Mumbai Diary: Wednesday Dossier

Pic/Sameer Markande

Dyed in Red

Women celebrate Sindoor Khela with vermillion at the Durga Puja pandal of Spandan Foundation's 11th Sharadotsav in Powai

Building her own future

Jiya Gada (left) with friends during a collection drive; (right) at the book launch

What makes environmental conservation difficult is that it is a project for the future. And it seems, the future is starting to take control of it. Fourteen-year-old Jiya Gada, for instance, has spent the last two years recycling and collecting over 300 kg of material for her passion project. Last weekend, she released her first book, a story about nature and conservation. "My journey began in 2021 when I met Dr Smita Birkar (right) during 5RCycle Foundation's collection event," said the Andheri resident. So, inspired was the teen by the idea that she has since made a point of conducting regular collection drives across her Andheri neighbourhood. "I began with my building. I kept a big sack for collection, for the residents. Next, I went from door to door, requesting neighbours to discard things they don't use anymore. During Diwali of 2021, we collected close to 100 kg of waste," she said. While the project has moved along impressively, Gada maintains there is a long way to go. "It is difficult to change people's mindsets. There is a lot of waste produced but people do not know how to recycle it," she shared.

Festive rides and sweet endings

The group of cyclists during their ride from Shivaji Park to the Sea Link

Ravi Agarwal of SoBo Cyclists resumed his annual Dussehra cycling tour to Dadar and Bandra yesterday. "Every year, we begin at Marine Drive and tour across SoBo. But this time, we wanted to find a spot that is convenient for all. So, we started at Shivaji Park in Dadar, reached the [Bandra-Worli] Sea Link, took a U-turn towards Kalanagar in Bandra East, and ended with a festival special - jalebi and fafda," he told this diarist. The highlight of the nine and a half-kilometer journey were the 180-plus participants who turned up at seven in the morning to join this special cycling tour, including IPS officer Krishna Prakash and assistant commissioner, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Vishvas Mote.

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Dabba doodle do

The doodle beside the window seat (right) a close-up of the text

A train's empty compartment (often referred to as ‘dabba') does a good job of offering space for contemplation. Spotting this unsigned graffiti-inspired doodle on a late-night Borivali Fast seemed only fitting. The note to go ‘offline' reminded this diarist of Mumbai's increasing love for the art form and our preoccupation with screens. But in a crowded train, there's nowhere to stare as you let your thoughts unfold except your own lap, unless you're lucky or fast enough to grab the window seat. Perhaps, the phone offers relief from a tough day's work. We thought it apt that this doodle, illustrated near the seat, would be visible only in an empty compartment.

Will city's alt rock band headline I-Rock?

(Left) Aditya Francis (right) the band in performance

For rock bands across the country, Independence Rock (I-Rock) holds memories. Performing at the festival marks a moment of truth for many a rock band. It is precisely this sentiment that makes this year's edition in December special for the city-based quintet, Ailaan. Led by vocalist and songwriter, Aditya Francis, the band is among the finalists for the headliners event, alongside Pune-based Nemophilis and Arunachal Pradesh's Takar Nabam. "This will be one of our first performances at I-Rock. It is the mecca for any rock musician. It is the place to be," shared Francis. The band, formed in 2015, was noticed when it won Searock, the band competition at BITS Pilani in 2017. "Our music is a blend of alternative rock, fusion and Indian folk. We interpret these elements into our compositions," said the singer. As for I-Rock, the band is looking forward to the opportunity, he remarked, adding that the crowd makes it all the more exciting for musicians.