the posts from Biharis only – even though Jobs are in Mumbai/Maharashtra. People - The bhaiyas, the migrants (not everyone but significant numbers) in Mumbai make a following for these regional leaders (Amar Singh, Abu azmi) because it is benefitting them. As mentioned before, there is a system in place in Mumbai for the outsiders in Mumbai. The Bhaiyas keep links with the politicians (North Indian) in Mumbai, who give them ‘help’, provide Taxi License/Ration card, job in their office and so on..without any qualification. In return, these politicians get readymade vote pockets. These Bhaiya people, when settled, want to bring other ten bhaiyas to this city from their own city or village. Same be the case for a south Indian. I wont quote more examples but it is quite rampant behaviour with the migrants. Isnt all this regionalism.

People like these, even the intellectuals, come with regionalist mindset but then they expect the marathis to put aside marathi ethos in the name of being Índian'. That is, when it comes to their identity, it stays with their home state only, but when it comes to getting benefits of Maharashtra…they remember they are Indians! I have rarely seen such people talking about the problems of Mumbai or the malpractices of Hindi people/Leaders (mentioned above).

If these people, and those sitting in north Indian states can behave in this regionalist manner, then there would be nothing wrong for me to care for the Marathis in my home state as long as I am not interfering with other states. This is what MNS or Shiv Sena also saying. Why only target ‘marathis’ or MNS then.

The expectation is of correct áttitude’. If someone (migrant) does not have this, at least he can stay quite and not provoke locals. But this doesn’t happen. As their numbers grow, their demands grow. Few days ago, Sanjay Nirupam, MP (Hindi) demanded that Maharashtra Govt should give representation to Hindi leaders! Why, because he has now enough ‘hindi’ backing from the migrants. After few days, And this is reality, not hypothesis. When Bangladeshi migrants entered Assam in big numbers, they have influenced the local politics much to the chagrin of the Assamese.
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Supporting Marathi cause and MNS/Shiv Sena

I believe many of the marathi people are/were not supporting Raj Thackarey as a politician or for this aggressive methods. Neither I am. But he is supported for the causes he champions. Many eminent personalities from Maharastra, including Anna Hajare (social worker), Shobha Dey (Columnist) have supported Raj Thackrey – for the core issue, not the violence.

Thus, the support for any person should be value based, not personality based. In that sense, one should support Lalu yadav also if he is fighting for correct cause!

I hope, people see beyond raj Thackeray and think about the core issues discussed in this blog!

Thanks for listening. Any feedback is welcome!
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The expectations - summary

1. Mumbai is known for its cosmopolitan culture and we would like to preserve it alongside. Its good for the city and the people. Nobody (should be) against migration to mumbai on a personal basis. But when it coupled with the shortage of breathing space, infrastructure problems and with the incorrect attitude of the some of the migrants, the demand for the son of the soil would become stronger.

2. It is a normal expectation that the migrants get assimilated with the local culture, and do not reject/disrespect or dominate the local cuture.

3 . The migration should be legal. No one should support illegal migration and thereby burdening the city. If one migrates to crowded places like Mumbai, he should not try to bring ten more people from his same caste/community when local man power is available .

3. And of course, there are marathi people, typically politicians and babus who have played their part in the problems of Mumbai. Thier laid back attitude and apathy is costing the city. They do not stand up against the encorachments, large scale migration, and other malpractices. This . Forget about these, what do the intellecuals are doing.


I hope you like this blog, any suggestion/feedback is welcome!