Dear Editor,
Greetings.
I am submitting for your kind consideration my original opinion article titled “When the Rains Test Mumbai, They Reveal Its True Character.” The article reflects on the recent spell of heavy rains in Mumbai and highlights the resilience of its citizens, the dedication of frontline workers, and the importance of strengthening our urban infrastructure to meet the challenges of climate change.
As a former Rotary International Director and someone who has been actively engaged in leadership, community service, and public affairs for over five decades, I have always believed that constructive public discourse can contribute meaningfully to nation-building. It would be an honour if you consider the enclosed article for publication in your esteemed newspaper.
The article is original, has not been published elsewhere, and is being submitted exclusively for your consideration.
Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to hearing from you.
With warm regards,
Ashok Mahajan
Director Rotary International 2007-09
Trustee , The Rotary Foundation 2009-13
Past Chairman,Rotary India Covid Task Force
Chairman, Rotary Ulemas council to fight against Polio
When the Rains Test Mumbai, They Reveal Its True Character
The recent spell of incessant rain has once again demonstrated the resilience of Mumbaikars, the dedication of frontline workers, and the urgent need to build a more climate-resilient city.
For the past four days, Mumbai has once again found itself in the grip of an intense monsoon. Roads have been submerged, trains and buses delayed, flights disrupted, and the daily routine of millions thrown off course. Yet, amid these hardships, one enduring truth has emerged once again: Mumbai’s greatest strength lies not in its infrastructure alone but in the indomitable spirit of its people.
Every monsoon serves as a reminder that while nature can test even the strongest cities, it also reveals the character of those who call them home. Office-goers continue their journeys with patience, students persevere despite inconvenience, businesses reopen as soon as conditions permit, and families adapt with remarkable resilience. This quiet determination has long defined Mumbai and continues to inspire the nation.
The recent rains have also highlighted the extraordinary dedication of countless frontline workers. Police personnel, municipal staff, healthcare professionals, transport employees, and emergency responders have worked tirelessly, often in extremely difficult conditions, to restore normalcy. Equally inspiring are the countless citizens who have offered food, shelter, transport, and assistance to strangers without expecting anything in return. Such acts of kindness reaffirm that compassion remains one of Mumbai’s greatest assets.
However, resilience should never become a substitute for preparedness. The recurrence of flooding, traffic congestion, and disruption to essential services underscores the need for stronger drainage systems, better urban planning, regular maintenance of civic infrastructure, and greater use of technology in disaster management. As climate change makes extreme weather events more frequent, our cities must be equipped not merely to respond but to withstand these challenges.
Government agencies and civic authorities undoubtedly carry a major responsibility, but citizens too have an equally important role. Keeping public spaces clean, avoiding litter that clogs drains, following official advisories, and helping those in distress are simple yet meaningful contributions that strengthen our collective response. A resilient city is built through partnership between responsible governance and responsible citizenship.
The rains eventually subside, but the lessons they leave behind should not. Every challenge offers an opportunity to improve, to innovate, and to prepare for the future. Let us salute the tireless efforts of our frontline workers and the resilience of every Mumbaikar. At the same time, let us resolve to build a city where courage is matched by preparedness, and where resilience is supported by world-class infrastructure.
For generations, Mumbai has shown that it never allows adversity to define its future. That enduring spirit remains its greatest strength. If we combine visionary leadership with civic responsibility and long-term planning, Mumbai will not only weather every storm but emerge stronger after each one.
— Ashok Mahajan
Past Rotary International Director,
Past Trustee , The Rotary Foundation .
Past District Governor, Rotary International District 3140;
leadership mentor and commentator on public affairs, governance, and social issues.