Comment posted on What to Name the Bandra-Worli Sealink? by Sharell
I’m all for that idea Frances. If they called it the Bandra-Worli Sealink, it makes it very obvious what its functionality is and where it’s located. No political dramas needed either. I remember we had a road in Melbourne called the South Eastern Arterial — very appropriate name for what it was. A main road to carry traffic through the south eastern side of the city. It was called this for years and years. Then someone came along and renamed it the Monash Freeway. Sigh.
Sharell also commented
- Shaunak, I totally agree with you. I remember that debacle over the Nano plant all too well. There was a big article in the newspaper the other day about how China is able to mobilize resources and get the job of infrastructure construction done so much quicker than India. The way the government and political parties operate here is a constant source of irritation to me. So much time and opportunities are wasted because of them. 1 out of 77 infrastructure projects completed in Maharastra is a bad joke. India really needs to take some drastic steps forward if it’s ever going to live up to its superpower potential.
- Really? Wow, thanks for telling me that. Definitely will do!
- Raju does seem to have a rather big bee in his bonnet. Oh well. I’m feeling really sad I won’t be able to go on the Sealink because we don’t have a car. I was so looking forward to going on it on the back of the motorbike, and having the sea air whip through my hair. The traffic jams do look really bad from what I’ve seen in the newspaper. Then, there’s the people who have been doing u-turns along the bridge and driving up and down it!
- Good morning Raji. You are being ridiculous. I didn’t take the side of either political party (I gave balanced views about the Senas and I certainly didn’t favour the Congress in the naming of the bridge). One is fully entitled to have an opinion in one’s own blog. So bas hogaya. Okay.
- Why would I be scared of being beaten up. They’ve got no reason to beat me up at all. I haven’t come to this city and taken a job away from anyone. I’m not employed here. I’m all for the provision of governance but along with it must come two other factors that seem to be severely lacking in India — accountability and transparency. The day political parties can fulfill these criteria, I’ll be happy to vote for them! In answer to you last statement, I really don’t care. As long as I can live my life simply and peacefully, that’s all that matters to me. BTW – even if the Queen rules there will still be a Parliament — England has one.
Recent comments by Sharell
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Thanks Madhu!
I’ve approved it. The link is below. It’s such a useful blog, I’m going to feature it in my India Travel blog, hopefully in the next few days.
http://goindia.about.com/u/sty/travelogues/blogs-about-india/India-Travel-Blog—10-Year-Itch—Explore-Dream-Discover.htm
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I read that in the newspaper this morning and was left wondering WFT?! But regardless of what ever the situation actually is, he’s admitted to having sex with her which is bad anyway. - Lunch Delivered in a Tiffin
I could only wish my book will be that good! What an epic. - How Scissors Get Sharpened in India
Hi Raj, welcome to the blog and thank you for such positive feedback. I’m familiar with the exact type of expat you’re talking about. I guess that’s why I have so few expat friends. I find them difficult to relate to — especially when they have more than enough money, home help, drivers, and spacious apartments….and can’t stop complaining. Plus, they make me uncomfortable because they say they have no idea how I can live here happily without any of my home comforts, since I’m not on a well paying contract with a MNC like them. I’ll definitely admit that I do my share of complaining about India (ask my husband!) but I usually follow it up with… why is it like this? I really do want to understand and unravel the mystery of India! I guess the difference between myself and many expats is that they have come here for work, without really knowing anything about India or probably even wanting to. For them, India is just another country to work and earn money in. However, I’d spent a considerable amount of time in India as a tourist before I decided to make it my home, so the country is a bit more close to my heart than it is other expats. I hope that explains it. And I hope you’ll enjoy my blog!
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You have been satirical without verifiying facts. Uddhav Thackeray had suggested names other than Chattrapati Shivaji – Such as Mahatma Phule or Ambedkar.
You can try to be funny, but only after you check the facts.
I’m sure he did! But I am suggesting Chattrapati Shivaji because all these other important structures have been called that in the city. Why not one more?
Oh, and I personally think the statue would look very good near the Sealink, especially at night if it gets illuminated. Sealink would afford an excellent view of it.
I dont know if you are being funny or what?
But Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus was called Victoria Terminus before – not very visionary of British, would you say.
And in a nation of pacifist vegetarians who were addicted to losing wars to violent Muslims, it was Shivaji, who took up Muslim rule and displayed marvellous courage.
Indian history has been very shameful for past 1000 years- Shivaji is one of the few exceptions.
Definitely not very visionary of the British, I’ll agree for sure. As for me, please don’t be too offended by me. My sense of humour is a bit strange Australian sometimes.
It could be taken either way but it is lighthearted.
To be honest, I really do think that the Sealink could be a very important focal point for the city, particularly the suburbs. The Sealink certainly looks impressive. And if the Chattrapati Shivaji statue was put there, it would add to it even more and give people something to look at as they’re driving over the bridge (and people would readily be able to see who Shivaji is. Then, it wouldn’t just be a name of a bridge to those outsiders who aren’t familiar with him). Also by naming the sealink Chattrapati Shivaji, it would also tie in with other transport infrastructure (airport, train terminus) being named after Shivaji.
While I found the idea amusing to start off with, the more I think about it, the more serious and inspired I am about it. (I’m definitely not joking when I say this). It could be the focal point that the suburbs need.
Given the way the Indian “bureaucrazy” works I am glad it got done….. It is a shame on Indian polity that behind the facade of concern they play with people’s emotions
. They better get down to building another 8 lane highway next to the existing one, because vehicles using the highway will only double in next couple of years if predictions are correct. T
It’s all so frustrating PGB. Indeed, wait til the Nano comes out. But in the mean time, I’m disappointed that they’re not even letting two wheelers use the Sealink.
Now, I’m curious as to what everyone thinks about the Sealink’s name. Is Rajiv Gandhi appropriate or should it be something else? Something more indigenous to Maharastra?
Naming it after politicians, dead or alive, is always going to be touchy …. we should stay away from that …. better to name it after some scientist, no?? It will cut across politics
…. may be 100 years later Rajiv Gandhi’s name would not be such a controversial choice.
Why does it need to be named after anyone at all? Why not just call it the Bandra-Worli Sealink, or Bridge?
I’m all for that idea Frances. If they called it the Bandra-Worli Sealink, it makes it very obvious what its functionality is and where it’s located. No political dramas needed either. I remember we had a road in Melbourne called the South Eastern Arterial — very appropriate name for what it was. A main road to carry traffic through the south eastern side of the city. It was called this for years and years. Then someone came along and renamed it the Monash Freeway. Sigh.
Raju..are u a shiv sena follower or a MNS goon? anyways why name everything after any leader? If our leaders would have that great a vision india would have been a different world. As frances says name it bandra worli sealink..easy to remember too.
PGB – how about Chandrasekhar Venkata Raman? He was around pre and post independence, and even served India in the Finance Ministry. He wasn’t *just* a scientist. AND, he was south Indian too.
neither shiv sena follower nor MNS goon.
Just that I felt that Sharell had a political frame of reference and was unable to view things objectively.
Again Shivaji is not a monopoly of Shiv Sena or MNS.
But Rajiv Gandhi is certainly a monopoly of Congress party.
Sharell do you hate Shiv Sena or MNS? Why?
Hate is such a strong word, but if you want my honest opinion I don’t think highly of politics in general. In fact I can’t stand politics and political parties (and that goes for the ones in Australia too). I’ve worked in the Australian parliament and seen the sort of behaviour that goes on in there. I’m sure that must be mild compared to India. For my personal view on the Senas, I appreciate what they’re doing in protecting Mumbai’s interests and heritage but I don’t appreciate their violent tactics. And if you also want my honest view on naming the Sealink after Rajiv Gandhi, I don’t agree at all with it. I think it should have a name that’s free of political association.
I really didn’t know that what I wrote came across political. I’m definitely sorry about that. It wasn’t intentional. You can take it from me that I’ll never write from that perspective because I am really apathetic towards politics. I usually ignore anything to do with it.
Sharell, good choice but India IMHO is far more diverse than Europe in terms of culture, language etc etc …..and even in Europe, French would’nt dare to tell what/how Brits should be doing, would they??
….. as a jingo, I feel this minor squabble be left to Maharashtrians (particularly Mumbaikars) to sort out. So I as a Kannadiga would stay out of it 
.
Yes, I’d better stay out of it too since I can’t speak any Marathi apart from mishi (which means moustache of course! Courtesy of one of the readers of this blog).
Sharell you are feeling guilty about your political proclivities.
Just that when you are commenting on public platform, a person has to make effort not to allow political preference so inordinately influence one’s comments that objectivity is entirely lost.
And believe me Sharell, by no means are you apathetic towards politics.
No, definitely not feeling guilty at all. Why would I? Why would I feel guilty about disliking all politics. So in that regard, I guess you’re right. I’m not apathetic to politics, I’m opposed to it. I prefer to not even vote. I think you’re missing the point. I just don’t want to come across as politically interested. When I wrote what I wrote, I had no thoughts of political parties in my mind nor do I want to.
Are you scared that Shiv Sena or MNS Goons will beat you up?
Believe me, Indian politics is not so bad!!!
Being political requires some courage. Sonia Gandhi rules and hence the bridge is named after Rajiv Gandhi.
If you are opposed to politics, do you have any alternate mechanism to provide governance. May be Australian Parliament should be dismissed and the Queen of England rule Australia. Any case you don’t vote, why should you care if Australia becomes colony of England and Australians slaves to English people.
Why would I be scared of being beaten up. They’ve got no reason to beat me up at all. I haven’t come to this city and taken a job away from anyone. I’m not employed here. I’m all for the provision of governance but along with it must come two other factors that seem to be severely lacking in India — accountability and transparency. The day political parties can fulfill these criteria, I’ll be happy to vote for them! In answer to you last statement, I really don’t care. As long as I can live my life simply and peacefully, that’s all that matters to me. BTW – even if the Queen rules there will still be a Parliament — England has one.
eeeewoooooooo Raju(ji) your the one who is in a political frame of mind from your first comment. If you do what you suggested Sharell to do?(being objective) you’d realize your the one whose trying to extract opinions out of this blog.
Do you understand this way of communication – read, accept, acknowledge and then respond?
You’d want to eat your own words…
Sharel may I say that your blogs are fantastic and honest opinion. You or anyone have no reason to be scared as someone rightly said in India for every 1 bad person there are 4 nice ones…sheer nos make this argument logical..25% people are pure devils..:) (source:personal observations in anycountry that i have lived so far…25% people you come across are BAD)..ok anyways why dont you stop people like Raju from commenting and turning this into a political blog.. You keep up the good work girl!
I am not turning it into a political blog. I am not even asking Sharell to abandon her political views. All I am saying is that one’s political views should not cause one abandon objectivity. And Sharell was anything but impartial.
Rajiv Gandhi is OK, though he is clearly a political person. Shivaji is only a choice suggested satirically, though Shivaji by no stretch of imagination was a political person and indeed is a national figure much admired by all Indians of all political hue and colour.
Good morning Raji. You are being ridiculous. I didn’t take the side of either political party (I gave balanced views about the Senas and I certainly didn’t favour the Congress in the naming of the bridge). One is fully entitled to have an opinion in one’s own blog. So bas hogaya. Okay.
Well interesting article..n definitely u have the right to give ur opinion..hey we have a blog where we talk about the current events in India..if u get time just go through the site and give ur opinions on our posts
Raju bhaiya, cool down dude.
Dear Sharell
Just enjoy the view and have fun driving over the sealink with your husband.
I am more concerned about traffic jams more than anything else.
Raju does seem to have a rather big bee in his bonnet. Oh well. I’m feeling really sad I won’t be able to go on the Sealink because we don’t have a car.
I was so looking forward to going on it on the back of the motorbike, and having the sea air whip through my hair. The traffic jams do look really bad from what I’ve seen in the newspaper. Then, there’s the people who have been doing u-turns along the bridge and driving up and down it! 
Hi Sharell
i heard strolling on the sealink is allowed. Check that out.
Really? Wow, thanks for telling me that. Definitely will do!
Dear Sharell,
Ever wondered why infrastructure,other development projects go so slow in India?Why China is way ahead of India? In the time frame taken to complete one Bandra-Worli sea link China managed to construct 10 such sea links. There are many reasons behind the delay in critical infrastructure projects in India.
The main reasons behind the delay are: Bureaucratic delay or red tape,
problems in land acquisition, petty regional politics.
Remember the huge opposition Tata Motors had to face in Singur for their upcoming Nano plant. The project had to be ultimately shelved and shifted to Gujarat.
Out of the 9 UMPPs (Ultra Mega Power Projects) sanctioned for the 12th five year plan (2007-2012) land has been allocated for only four UMPPs.
3 out of 9 UMPPs have been allocated for Maharashtra which could have solved the state’s power woes but the Maharashtra government has failed to allocate land even for one UMPP. Of all the infrastructure projects Maharashtra bagged the lion’s share of projects and maximum state funding. But the irony is that the Maharashtra Government has managed to complete just 1 out of 77 infrastructure projects. The Sardar Sarovar project or Narmada dam which was supposed to be completed by 1983 has still not been fully completed. Social activists like Medha patkar, Teesta Setalvad have created hindrances, road blocks in the construction of the Sardar Sarovar dam.
To expedite the process of industrialization in the country the government proposed the concept of SEZ(special economic zones). Many of the SEZs in India are stuck/on hold because of the failure of land allocation. The Maha- Mumbai SEZ of Reliance industries had to be scrapped because of the failure of land acquisition . This SEZ was modeled on the Chinese economic hub of Shanghai. The global finance tech city modeled after Hong Kong , Singapore was to come up in Mumbai. The city has failed to come up in Mumbai but fortunately enough the Global finance tech city will come up in Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat. The global finance tech city is expected to be ready by 2015 and will provide employment to 1 million people.
In China the government policies favour Industrialization. There is less bureaucratic delay or Red tape, Land acquisition is easy. All these factors have contributed to the rapid development of industries, infrastructure in China. The Chinese are very intelligent, innovative, systematic and methodical people. Both the USSR and China were formed on the fundamental principal of countering the Anglo-American imperialism but the Chinese have achieved what even the Soviets could not. The USSR collapsed in 1991 due to economic crisis but the Chinese economy is booming and is expected to overtake the American economy by 2025.
China’s development has given Asian countries the confidence that they can overtake western countries in terms of economic growth and development. India can learn a lot from China on how to improve its infrastructure, industries and economy. The rise of China has proved to be a bitter pill for the West and must be giving sleepless nights to the Americans,British and other western powers.
Shaunak, I totally agree with you. I remember that debacle over the Nano plant all too well. There was a big article in the newspaper the other day about how China is able to mobilize resources and get the job of infrastructure construction done so much quicker than India. The way the government and political parties operate here is a constant source of irritation to me. So much time and opportunities are wasted because of them. 1 out of 77 infrastructure projects completed in Maharastra is a bad joke. India really needs to take some drastic steps forward if it’s ever going to live up to its superpower potential.
oh brother!! I hope China is not used as a role model to improve Indian infrastructure. That would be a blunder of epic proportions IMHO
That is precisely the reason that China has also gone the Punjab way (the chemical and irrigation extreme of the green revolution) in terms of environmental degradation.
China is not a model to follow at all.
I cannot wait to drive/walk across the sea link. What a wonderful feat of engineering. India should be proud. The structure itself is monument to what Indian collective will and public monies can achive. There is no need to name it after anyone or to build any statues to anyone.
If it must be named, call it plain ol bridge number one! Hey that worked for Govinda and his film career
I like the name… Baandraa Woraallee sealink. In Marathi its Baaandraa not Bandra(not like the Ban in Band) and Waraalleee not the snappy Worli (not like whirly). Pronouncing it properly will be tribute enough.
what an idea… this is probably the first structure where the kings name hasnt yet come up…… in any case, whatever they decide to name it. it is going to be remembered as the Bandra Worli Sea Link!!
just went over it, though u have got a birds eye view of it…. great pic!
It should be called as a FREEDOM BRIDGE, dedicated to those who lost their lives in 26/11
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