Sir Pherozeshah Mehta would have never imagined that he’d be tapping his feet to the catchy tunes from modern-era music that was being belted out by a young performer and her band on a crisp November evening. He was seated at the Cooperage Bandstand to catch the show before his weekend walk with Lady Flora, since the folks at NCPA were back with their outdoor music performances. Dr Viegas’ nudge was enough to get him curious. “This was such a wonderful idea, Viegas,” a beaming Sir PM glanced at his friend; he was also grooving to the upbeat music. “I wish Lady Flora were here; should would have…; in fact, she’d be rather cross if she learnt that we planned this without her knowledge,” Sir PM’s worried face was self-explanatory. Dr Viegas gave him an assuring pat on his shoulder, “Not to worry, Pheroze. We’ll zip it up!”
After an hour, the gig wound up, and Dr Viegas said his goodbyes before heading home. Sir PM noticed the reading centre near the Bandstand, and smiled. It was a lovely initiative to offer less privileged kids a space to study and read. ‘What a useful idea! I wish the city had more free spaces to read and study,’ he thought. Just as he neared the Regal cinema building, he spotted his friend step out from a side exit; there was a spring in her stride. “My Lady! What are you doing here?” he exclaimed, part-surprised and part-curious. “Well, lucky me to have met you here. I decided to catch the recently restored film, Casablanca, in this gorgeous Art Deco cinema; sadly, Percy informed me too late to intimate you.” Sir PM smiled, “That’s alright, My Lady,” relieved that they were even; he quickly changed the subject, “You know, I never noticed that reading corner near Cooperage; it’s extremely helpful for students who have no peaceful place to study.”
Sir PM pointed in the distance for the benefit of his friend. “Of course, I’ve seen it, and I fully agree. The other day, cousin Felicity mentioned a fabulous innovation in her letter that she had spotted while holidaying in France. Turns out, older buses on the less busy routes in smaller towns and rural areas are being repurposed as mobile libraries where travellers can read their favourite books while the bus moves, offering them mobile libraries. She hopped onto one of those and couldn’t stop raving about its cosy ambience, mood-lit interiors and comfortable seating to resemble an intimate reading space. Plus, there were quotes from poetry lining its walls instead of advertisements.” Sir PM, out of habit, had pulled out his mini notebook and was taking notes. “All this will come handy; my mind is racing, and hoping we can do something similar to rescue our retired BEST buses. Did your cousin share any other details about this relatable innovation?”
Lady Flora was happy to continue, “The shelves are stacked with donated books to cater to all ages and reading tastes. What’s amazing, to add to the reading experience, is that every bus has a cute tea/coffee-making station at the rear end. Felicity was bowled over by how young and old from areas that have fewer libraries were hugely benefiting from this novel idea.” Sir PM halted along their walk by the boundary wall of the Apollo Bunder promenade and turned towards his friend. “I think there is a great opportunity for our friends at BEST and BMC to latch on and make this idea relatable here. Imagine if the same idea were to be considered for the ageing buses in the fleet! Recently, there was a heartwarming story carried in this newspaper where the fan community of BEST double-deckers had addressed their views about doing their best —excuse the pun! — to ensure this iconic means of public transport doesn’t have to bid goodbye to our city’s roads. This, My Lady, could be a game-changing idea, if incorporated.”
Lady Flora was glad that her inputs could possibly help her friend draw up a rescue plan to resuscitate the beloved red BEST double-decker. “Pheroze, I hope you’ll be able to use your persuasive skills from your courtroom days to convince the gods of our civic welfare. These mobile libraries would do a great deal of service to lakhs of less-privileged children and grown-ups in our city and beyond, who have zero access to libraries and useful reading material.” Sir PM assured her, “I’m going to fight for this. To quote the great W Somerset Maugham: “To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life.” I am hopeful the gods are kind,” he smiled, as they both silently prayed for an early Christmas miracle for the less privileged who valued the written word.
mid-day’s Features Editor Fiona Fernandez relishes the city’s sights, sounds, smells and stones…wherever the ink and the inclination takes her.
She tweets @bombayana. Send your feedback to mailbag@mid-day.com