November 2020

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November 2020 | Volume 11 Issue 11 | Published Monthly | www.bandrabuzz.com | To Advertise: Call 9820783686 or 9920299787 | 16 pages | Price: Rs. 5/-

Spacious pedestrian pathway, customised bus stops & separate auto lanes soon as Bandra station area is being beautified

BMC along with Samir D’Monte, architect designer & planner, is revamping the adjoining area on the west side of the 150 years old heritage structure of Bandra station With a spacious pedestrian pathway, separate lanes for private & shared auto-rickshaws, new bus stops for BEST public transport, customised locations for drop off for private vehicles & cabs, a mini-park & digital signages, the area just outside Bandra west railway station is being revamped as part of a beautification project.

The BMC along with Samir D’Monte, architect designer & planner, who is a resident of Bandra, is revamping the adjoining area on the west side of the 150 years old heritage structure of Bandra railway station.

The aim of this project is to ease the flow of traffic, create separate pedestrian pathways, improve the movement of the public and private transport and enhance accessibility for commuters. Samir D’Monte, who is designing the project said, “We have designed the project plan in such a way that there will be a new large pedestrian plaza in front of the station where people can safely move around and appreciate the heritage structure.”

D’Monte added, “We have designed four special customised bus stops, two on the station side and two on the other side, depending on where commuters want to go. We have organised proper auto-rickshaw pickup and drop stations, separate

lanes for both private and share. There will be four auto-rickshaw lanes, two in each direction going towards Lucky Restaurant and Turner Road, one for private and one for public share auto-rickshaws. There will be covered queueing systems to protect commuters waiting for public transport from the sun, wind and rain.”

The project is designed by D’Monte and is being implemented by the BMC. Sushant Bagal, junior engineer of the BMC H-west ward working on the project, “We had done a case study and traffic survey on the area adjoining the Bandra west railway station.

We are implementing this project with an aim to reduce traffic congestion and create a pedestrian-friendly space where commuters can walk to the station safely and get access to BEST buses easily.”

The project also aims to promote government & public transport systems such as BEST buses. Bagal said, “We aim to promote BEST bus services as the first preference for public transport followed by auto rickshaws. We will have separate lanes for autos & a separate pedestrian crossing so that there is no staggered crossing.”

Ronald Rodrigues Pic by: Josh Photography Turn to Page 02 for Project Plan >>

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BANDRA BUZZ | NOVEMBER 2020

Spacious pedestrian pathway, customised bus stops & separate auto lanes soon at Bandra station

Over 70 volunteers line up on Hill Road to promote ‘Use of Masks’ amidst Covid-19 pandemic Over 70 people volunteered to promote the use of masks during the Covid-19 pandemic situation & stood on the street across St Peter’s Church till the Bandra Police Station for one hour on October 31.

Youth & adults irrespective of their religion, caste & background joined the ‘One Hour Silent Mask up campaign’ initiated by the youth & Care for Creation group of St Peter’s Church along with the BMC. Volunteers wearing masks stood silently at a distance of six feet from each other with posters, banners & placards forming a human chain drawing the attention of pedestrians, commuters, shopaholics & passers-by at the busy Hill Road.

Volunteers were holding posters displaying messages, “Mask Up! Because we care”, “Wear Masks” & “Safety first, Use masks”.

David Cardoz, a volunteer said, “We aim to encourage people to wear masks as a safety precaution against the coronavirus. It is better to spend Rs 10 on a mask than spending Rs 1 lakh in a hospital. We should think about our health & the safety

of our loved ones.”

While, Terence Cardoz, another volunteer, said, “We wanted to silently promote the importance & need to wear masks. The campaign was initiated along with the BMC & the idea was basically to create awareness among the common people about the use of masks amidst the pandemic.”

The campaign launched by the Care for Creation group & youth of St Peter’s Church along with the BMC was open to anyone who wanted to participate. Fr Frazer Mascarenhas, parish priest of St Peter’s Church, said, “The Care for Creation group of our parish launched this campaign along with the youth & the municipal corporation. We wanted to do our bit to spread awareness & mitigate the spread of the Covid-19 infection.”

Asif Zakaria, Municipal Councillor, said, “We have to do our part to contain & stop the spread of the virus. It was a good initiative which witnessed the participation of many local volunteers.”

Ronald Rodrigues

There will be a large pedestrian plaza in front of the station as per the project plan Continued from Page 1 >> In addition, the project will have digital signage and boards to reduce the need of traffic marshals for monitoring. D’Monte said, “We have tried to engineer the system that is full proof as far as possible into the design itself so that it does not rely on human monitoring. We have designed the system in a way where auto-rickshaws can only enter a designated lane with railings installed to prevent crossovers.”

Vinayak Vispute, Additional Municipal Commissioner of H-West ward, said, “We are executing this beautification project with an aim to improve the accessibility

of commuters and pedestrians at the area adjoining Bandra west railway station. We aim to complete phase 4 of this project by March 2021.”

Bagal said that a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation budget of Rs 1.5 crore approximately has been allotted for this project. Bagal said, “We began the project in 2016 with phase 1 of clearing and concreting the area, then we initiated phase 2 and now we are in phase 3. We also got some land plot from the railways on lease.

A budget of Rs 1.5 crore approximately has been allotted for this project.” D’Monte said he had proposed this project to the authorities in 2010.

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BANDRA BUZZ | NOVEMBER 2020

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Let’s make Joggers’ Park better, together A Bandra Buzz initiative, with Corporator Asif Zakaria

The delay in the redevelopment plan for Joggers’ Park due to the unforeseen lockdown has led to some complaints from regular joggers and residents The Joggers’ Park is to Bandra what the Hanging Gardens is to South Mumbai.

For a city crunched for space, this little stretch of green is a suburban pride. It is also probably what gives us, Mumbaikars, our mini brag points when Delhi folks rub it in our faces that we do not have enough parks or grounds. Ouch, but true! All the more reason why it becomes important to take care of what we have.

In the recent past, the Joggers’ Park’s upkeep shifted hands from a privately-owned enterprise to the BMC. With this change of administration, came an ambitious redevelopment plan for the Park, while taking into account inputs from several Carter Road residents and members of the Save Joggers’ Park Committee. The said committee of residents have acted as the watchdogs of the Park, overseeing the day to day upkeep, raising issues with concerned authorities and actively volunteering in the ongoing work.

The unforeseen lockdown, however, has meant a delay in the revamp project.

The Park, scheduled to be unveiled in its new avatar by April, this year, is now snail-pacing towards an end-of-the-year competition. This stalled work is reflected in the lamentable state of the garden, and it has led to some complaints from regular joggers and residents.

“The water in the pond has been murky and green throughout the lockdown. I see lesser ducks here now. Last year there were about 17; now there are just 7 or 8 ducks left! Where have they gone?”, asks a Joggers’ Park regular and an animal lover.

“The BMC is supposed to provide Bajra for their feed, but I worry about its regularity.

Along with 3 other joggers, we have taken the responsibility of feeding these ducks additional chapatis, every day. There were

also a few turtles in the pond. Now there are none. Rabbits too, have been rehabilitated to a shelter by a few residents, because they were not being cared for, during this period. This issue must be raised, and animal care must perhaps be supervised by a separate entity.”

Another jogger pointed out to the overgrown grass & the general lack of maintenance. Could this be a lockdown effect or negligence on the part of the contractor, we asked. Frankie, as he is popularly known, has been working as the Park’s caretaker for over 25 years. He was our best bet for some useful insights. “A lot of the maintenance work has been held up due to the rains & also because the park was shut during the pandemic. The pooling work usually cannot happen during monsoon, as there is a fear of the fishes in the pond getting drained out.”

We enquire about the missing ducks.

“Well, yes…there have been robberies in the park, especially during this time, because the railing work is not complete.”

So, are there any issues that the man,

who has cared for the Park for the longest, would like to raise – we asked. “Security is everything. For the joggers, for the caretakers, for the animals & also for the work to happen smoothly. That is my suggestion; improve security.”

Shyama Kulkarni, a core member of the Save Joggers Park Committee also observed that there have been break-ins at night to use the Park’s bathroom. “Also, due to delay in payments to staff by the contractor, PD Infra Project, there was added negligence. The issue was raised by the Committee with concerned authorities & dues have finally been cleared. We hope to see work catching speed again.”

Armed with grievances of residents, we finally reached out to Corporator, Asif Zakaria. He agreed that due to lockdown & the monsoon there have been a number of complaints regarding the upkeep.

We were informed that the leveling work that was stalled, has been resumed. His team has also been working towards addressing some of the issues raised, immediately. “We want this upgrade work to be

a cohesive & participative effort. The park does not just belong to the BMC or a Corporator; it belongs to the people. While we are already working closely with residents of the area, I will be more than welcome to get feedback from more people, via Bandra Buzz, & make this a holistic approach.

We take architectural inputs from Rinka D’Monte, a resident & a regular jogger, & we have arranged for her to work closely with the BMC. I will be glad to have more people pitching in with their suggestions.”

Mr. Zakaria also shed more light on the revamp plan, so our reader can get a better understanding of what to look forward to, at Joggers’ Park, by the end of this year. “We are improving the overall infrastructure of the park & for the first time, we have introduced an artificial synthetic track. For the joggers to experience variety, we are creating multiple tracks - an outermost concrete track, a red soil track, a synthetic track & an innermost cobblestone track. Another big change will be a larger, dedicated children’s play area. Instead of sand, that was conducive to ants & injuries, there will be soft flooring, along with a separate kitchen area for caretakers.

Temporary monsoon sheds will give way to permanent roofs. There will also be a renewed plantation, better lighting & a connector from the Park to the promenade.”

Well, that sounds promising to us!

What do you think? Write to us with your views, suggestions or complaints, and we, at Bandra Buzz, will forward it directly to the Corporator. If Mr. Oliver Andrade, a sports teacher, could conjure up a Park out of nothing, we Bandraites can surely keep his vision and zeal alive by coming together, to make apna Joggers better, men!

Chitra Bhanu Pic by: Josh Photography

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BANDRA BUZZ | NOVEMBER 2020

Shubh Deepawali The festive season has already begun with people geared up to celebrate the most awaited festival of the year which illuminates the entire Earth as well as skies. Diwali, popularly known as a festival of lights is a festive extravaganza of sorts which brings families together as preparations start sufficiently in advance. Dance, music, scrumptious food, dazzling home décor, rangolis, gifts, diyas, lamps and decorated market place is truly a mesmerizing sight.

It begins with cleaning and renovating homes and workspaces then graciously decorating with flowers and lights. Traditional sweets and savouries are prepared to exchange among loved ones. Diwali is celebrated in India and various parts of the world is one of the exuberant festivals of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists.

There are many beliefs behind celebrating Diwali, the most popular one is it commemorates the return of Lord Rama with Sita and Lakshman from 14 years exile and vanquishing the Demon king Ravana.

As Lord Rama returned people of Ayodhya illuminated the entire kingdom with diyas and set firecrackers.

In Southern India, Diwali is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi to celebrate Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakshara. There are many other beliefs too. Since we are amid a pandemic which has covered the celebrations in monochromic tones but people are still excited to begin the Hindu New Year in full swing. Notably, the festivities last for five days, starting with Dhanteras on this day devotees worship Goddess of wealth: Lakshmi, people buy gold and silver ornaments and utensils as they bring good fortune. The second day is Choti Diwali also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, where people bathe before sunrise by applying ubtan and fragrances to mark the victory of good over evil. On the third night, Lakshmi Pooja is observed and is actual auspicious celebrations of Diwali. Next day Govardhan Puja is done by offering Chapan bhog to Lord Krishna and lastly is Bhai dooj when sisters pray for the long life of brothers.

Tanisha Thakkar says, “Happiness and sadness are part and parcel of our lives. Unfortunately, for the first time, the entire world is suffering due to Covid-19.

Under the clutches of this pandemic which doesn’t permit gatherings and therefore no celebrations, but we shouldn’t lose hopes and keep spark and spirit of the festival alive and let nothing hinder our spirits. We must give upmost importance to nature and avoid crackers. This Diwali I owe to all fighters who risk their lives for our sake. Help oth-

ers to awaken human within us”.

The year 2020 has brought a new shift in the way we celebrate Diwali. Online shopping, virtual house parties with DJs performing online on Zoom calls to gifting healthy hampers full of goodness like granola bars, protein shakes, green teas etc is the new trend.

Tanish Jain says, “Diwali is of great importance in Jain tradition. This year will be unique. Every year our family celebrates these moments of happiness together, this year we shall rejoice on this occasion but with some precautions. According to Jain tradition, it is a great day as our last Tirthankara, Lord Mahavir attained nirvana. Henceforth the day came to be known as Diwali. We are restricted from burning crackers as it harms nature and other living beings. My mom prepares various sweets and farsan which we relish. This year at Lakshmi Puja I will pray for things to get back to normal soon”.

Swarangi Sawant adds, “As we all know we are going through a global pandemic, so we need to take precautions. Instead of meeting people in flesh and blood, we have to meet them virtually. Celebrating with loved ones, sending online gifts is measures I will be taking. This time we have to say no to burning crackers as it will lead to a fall in Covid cases. I believe we should help less fortunate people not only during festivals but also otherwise.”

Diwali is celebrated by people of a different fate. M. Kashif Weldon says, “This Diwali would be different but it will not stop the excitement in people’s heart.

Everyone would be using social media for greeting each other, this Diwali would be a social wali.

Covid warriors are real heroes who don’t get to celebrate festivals as they work hard against corona to defend us. I would like to share sweets with them as l too would be consuming loads of Rasgullas.”

Budding adults of Bandra are all excited to celebrate Diwali against all odds in a unique way. Happy Diwali!!

Aafreen Chouhan

Bandraites speak on Fr Stan Swamy’s arrest 8th October 2020, 83-year-old priest Fr Stan Swamy was arrested from his residence at Ranchi after hours of interrogation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and was brought to Bombay. The arrest was in connection to the riots at the Bhima Koregaon back in 2018.

Fr Nigel Barrett who is the spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Bombay said that Fr. Stan’s arrest has been unfortunate. He has tirelessly worked for the underprivileged & downtrodden, giving them a sense of dignity & upliftment. His work with the indigenous people of Jharkhand brought him in conflict with individuals & organizations with dubious intent. It is not surprising that they are plotting to get him out of the picture. We trust in rule of law, hope the investigation will soon get over, & pray that the truth comes to light.

Prabha Pandey who is a member of the Aam Aadmi Party commented on the same suggesting that arresting a person, of the age & humanistic qualities of Stan Swamy, is like dragging someone, without warning, out of the isolation & anonymity of his home, into the bright sunlight of world attention. She questioned, “How many of us, in India, were aware of his tireless human rights activities among the Adivasis in Jharkhand? Or about Sudha Bharadwaj, Gautam Navlakha, Anand Teltumbde, Varavara Rao, Haney Babu, and the many others, incarcerated for sedition, without hope of bail, in prisons, across India? Have they been arrested because they continued to work for the upliftment of the marginalized, refusing to barter their souls to please an oppressive state regime?”

Fr Daniel Fernandes, Assistant to Parish Priest, Mt Carmel Church claimed, “I stand with Fr Stan, wonder if the PM & HM would do the same? They should release Fr Stan & apologize unconditionally. The Church & most religions believe in helping the poor. We must try to uplift them & give them a better life. Better life does not only mean food, shelter, & clothing. It

also means equal rights. The Constitution guarantees every citizen equal rights but we must ensure they get them.”

“He is an ailing 83 years old man universally known today as the oldest man in India (and perhaps in the world as well) to be accused of terrorism – and who has a tenthousand-page charge filed against him.

You must know that this physically ailing priest has the mind and heart of steel which the rabid security agents of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) want to terminate in a cruelly indecorous manner,” said the Advocate and notary Shane Cardoz. He added on to say, “The Jesuit priest-activist is clearly on solid grounds in his principled stance against the discrimination and oppression of India’s discomfited tribal people and rural poor. Incidentally, what father Stan Swamy finds concerning the injustice against the Dalit and other severely low-caste community is what the Maoist rebels are also fighting against. For this, he must rot in the name of vendetta rather than that of justice where detainees and prisoners experience tough conditions. He has strongly denied all the fabrications and stealthy plots against him, but what does the denial mean to the ridiculously cruel ‘democrat’ of deadly political power? Indian youths who consider the Jesuit priest a staunch moralist are standing by him to the very end and until justice is delivered to him – even though many of them are non-Catholics and non-Christians.”

Sharon Menezes, a Professor said, “Fr. Stan, the oldest person to be accused of terrorism in India, has spent 70 years relentlessly fighting for the rights of indigenous people. It is truly unfortunate & outrageous that the state is harassing this priest who has dedicated his life to the well-being of the marginalized. Intimidation tactics by the government against social activists are unjust & shameful. Accountability is a must in a democracy; however, we seem to have detracted from the same.”

Conversations with Bandraites on the arrest brought up several remarks pointing out to the same conclusion. An appeal, a request to govt. to release the tribal leader.

Hrishi Raj Anand

BANDRA BUZZ | NOVEMBER 2020

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Poor & Marginalised Citizens are legally Entitled to Get Lawyers Free of Cost Do you all know our Constitution of India provide free legal aid to the poorer and weaker section of the society? The simple answer to this by most of the people is “NO”. Yes, many of the citizens are not aware of this right which is guaranteed under Article 39-A of the Constitution of India. It provides for free legal aid to the poor and weaker sections of the society, to promote justice on the basis of equal opportunity. Free legal aid is also a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Ensuring legal aid to everyone is necessary for ensuring substantive equality.

In pursuant to this in 1987, the ‘Act’ was enacted by Parliament. On 9th November 1995, the Act came into enforcement.

It took almost 8 years for its enforcement and to establish a nationwide uniform network for providing free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society.

Who is entitled to legal aid?

According to Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, the following categories of people are entitled to free legal services: » A member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe; » A victim of trafficking in human beings or begar as referred to in Article 23 of the Constitution; » A woman or a child; » A mentally ill or otherwise disabled person; » A person under circumstances of unde-

» Preparation of pleadings, memo of appeal, a paper book including printing & translation of documents in legal proceedings; » Drafting of legal documents, special leave petition etc.; » Rendering of any service in the conduct of any case or other legal proceeding before any court or other authority or tribunal and; » Giving advice on any legal matter.

and/or settle for joyless lives merely to live up to someone else’s expectations. We marry people we don’t really like because ‘it’s time you settled down’ or worse ‘he/ she is the right caste or colour’. We spend the majority of our adult lives working long hours at jobs we hate because the high salary will allow us to buy flats and cars to impress neighbours who don’t know our names and relatives we see once every five years. We EMI holidays and luxury items so that our Instagram and Facebook pages can impress people we’ve never even met in real life. In short, we chase ideals society has decided we must live up to without ever stopping to think if that is really what we ourselves desire.

True happiness comes from deep within. As Megan Markle has demonstrated, it is better to be happy and have to cook your own breakfast, than to live in misery while being curtsied to by innumerable members of staff across umpteen palaces. Lockdown gave us the time to look inwards and reflect on what really makes us happy and

fulfilled. It was the perfect moment to find what truly sparked our joy.

This festive season, let us find what truly lights up our hearts and sparks our joy. It’s about time we redefined success and failure for ourselves, on our terms.

Maryanne Pereira

Mumbai District and Suburban Legal Services Authority near Bandra Talao provides free legal aid to the poorer and weaker section of the society served want such as being a victim of a mass disaster, ethnic violence, caste atrocity, flood, drought, earthquake or industrial disaster; or » An industrial workman » in custody, including protective custody; » Facing a charge which might result in imprisonment; » Unable to engage a lawyer and secure legal services on account of reasons such as poverty, indigence, and incommunicado situation; » In cases of great public importance; » Special cases considered » Deserving of legal services.

That Feeling Of Failure 2020 is the year that has brought most of us face to face with adversity. From salary cuts to job losses; from downsizing weddings to having to move to smaller homes - or even back with our parents! The year has done a number on most of us. Most, but not all. There are those who are thriving. Some small entrepreneurs have seen their businesses thrive, while the rich have, as per usual, just gotten richer. As the festive season arrives in all its glittery, spangled glory it becomes harder to ignore the feeling of failure creeping upon us.

Advertisements promote getting all glammed up for a Skype call. Celebrities and influencers deck out their houses like lockdown never happened. We flip through all of this across social media in last year’s outfit as our budget does not permit new clothes simply for a video call, and wonder why we can’t be like those people. Why

Any citizen of India whose case is before a Court, other than the Supreme Court, & whose annual income from all sources does not exceed *Rs. 3,00,000/- shall be entitled to legal services. Free legal services include free legal aid in civil & criminal matters for those poor & marginalised people who cannot afford the services of a lawyer for the conduct of a case or a legal proceeding in any court, tribunal or before an authority. For women, child & under trials advocate is provided free of cost. Provision of free legal aid may include: » Representation by an advocate in legal proceedings.

The person can refer https://nalsa.gov.in/ website or State Legal Services website i.e. https://legalservices.maharashtra.gov. in/ if he/she needs assistance for free legal aid & can make an application online.

Moreover, do you all know that there is an office of Mumbai District & Suburban Legal Services Authority in Bandra West at High Peak Apt, Old Bandra Court, S.V. Road. If any citizen has any legal issue can approach the authorities in the said office.

Not only this, in fact, there is College who offer free legal aid which is a prominent College i.e. K. C. Law College, Mumbai which is located at Churchgate & had also received Maharashtra Government grant for the purpose of legal aid. A common man can approach the institution any time for free legal aid services on any matter whether civil or criminal.

At last, I would say utilise such facilities from the authorities which are really beneficial for society. Do not hesitate because the motto of legal aid is Justice is for everyone.

Megna Devkar

can’t we too move into large houses, go on vacations, or exit malls laden down with shopping bags? But before we do something drastic, let’s stop for a moment and consider why we are so keen on doing so.

All of these desires and expectations we burden ourselves with, do they come from within or without? Why do you want to spend thousands of rupees on a new outfit when your old one looks brand new and has hardly been worn? Is it something that you have always dreamed of - has this particular fabric cut in that exact style been something you desired since you were three? Or is this something society has stuck on you? Are you afraid people will look down on you, or find you lacking in some way if you don’t have a new outfit?

In India, we imbibe the whole ‘what will the neighbours/society think’ mantra so deeply, that we work ourselves to death

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BANDRA BUZZ | NOVEMBER 2020

Free food for the needy; anybody can take, anybody can give

The team behind the Community Fridge installed at St. Joseph's International School Different sections of the society including the middle-class, young working professionals living on their own in Mumbai, college youth, students, labourers, migrants, urban poor and even some well to do families have been economically affected due to lockdown imposed in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. Food and water have become the most integral resource.

Anyone who is in need can take a meal for free from the community fridge set up at St Joseph's International School, Bandra West since October 18. The community fridge is a voluntary project of the Rotary Club of Mumbai Queen's Necklace, Nobody Ever Sleeps Hungry (NESH) non-governmental organisation (NGO) and Daughters of the Cross Nuns.

The fridge has been set up in the school compound where anybody who is in need can walk up during any time of the day and pick up a meal for free. Sapphire D'Penha, who is managing this community fridge on a voluntary basis, said, "Anyone who is in need of food can walk up to the school and take away a meal. Anybody not nec-

essarily just those on the streets, but even those who have lost jobs or do not have ration to cook in their homes, or youngsters who are living by themselves can come and pick up a meal. The community fridge is open to one and all."

You can just walk up to the school & the watchman who is on duty 24x7 will handover a food packet to you. D'Penha said, "It is a different initiative than the usual food distribution or charity as many people are ashamed or embarrassed to stand in a queue for free food. But, we just want to provide food to all those who are in need."

While many people take food packets every day, there are also people who are coming forward & keeping food in the fridge. D'Penha said, "Many people come to keep home-cooked meals, food packets & water in the fridge. As the message is spreading via word of mouth and WhatsApp, people are getting to know of this initiative. We need more people to come forward and keep cooked meals in the fridge so that we can help more peo-

A watchman on duty 24x7 will handover a food packet to all those who are in need ple who are in need. People can offer any wholesome meal which can serve the needy."

Aditi Divekar, who walked up and donated some food items, said, "I wanted to do my bit to help those who are in need after I read a message about this initiative.

It is a very unique initiative compared to the usual charity. I will continue to provide some meals every Saturday so that the fridge is full of meals."

D'Penha added, "As the fridge is open to give food to everyone, it is also open to receive food from anyone. Common people and residents can keep meals in the fridge.

Restaurants, hotels, cafes and shops can donate materials or cooked meals which can be put in the fridge. Even extra food from parties, functions, weddings or other events can be sent to the fridge instead of throwing it away."

Sr Rohini, of the Daughter of the Cross Nuns, said, "We encourage people to help and provide food in this time of need. They can provide fresh meals which can help those who are hungry and in need of food."

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The Rotary Club of Mumbai Queen's Necklace & NESH NGO aims to set up more than 150 community fridges in different areas of Mumbai so that they can reach out to more people. Zohair Diwan, founder of NESH NGO, said, "The community fridge initiative is a self-sustainable model where Mumbaikars can stand up & help other Mumbaikars in need. We need people to come forward & donate fresh meals, refrigerators & safe locations to set up a community fridge so that we can help more people in such difficult times."

Asif Porbanderwala, a member of the Rotary Club & NESH, said, "Along with creating a sustainable model, we wanted to give respect to the needy while combating hunger. There are many people who would not ask for food upfront so we aim to set up community fridges in every gully of Mumbai wherein people from the neighbourhood can provide meals & help the needy. We can start by cooking an extra meal a day at home, some extra chappatis which can help those who are hungry."

Ronald Rodrigues

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Bandra’s Pali Hill Corporation and proposed is no stranger a “gated community” to the fectively spotlight. However, curb the crimes in to safeguard Pali Hill this peaceful & quaint the vicinity. better neighbourhood has with a single entry The gate, however, lately been at the and exit point at has sparked a decen- bate. night. street crimes tre of attention for Our plan is not discomforting reasons. and thefts. Just 15 to inconvenience anyone. we nabbed days ago In the past 3 months, Our Association While we spoke 3 people involved understands social to many who see the area has seen in 13 cases of this sponsibility re- house break-ins a number of cases as a welcome move, and we regularly of burglaries, home there are many others and burglaries. We do our bit aged manbreak-ins, mobile who think the gates for the area. For to recover property snatching incidents 2 whole months are unfair. worth up to 13 during lakh rupees. on unsuspecting walkers, the pandemic, we “Why?” reasons Sudhir, These are people organized langar & some instances a resident. “The with previlunch- ous criminal of intention is eve-teasing. Understanda es for those most not records; these are to stop people from affected in and bly, the residents not crimes around born out us- our neighbourho are worried for their ing the roads. The of the pandemic, od. So the idea is roads will remain safety & security. as some are not to be suggesting. open self-sufficing So, through the along with the Pali day & will only be ; we are trying to We Hill Residents Associahave identified gated from dle find a mid- the 12 spots in tion, they are looking 10 pm onwards; ground. jurisdiction that no one wants to at various solutions are most susceptible disrupt that can help fix free movement. This to these crimes and But Stephanie Pereira, the problem. gate will only make we have increased a lawyer, points it out, “No one pamore secure for residents, We spoke to the trolling, surprise living on Pali or Association’s secrechecks on vehicles as well as travelALM has we have tary, Madhu Poplai, and lers.” Agrees, another ownership of the also assigned beat who elaborated on roads. It is not a resident Sonu, “Yes, officers in evprivate ery chowki. the it will only issue. “Apart from property for one make the neighbourho CCTV cameras help Rajiv Apartments, to demand gates.” od bet- Zaheer there ter. It will the Police Mr. Department have been break-ins discourage miscreant Memon, another in a big way. So it in 7 other buildings Bandra based bikers and lawyer, is important in will be safe the area & at least that they are in argues, “The suggestion for everyone on the 14 cases of petty good working condition road.” thefts. is neither aur We want to protect practical nor legal.

Leandra, another unki sankhya bhi our residents. So, Bandraite, however, It’s a route for badhaani chahiye.” to- has a question, thor- Currently, gether with the oughfare and cannot there are 3 types Khar Police, we “Why not increase be restricted to comhave put in your security muters. of cameras together a neighbourho - private property compounds, instead?

Train and increase od watch, with regCCTVs, BMC installed the number of Why put up security ular police patrolling gates and block a cameras and those guards instead.” public road? In Delhi in the evening. Most installed by Larsen too, CCTV cameras in & Toubro. While the We also spoke to the area do not function where such gates have been put Mr. Gajanan Kabdule, cameras directly up, there Sr. Inspector send properly & we can’t are traffic problems feeds to the Police of the Khar Police just rely on building at night and long chowkis, they are Station. maintained de- He chose to security either.” The not tours. I don’t think not comment on Pali Hill Residents that is fair at all the pros and hindrance on a regular basis and cause to the cons of As- rest of the sociation has therefore the gate, as the decision public.” to police work. reached out to the is not unMunicipal Corporation der the purview “I don’t think it While the debate of the Police Department. & proposed a “gatwill hinder traffic”, continues on whether ed community” says Rang Ashok.

But he did speak to make Pali Hill to safeguard the “It is only a matter to us on the substantial a gated community area bet- hours of 7 work being or not, ter. They have suggested we can all agree in the night, and done towards nipping that safety is not there be 4 gates at the gate will not a privithe lege; it is a different entry and stop non-residen transgressions in necessity in a civil ts from moving exit points of Pali the bud. in and Hill, out.” The manned by security this beautiful neighbourho society. And “We have increased Association’s secretary guards at night, patrolling, not just od deserves to ef- “The gate added, at Pali Hill to get its peace back. will only restrict but all areas under Gate or no gate. thoroughfare, the Khar jurisdiction, where there have been cases of Chitra Bhanu

2010

BANDRA BUZZ | NOVEMBER 2020

NEWS

07

BMC plans to take back leased RG plot used as open gym & CrossFit centre

BMC bulldozed the illegal encroachment at the recreational ground plot on St Martin’s Road given on lease to Bandra Physical Cultural Association The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is mulling over taking back the recreational ground (RG) plot at St Martin’s Road giving on lease to Bandra Physical Cultural Association (BPCA). The plot was converted into an open gym area & CrossFit centre by lessee Sandeep Khopkar, who has been a long-time resident of Bandra.

On November 2, 2020, the BMC bulldozed the illegal encroachment done on the plot. According to Khopkar, officials of BMC Bandra H-West ward gave him a day’s notice to remove the gym equipment.

Khopkar said, “The BMC gave a notice a day prior to remove the gym equipment. It is unfair as first of all, it is difficult to find labourers and workers to move equipment during lockdown at such a short notice.”

When Bandra Buzz visited the RG plot on November 10 post the demolition, Khopkar explained that the BMC had demolished adjoining areas of the fitness centre which was not part of the illegal encroachment. Khopkar said, “I admit that we encroached and constructed an extra shed which was illegal as per the lease rules but, why did the BMC demolish the other structures which are legal? Why did they break the entire roof and wall of the adjoining

gym area which was legal and not an encroachment as per the lease rules?”

According to the BMC, local residents had complained about the RG plot being used as a private gym & fitness centre thus not being open to the common public. Asif Zakaria, municipal councillor of Bandra, said, “The land belongs to the BMC and has been given on lease for the larger use of the public. It cannot be used to open a private gym or fitness centre. As per the lease agreement, the plot should be used for recreational purposes for the common public and made accessible to local residents.”

On the contrary, Khopkar said, “I have been running an open gym & fitness centre which is open for one & all. Anyone who wants to exercise, engage in any fitness or martial arts can walk in & join. There have been so many youngsters from underprivileged families & nearby slum settlements who would come for years & exercise & try new fitness activities. We have had a lot of prodigies where many have participated & won awards at national & international competitions. I had started yoga classes for senior citizens too. The plot was & is open to residents but because it is a fitness & open gym centre, one cannot play regular

sports like football, cricket or hockey on the ground.”

Zakaria added the fitness centre was charging fees when the lease fee is Re 1 per month paid to the BMC by Khopkar.

Zakaria said, “The CrossFit centre has fees based on monthly, quarterly & annual sessions. The land belongs to the BMC & it cannot be used to make private profit money.” Khopkar said, “There are several trainers who learn at my gym & then go on to teach those who join. The trainers charge their own fees. Part of the fees is used for maintenance of the place, electricity supply, water bill, cleanliness & infrastructure maintenance.”

Various activities like weightlifting, power weights workout, Mallakhamb, Indian wrestling (pehlwani), yoga, martial arts & fitness were being carried out at the gym. Khopkar said “Many people would come for free or subsidised rates because they could not afford to enrol at high-end gyms & pay exorbitant fees. At a time, there would be at least 50 to 100 people working out in the open gym & fitness centre. I have learned my lesson but I am willing to fight it out as the plot has been leased to me for 60 years.”

The RG plot was leased by the BMC to BPCA in 1986. The lease agreement was later made for 60 years continuing till 2046. The BMC had issued a show-cause notice to Khopkar on November 15, 2017, over the same issue. Currently, the BMC is in talks to take a decision to revoke the land and take it back.

Bandra Buzz Correspondent Pic by: Josh Photography

Many people would come for free or subsidised rates because they could not afford to enrol at high-end gyms and pay exorbitant fees. At a time, there would be at least 50 to 100 people working out in the open gym and fitness centre. I have learned my lesson but I am willing to fight it out as the plot has been leased to me for 60 years.

- Sandeep Khopkar

08

EAT OUT

BANDRA BUZZ | NOVEMBER 2020

Old Street Cafe & Bar: An Insight of the Easy Life The newly opened ‘Old Street Cafe & Bar’ of the place can give the standard gymkhais reminiscent of the yesteryears. It pres- na menu a run for its money. The place has ents a unique getaway from a full-service bar & an eclectic menu that caters to one’s fancy & whims. the hustle & bustle of Apart from Hill Rd which at the basics such any given point as Chicken Chilly is witness to & Lollipops, the menu scurrying trafalso features fried fish fic and activities. with a Mumbai twists, The ambience of which includes Prawns, the all-day café Madeli & Bangda prepaaccentuates the exrations.

However, the perience of leisure, eclectic aspect is representit’s high ceiling, old ed through the fact that school deco and easy Mutton with Malabar Paratha while at one hand you on the ears, groovy music enables one to get teleported to a can order fried fish, a burger, a kathi roll, bar which got lost in time as our beloved or even a masala dosa to munch with a neighbourhood got entangled in the web beer, the mains could be a with Maharashof hux flux. Contrary to the description of trian mutton curry with Malabar paratha. the experience, the pace of the service is The menu with a doubt satiates the whimaptly on point and reflects a genuine drive sical urges one may want to concede to, and thus it is safe to state that the ambito host.

The pricing of alcohol & food is com- ence in tow with the assorted offerings, petitive & pocket friendly. However, stat- imperatively transforms the experience into a relaxing affair. ing about its competitive The managestrategy doesn’t inment is insinuate that the spired to keep place is a typical, creating new exrun of the mill periences such watering hole. as an outdoor Its personality is service & seating, what attracts the work-friendly facilities customer to return, the Bangda Fry during the day, showease on the pocket element is just an added incentive. And the casing live sports events & performances, incentive is motivating indeed, the pricing as & when it is permitted. At present, the

Old Street Cafe & Bar recently opened its doors in Bandra café is also offering a happy hour offer & steal deals on wine by the bottle. So, if you want to take a step back & indulge in some good old catching up with friends & family, ‘Old Street Cafe & Bar’ on Hill Road is the perfect place to take share tales & create memories.

‘Old Street Cafe and Bar’ follows all the necessary standard operating procedure (SOP) as directed by BMC.

Old Street Cafe & Bar, 95, Fernandes Villa, Hill Road, Bandra West, Mumbai 400050 Call 7710818673 or 8591094381 to reserve your table today.

Sidhant Nayangara

Bombil Fry

Mamagoto: The Mama of Asian Cuisine We bet you’re wondering what Mamagoto means! Literally translated, Mamagoto means “to play with food”. This fusion Pan Asian café has a relaxed and casual atmosphere where affordable Asian cuisine & drinks combine with quirky décor.

Mamagoto’s food is inspired by the secrets of Asian street hawkers and our extensive travels and endless experimentation in those secret kitchens. Our serving portions are to share, so don’t get greedy!

It’s a casual ‘come as you are’ space.

We offer a yummy range of alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages made using fresh juices and ingredients at incredible value.

So, drink up. We have created concoctions that we believe are not available elsewhere, they’re deconstructed, added again (and then we don’t know how they got so good).

Using fresh juices and ingredients where possible, a concise and yummy range of

alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages like Pop Rocks & Monsoon Sangria pitchers are on offer at incredible value. Drink up.

We keep popping up with quirky new dishes & drinks every now & then, which makes us madly addictive. We are funky, interactive, fresh, colourful and beaming with energy and our excitement hits the ceiling when people say, “You are too noisy.”

Come on down and indulge in some of our latest creations and a brand new DIMSUM MENU that’ll leave you craving more!

Mamagoto Gazebo House, 133, ground floor, Hill road, Bandra West, Mumbai 400050 To book your spot, call +91 97680 3113 / +91 75060 22504 or log onto - https:// linktr.ee/mamagotofunasian

The Laksa Tribute Chicken

BANDRA BUZZ | NOVEMBER 2020

NEWS

09

Baadshahi Gourmet Delicacies Cooked to Perfection Sea voyages provide a unique perspective on a natural and cultural phenomenon. From soaking salty air to serving over 6000 guests of different mandates on board, cruise liner Chef Sadiq Khan has done it all. Travelling to various countries and learning fine details of global cuisine, he has gained expertise in specializing in cuisines like Thai, Continental, Chinese, Italian, Mexican etc. and takes pride in agreeing that Indian food is relished worldwide and also how the world resonate us as a “Curry Nation”.

Always having a great passion for cooking and creating dishes which ignites one’s senses encouraged him to join a culinary institute and become a Chef. He has created his magic as he worked with many fine dining restaurants and received appreciation when he won many culinary competitions.

With time at disposal, until he gets back in action on a cruise, Chef Sadiq has put his apron on! To commemorate the launch of his restaurant cum home kitchen, Baadshahi to deliver heavenly Mughlai

He also serves Shahi Mandi, an Arab sic ingredients is mouth melting juicy speciality accompanied with varimutton kebab, delicately spiced ous meats, flavoured rice and to relish the intense flavour a Salan to accustom to the of this royal dish is the Indian palette. He plans flag bearer of Awadhi to expand his menu to cuisine. Another one include new dishes like is the Baadshahi ButShahi Rogan Josh, Dal ter Chicken which is Bukhara (urad dal and unique as it is green rajma slow cooked) in colour, no-not by and Warqi Paratha (21 using a food colour but layers paratha). delicacies just at your tables which can be is Chef signature dish Chef Sadiq wants to relished with family and friends at com- and a secret recipe which attract foodies who relish makes it mesmerizforts of your home. He started in gourmet cuisine with his niche ing, loaded with July 2020, inspired by travel Nalli Nihari to serving quality food with butter, cream and passion for different traditional Mughlai flavours. Baadshahi and nuts. cultures, Baadshahi has One dish which is claims that it does not add MSG to its disha gourmet menu filled true to his legacy is es. They also undertake party and wedding with culinary delights, Mutton Korma, a thick catering. utilizing the freshBaadshahi delivers within city limits gravy with tender est ingredients. His mutton pieces cooked & accepts orders from Monday - Saturday years of experience in its juices with an from 11am - 3pm and 5pm - 2am and from helped him cuauthentic use of Indi- 11am - 2pm and 5pm - 1am on a Sunday. rate a menu an spices especially the Call +91-9136303259 / 9136303269 or which offers homely grounded garam visit www.baadshahi.com to order now! a wide range of Aafreen Chouhan masala adds a perfect kick exquisite tikkas, Pic by: Josh Photography kebabs, earth- Baadshahi Butter Chicken to the dish. Aromatic fraenware biryanis, rolls, desserts grance and topped with fresh coriander, green chillies and ginger julians is a treat and a lot more.

With a vision of to your senses!

Nalli Nihari is slow-cooked overnight serving delicacies across which is a perfect blend of flavour full inthe globe and gredients. He uses spices like kabab chini, keeping in pipli, yellow chilli powder, beetle leaf root, mind “best etc. which makes his customers come back known” lev- for more.

Vegetarian options too are available els of food hygiene and like Tandoori Paneer Tikka, Paneer Tiks a n i t a t i o n ka Biryani, Subz-E-Biryan etc. The menu while pre- includes dishes which are chef’s recomparing food mended and keto-friendly.

Earthenware Biryanis is what he has makes it a perfect choice tweaked to his style, with pots sourced to order avid a pan- specially from Indore, he offers a variety ranging from chicken, mutton to paneer. demic.

The bestseller Char-grilled meat paired up with aromatic Galouti Kebab which basmati rice topped with birista (fried onincludes 27 intrin- ions) and nuts should a must-try.

Sufiyani Biryani

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10

NEWS

BANDRA BUZZ | NOVEMBER 2020

St Stanilaus & Executive Enclave lead the way for clean energy in Bandra

The 74 kW solar panels installed on the roof of St Peter’s Church The adoption of solar panels has become a consumer-friendly process over the last decade. It is encouraging to see enthusiastic companies working to enable their customers with the power of generating their power! Fascinated by this idea, I approached Bandra Buzz & worked with them to prepare some case studies & inform Bandra residents of the requirements, the process of installation & the finances involved in a solar power project.

Over the years, advancements in technology have enabled us to operate our bank accounts, credit cards and pay our bills on our mobile devices. During the lockdown, our smartphones and laptops have played the roles of our educational institutes and workplaces! The speed at which we are adopting, and adapting is simply mind-blowing.

With the increase in the use of these technologies, we require a large amount of energy to power our gadgets. A large per cent of energy supplied to the city of Mumbai is generated using fossil fuels. These sources are exhaustive. Thinking ahead, a more long-term solution will be renewable energy. By preparing to harness the energy of the sun, wind and water, we will be able to provide for ourselves as well as our future generations.

In an urban development like Mumbai, solar power is the perfect solution. It has gained popularity because of its minimal requirements for installation and short payback period. In comparison with wind or hydro, it is a tangible project, within the scope of an individual, who can finance a small to medium-sized setup on his rooftop! I think we must make effective use of Mumbai’s hot, sunny summers.

To provide a rough estimate in Bandra, a roof size of as little as 500 sq. ft. can generate electricity worth Rs. 8,000 every

month. Are you ready to start cutting down on your bills?

To harness solar power, we make use of solar cells, which are placed in a series to form a solar panel. When the sun’s rays directly fall upon it, the solar cell generates a current. With bifacial panels, we are able to utilize diffused sunlight during cloudy days as well as the monsoons! For a solar panel, the period between 10 am and 2 pm is a peak period for generation of energy. The location and angle of inclination of panels are critical in order to make the most out of your installation.

For my first case study, I got connected with Executive Enclave, a business hotel in Bandra. The owner, Mr. Rohra is a proactive and enthusiastic person with a great sense of community. The hotel has set up a COVID19 drive-through testing facility and helped our community contain the spread of coronavirus. In March, Mr. Rohra worked with Oorjan Solar to set up a solar installation of 2,400 sq. ft. on the hotel rooftop. He now generates 120 units per day and an equivalent of Rs. 50,000 per month. The energy generated is fed back into the Adani grid and subtracted from his monthly bill! A fabulous feature was the app on his phone which gave him real-time updates about the energy generated by the panels. Mr. Rohra was extremely happy with his installation which had produced more energy than predicted. He now plans to encourage his friends and family to go the solar way!

Another site to study was St Stanislaus in Bandra which had set up a 74 kW system. A total of three panels were installed, two for its school and one for its church.

Fr Frazier (a former principal of St. Xavier’s College) pushed the idea of self-sufficiency. He worked with Tempcon Engineering Private Limited, a company formed by an

The 2,400 sq. ft. solar panels installed on the roof of Executive Enclave alumnus of St. Stanislaus to install and maintain the solar panels. Unfortunately, back in 2014, Tempcons and Fr Frazier faced a lot of resistance. The project took nearly 2 years to complete with state electricity boards not showing any interest in this project. Finally, in 2016, the panels were up and running and have been regularly attended to, by Tempcon.

For solar power projects, the importance of backing from the government bodies and integration with electricity providers such as Adani Electricity plays a vital role. I was extremely happy to learn that with the integration and coordination of necessary bodies, the process of application, obtaining permissions, running and maintaining solar panels is much easier. This is very encouraging for bungalow owners, housing societies, commercial and institutional buildings to take the step toward a more sustainable future.

Oorjan Solar is providing turn-key services, right from the erection of the supporting structures, to the procurement & installation of solar panels, they have provided their customers with a complete & hassle-free experience. After visiting their

website, I was very eager to understand the potential of my rooftop. I got through to their engineer to survey our site & hope to install a unit very soon. So that’s an update on an upcoming project for you folks in Bandra!

The concept of harnessing energy from the sun, wind & water has fascinated me since my school days. It is exciting to see that over the last six years, there has been such an increase in awareness & education of the benefits of more sustainable sources.

It is truly a skill to be able to think not just for ourselves but also for the future. The concept of homes/ buildings which generate their electricity, recycle & reuse water & grow their vegetables is something that I would like to work towards. Growing up in Bandra, I have enjoyed the infrastructure built by visionary residents whose efforts have benefited my life. I feel it is our time to give back & pioneer the suburb of Bandra toward the adoption & generation of renewable energy & set an example for other suburbs in Mumbai. I know that if we work toward it together, one day we can be truly self-sufficient.

Sameer Hadker

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BANDRA BUZZ | NOVEMBER 2020

NEWS

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Shen Reflexology is an exclusive reflexology lounge located in Khar. Having marked 12 years since its inception is one of the very few places in the city that offers authentic reflexology.

Understanding the high-stress & high-pressure urban lifestyle of today, Shen has aligned its de-stress programs to perfectly meet the growing needs of highly stressed individuals. With a professional staff, certified by the International Spa & Beauty College, Hongkong, Shen assures a holistic approach towards de-stressing.

When you visit the space, the Zen décor with the soothing lights, the calming sound of flowing water and soft music will instantly put you at ease, transporting you to a cocoon of serenity and tranquility away from the city’s frenzy.

What sets Shen apart is the fact that it remains true to its core focus - hand and foot reflexology techniques. The trained therapists work effectively on all your reflex points though a specially developed

routine to balance out your entire body and help you relax and de-stress.

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12

NEWS

BANDRA BUZZ | NOVEMBER 2020

Toure de Bandra

The little village of Bandra sits in the centre of Mumbai city and is considered the heart of the place. Bandra has something for everyone. From happening nightclubs like 145 Café & Bar to elegant coffee shops like Coffee By Di Bella, from century-old churches like St. Andrews to the uber cool graffiti street a.k.a Chapel Road. It’s time for you to discover the hidden gems that bring this village to life while adding to that ‘Woow’ factor.

Let a local Bandra boy guide you through this wonderful maze and take you on a journey with a walk down memory lane. It’s going to be a day of fun and frolic with loads of activities while we pedal together. So get ready to hop on your cycle and pedal away past those gloomy lockdown days.

The event will begin at 7:30 am and the assembly point is Ziro Chill Inc (Headquarters) Shamiana Building, 15 Veronica Road, Near Mt. Carmel’s Church Bandra (West). The ride is going to be a very easy ride at a slow to medium pace. The aim is that we should ride together in a group, the ride duration will be around two and a half to three hours with multiple pit stops to enjoy the vibe.

Following are some of the places where pit stops will be made for all the shutterbugs: 1) Mt. Mary’s Basilica 2) Mannat (Shah Rukh Khan’s house) 3) Bandra Fort (Bandstand) 4) Barters (Jetty between Bandstand and Carters) 5) Grafitti Street (Chapel Road) 6) Ranwar (Catholic Neighbourhood) 7) St. Andrews Church 8) Magic Garden 9) Pali Hill 10) This location is a surprise and will be kept secret till the moment arrives This ride is open to people of all ages.

However, children below the age of 16 will require an approval letter from their parents. First Aid will also be accessible

should the need arise. Please remember that this is not a race & ride carefully. All traffic rules will be strictly adhered too.

The total distance covered will be roughly around 15 - 17 km. At the end of the event, a vegetarian breakfast along with tea & coffee will be provided. Each participant will also receive a goody bag with a bundle of offers, deal & merchandise. To make the ride more interesting we will also have a photography competition running simultaneously. There will be prizes for the top three pictures. Volunteers will also be present throughout the route to ensure the ride runs smoothly.

For cyclists interested in coming from out of town lodging can be provided at very nominal rates.

For people who want to participate in the event & do not have a cycle, no fret we got you covered. One can rent a cycle at a discounted rate.

Things to carry: *Bottle of Water / Energy Drink. *Protein Bar or a Fruit *Helmet *Any Medicines one might need The fun does not stop when the cycling gets over because post that there will be a light yoga session, music, dance & some other fun activities. So tune in, turn on & drop by.

Please note that Ziro Chill Inc. shall not be liable for any injuries that occurred during the event. Everyone who participates does so at their own risk. The event is being organised by Ziro Chill Inc. The entrance fee is Rs 200 for adults & Rs 150 for children below 16 years old.

Since there are limited slots please register at the earliest to avoid disappointment.

The three modes of payment are cash, Google Pay & Paytm.

We look forward to seeing you on the saddle this December. For any more details please feel free to contact Joel Saldanha on 9987910595. Stay safe, Stay blessed. PEACE!

Working from Home?

The lockdown has impacted us in various ways. I´m especially referring to that species of the homo sapiens called men who have been forced to become Ghar Jamais of sorts. The house helps, staying safe, in their own homes (are of no help now).

So, the men who hitherto were, under the delusion that they were the Boss of the House, now know that they only House the Boss. What a hard and vicious reality check this is.

Ok, let´s analyse this peculiar situation in depth. The country maybe in lockdown mode but at home, life has to go on. There is no lockdown from domestic chores, unfortunately. In the absence of house help, it is imperative that domestic chores like shopping for essentials, cooking, washing utensils, clothes, sweeping, swabbing floors, etc do not come to a grinding halt.

Other than being adept at cooking their own goose (which does not count anyway), very few men can cook. So, this specialised chore is housed with the Master Chef alias the Lady of the House who can put all Master Chefs of the world, to shame.

So, what does the newly ordained Ghar Jamais do? After he tries to portray that he is up to his neck, assiduously working from home (WFH), the Lady of the House calls his bluff. She suggests that he pulls in his weight, lending a helping hand around the house. The poor guy quickly stops forwarding silly email jokes to his pals (his idea of WFH), shuts his laptop and desultorily trudges to lend a helping hand. Initially other than sucking in his tummy (his idea of pulling in his weight), he is all at sea amidst the ocean of domestic opportunities, opening up.

The Lady of the House assigns chores with military-like precision. Before the Ghar Jamais can come to terms with the sweeping changes life has thrown at him, he finds himself floored or in other words, sweeping the floors. The poor chap who sometimes has to bend before his Boss,

now realises if he has not already realised earlier, that he has to bend before a much tougher but practical one. The inexperienced Ghar Jamais clumsily wields the broom, raising quite a dust storm, the likes of which are only seen in the Sahara Desert. New brooms may sweep clean but not new broom wielders. Ruefully he ponders how in another age, he was swept off his feet. Now he is in imminent danger of being swept out!

Next comes the mopping of floors.

Thankfully this chore is no longer back-breaking, as it does not require him to bend. He realised long back, he is no David Beckham. Modern mops are attached to metal sticks. This innovation saves the Ghar Jamais from getting a further stick!

Even then, the Ghar Jamais is at a loss as to how to use the mop. He is sarcastically asked, whether he intends to stand there moping or mopping? Poor Ghar Jamais, yet to decipher the import of these profound words, decides that discretion is the better part of valour and sets about the task with gusto. Much like Old Mac Donald, he does it with a splash-splash here and a splashsplash there, here a splash, there a splash, everywhere a splash-splash….

Both moping and mopping done in plentiful doses, wet and dishevelled, the Ghar Jamais tentatively enters the kitchen for the next dose. His heart sinks as he spots the dishes in the sink. Fortunately, the Ghar Jamais is spared the drudgery of doing the dishes. What if he damages the sink while pottering with the pots and pans? As things stand, now there is neither a Harry Potter nor plumbers to work magic. It´s better not to delegate the washing of the dishes to any Tom, Dick or Harry and certainly not to a bumbling Ghar Jamais. The realistic conclusion: In these unusual times, it’s better to have a man handy, then a handyman.

Edwin Fernandes

BANDRA BUZZ | NOVEMBER 2020

CLASSIFIEDS

13

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I.T. RETURNS For Filing of Income Tax Returns, Audit, Accounts (also, Tuition in Audit & Income Tax) - Please contact : Vernon Duarte, Chartered Accountants on 9920767522 JOB VACANCY Progressive housing society seeks manager for handling accounts and day-to-day running of affairs. Knowledge of local laws and handling of staff is required. Part-time / Full time. Kindly mail us your resume to juneblossomschsltd@gmail.com LEARN TO EARN Computer courses (MKCL authorised learning centre), admissions open round the year.

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NEWS

BANDRA BUZZ | NOVEMBER 2020

No Zonals? No Problem!!

Calvin Vaz, has you drawn to a mesmerising mix of forty joyful faces The Andrean All Bandra Zonal Talent Competition is a beloved platform to showcase numerous skills like art, singing, dancing, acting, compering, writing and also leadership. During Covid times, Bandraites felt they would miss out on this extravaganza but miraculously not so, as Calvin Vaz, a significant personality usually accompanying many participants on the piano, rose to return lost hope by tirelessly creating a dynamic video which entails not only iconic dramatic performances through the years but also melody sung by forty diverse voices. Let’s hear from the Star himself!

What inspired you to make the video?

In April 2020 when it became clear that there would be no Zonals this year, I thought of a plan of roping in actors from across the zone and getting them to shoot to a theme that would flow between them.

No rules after all. However, I didn’t get down to putting that plan out.

How was the song ‘Soul singing’ decided?

I’ve always really loved this song by ‘The Black Crowes’. And it’s amazed me that no one else has heard it, for me it was like an anthem! On August 15th, late at night, I heard a different version of the track over the Echo Dot. It struck me that I could recreate this song with some of my musician friends from Bandra. Then I realised that the backing chorus would be perfect for multiple people to record on and send in.

The idea just grew and grew, and 24 hours later, I had the blueprint for a track that would involve: solo singers, choir singers, musicians and actors. I did wonder if I was aiming for too much, and whether I could pull it off!

Were you happy with the participation received from zone members?

That was a mixed bag. Most people who

During Covid times, Bandraites felt they would miss out on Zonals but Calvin Vaz, rose to return lost hope by tirelessly creating a video which entails not only iconic dramatic performances through the years but also melody sung by forty diverse voices got contacted said ‘Yes’. But it was a big task to remind people to shoot and send in their videos. A lot of folks also probably had trouble imagining what I had in mind, as it was never done before. I did feel disappointed by a bunch of folks who certainly should have come through. But I think this is to be expected for any big project, and I needed to move on with what I got.

What kept you motivated?

As the videos trickled in, it was heart-warming watching them individually. I could see this vision slowly coming to life, and as the numbers grew, it was exciting to see all these goofy faces grinning away while singing! That’s all I needed.

What message does the video convey?

The Andrean Zonals (and similar endeavours by other parishes) always amazes me when I see people with no jazz background, of all ages coming together and pulling off a Chick Corea piece on stage.

This video is further proof that “The sum is greater than the parts”. To me, it was extremely important to have a ‘Kid’ grooving next to a ‘Grandfather’ two generations apart. Nothing else can unite and create magic like this!

What do you miss about the Zonals this year?

Every year I seem to make 2-10 new friends, and that equation often continues.

That’s probably the only thing I missed. I otherwise got most of my kicks putting together this video!

After viewing the video, it fills you with complete wonder, joy and the knowledge that not even a pandemic can stop a unique community like Bandra from reconnecting, owing to Calvin’s wonderful dream turned to incredibly succeed in reality! It’s secure to say no time, effort and energy was wasted, as the result of all this was truly commendable. We hugely applaud Calvin for pursuing such a tremendous venture as well as encourage future competitors to embrace talent, technique and total love for the Bandra family.

Anushka Dutt

Dr. Biswanath P. Gouda

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BANDRA BUZZ | NOVEMBER 2020

UPCOMING EVENTS

15

A Very Bandra Christmas It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… and though it’s 2020, No Grinch (Covid or otherwise) has ever taken the Christmas spirit away from Bandra and hopefully never will.

‘The Road Show’ a Christmas tradition started on St. Anthony’s Road in the year 2000 goes to a virtual level this year and then some.

In true Bandra spirit, there will be several ‘verticals’, each handled by some very talented Bandra enthusiasts who have broken the internet and geographical boundaries and uncorked the bubbly spirit of a Bandra Christmas and let it spill over the entire world.

Here we go a carolling!

Music has always been in Bandra’s bloodline. And carol singing even more so! With ‘A Very Bandra Christmas’, we have choirs and soloists, duets and families, from all corners of the globe turning in their Christmas videos and making the earth resound with the sound of their music. Traditional and modern carols will be featured and We Transfer and Google Drive have never worked so hard to bring Bandra talent the world over on a single platform!

Sssh! It’s a secret! Santa The spirit of giving was never a problem for the St Anthony’s Road Show… year after year, gifts poured in… and now with a virtual show, Secret Santa’s have poured out of the woodwork again as Mr Claus (with his ‘New Normal’ look of facemask and sanitised gloves) distributed his gifts in a rickshaw given by the generous spirit that is Bandra. It’s still a mystery how goodies have been trickling in making this section of the show a truly heartfelt one.

O Holy Night Christmas can never be complete without the reason for celebrating it...The birth of Christ.

So this part of the show brings together pastors, priests and laypeople to infuse the show with a healing and joyful spirit. Much

needed in these times!

“You can take Sandra out of Bandra...”

The late 1990s saw mass migrations to distant shores - Auckland, Mississauga, Melbourne... creating mini Bandra diaspora all across the globe. Suddenly this year, distances don’t matter.

Happy to share their favourite Christmas memories about their hometown, this section of the show will feature these NRB’s (Non-resident Bandraites) recounting the experiences they have revisited many times in their mind. A Zoom call from Bazaar road connects as fast as one from Dubai, Denmark or IC Colony Borivali so did a single WhatsApp message went viral and had everyone sending in videos of their very special Bandra Christmas.

From our house to yours...

Through Gmail and WhatsApp, Christmas postcards have poured in from the Misquittas in Mississauga, the Sequeiras from Sydney, the Azavedos from Auckland and the D’souzas from Dubai... each one sending greetings, family pictures and Christmas postcards laden with love.

Deck the halls with boughs of Holly...

Christmas in Bandra is synonymous with decorations… from the larger than life Christmas star to the homemade cribs complete with little statuettes to the more modern display of twinkling lights on neighbourhood streets, this part of the show features the best Christmas décor that Bandra has to offer. We go into Bandra homes and gardens to check out their decorations and have even lined up some very crafty Bandra folk to show us how to make some easy DIY decorations that can grace your tree. Save yourself a trip to Hill Road and be inspired by our crafters this year!

There’s Dancer and Prancer...

That don’t have a chancer!

When they watch this segment of the show...

So what if the Christmas dance at the Ban-

December 11 to 22 dra Gym is cancelled this year, Bandra puts its best foot forward as both young and old shake a leg to some good old Christmas tunes!

Kul kuls frying on an open fire...

Christmas recipes, though safely guarded in dog eared cook books, now get revealed as we enter the kitchens of home chefs as they share in the true spirit of a Bandra Christmas, tongue-tickling delicacies that have graced their tables during family Christmas lunches.

T’ was the night before Christmas... and all through the house...

Not a creature was stirring except for the sound of the keyboard and the creative talent of story writers hard at work, churning out Bandra Christmas stories.

A team of very illustrious elves have been hard at work bringing to you the spirit of A Very Bandra Christmas.

And tying together these various segments with a huge colourful bow will be the hosts of the show and sprinkling it with tinsel will be the live audience interaction as we come to you live on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

If you would like to be a part of any of these verticals, write to us at bandrachristmas@gmail.com.

A very Bandra Christmas will kick off on the 11th of Dec and run thru till the 22nd December.

Social distancing? Naah! Our hearts are going to be connected all through the season. Are you gonna be there?

Leanne Manchanda

BandraBuzz CREATING COMMUNITY CONNECT

We are a local newspaper looking for experienced & interns journalists to join our team in a freelance capacity If you are a local journalist with a strong knowledge of Bandra & Khar, an interest in community news & lots of ideas for stories that you think will appeal to our readers, please drop us a line at news@bandrabuzz.com today!

with a single entry and exit point at night.

Our plan is not to inconvenience anyone.

Our Association understands social responsibility and we regularly do our bit for the area. For 2 whole months during the pandemic, we organized langar lunches for those most affected in and around our neighbourhood. So the idea is not to be self-sufficing; we are trying to find a middle ground.

But Stephanie Pereira, a lawyer, points out, “No one living on Pali or ALM has ownership of the roads. It is not a private property for one to demand gates.” Mr. Zaheer Memon, another Bandra based lawyer, argues, “The suggestion is neither practical nor legal. It’s a route for thoroughfare and cannot be restricted to commuters. Train and increase the number of security guards instead.”

We also spoke to Mr. Gajanan Kabdule, Sr. Inspector of the Khar Police Station.

He chose to not comment on the pros and cons of the gate, as the decision is not under the purview of the Police Department.

But he did speak to us on the substantial work being done towards nipping the transgressions in the bud.

“We have increased patrolling, not just at Pali Hill but all areas under the Khar jurisdiction, where there have been cases of Chitra Bhanu

street crimes and thefts. Just 15 days ago we nabbed 3 people involved in 13 cases of house break-ins and burglaries. We managed to recover property worth up to 13 lakh rupees. These are people with previous criminal records; these are not crimes born out of the pandemic, as some are suggesting. We have identified 12 spots in the jurisdiction that are most susceptible to these crimes and we have increased patrolling, surprise checks on vehicles and we have also assigned beat officers in every chowki. CCTV cameras help the Police Department in a big way. So it is important that they are in good working condition aur unki sankhya bhi badhaani chahiye.”

Currently, there are 3 types of cameras - private property CCTVs, BMC installed cameras and those installed by Larsen & Toubro. While the cameras directly send feeds to the Police chowkis, they are not maintained on a regular basis and cause hindrance to police work.

While the debate continues on whether to make Pali Hill a gated community or not, we can all agree that safety is not a privilege; it is a necessity in a civil society. And this beautiful neighbourhood deserves to get its peace back. Gate or no gate.

In my esteem, he stands over 10 feet tall.

Mark Dharmai, the para-athlete world champion level badminton player, proves his motto all right: from the impossible to the possible. Embracing every opportunity that life throws his way, Mark is the epitome of positivity. A meeting with him motivates you to strive for the best, as he has.

It’s his determination that has taken him the world over, from Germany to Canada, to the Asian Games and other tournaments, fiercely wielding that badminton racket and coming up trumps. The accolades include a countless number of medals about which he says modestly, “I really don’t count them… But each medal reminds me of the training and the hard work that went into winning it.”

What drives him is “the challenge of doing something. If there’s something I can do, I want to do it. I want to make people aware that we (dwarfs) exist and we can do it.” And the human motivating force behind him since childhood has been his mother who took a lot of care of him “and motivated me when I wanted to get into sports. From there on, I started pushing myself.” Mrs. Dharmai’s advice to her son was, “Just keep playing and do whatever your heart wants to. Don’t give up. You may fall the first, second and third time but the fourth time people will appreciate you.”

Combined with the movie Rocky Balboa, which had a strong impact on him, he went forward. Like he says, “when I watched that movie I was really inspired.

And the song ‘Eye of the Tiger’ drives me – I play it while working out.”

Mark has also been blessed with a strong support system by the way of close friends from Chimbai, where he lives.

“They are my childhood friends who have supported me in good and bad times. If not for a strong support system, it would have been very difficult.”

But keeping the blessings all to himself is the last thing Mark wants! He’s constantly on the lookout for people to train and has put many para-athletes on the map, with his dedication. Like the three-feet tall Bina Gandhi who he’s training in shot put for the Dwarf Olympics in 2022, to be held in Germany… and the badminton players Ruhi Shingade and Suresh Sutar.

Where does his professional inspiration come from? “It’s from my life coach Nawal Seth (a gem of a person), who’s very encouraging to dispel negativity and show us the way forward. I travel to Lucknow where my coach has a base camp for makes me very proud and gives me a lot of courage. You have to respect the country you come from.” He admits that he has received support at the state level too and now knows how the system works. “Considering the struggle I went through, I don’t want others to go through the same.

I do as much as I can in my capacity to help someone else.”

Does he have an eye on the Dwarf Olympics 2022 to be held in Germany? He enthuses, “Yes, I have to go! But only if I get sponsors…The government supports some tournaments but where Germany is concerned, we have to go on our own. My life coach, who I mentioned earlier, Mr. Nawal Seth, will explain how to go about things and Dr. Cheryl D’Souza the dentist is also

Mark Dharmai, a resident of Chimbai, is hoping to represent India in the upcoming Dwarf Olympics 2022 in Germany with the help of sponsors para-athletes and at times, he sends us to Bangalore, where we play with able bodies.

It’s very different playing with them – you learn from your mistakes and it’s more of a challenge. Being informed by our coach that we are on world level tournaments, they respect us and share a lot with us.

Ever since I got a membership for Bandra Gym as well, a lot of the members have helped me improve my game. I also travel to camps in Haryana and Chandigarh.”

His favourite badminton player is the now-retired Lin Dan, who he got to meet when he attended the Yonex organised Legend Vision meet. “In fact, I got to meet all the legends, which was my dream!”

He is also strong about – country first – when it comes to representing India. “It

guiding me. The badminton player Disha Pandya also supports us.”

But as always, Mark is thinking bigger and out of the box since he wants to take along at least 25 athletes! He’s not sure of generating the funds right now and admits, “I know this is very challenging but let’s see. I really want to make people aware that there are people like us… You do find life partners when you go there as well. Around 600-800 athletes attend these tournaments and you get to make good friends too.” He, of course, has many from Britain, the U.S., Canada, Beirut and even Egypt!

Language, for him, is not a stumbling block on an international level. “Since I was born and brought up in Bandra, thankfully, English is no problem. A lot of people have difficulty speaking the language. When I went abroad for the first time there was this impression that I am from India so I can’t speak English. But they were surprised when I went up and had a conversation with people!”

His ultimate goal is to have his own academy where others like him can play the sports they like and motivate others.

“People are aware of able sports persons but they don’t know much about us.” So Mark tries to create awareness wherever he goes and reaches out to them. “There are schemes for them to get help – like my bike (it’s a modified three-wheeler) is from a government scheme. There are also other schemes like a quota for government jobs, bank schemes, senior citizen schemes.”

Tough beginnings, like the bullying in school, etc., didn’t get him down for long.

“But you can’t be negative. You have to get out of that space.” Again, it was his mother who pushed him with. “the world is not going to feed you, I am feeding you.” So he always remains positive despite the fact that, “You have to climb that ladder one step at a time and that is difficult.”

But he did it and reiterates “I always have that support – be it from my family, godparents, friends or even the religious-like priests. It was a great challenge but I took it up and succeeded… My biggest support comes from God Almighty and prayers. I want people to know that if I could do it, they can too.”

When you think of celebrating life, truly, Mark comes to mind! We hope he gets all the support he needs to champion the cause of para-athletes like him…

Virginia Vacha Pic Credit: Jordana Quadros

Mark Dharmai Spells Guts & Glory

August 2020 | Volume 11 Issue 8 | Published Monthly | www.bandrabuzz.com | To Advertise: Call 9820783686 or 9920299787 | 16 pages | Price: Rs. 5/-

creating community connect since 2010

Bandra’s first of its kind drive-through COVID-19 testing centre is now functional.

The much-needed facility has been made possible through the collaboration of Suburban Diagnostics & Executive Enclave.

While the medical aspect is Suburban Diagnostics’ purview, the hotel management has come on board as a location partner.

The means to book an appointment is completely online & the process on ground takes less than 5 minutes. Once the appointment has been confirmed, a time slot is allotted. The entry point is through the gate on Dr Ambedkar road & the exit from the rear end on the 21st road. Started on 28th June, the drive centre has successfully conducted more than 450 tests so far.

Since the pandemic, there have been many accounts as to how a crisis can be turned to work in one’s favour, be it China’s aggression towards its neighbours or India’s recent streak of arresting students & activists. However, the conception of this drive-through testing centre is a unique case. Since the crisis in this scenario fulcrumed to work in favour of the community. Rahul & Monish Rohra, Managing Directors of Executive Enclave had a crisis on the personal front. On the 20th of May, 2020 the duo began showing symptoms of the virus. They had been on-ground since the hotel premises was made available for BMC & Police Personnel on COVID-19 duty.

This level of exposure proved to be inimical & as soon as they realized the turn in events, they quickly took the necessary steps & decided to self – isolate in the hotel.

They were in contact with doctors & family through video communication & recovered Therefore, despite the fact that he was very well aware, this step would further hamper his business he decided to engage and thereafter started the centre keeping aside financial motivation.

Rahul shared his experience & stated “As much as the physical harm, the psychological or fear aspect of the virus is also very dangerous. Due diligence & following the directives are necessary, while at the same time permitting unrealistic fear to overwhelm one’s thinking is also redundant. The most effective way to be prepared is through testing & therefore we decided to go ahead with the drive-through model for Bandra.”

Sidhant Nayangara

CREATING COMMUNITY CONNECT

BandraBuzz

road towards recovery. After another week in quarantine, they were cleared and had overcome the virus.

Getting back to the turning the crisis on its head, once back the Rohra brothers decided to share their learnings. Another pivotal role in the conception and execution of the drive-through testing facility was played by Dr Anjali Chabria. A family friend of Rahul & Monish, she was indeed a pillar of support and motivated them throughout their recovery. As a matter of fact, she also referred them to their existing diagnostic partner when Rahul mentioned that he wanted to do something for the good of the community. His personal experience to get a test done was not pleasant and easy.

If you are a local journalist with a strong knowledge of Bandra & Khar, an interest in community news & lots of ideas for stories that you think will appeal to our readers, please drop us a line at news@bandrabuzz.com today!

We are a local newspaper looking for experienced & interns journalists to join our team in a freelance capacity

through (virtually supervised) self-care. A week later they had recuperated. Although they assumed and had specific symptoms pertaining to the infection, they still wanted to be certain.

After a considerable amount of research and frantic calling, they finally booked an appointment at a drive-through centre.

However, to get the test done they had to travel all the way to South Mumbai. This was ironical because Bandra being Bandra, and given the amenities it leverages, we didn’t have a single centre as such.

Furthermore, this method is considered by many experts as one of the safest as well.

The test results cleared all doubts, but on the brighter side, they were indeed on the

Bandra’s first of its kind drive-through COVID-19 testing centre is now functional at Executive Enclave

Bandra’s First Covid-19 Drive-Through Testing Centre

July 2020 | Volume 11 Issue 7 | Published Monthly | www.bandrabuzz.com | To Advertise: Call 9820783686 or 9920299787 | 16 pages | Price: Rs. 5/-

creating community connect since 2010

Don’t dread the disease Talking about what helped him get

Still, in isolation, our anxiety levels are surging, even as we try our best to stay home & stay safe. Amit Butani (43 years old) & his wife Neetu Butani (41 years old) hadn’t travelled outside the country for a year. They were taking all the necessary precautions since the lockdown & stepped out of home only for essentials.

Amit tells us that he felt the sudden onset of fever on the 27th of April, shortly after Neetu showed symptoms of fever, nausea & stomach infection on 25th April.

Writing it off as a normal stomach infection, they began treatment with antibiotics, but her fever refused to break. That’s when they decided to test Neetu for Covid-19.

Against what they were expecting, the results turned out to be positive and she was admitted to a hospital. Amit knew that there was a possibility he was positive as well. As per protocol, the BMC officials came home and thoroughly tested him as well as the senior members of the family.

However, they didn’t test his son and the house help beyond checking their temperature and their levels on the oxymeter, because they didn’t show any symptoms.

Thankfully his parents tested negative, which was a huge relief for them.

The only symptoms that Amit exhibited were fever & a headache on a couple of days. The maximum temperature his body went up to was 102 degrees. Since he exhibited manageable symptoms, BMC officials asked him to maintain home quarantine given that he’s in a separate room with an attached bathroom. And shortly after, he felt fine & normal. The viral infection spanned about 11 to 12 days for him post which he felt completely recovered.

Pearl Mathias Continued on Page 2 >>

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Every business is waiting with bated breath until the pandemic situation normalises but what happens to your business now is very important!

If your business is not seen you will soon be forgotten, hence act now before your competitor does by reminding Bandraites about your business.

Keep calm and let it pass For the majority of people, the virus will only exhibit flu-like symptoms, maybe

frustration due to the fever. In the mornings, the body temperature is low and towards the evening or late at night, the fever spikes; that’s when the virus comes alive.

There is also a feeling of defeat that comes in at times and you’re prone to a lot of selftalk. The idea is to try and stay positive through this time as this changes the body chemistry and helps with the healing. This self-upliftment is in your hands and it’s up to you to steer your mind through it.

Amit Butani alongside his wife Neetu through this time, Amit says that he’s into an energy medicine routine which helped him a lot. He practises breathing exercises, kapalabhati, anulom vilom & there’s an excellent breathing technique provided by Wim Hof, which helped him a lot. Besides this, he’s been doing the usual steam inhalation, hot water gargles, sipping on green tea, taking his multivitamins, especially vitamin C & zinc. He has also been meditating a lot & his wife mentions that this period is like a self-imposed vipassana.

Amit was fortunate enough to be home quarantined, but he talks about the several emotions that one goes through – there’s

Embrace the enemy Neetu, who has been recovering in hospital talks about her journey through Covid-19.

Although Covid is similar to having a flu, Neetu was worried because she has undergone a splenectomy, which in turn reduces her immunity. But she says that if she can fight this disease, then anyone else can fight it much more easily.

After surgery, her stomach has always been weak, & the virus probably attacked the weakest part of the body. She suffered from a serious stomach infection & her fever went up to 104° the next day. Although she was on antibiotics, there was a lot of weakness & she couldn’t eat much besides liquid foods. However, in a few days, the antibiotics began working & she got her appetite back. She was recovering & feeling better, which convinced her that it was only a stomach infection, something she was used to experiencing over the last few years. Just to rule it off, they took a Covid test at a drive-through testing centre.

with an onset of cough or headache & body ache, similar to a regular viral infection.

What you can do is keep your immunity up, sleep well, eat a good amount of fruits and vegetables, let nutrients keep flowing into your body. The elderly definitely need extra care & protection during this time.

But with kids, their immunity is much better off & they’ll be able to bounce back more easily. Don’t fear the disease. Trust your body to heal on its own. Our bodies are vessels that have been serving us so well and that’s what we need to remember.

Simply put in the right ingredients to help it function well.

Amit Butani and Neetu Butani share some truth and encouragement about facing Covid-19 at home and in the hospital

On the Road to Recovery

June 2020 | Volume 11 Issue 6 | Published Monthly | www.bandrabuzz.com | To Advertise: Call 9820783686 or 9920299787 | 16 pages | Price: Rs. 5/-

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In these COVID times where due to the lockdown, when the migrants and homeless find it difficult to find a decent meal for the day, St. Peter’s Church runs a Manna on Wheels programme to feed these affected persons; Manna being the biblical name for ‘food’. The projected initiated by Dr. Richard Pereira and his wife Canice and started on the 30th of March with 25 food packets in their own car accompanied by Fr. Gerard Rodricks; today feeds 1500 persons daily through 10 cars and over 20 volunteers. The cars venture out in different marked up zones in the Bandra-Khar-Santacruz area. Partnering with the St. Joseph the Worker Church helped reach out to the needy in Bandra East area as well. Manna on Wheels received utmost support and was hugely appreciated by Fr. Frazer Mascarenhas, Parish Priest at St. Peter’s.

The fillip to the programme was when St. Peter’s Youth were brought on board by their coordinator Arabelle. They brought in

also the families that have supported their members being part of this initiative.

Till date over 15000 meals have been served & if the lockdown extends, the project intends to continue. The Youth & other volunteers have been fearless yet taking all the precautions of social distancing, masking & sanitization.

Dr. Richard is happy that this project is a contribution of the Church in reaching out to Society & is super proud of the team behind it: Arabelle, Shawn, Liam, Dr. Simone, Golda, Mallaika, Terrence, Anil, Pooja, Griselle, Jocelin, Candice, Jason, Daisy, Sam, Jerry, Milton, Allwyn, Rebecca, Savio, Sherize, Nikhil, Reagan & Dylan. He feels every volunteer, donor & prayer partner who pray for the project daily for the safety of all, have played an important role in contributing of themselves in this once-ina-lifetime crisis.

The project has been a testimony to teamwork and service with Christlike love.

And to conclude in the words of one of the Youth, Liam who said ‘repayment is only with happiness seen on the faces of those receiving that Manna’.

Josh D’silva

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Every business is waiting with bated breath until the pandemic situation normalises but what happens to your business now is very important!

If your business is not seen you will soon be forgotten, hence act now before your competitor does by reminding Bandraites about your business.

a huge amount of enthusiasm and joy into the project. On Easter Sunday, the youth personally baked cakes as an add on to the meals for all persons. Other volunteers from different Parish Churches and other faiths too joined in and their passion and zeal was infectious and helped take the initiative to a newer level.

More than 200 donors have come forward to chip in generously despite the harsh economic slowdown. The funds help this project serve piping hot fresh quality standard meals prepared hygienically by Vaibhav Foods & Al-Ron Caterers. Many others came forward offering their cars, drivers, facemasks & other ways to support the project.

Dr. Richard personally believes in the biblical adage that when God guides He provides; it’s just finding the end & the means will follow. He appreciates the support of Fr. Frazer right from the start & the constant encouragement of Fr. Gerard; and

On the first day, the apparatus of the installation depicts the virtuosity of a healthy pair of lungs, however as the days pass, it begins to reflect the deterioration ensued by being exposed there. A brainchild of Jhatkaa.org, the said installation was previously mounted in Bengaluru and Delhi as well. The current public exhibit that has been installed outside National college will be available for viewing till the 31st of January.

The initiative aims to posit a real-time imagery reference, with regards to the caustic effect of air pollution and its inimical effect on the human repository system. Shikha Kumar, Campaigns Manager with Jhatkaa. org states “Along with Waatavaran, we decided to showcase the installation in Mumbai because air pollution is not thought of as a serious concern yet. The installation is a great way to generate public awareness and get the conversation going, as people get to see the lungs changing colour. It also gives

which have been put up on a billboard. I will now get to see what is happening to my lungs as well as that of other Mumbaikars.

This is the best possible way to demonstrate to people what is happening inside their body when they inhale polluted air,” said Dr. Sanjeev Mehta, Chief Pulmonologist, Lilavati hospital.

Apart from this, the organizers are also hosting an exhibition titled ‘Breathless: An Artistic Call To India’s Air Pollution Crisis’ at Bombay Arts Society, Bandra Reclamation and will be open to the public till the 31st of January from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The exhibition features, photographs taken by Ishan Tanka and stories written by acclaimed journalist Aruna Chandrasekhar. With such an assemblage of informative initiatives regarding air, one must simply, just do it, and take it upon ourselves to safeguard the future for the sake of posterity.

Sidhant Nayangara

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a real-time reading of the air quality index (AQI). Alongside this, we have an online petition asking Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and the CM to take steps to clean up Mumbai’s air.” Shikha Kumar added “In a span of two weeks the lungs have become black. High levels of particulate matter in the air, caused in large part due to vehicular emissions and dust…was all trapped in the HEPA filters. This has proven to be one of the simplest yet visually effective ways of showcasing what the deteriorating air quality in the city is doing to our lungs,”. If you would like to support and sign the petition please log onto Jhatkaa.org.

Kumar added as per studies carried out by air pollution research group, Urbanemissions.info, vehicular emissions and industries itself contributes 31 percent to the total PM 2.5 concentration in Mumbai.

“When I saw these faux lungs, I told the campaigners that these are like my lungs,

5, A. N. Chambers, 130, Turner Road, Bandra West, Mumbai - 400 050.

‘A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words’, therefore this is going to be a short article; thereafter which we urge you to visit National college, in order to witness the reality of the above-mentioned adage. The experience that awaits you there is indeed jolting in nature, none the less, the projection is very much real. The image that we speak of is an installation, a concerted effort between two NGOs namely Jhatkaa.org & Waatavaran.

Installed outside RD National College junction and titled- ‘The Billboard that breathes’, this is a first-of-its-kind initiative in Maharashtra, where an interactive art installation has been used to demonstrate the lethal impact of polluted air on human health. Installed on the 14th of January, the unique creation is an effigy of human lungs and is made of Hepa filters and a fan. The idea is to present a realistic visual that represents the catastrophic damage that our lungs sustain, simply by breathing in the city.

In a span of two weeks the giant HEPA-filter lungs installed outside R.D. National College changed its colour from chalk white to black

Air Pollution Turns Effigy Of Human Lungs Black Within Two Weeks

Over 15,000 meals have been served by St. Peter’s Youth & other volunteers who have been fearless yet taking all precautions of social distancing, masking & sanitization

January 2020 | Volume 11 Issue 1 | Published Monthly | www.bandrabuzz.com | To Advertise: Call 9820783686 or 9920299787 | 16 pages | Price: Rs. 5/-

April 2020 | Volume 11 Issue 4 | Published Monthly | www.bandrabuzz.com | To Advertise: Call 9820783686 or 9920299787 | 16 pages | Price: Rs. 5/-

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Manna-on-Wheels: An initiative of St. Peter’s Church to feed the hungry in COVID times

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A day without laughter is surely a day wasted. This holds particularly true for the renowned Laughter’s Club, near Joggers Park.

It opens at 6.30 am every morning, with various exercises and different types of stretches, which has helped numerous people and especially proved beneficial for one of the members, who is truly grateful that she now experiences less pain in her knees.

The members who belong to different faiths then recite a prayer together, asking to be filled with joy and in turn spreading smiles, generously. Like the words of the prayer, they too concentrate on the essence of humanity, through reaching out in love to each other. After praying, a new member is greeted by an interesting blend of laughter and high-fives!

“The Club is a happy home for many of its members”, says Maheshwari, one of the

organisers. It has completed 21 years, since its inauguration on 26th January 1999 and the number is still in counting... The birthdays and anniversaries are always celebrated. This makes no one feel left out. Members don’t necessarily stay close but continue to look forward to meeting one another and catching up.

To be a member of the Club, it is absolutely free but attendance is important. Once you regularly attend for a period of 3 months, you are eligible to be one of the members.

While interacting with them, an 89-yearold gentleman named Lakhan makes an introduction. He proudly held his own bookstore in his former days. He is the centre of attention in the Club and undoubtedly knows how to make an impression, by lovingly calling out to his wife with the nickname, ‘’darling’’. He shared an almond with

me, along with a smile! When he was admitted in hospital earlier, his two strong pillars were his wife and the Club. He would not be as healthy today if it were not for the efforts of his “darling” wife and the Laughters Club.

Later in the morning, the members enjoyed a warm cup of herbal tea. It delighted me to see how they sincerely care for one another. On my way to taking a cup for Lakhan, another gentleman by the name of Manu remarks to check for salt as it could really trouble someone with high blood pressure. In this way, they certainly are like one family.

You will like to know about other events of the Club. It is an opportunity to unveil their moments of happiness, sadness, griefs and have casual conversations. They excitedly share their professional accomplishments and the news about the birth of a new

grandchild. The members even find ears to listen to in each another, at their hour of need. However, they ensure to overcome such times together. The Club organises fun picnics to Mahableshwar, etc.

At present, the members are as large as 130-150 people who come every day to create a happier space in their lives. If not, at least a better start to the day. Individuals like the lady who had knee problems or Lakhan, with heart problems, asthma and other respiratory diseases have found quiet and happiness. The Laughters Club is growing in its success of finding a bigger member base as well as spreading joy with others outside.

Here, there’s no time for worries or sorrow, just pure joy and togetherness... When are we seeing you?

Anushka Dutt Pic Courtesy: Josh Photography

Laugh Till It Doesn’t Hurt With The Laughters Club!

Around 100+ members gather every morning at 6.30 am at The Laughter’s Club near Joggers Park

February 2020 | Volume 11 Issue 2 | Published Monthly | www.bandrabuzz.com | To Advertise: Call 9820783686 or 9920299787 | 16 pages | Price: Rs. 5/-

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played the MMCB (Mobile Missile Coastal Battery), the Pechora Missiles, the L70 Artillery of the Army and Air Defence major hardware during the Republic Day parade.”

According to the BMC, the entire project costs about Rs 30 to 35 lakhs. A senior official of BMC said, “People who have worked for this project have done it for free.”

Ronald Rodrigues Pic Credit: Paula deSouza

This project comprising of the installation of the plane was accepted by Sharad Ughade, former Assistant municipal commissioner (AMC) H-West ward. After Ughade, the project was led by current AMC offficer Vinayak Vispute.

Peter deSouza (in a blue shirt) initiated the Sea Harrier IN617 installation project at Bandstand along with the Rear Admiral R Pedankar of the Indian Navy back in October 2019 In addition, the BJ Road where the Sea Harrier has been installed has a strong military tradition. deSouza said, “The BJ Road where the Sea Harrier is now installed has had four Vice Admirals, two Lieutenant Generals and three Air Vice Marshalls hosted there along with many senior military officers since 2014. Also, this road has dis-

Reach out to over 50,000+ Bandraites in every nook and corner of Bandra Call 9820783686 or 9920299787 to advertise today!

Every business is waiting with bated breath until the pandemic situation normalises but what happens to your business now is very important!

If your business is not seen you will soon be forgotten, hence act now before your competitor does by reminding Bandraites about your business.

misioned in March 2017. INS Viraat was the last British-built ship serving with the Indian Navy and was the oldest aircraft carrier in service in the world.

Officers of the Indian Navy installed the Sea Harrier SH 617 at Bandstand on March 14, 2020.

Captain Paresh Kowli, Indian Navy, said, “We helped in the installation of SH 617 at Bandstand.”

Along with the installation, Architect Rinka D’monte has designed the space including the pathway around the plane.

D’monte said, “In order to enhance the installation of the Sea Harrier, we have designed a pathway around it. We will lit up the space so that it serves as an iconic tourist attraction. There is going to be a seating place too in the space around the plane.”

For the maintenance of this project, deSouza has suggested the project will be maintained by every school of Bandra for one month on a rotational basis. deSouza said, “We have many schools in Bandra who are willing to maintain this project on a monthly basis. Students and faculty members of a school can visit the site and manage basic maintenance like cleaning the space around, watering and gardening.

It will provide an opportunity for students to interact with the Indian Navy and BMC while gaining a sense of responsibility.”

ou can grow any kind of vegetable, fruit or flowering plant in your home with six to seven hours of sunlight every day and adequate supply of water,” said Manoj and Smitha Varghese, the couple who own Growbites plant centre at Chimbai. Both Smitha and Manoj have started a terrace garden in their home since last five year where they grow over 25 different types of plants like chikoo, mango, fig, banana, grapes, dragon fruit, turmeric, curry leaves, pomegranate, pineapple, papaya and more.

In a suburban place like Bandra, the Varghese couple says, “We grow our vegetables and fruits.” Smitha adds, “When we grow our vegetables, we know exactly how they are grown and what content we feed them to grow. We do not use chemical fertilizers or pesticides so our plants are pure. We can Smitha & Manoj have started a terrace garden in their home since last 5 year where they grow over 25 different types of plants just pluck and eat without any harm and the “In any household, all the members of the Tips for growing your plants taste is natural.” and have a deep passion for growing plants. family try to water the plants even when it is Do not throw away garbage, be creative Manoj reveals, “We started growing plants on Anyone can grow plants provided you not necessary. Some plants can survive with and use it for your plants. Manoj says, “We our terrace just for our self-happiness. These know how to maintain & take good care minimum water while some require a large used our broken washing machine as a huge plants make us feel happy when we go every Manoj breaks several myths prevalent supply. You got to maintain the perfect level bucket container for growing plants. You can morning for a walk in our terrace garden.” among people by explaining, “Plants do not of water supply to avoid any damage.” use paint boxes, used water tanks and wa- Smitha who manages the garden says, “We necessarily need soil. They just need the nuter buckets for planting. You can mix 5ml of can pluck any fruit or flower and enjoy its trients present in the soil & support, to hold Challenges faced in terrace planting Neem oil and 2ml of liquid soap into 1 litre natural beauty. Besides, these plants help to roots. We grow some plants in water & pro- Constructing and maintaining a full water- of normal water and spray it on plants once purify the air and give out so much oxygen vide the nutrients. However, 6 hours of sun- proof terrace is a challenge but a prerequi- a week. It is the best natural medicine and which is beneficial for our health.” light & the required supply of water is essen- site for terrace planting. Manoj says, “In a city your plants will not get any disease.” tial. Also, plants do not lead to mosquitoes, it like Mumbai, you need to build a waterproof “Dry eggshells can be powdered in a Different forms of Terrace Planting is only when you allow stagnant water to get terrace to prevent any kind of leakages. mixer and used as a calcium supplement for Aquaponics and Hydroponics Spending time with plants is important be- plants. Similarly, you can add vegetable skin, The Varghese couple has started two differcollected that mosquitoes start breeding.” cause you need to check whether every leaf fruit skin, used tea bags as natural compost ent forms of planting called Aquaponics & is healthy, every plant is getting adequate for the healthy growth of your plants.”

Do not water your plants too much Hydroponics. Manoj explains, “In Aquapon“Plants are like children, you should not sunlight and all roots are growing strong. Too ics, we keep fish & the waste of the fish helps pamper them too much,” opines Manoj re- much of wind is not good for certain plants How did it begin? What are the benefits? to grow plants. vealing that most of the plants die due to so you need to have wind blinds if they are “It all began with an accident,” chuckle the Ronald Rodrigues overwatering or under-watering. He says, facing the seaside.”

Varghese couple who are both plant lovers Continued on Page 5 >>

Y

Bandra couple grow over 25 different types of vegetables & fruits on their terrace garden

Indian Naval Fighter plane ‘Sea Harrier’ now installed at Bandstand

Residents of Bandra along with tourists can now have an opportunity to get a sneak peek of the functioning of the Indian Navy as the Jet Fighter plane ‘Sea Harrier SH 617’ has been installed at BJ Road, Bandstand. This Indian Naval Ship (INS) Viraat sea fighter plane has been installed by the Indian Navy on request accepted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Peter deSouza, Convener and Director of the Brihanmumbai Interschool Republic Day (BIRD) parade group, initiated this project along with the Rear Admiral R Pedankar of the Indian Navy. deSouza said, “We started working on this project in October 2019.

This plane was the last Sea Harrier standing so it is a special one.”

This plane will be accessible to the common public, visitors and tourists alike, says Asif Zakaria, BMC Corporator. Zakaria said, “We have displayed the Sea Harrirer in a suspended manner so that it projects as if it is taking off.

Anybody and everybody walking around Bandstand will be able to look at this installation as there are no grills or barricades.”

The fighter plane installed weighs around 4.5 tonnes approximately. It was part of the INS Viraat, an aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy, which was commissioned to the Indian Navy on May 12, 1987 and served for 30 years till it was formally decom-

December 2019 | Volume 10 Issue 12 | Published Monthly | www.bandrabuzz.com | To Advertise: Call 9820783686 or 9920299787 | 16 pages | Price: Rs. 5/-

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We are excited to celebrate a huge milestone for Bandra Buzz - we are turning 10 years this December!

We knew we were onto something when we first introduced the idea of a local newspaper to a handful of clients in Bandra.

10 years on, we are proud to say we have helped grow thousands of established and home-based businesses throughout Mumbai.

As we continue to build a stronger partnership together, we fully recognize that your continued support and trust that you place in us is the foundation of our success.

Bandra Buzz is celebrating 10 years this December!

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fectively curb the crimes in the vicinity.

The gate, however, has sparked a debate.

While we spoke to many who see this as a welcome move, there are many others who think the gates are unfair.

“Why?” reasons Sudhir, a resident. “The intention is not to stop people from using the roads. The roads will remain open through the day & will only be gated from 10 pm onwards; no one wants to disrupt free movement. This gate will only make it more secure for residents, as well as travellers.” Agrees, another resident Sonu, “Yes, it will only make the neighbourhood better. It will discourage miscreant bikers and will be safe for everyone on the road.”

Leandra, another Bandraite, however, has a question, “Why not increase security in your compounds, instead? Why put up gates and block a public road? In Delhi too, where such gates have been put up, there are traffic problems at night and long detours. I don’t think that is fair at all to the rest of the public.”

“I don’t think it will hinder traffic”, says Rang Ashok. “It is only a matter of 7 hours in the night, and the gate will not stop non-residents from moving in and out.” The Association’s secretary added, “The gate will only restrict thoroughfare,

Pali Hill Residents Association have reached out to the Municipal Corporation and proposed a “gated community” to safeguard Pali Hill better Bandra’s Pali Hill is no stranger to the spotlight. However, this peaceful & quaint neighbourhood has lately been at the centre of attention for discomforting reasons.

In the past 3 months, the area has seen a number of cases of burglaries, home break-ins, mobile snatching incidents on unsuspecting walkers, & some instances of eve-teasing. Understandably, the residents are worried for their safety & security. So, along with the Pali Hill Residents Association, they are looking at various solutions that can help fix the problem.

We spoke to the Association’s secretary, Madhu Poplai, who elaborated on the issue. “Apart from Rajiv Apartments, there have been break-ins in 7 other buildings in the area & at least 14 cases of petty thefts.

We want to protect our residents. So, together with the Khar Police, we have put together a neighbourhood watch, with regular police patrolling in the evening. Most CCTV cameras in the area do not function properly & we can’t just rely on building security either.” The Pali Hill Residents Association has therefore reached out to the Municipal Corporation & proposed a “gated community” to safeguard the area better. They have suggested there be 4 gates at different entry and exit points of Pali Hill, manned by security guards at night, to ef-

BMC along with Samir D’Monte, architect designer & planner, is revamping the adjoining area on the west side of the 150 years old heritage structure of Bandra station

lanes for both private and share. There will be four auto-rickshaw lanes, two in each direction going towards Lucky Restaurant and Turner Road, one for private and one for public share auto-rickshaws. There will be covered queueing systems to protect commuters waiting for public transport from the sun, wind and rain.”

The project is designed by D’Monte and is being implemented by the BMC. Sushant Bagal, junior engineer of the BMC H-west ward working on the project, “We had done a case study and traffic survey on the area adjoining the Bandra west railway station.

We are implementing this project with an aim to reduce traffic congestion and create a pedestrian-friendly space where commuters can walk to the station safely and get access to BEST buses easily.”

The project also aims to promote government & public transport systems such as BEST buses. Bagal said, “We aim to promote BEST bus services as the first preference for public transport followed by auto rickshaws. We will have separate lanes for autos & a separate pedestrian crossing so that there is no staggered crossing.”

Ronald Rodrigues Pic by: Josh Photography Turn to Page 02 for Project Plan >>

To gate, or not to gate Pali Hill - that is the question

Spacious pedestrian pathway, customised bus stops & separate auto lanes soon as Bandra station area is being beautified

With a spacious pedestrian pathway, separate lanes for private & shared auto-rickshaws, new bus stops for BEST public transport, customised locations for drop off for private vehicles & cabs, a mini-park & digital signages, the area just outside Bandra west railway station is being revamped as part of a beautification project.

The BMC along with Samir D’Monte, architect designer & planner, who is a resident of Bandra, is revamping the adjoining area on the west side of the 150 years old heritage structure of Bandra railway station.

The aim of this project is to ease the flow of traffic, create separate pedestrian pathways, improve the movement of the public and private transport and enhance accessibility for commuters. Samir D’Monte, who is designing the project said, “We have designed the project plan in such a way that there will be a new large pedestrian plaza in front of the station where people can safely move around and appreciate the heritage structure.”

D’Monte added, “We have designed four special customised bus stops, two on the station side and two on the other side, depending on where commuters want to go. We have organised proper auto-rickshaw pickup and drop stations, separate

October 2020 | Volume 11 Issue 10 | Published Monthly | www.bandrabuzz.com | To Advertise: Call 9820783686 or 9920299787 | 16 pages | Price: Rs. 5/-

November 2020 | Volume 11 Issue 11 | Published Monthly | www.bandrabuzz.com | To Advertise: Call 9820783686 or 9920299787 | 16 pages | Price: Rs. 5/-

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