What was so urgent that you had to get Percy [the pigeon] to play messenger, disturb me in the middle of my afternoon siesta, well before our nighttime walk?” Lady Flora was irritated about the changed routine, as she settled on a bench in the last row at St Thomas Cathedral to join her friend. Sir PM aka Pheroze awaited with a bit of trepidation, given that he could spot her scowl from a mile. “Apologies, my lady. I thought it would be better to meet indoors, given the unforgiving mercury levels,” Sir PM hoped she would be distracted by a return to one of their favourite heritage venues. “Pheroze, I’ve got to say it was smart thinking, given its pleasant inside because of the high ceilings and the ventilation,” Lady Flora had cooled off, literally and otherwise.
“I thought we needed more time to discuss the two-page feature that appeared in the April 18 edition of the newspaper — about the Seven Wonders of Mumbai. Wasn’t it an interesting read?” Sir PM prodded. “Of course, it was insightful to read the lists by famous city folk. I was particularly impressed that some of them picked Rani Baug — given its invaluable green cover; Shivaji Park is an important open space, but we woefully lack playgrounds. Cultural neighbourhoods like Kala Ghoda are vital too,” shared Lady Flora.
Sir PM jumped in, “I was thrilled that our Irani cafés and baugs made it to the lists; not to forget the Banganga Tank, which I am told by Percy is in dire need of better TLC,” his eye roll said it all. Lady Flora wasn’t finished with her observations; this time, with a cherished memory, “I recall attending those wonderful radio-synced live performances in the 2000s, seated by the steps of the tank. None other than the amazing Shubha Mudgal regaled the audience one night as the ducks had the best seat in the house,” she laughed. Sir PM listened intently, “In fact, I remember several live performances at the obvious mention — The Gateway of India and the now-gone Rang Bhavan. Those rock shows would tempt me to try a few steps too! With the Gateway, it’s gotten too VIP-centric. It’s also a favourite with the fashion world,” referring to the shows by big-ticket international designers who showcased their collections there. “The mention of Kanheri and Elephanta Caves was timely, as were the salaams to dabbawalas and domestic helps. We’d be rudderless without these superheroes!” exclaimed Lady Flora, quickly adding, “Though I wish someone had mentioned the national park, Aarey forest, and the mangroves; they are our green guardians.”
Sir Pheroze did a re-read of the feature, and had more to share, “Another mention that desperately deserves support is the Asiatic Society. Remember, it was a space where great thinkers and visionaries assembled to discuss the cultural welfare of our city. As a venue, it had a critical role to play in milestones across the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It needs an all-round push to revive it to its former glory as a public welfare and heritage space.”
Both felt that doing a snap poll with the average citizen would have been the most representative thing to do. “Perhaps, next year,” grinned Lady Flora. “I’d love to read comments from a diverse set of city folk — the Thane train commuter, the hipster collegian from Versova, the banker from Lower Parel, and the senior aunty from Chimbai,” Sir PM suggested.
“Honestly, while Heritage Day is an annual affair, the question to pose to our civic gods is to what extent is heritage awareness trickling down to schools, and to the caretakers of these heritage sites as a long-term, 365-day initiative?” Lady Flora wondered. “I believe that we haven’t even scratched the surface. Until this information is disseminated organically and sensitively, these mentions will remain interesting annual reads, and nothing more. I hope that this definitive list by heavyweights catches the eye of a few heritage-conscious babus in my former office. Expert-led preservation and education must be instilled in our systems; sites shouldn’t be forgotten after the ribbon-cutting circus. Mumbai deserves better. It will be a shame if they are viewed merely as guinea pigs for tasteless ‘beautification’ projects in the name of heritage conservation.” Lady Flora exclaimed, tongue firmly in cheek.
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
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The views expressed in this column are the individual’s and don’t represent those of the paper.