The frame couldn't have been more apt as the rain gods went into overdrive on a July afternoon. There they were — a group of die-hard city lovers — mostly middle-aged, old and the very old. They had braved the torrential rain to show up at the multi media room in St Xavier's College for the annual seminar in the 40th year of the Bombay Local History Society (BLHS) that coincided with the 150-year celebrations of the prestigious college. But above all, they were there, I think, to celebrate Bombay.

They were the true survivors and soldiers of Bombay's urban history movement. Looking around the room, I spotted a few familiar faces — some have been active participants at heritage walks and talks; then, there were keepers of the city's treasures — from collectors and history professors to chroniclers, and finally, the faceless ones, who always showed up at any place and time where the city's history and heritage was being discussed and deliberated. In fact, some members of the audience were even part of a heritage walk at St Thomas Cathedral in the first half of the day.