Salaam Bombay

Recently there was a huge hue-and-cry in the Indian blogspace about a Reader's Digest Survey (i think it was RD) that bestowed the dubious honor of 'World's Rudest City' on Mumbai. The parameters for gauging rudeness were
- people did not hold doors open for others
- people did not pick something u dropped and return it to u
- shopkeepers did not thank their customers

Ok, so Mumbaikars dont have the time or inclination to bother with Western courtesies. We all know wat they dont do, and frankly couldn't care less. Yesterday we found out what they do, when there is a real problem

(In case u dont know, Mumbai was hit by 8 serial blasts, at its very lifeline - the suburban railway which carries millions home every evening. The blasts took place at 630 pm - peak traffic hour)

• On hearing explosions, people didnt run away. They went to the site to help those who were injured
  
• People with vehicles offered assistance to others who were stranded
  
• People trained in disaster management during the floods last year came out to control the situation
  
• Restaurant owners offered food and water to people who were affected. Note that they did not complain no one was thanking them
  
• People ensured the safety of women and children first
  
• 
  

The city showed great composure and resilience in the face of serious adversity - which they are no strangers to by the way. However, Mumbai retuned to relative normalcy today, rather than staying depressed about a terrorist attack for several years. India will not go and bomb countries out of existence, unlike a superpower whose fury was unleashed upon poor nations, even though there was no real evidence against them.

We stick together, help one another and demonstrate the meaning of 'unity in diversity'.

If the Westerns think we are rude coz we dont display the same pretentious behaviors as them, they can come and kiss my ass for all I care. And in keeping with our 'rude' reputation, I will not apologize for my attitude.