In Mumbai's bustling local train system, a recent viral video showcased a noteworthy incident.
The video depicted two women quickly boarding a moving train, a common occurrence as passengers scramble for seats just moments before the train arrives at a station.
The video highlights a woman sprinting towards the train doors, attempting to secure a seat before the train comes to a complete stop.
This rush for seats, while thrilling, poses significant dangers and underscores the challenges faced by Mumbai's commuters.
The video, shared on an online platform X, was accompanied by a caption that criticised the situation.
The caption described it as a sad, scary reflection of substandard living conditions. Some more affluent individuals, particularly those living comfortably in South Bombay, often romanticise this as the 'spirit of Mumbai' or a 'jhunjhuna' given to common Mumbaikars, intended to make them feel better about their hardships and discourage them from demanding better infrastructure.
In response to the video, many internet users expressed their thoughts.
One user noted that Bollywood's portrayal of the Bombay dream had led to massive migration in the 1970s, ultimately resulting in the current situation for millions.
Another user pointed out that despite Mumbai's significant contribution to the country's economy, it has consistently received inadequate infrastructure and civil amenities.
Yet another user suggested that sending individuals from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh back to their home states might address the issue, albeit with a controversial perspective.
Finally, a user argued that the true 'spirit of Mumbai' should focus on uplifting every citizen, improving living standards, and creating a more equitable city for all.