Hidden Secrets - Mahim Causeway - Bombay

When the British took over the Salcette Island i.e. today's Bandra and beyond, many people from Bandra would come to South Bombay in search for work. 

Bandra was separated from the rest of the Bombay Islands at that time by swamp land. The swampy area between the two islands made travel dangerous and thus a need for a causeway arose.  The British East India Company, who governed Bombay at that time, refused to fund the project.

Thus, Lady Jeejeebhoy, wife of the first baronet Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy, to donate the entire amount of INR 1,57,000/- on the condition that the government would not charge a toll for its use or disturb the Koli community who lived around the area.

The Mahim Causeway was built between 1841 to 1846 to connect the island of Salsette with Mahim.

​​​​​​​​​Today Mahim Causeway is also called L.J. Road.

​​​​​​​​​​Original Road sign  on the pavement - 1800's 

The untold story of Charni Road - Bombay

Charni Road Station, Mumbai: the forgotten story behind it

Between 1822 and 1838, cattle from the congested fort area used to graze freely at the Camp Maidan (now called Azad Maidan), an open ground opposite the Victoria Terminus. 

In 1838, the colonial government introduced a 'grazing fee' which several cattle-owners could not afford. 

Therefore, Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy spent Rs. 20,000 from his own purse for purchasing some grasslands near the seafront at Thakurdwar and saw that the starving cattle grazed without a fee in that area. 

Sir Jamsetjee Jeejabhoy

In time the area became to be known as "Charni" meaning grazing. When a railway station on the BB&CI railway was constructed there it was called Charni Road.

​Credits: The above information has been shared with me by a dear friend Ms. Aban Kabraji for the purpose of enhancing the awareness of our City's Heritage.

Interview with Amit Banage - Teacher, Mumbai, India

Interview with Amit Banage - Teacher, Mumbai, India

Profession : Teacher, Bhavishya yaan: Mumbai, India

Born and brought up in the suburbs of Mumbai, Amit has been in the field of teaching since 2000 and has taken the concept of teaching students to the next level with his own and innovative theory of blending speech and song to create a more activity oriented classroom atmosphere to develop interest for the language among the students. He realized that various currently accepted experiments on various projects helped him realize that the regular school teaching has very less effect on the child.

Come and hear his story and showcase of self made vision and get a glimpse of a radically new technique of teaching that could revolutionize the way we look at our educational system with value and quality.

1.    What inspired you into teaching?  

India is the land of Guru – Disciple relationships which has always captivated my mind. From stories of Kings and Warriors to Scholars and Scribes I was inspired with the unique messages that each had to bring forth and yet saw the disconnect with the learnings we take in today’s world.

I was fortunate to be mentored by quality teachers who believed in imparting knowledge than just educating for its sake as seems to be the trend these days. This played an important role as listening to spiritual discourses, helped me develop  a craving to be a teacher.

         2.  How did you get connected to Project Vidya ?

After graduating from St. Xavier’s College, I got a job at an English Medium School but was disappointed by the monotonous and routine style of work. I took a job in a N.G.O. which is a social wing of Sun Pharma company. Through this N.G.O., I worked in B.M.C. School in Chembur for 2 years, experimenting various activities and methods and for the first time, the Municipal School Kids stood on the stage and sang patriotic songs in English during the Republic Day celebrations. I was since then, promoted and became a Master trainer [teachers' trainer] at the headquarters of this N.G.O. in Ambernath.

It was during this time that the Rotary club in partnership with VIDYA was planning to introduce Bhavishya yaan project. The then Head Master  recommended my name and thus I was selected by Bhavishya yaan. Thus, i came in contact with VIDYA.

               3.       How has this Job Role and Vision changed the life around you?

Working with Vidya has helped me realize that to ensure effective learning, it is very necessary to create a non-threatening atmosphere in the classroom. Here there is no competition and every individual is unique and important.

Being with Vidya has not only helped me to grow above my prevailing circumstances  and explore new avenues chief being motivating women to being self reliant.  

              4.      What is your type of teaching?

 “A good teacher is not one, who teaches well, but one who makes the students learn by themselves”. This is my philosophy of teaching. A teacher is just a facilitator who provides learning atmosphere and opportunities to the learners. It is activity oriented learning. Students participate in the classroom activities and come out with creative learning outcome. The strength of the class does not exceed 25.

In addition to this, I have introduced a new concept in teaching -learning activity. Since it is difficult to memorize  tables and rules of grammar, whereas, it is easy to learn songs and poems with tunes, I give tunes to various contents like vocabulary and rules. This is done with many regional songs being  translated by me in English to assist. This concept is named as 'Sing and Speak English'.

For example, the famous song 'Ai mere watan ke logo' was translated in English by me. Students of B.M.C. Ghatla school even presented this song in English, on Republic Day celebration.

I was awarded with a certificate by Rotary International for inspiring and motivating the kids to speak without fear.

              5.      How has it shown benefits in the lives of the students?

Students have gained confidence in speaking English. They participate in activities that enhance their capabilities through interesting activities and songs. Many a student at the under privileged school that I teach in have left the class with more than just self confidence but also reassured that they not only have a reinforced sense of self belief but that they can move out into regular society as an equal.

             6.      Why is this approach of teaching going to be beneficial if adopted by teachers nation wide?

Today, teachers are burdened with routine clerical work while parents have become' Marksist' in their attitude and approach. Removing the fear of exams from their minds and creating a conducive environment through song and innovative techniques could turn the education system up a notch.

Besides, Today, we are following the same old chalk and talk method of teaching, in the classrooms. As a result, learning process has become monotonous and boring. Hence, to develop interest in studies among students, alternate teaching methods have to be adopted.  Teaching methods should be student- oriented, age appropriate, and should enhance in creating a non-threatening atmosphere in the classroom.

All the five sensory organs should be considered before framing activities. It is rightly said, 'I hear, I will forget... I see, I may forget...but if I do..I shall remember forever. Hence, along with auditory and visual, psycho motor activities should also be involved.

The main aim of teaching should be to create conducive atmosphere for learning, making the learning process interesting and fun oriented. Students should enjoy learning.

          7.      How does this help you in your goal?

As a teacher, our goal is to provide opportunities to the students, for their all round development. Activity oriented teaching helps to identify the innate tendencies and qualities of the students. A student, not good in studies, can be excellent in craft and drawing. 

 A student may dislike reading, but he may be good in singing. Thus,interest can be cultivated in students, using methods, favorable for the students. I remember a student, who was weak in tables...but liked to sing. So i composed a song based on tables and this student was the first one to learn it.

In activity based teaching, the trainer is merely a facilitator and an observer. His role is to monitor the activities and the participants, and try to understand the inclination of their nature and interest.

The Nawab - Toasted like never before….

When was the last time you went to Bhendi Bazaar in Mumbai’s crowded southern end, at 7am just for a juicy piece of toasted bread? Don’t worry that’s the same shock that came to my head until my friend coaxed me to bite away the nights sleepy grip on me to go on an adventurous trail in the most unsuspecting locations of Mumbai!

Tucked away in the by lanes of a busy market hub, Nawab Restaurant has seen many a generation pass through its doors bringing in their grandchildren to taste the famous toast which, though simple in recipe, has won the hearts of many a passerby. Housed in an antiquated building that flirted with the British Rule, this family styled quaint café has the ambience of welcome and a will to make you a part of its heritage and not just another customer. If you are curious, go ahead and strike up a conversation with the cheerful and wise owner who is delighted to engage in the life of the yester years.

So what is this famed toast you say? Well its simply freshly baked soft bread fried on a hot plate doused in butter. Now though you may assume the recipe to be the ordinary, its simplicity and cost of INR 10/- only is what draws many a wanderer to its den.  A plate or two of this toast coupled with hot tea perfect start to a winters day immersed in shopping for clothes, antiques and hardware items. Don’t forget to catch the action outside the café where early morning salesmen will flaunt their apparels to a bustling crowd of takers that will redefine your concept of morning calm!

Just walking distance from the Sandhurst Road Railway Station, this café is in close proximity to the shoppers paradise of Null Bazaar, Chor Bazaar and even Crawford Market being a stone’s throw away. Interestingly, Bhendi Bazaar got its name from the locals phonetic  understanding of “Behind the Market” that the British would call it due to its location behind Crawford Martket.

Iranian Brew on the Mumbai streets

Nestled along the inner roads of the former Mahim Island, is the newly opened quaint café “Irani Chaii”. Aimed to revive the typical but dying Iranian Chai culture in Mumbai, Mansoor Yezdi, started this café that welcomes people of all walks of life looking for that time out atmosphere in a routine driven city.

Born in Iran himself, Mansoor today, warmly welcomes every individual amicably as his way of giving back to every Indian who once opened their doors to the waves of Iranians coming to make it big in this Metropolis in the 18^th and 19^th Century. Have a cup of tea with him and you will soon be swept into a timeless movie studded with historical scenes and modern entertainment; Mansoor candidly states that “All Iranians are diabetic from childhood as chai and sugar flow through their veins”.

With his logo sporting the traditional friendship between India and Iran which few diplomats could meet, Mansoor will never let you feel alone as he has many a story to tell that range from his grandfather selling tea at Apollo Bunder in his thick Irani accent or the Goans who graciously helped them master the art of baking.

Proud of his quality and standards, food enthusiasts are even given a guided tour of his kitchen and interestingly, this café has more to bargain for. He takes the term Social Responsibility to the next level, where he not just gives a good 10% discount to men in uniform but also to those who arrive on a cycle as his way to giving back to Mother Nature. Same reason to why he does not sell water at his café. He is also proud that all wood used in his café is recycled teak wood sourced from deserted buildings.

And if culture and history are your game, then come down grab a hot cup of tea, sit on old Polish furniture and catch him mouth a few phrases in Farsi as he watches you through the myriad of mirrors that once functioned as CCTVs. Even the table cloth used here is chequered, hand woven and specially flown in from Iran.

In reality this café is the epitome of the Sanskrit Concept “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” meaning  “the whole world is one family” beckoning you to return. 

Ever wondered why Indians across the world, will often inaugurate or complete an important task that invokes God himself by breaking the coconut? What do we have against this humble fruit?

Lets understand the deeper meaning behind this otherwise silly action....

      Why do Indians Break Coconuts on Every Occasion

Interview with Umair Khan - Model, Mumbai, India

Umair Khan 

Profession : Model, Freelance
World Map : Mumbai, India

Born and brought up in Mumbai, Umair has always been an ardent lover of football playing professionally in many an elite club. But as he progressed through life’s many an unexpected twists, he found his calling in the spirit of dance and trained under the legendary Shiamak Davar himself and has since found himself dancing with the stars in many a television programme such as Zee Cine Awards, Star Guild Awards , Star Parivaar Awards and many more. 

It was here that his talents and hard work were given credibility and he was soon made the poster boy for a myriad of companies ranging from Fogg Adverts to prints for Jet Airways and Smaash apart from a host of small scale enterprises. 

One of his crowning achievements however would definitely be a character role with the Bollywood Actor Farhaan Akhtar in the movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag as an Indian athlete.

Come and hear his story of perseverance and get a glimpse of the world that lies beyond the glimmering curtains!

Q> What is Modeling to you? What goes through your mind when you express yourself through it?
Modelling to me is the love for fashion. It's the classic case of passion turned into a career. When expressing myself through it I'm completely myself be it on a runway or on a set/studio. It's a give and take relationship with the camera. I think passion is the difference between having a job and having a career. And like they say choose a job that you love and you will never have to work a day on your life.

Q>  What is the role of modelling and dance in impacting today’s generation? How tough is it to make a career here in today’s market?
 It's Everything ! Because of the Media I feel there's too much pressure on the youth to be attractive, athletic and popular. This means they are indirectly pushed into the notion of being fit like a model and be a good dancer to have their talent and credibility acknowledged. Every youth today has a role model they look up to and want to imitate. A positive role model, though few, has the power to make change desirable in society.

It's very difficult to make a career in this field in today's market. You have to be perfect in everything to be able to make it to the final auditions. And just when you think the worst is over, there comes the selection round. Crossing this barrier itself is a task. It's this unseen hard work that people fail to see behind the glossy magazine photographs. Each commanding hours of training at the gym, eating the right food, maintaining a healthy diet, correct amount of sleep, looking after your looks is certainly no rosy lifestyle. Besides, after all, at the end of the day it's the face that sells.  What makes is more exciting is the endless running around for auditions and waiting in a line with a minimum of a 100 people even for a short character role of an unheard advert!.

Q> What were the initial difficulties you faced when making modeling your career? And the small moments that inspired you to be steadfast in your perseverance?
One thing everyone needs to know is that modelling is a full time job. It's a career and a very difficult one. It's not like a 9-5 job. You've got to give everything you have and there's no fixed timing. Work shifts may go on a full day and night schedules. It's an All in poker game where you risk your career, hard work and money put in if you don't make it.

                                           

Initially, I was very thin so I had to start with getting my body in the right shape. Hours of training for months went into that. When I thought I was ready and started with the auditions, the requirements kept changing with every audition! Some wanted lean, some asked to bulk up more. The requirements, though frustrating, differed with every project. Three months of auditioning in the heat and running around for almost every possible audition and not being shortlisted for a single thing was difficult to accept. It's at this point that you need to stay focused and give it all. You become your best or your worst enemy. I made sure I got it because I really wanted to and that kept me working to achieve it. Everyone around you will criticise you and that's when you need to prove them wrong. That became my mission and strangely, my inspiration.

 Q> How do you strike a balance between work and family? Is there any support or pressure?
 Family support is the most important thing you can ask for in this field. If you family is supportive, you've got everything you can ask for. I’ve been blessed with a very understanding family. They always let me do whatever I've wanted to but in a good way. Even if you are out of town for weeks, just a phone call from home is all that you need to rejuvenate. I'm really very thankful to my family for everything they've done for me.
                                         
Q> Is the modelling world really as glittery as the common man sees it to be? Could you give us an example of the reality you see?
 Yes. It's very fascinating. But again the amount of hard work it takes to reach there and see it, is a lot. In the end, it's totally worth it. You just have to make sure you're ready for the hard work and struggle which hides behind the glamour.

Q> How have you been able to keep in touch with the ones that have made you who you are today? Is it important to do so?
 Yes. I'm in touch with everyone who's made me what I am today. It shows that you actually care and love them. Wealth of good manners is something that no one can steal from you. You keep it with you wherever you go.

Q> Tell us about the real Mr. Khan who sits behind the curtain.
I'm actually not a party person. I don't go out clubbing or partying all the time. I'm a fitness freak. Love working out all day and all night and the credit to this fitness goes to my trainer Yogesh Bane. Apart from that, when I'm not out for work you will find me with my friends, just enjoying a good chat. So behind my curtain, life is much simpler and not that fancy which balances me with the glamorous side.

Q> If given a choice to chose an alternate career what would you have chosen and why?
 Dancer without a doubt! Being a Dance graduate from Shiamak Davar International School and working and learning under the maestro Shiamak himself is just something you can't leave. It’s like being with family, a bond that is hard to break.