A Blog begun years ago as a stroll
on the Funny Side of Serious Street, highlighting India's problems.
Revived now by adding memories of old Bombay, including excerpts from
Dreams of One Country.
When SizzlingGold Rained on Bombay
(Excerpt 8: Memories of old Bombay from Chapter 3 of Dreams of One Country)
A time when Colaba, Clare Road and Nagpada (home also to Ashkenazi Jews) had large Anglo populations. To Let signs everywhere amid fears of a Japanese invasion. Nehru speaking to a spellbound multitude at Napoo Gardens. A frail, sparrow-faced saint walking miles, pleading for communal harmony. The naval ratings revolt, which the Brits called a mutiny. Incandescent sugarcanes shooting into the daytime skies and bullion bars hurtling into homes, when the Fort Stikine (an ammunition ship with gold in its hold) exploded in Bombay harbour. Splendid parades and soldiers street-dancing on VE Day. A restaurant at Ballard Pier in ’46; a British troopship ready to sail, and the sad-frantic girls kissing and weeping…certain the promises of their English boyfriends were meant to be broken. And seeing off Anglo emigrants on Cunard and P and O liners at Mole Harbour. And more. Much more...
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Check out Dreams of One Country on Amazon.com. If the novel's Revolutionary Theme - the March to a New Ek Desh India - appeals to you, you can download it on any device: I phones, pads or computers. In the 21st Century story youth lead India's people to unite as Ek Desh (One Country), to strive together and build an enlightened and truly modern nation
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