Living in Mumbai – the city full of dreamers, hard-laborers, the prolific film industry (Bollywood), artists, servants, fisher folks and millionaires – has been an amazing journey.

Migrants come to Mumbai from all over the world with dreams of making a living in the financial powerhouse of India. More than 50% of the population consists of migrants, and this is what makes Mumbai different from the other cities of India. The advantage of growing up in Mumbai is that we are exposed to different cultures, languages, food and religions; thus, learning new languages becomes easier when we travel around the world.

I was born in Kerala, brought up in the small town Alibaug, and have lived in Mumbai for the past seven years. I visit Kerala every year, but when I come back to Mumbai I fall in love with the city all over again. I realize how much I missed the crowded Mumbai locals (local trains), which are one of the biggest identifiers of this city. These trains are such a huge part of an ordinary Mumbaikar’s life. Over a million people travel on them every day.

Living in India has its ups and down, as in any other country. It really depends on the city/town/area you live in. For example, people in cities like Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi are a little more vibrant, confident and liberal than people in rural areas.

My life’s been a journey filled with highs and lows, but the city has never left me. I always have inspiring stories around me to keep me going and to help me become a better version of myself.

TR

Either way, Indians tend to base their beliefs on religion, caste and gender. Culture, marriage, security and ‘being right’ is very important. Having kids is another must. Children are taught to respect their elders and be good neighbors.

Living in India also makes you work hard, not smart. Hard, because there is so much of competition – like in any other developing country.

Mumbai

Rural India is very different from urban India. Life in rural India is quite simple, and can be a bit depressing sometimes. In urban India, there is progress, industrialization, mall-culture, pubs, cinemas, etc. Crimes rates are at an all time high, but Mumbai is safe compared to other cities.

All in all, India – and especially Mumbai – has its own charms and disadvantages. But, no matter what we say, at the end of the day every Indian is proud of being Indian.

Mumbai

Mumbai is known for its chaotic streets, yummy street food and awesome sight-seeing destinations. Tons of foreigners and Indians visit Mumbai to taste the flavor of this magical city. The following are a few of the top places to see:

1. The Gateway of India, done in Indo-Saracenic style, is the major landmark of Mumbai City. It was built in the 20th Century to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. Gateway overlooks the Mumbai harbor and is located in the Colaba district.
2. Colaba Causeway Market is an ideal place for street shopping. It offers cheap – but trendy – clothes, fashionable boutiques, British-era buildings and, of course, good food.
3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), a Victorian Gothic-style building, is situated in the heart of the city. Just like the Gateway of India, CST is an important landmark. Declared a ‘World Heritage Site’ by UNESCO in 2004, Victoria Terminus was built in 1888 and is today one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in India. It is also one of the busiest railway stations in Mumbai.
4. Marine Drive is another popular tourist destination. It is referred to as ‘Queen’s Necklace’ because the street lights make the road look like a string of pearls when viewed at night from an elevated point.

The list of such awe-inspiring places in Mumbai goes on, and almost all of them have some historical significance attached to them. This does sounds like a “City of Dreams”, right?

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

I truly can’t imagine what it would be like to be raised in some other part of India. My life’s been a journey filled with highs and lows, but the city has never left me. I always have inspiring stories around me to keep me going and to help me become a better version of myself. There is no end to the many successful people who are living their dreams in this wonderful place.