Mumbai Diary: Saturday Dossier

Pics/Satej Shinde, Shadab Khan

Swing low Sweet chariot

Taking the chance to nap in the unlikeliest of places, a man (top) rests under the shade of a parked air-conditioned carriage of a railway coach at Andheri station, while a child sleeps on their mother's lap at a busy vegetable market in Sion Koliwada.

Walking for Mumbai's breath

Members at a previous walk held by the community; (right) Yash Agrawal

As the city struggles to find its breath with the worsening Air Quality Index (AQI), it is time for individuals to step up and demand a change. The NGO, Fridays for Future Mumbai, will take a walk from Vile Parle station to Mumbaikars' favourite Sunday hangout, Juhu Beach, tomorrow to highlight this rising danger. "While the issue is a current topic, there seems to be a lack of awareness about the causes of air pollution and atmospheric problems," shared Yash Agrawal, organiser and volunteer. "The walk is not just an effort to highlight the cause of air pollution, but also an opportunity to discuss connected issues such as public mobility through transport, pedestrian walkways, footpaths and cycling alternatives," he revealed. To this end, the participants will carry banners and posters designed to encourage the conversation. Agrawal added that they will spend time speaking with the public, shopkeepers and, more importantly, children. "Since it is the Cricket World Cup weekend, we also want to bring some attention to the shrinking public spaces in the city. What better time than to bring it up on the World Cup final?"

The man with a keen eye

Dadiba Pundole; (right) Dr BN Goswamy. File pics

The passing of Dr BN Goswamy at the age of 90 on Thursday, November 17, marks the end of an era for art criticism in India. The eminent researcher and art critic's perspective, insight and knowledge set him apart. For city gallerist Dadiba Pundole, he often changed the way people looked at an artwork. "He would look at different aspects that offered a new spin on the work," he said. Dr Usha Bhatia, former editor of Lalit Kala Akademi, who studied under the late Goswamy at the Panjab University in Chandigarh concurred, saying, "There could not be a better professor in our lives. He would dig out inner meanings of paintings, and analyse every detail of the work. He taught us [his students] that insight."

Goan luncheon before Friday jazz

(From left) Ghosh, Premjit Dutta and Shonai outside the restaurant

While they were in town for their performance of That Friday Jazz at G5A, the Kolkata-based jazz trio of Bodhisattwa Ghosh, Premjit Dutta and Shonai could not stop themselves from an off-the-beaten-track lunch at New Martin Hotel in Colaba. "We are all foodies, and had heard of the hotel from friends. We absolutely loved the vindaloo and surmai fry," Ghosh told this diarist.