<h2>Branch operations</h2>
A host of sparrows perched on a tree branch at <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-broken-drain-lid-near-shah-rukh-khans-mannat-turns-bandstand-stretch-into-danger-zone-23631089" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Bandstand in Bandra</a>
<h2>Community matters</h2>
Did you know that the late journalist and editor Pritish Nandy was born into a Bengali Christian family in Bihar? Were you aware that television journalism guru Prannoy Roy&rsquo;s mother was Irish/English? Or India cricket captains like Vijay Hazare (deceased) and Pune-based Chandu Borde are Christians?
<img src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/nov/Dr-Louis_1793749879_s.jpg" alt="(From left) Dr Louis D&rsquo;Silva, the author, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, and Fr (Dr) Sajith Cyriac, Chief Editor of St Pauls Publications, during the book release function at St Pauls Media Complex, Bandra, on Saturday. Pics/Special Arrangement" width="1280" height="720" /> (From left) Dr Louis D&rsquo;Silva, the author, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, and Fr (Dr) Sajith Cyriac, Chief Editor of St Pauls Publications, during the book release function at St Pauls Media Complex, Bandra, on Saturday. Pics/Special Arrangement
We discovered all this in a book called Christians in India: The Nation&rsquo;s Vital Asset (St Pauls Publications) edited by Dr Louis D&rsquo;Silva. The eponymous book was released by Cardinal Oswald Gracias at St Pauls Media Complex at Bandra last Saturday.
The book is a heavyweight (roughly two kgs) literally and metaphorically, and the task of profiling accomplished Christians was embraced by Bandra resident Dr D&rsquo;Silva across 16 years. For this diarist, the book provided a pleasant recall of famous names who we don&rsquo;t hear too much of, now. Singer Mervyn Rufus, who was known as India&rsquo;s answer to Elvis Presley.
We availed of an early bird offer on Sunday, but R700 is the printed cost. If you too would like to discover more such insights, pick a copy from Title Waves bookstore in Bandra.
<h2>A bag full of mayhem</h2>
<img src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/nov/Ankita-Nikrad_1793749917_s.jpg" alt="Ankita Nikrad and Akshaya Naik in the play Bags of Gags. Pics courtesy/Rupesh Tillu" width="1280" height="720" /> Ankita Nikrad and Akshaya Naik in the play Bags of Gags. Pics courtesy/Rupesh Tillu
What happens when a clown has no words but a bag full of tricks? Theatre artist and actor Rupesh Tillu explores this in Bags of Gags, a 60-minute comedy production. Scheduled for November 21 and 22, it will be presented with Clowns Without Borders and will feature actors-turned-clowns Ankita Nikrad, aka Clown Mindy, and Akshaya Naik, aka Clown Gundi.
<img src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/nov/Rupesh-Tillu_1793749946_s.jpg" alt="Rupesh Tillu" width="1280" height="720" /> Rupesh Tillu
&ldquo;The story follows two vagabonds who share a friendship and travel together. Their bag is full of surprises, and every time they open it, they discover something unexpected, as does the audience,&rdquo; said Tillu. For details, visit @rupesh_tillu.
<h2>We&rsquo;re over the rainbow</h2>
Director Vikram Phukan gave this diarist quite the immersive tour of Mumbai&rsquo;s lesser-known queer history back in 2024. Phukan&rsquo;s passion to bring queer stories to the fore hasn&rsquo;t dimmed, we learnt.
<img src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/nov/Play-ax_1793749972_s.jpg" alt="Stills from the play Where is SSS? (left) and Light in My Eyes (right) that will be showcased at the festival. Pics courtesy/Vikram Phukan" width="1280" height="720" /> Stills from the play Where is SSS? (left) and Light in My Eyes (right) that will be showcased at the festival. Pics courtesy/Vikram Phukan
The new Bambai Zara Hatke theatre festival curated by Phukan, and presented by Gaysi is set to hit the ground running on November 27. &ldquo;Queer stage works have always existed, but we lacked a dedicated platform to present them.
<img src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/nov/Vikram-Phukan_1793749996_s.jpg" alt="Vikram Phukan" width="1280" height="720" /> Vikram Phukan
The recent Satrang Mahotsav in Pune inspired us to take the plunge, and bring a three-day festival to the city. We&rsquo;re planning a line-up of old and new shows,&rdquo; he revealed, while giving us a sneak peak.
<h2>Mumbai, on priority</h2>
<img src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/nov/Survey_1793750071_s.jpg" alt="Young adults speak to residents while surveying neighbourhoods. Pic courtesy/Blue Ribbon Movement" width="1280" height="720" /> Young adults speak to residents while surveying neighbourhoods. Pic courtesy/Blue Ribbon Movement
The <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-ai-cameras-installed-by-bmc-in-mahim-faces-concerns-over-false-alerts-23657643" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is testing an AI-powered surveillance system to catch and deter illegal garbage dumping in public spaces</a>. Complementing this effort, the Blue Ribbon Movement, a non-profit organisation, is set to continue its Community Connect Fellowship in 2027.
<img src="https://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/nov/Pankhuri-Jain_1793750095_s.jpg" alt="Pankhuri Jain" width="1280" height="720" /> Pankhuri Jain
The initiative has previously engaged young people aged 18 and above in addressing civic issues. &ldquo;Over three months, the fellowship reached 3600-plus Mumbaikars, identified over 1400 civic issues and delivered infrastructure fixes, benefiting over 3 lakh citizens,&rdquo; said Pankhuri Jain, programme manager of Community Connect.

The city - sliced, diced and served with a dash of sauce

Mumbai Diary: Wednesday Dossier

Branch operations

Community matters

Trending Stories

Latest Photos

Latest Videos

Latest Web Stories

Mid-Day Fast

Home / Mumbai / Mumbai News / Article / Mumbai Diary: Wednesday Dossier