Gateway of India Rally on 3rd Dec 2008

A lot of curious friends asked me weder i had been a part of the Gateway Rally which was rather termed as a Non-Cooperation Movement by a number of sms's mentioning about a faceless leaderless movement. So thought of jotting down my experience there into words for those unlucky guys who couldnt make it there and a few such persons who were busy doing something more important work or thought that this entire movement was nothing but a waste of time. All 5 fingers are never alike and in a democratic country everyone has a right to think and speak thier own mind. So respecting thier feelings, i wouldnt comment on it.
The sms urged the public to gather at 6 p.m, at 5 p.m i switched on my T.V to gather information about the situation there and Aaj Tak had a live program "Fight Against Terror" where people had assembled at various places around the country, including the Gateway. I was thrilled to see hordes of people assembled around the anchor and another camera positioned at the entrance showing large groups of people coming and holding banners. I switched of my T.V, and rode towards my destination knowing tat i wouldnt be able to reach there by 6 if such a huge crowd was turning. After crossing the V.T bridge it seemed all roads lead to Churchgate, people in cars and bikes wearing white / black T-shirts , black armbands carrying placards and posters set the mood. It was bumper to bumper traffic right across from Flora Fountain till Regal. On the way i came across loads of college rallies shouting pro-Indian slogans, anti-terrorist slogans. Finally when i managed to reach Gateway i was surprised and hunbled at the same time watching the entire area was full of people. There were a few wid slogans printed on them like the "I love Mumbai", "Just coz we have a spirit, dont exploit it". Indian tricolors was carried by few, there were Mexican waves doing the rounds where the entire street used to clap one after the other. An area was cordoned off and i saw Alyque Padamsee urging the crowd to fill in what they demand from the politicians and they would give the feedback of what was achieved at the same place after 1 month. I seriously doubt if that could be possible knowing that the New Year Bash continues for weeks for the celebs. But if he keeps his words i would surely go there next month and check wat was the outcome.
A few placards that i remember are the
"Join the Army or Shut Up"
"Deshmukh or Desh -ka- Murkh"
"If u cant handle this, allow the Army to rule us"
"Terrorists were from outside the country, Politicians are more dangerous as they belong here"
"Jis Thaali Mein Khaate Hai Usi Mein Ched Karte Hai"
"Mr. Naqvi, you can use the lipstick and the powder which I didnt apply today and even wear the bangles and then decide either to sit in the Parliament or stand at a Signal and scream "Aye Raaaju" - This one was the best.
Later when Javed Akhtar led the singing of the national anthem, the entire area had one voice, little flames erupting from the candles glowing and showcasing the tears streaming down the eyes of a lot of people. On my way back i saw a group of Sikhs serving water and tea to the public and givin a much needed respite from the perspiration.
Then i co-ordinated and met a friend Mr. Suneel Hattangadi who is a 67 year young who bumped into my profile accidentally while searching a student of his. We became good friends and decided to meet for the first time at the Gateway itself as both were gonna b a part of it. When i met him, it felt as if v had been long lost friends and this man walked the entire crowded street jostling and getting pushed by a few negligent people but never succumbed or wanted to wait for the crowd to subside. He was not just a man with great mental strength but also had courage, determination and sharp memory as well. When we reached near Indigo Deli Restaurant the owner requested us to have a seat and him to catch his breath. A young man walked next to us and he immediately recognised him, and chatted with him for a while mentioning that he read an article in the newspaper which had his photograph and he remembered his face from that article. Later when we moved out i was curios and asked him who he was, he said that guy was Sanjit Bedi, a theatre personality. The name seemed familiar to me and i tried to recollect where did i come across this place. I suggested him to take a cab to churchgate as he was going to return to andheri, he rejected it saying that he came from churchgate on foot and will walk his way back as well. I tried my level best to persuade him but he didnt budge so i had to relent and made a move home. Two days later it suddenly striked me where i had read about Sanjeet Bedi, it was an article which i read just 6 hours before actually meeting him. I was ashamed at myself of not remembering a name i read a few hours prior and this young man recollecting a person precisely thru an article he read more than a month ago. Hats off to u Sir...
Time is running out so will need to cut it short now, will get back soon!!! Ciao