I have lived and worked in different cities and towns across India. Each city or town has taught me a lot of life lessons. However, the maximum learning as a working professional I got from the city of Mumbai.

Mumbai never sleeps, literally. You can walk at dawn or at midnight and the city is buzzing with some activity or the other. What I really admire about this wonderful city is that – “Rain or sun, life goes on” .

I would like to share some of my key learnings ,from this maximum city. I have seen every one ,working hard for their living. Irrespective of being a driver or a house help, they are always on time and have no excuses to offer. My security guard in my apartment ,travelled at least 50 kms every day ,one way ,in train/bus and walk ,but was never late for his duty.

My house help supported us right through the year. She would turn up at the peak of summer or even during heavy monsoon ,on time ,every time. Even, when we would advise her not to come, she would turn up. This made us admire ,her professional ethics.

This experience is applicable, to every walk of life. If I booked a cab and wanted to catch an early morning flight, I would tell the cab to come at 3:45 am. He would turn up at 3:30 am and sometimes may even wake me up from bed if ,I miss my alarm.

At the work place, I have seen my colleagues ,travel from long distances taking trains and buses and never late for meetings or appointments. It is this work ethic , which makes this city instill that discipline ,in your blood.

I may even say that an electrician or a plumber ,would turn up for their appointment ,on the said date and time ,without fail. They would never find an excuse to postpone their visit, like in many other cities.

The buses and local trains ,run on time and is the life line of this city. What amazes me, is the discipline in every walk of life. Further, any catastrophe does not disrupt this city ,like any other in India. I have witnessed a terrorist attack and city was back to normal ,the very next day.

The resilience of the people living in this city is worth emulation. Interestingly, people from all over India ,come to this megapolis in quest of their dreams and slowly but surely, imbibe the professionalism of this city.

Another important lesson I learnt from this city , is the simplicity of the citizens. They may be diamond merchants or wealthy businessmen but you cannot make out from their dress or demeanour. We may make out someone is rich ,only when they get into a posh car as otherwise they walk and talk, like all common people.

Mumbai makes you into a Mumbaikar and this is admirable. Every city in India is unique and does offer something to learn. However, there is no city in India, which transforms your life and work ,into a thorough bred professional like Mumbai.

Let us learn to live on happily, irrespective of rain or sun ,from the city of Mumbai.

S Ramesh Shankar

24th Dec 2024