Before the last gifts are wrapped and packed away, we reach out to Mumbaikars to learn about one wish they’d like to add to Santa’s to-do list
Representation pic/Istock
Compiled by Shriram Iyengar, Devashish Kamble, Trisha Ghosh and Rumani Gabhare
You won’t live forever
If I had to wish for anything, I would ask for people to be more empathetic. Can we have more compassion, and remind human beings around us that no one lives forever? Hence, stop your hatred right away.
Makarand Deshpande, actor, theatremaker
Peace and unity
All I want for Christmas is clean air, clean food, and clean water as is the fundamental right of every citizen. Even more, I would want people to realise hatred does no good for us, or the people that we hate. I would want people to understand the power of peace, unity, and the good in coming together.
Luke Coutinho, integrative lifestyle expert
BEST wishes for the city
If I could ask Santa for one gift it would be an impetus to the BEST buses across the city. Having worked closely on the ground with walkability, we know how the decline of these city icons has hindered the city. Any improvement to the system will be a relief to close to 1.5 crore people. The second one would be improved pedestrian access across the city. We desperately need it.
Rishi Aggarwal, co-founder, The Walking Project
Women, art, and the environment
Pic/Satej Shinde
I’d wish for the passing of laws that favour the reversal of patriarchy and control over women in the country. In particular, I’d like to see an all-woman judicial committee that comes up with recommendations. I would also like more central cultural funds to go towards artist sustainability across all art forms. When it comes to Mumbai, I want Santa to help ensure heritage laws are put in place to protect villages like Pali and Ranwar. Also, why not make the sea more accessible. How are the waters so polluted only within the limits of Mumbai city? I hope these wishes are not too much to ask.
Ayesha Parikh, founder, Art & Charlie, Bandra
Quick-fix roads
Pic courtesy/@jeeyasethi
The only wish I have is for clearer skies because coughing is harder than breathing, right? A faster turnaround time for road digging would be great too: Two days at best, I’d say. Or is that too much to ask for?
Jeeya Sethi, stand-up comedian
Renewal over redevelopment
We can never stop at one wish for Christmas, but I would ask Santa for a clean environment, good roads and footpaths, improved public transport with good last-mile connectivity. Most of all, I would wish for respect and protection for heritage structures, and for the people to encourage and embrace urban renewal rather than redevelopment.
Vikas Dilawari, conservation architect
Filled stomachs, happy hearts
I am a restaurateur and anything I wish for has to be about food. My heart’s true wish would be for a Michelin Star, but if that is not in Santa’s bag of goodies, I would settle for filled dining rooms across the world. The more people eat, the happier it makes me. There is also a touch of selfishness, as we are hoping to launch a new brand, and are exploring avenues in Dubai. So, it seems like an appropriate wish.
Abhayraj Kohli, restaurateur, co-owner, Pritam da Dhaba
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