Mid-Day Anniversary Special: Of books, riots and a promenade, how Mumbai shaped Suresh Kakani’s life

In a city known for its breathless pace, noisy streets and traffic snarls, Suresh Kakani’s, fondest memories of Mumbai are associated with its quiet and peaceful public libraries. Kakani is Secretary, State Election Commission. He is also the former Addl. Commissioner, Public Health (BMC). Kakani said, “I first came to Mumbai back in 1984 as a civil services aspirant. I didn’t have much money to afford books for my studies.” Someone then told him to try his luck at the Central Library, located in the Asiatic Library building. Affording a membership for the library was out of question, so Kakani requested the librarian to let him access the books in the non-public section of the library. “When I told him I was studying for the public services, he promptly agreed. I would spend hours at the library, sometimes from 8 am to 10 pm. That is how I cleared in my Public Service Commission Examination first attempt,” Kakani said.

Suresh Kakani found succour and success at the city’s peaceful library. Pic/ASHISH RAJE

During this time Kakani also became familiar with the helpful nature of Mumbaikars. He explained, “In 1984, Mumbai witnessed riots, violence. I used to work at Sandhurst Road, which was a riot hotspot at the time. But I was new to the city and I was unaware of this aspect, so I would move around very freely, on foot. People around me were very helpful and they took care of me. I did not face any unpleasant situations,” said Kakani.  “I discovered Mumbai’s true fabric through such experiences,” he added. 

Kakani belongs to a rural area in Maharashtra’s Washim district in Vidarbha. “I had viewed my move to Mumbai as a transition phase. So I was very focused on not getting carried away by the glamour of the city. But this city helped shaped my personality, both as a human being and as an officer,” Kakani said. 

Kakani soon realised that acclimatizing into the diverse fabric of Mumbai is not a major problem for new Mumbaikars as long as the gap between the service provider (government) and its people is minimum. “So as an officer of the Indian Administrative Services, I have tried to do just that. There are other things that I absorbed from Mumbai’s personality which are working with speed, effective implementation of work, and discipline in daily routine. Practicality and directness have helped me act on all three learnings,” he said.

Marine Drive holds a very special place in the heart for Kakani. In his early career days, Kakani stayed in Churchgate, just minutes away from Marine Drive. Long late night walks on the promenade were a matter of routine and discipline. “My wife and I would sit at Marine Drive late into the night. We used this time to discuss our day. 

This is where we developed the habit of discussion and communication. This helped not just my career, but also my married life. And Mrs. Kakani’s views and inputs, shared during extensive discussion have been fundamental in shaping my life path,” 

Kakani said. The city has become part of his heart, soul and future. Scotching plans to move back home post retirement, Kakani has chosen to stay back in Mumbai. Future plans include social work, giving back to the city. We say, that’s an ace service.