The genesis of this blogpost is attributed to my
colleague Preethi Menon, who offers me a lift back home to Navi Mumbai from
Andheri where we work. Every day, we have to go through a long stretch on
Jogeshwari Vikhroli Link road (JVLR as it is popularly known). Last week, while
the car was moving at snail’s pace, we were deliberating on why the traffic
would move slowly till we could see L&T and then it would start to ease
out. My opinion was that the road is narrower till L&T and is broad after
that. She told that it is because of a 100 yards of potholes and suggested to
me that I should consider writing an article on this.
The thought has lingered in my head ever since. I was
wondering if “100 yards of potholes “could
be of any significance. I am a marketing and communications professional so of
course, first thought would go in that direction.
To the marketing person in me, it seems like every person
passing the area stops and pays respect to a giant conglomerate called
“L&T”. I wonder how many who pass that area might actually be shareholders
of L&T. I am sure L&T has become a part of everyday conversations of
the lives of the people passing that stretch. I am tempted to think that Powai is
a talking point because of that stretch and talks about traffic near L&T
only did good for the brand.
If I were to try personification with the “100 yards of potholes”, it is probably a
philosopher telling fast moving Mumbai to slow down and take it easy. To
introspect and then move ahead. In collaboration with the better stretch of
road near Powai lake, it might be giving a message that after “100 yards of potholes” (troubles, hindrances,
struggle et. al.), a smooth ride could be expected not only in Powai but also
in life. There isn’t much I can talk on Philosophy so I stop here.
Now the business angle. While the cars slow down there, many
vendors selling groundnuts are a common sight. If we are to take the number of
cars that get stuck in peak hours, even if a small percentage of people manage
to buy this offering, the “100 yards of
potholes” are a means of livelihood. It is an instant shop, much like a
drive through McDonalds.
“100 yards of
potholes” also highlights the importance of maintenance of resources to
avoid sluggish progress. It also enables us to think of what elected
politicians and governments have done. As it is perennial in nature and does
not cease to exist (whatever the season may be), it raises its ugly head to
stand as a harbinger of false promises that the government and elected representatives
made. If it has not been looked at or repaired for many years, its life is
symbolic of how our elected representatives address problems.
“100 yards of
potholes” is a boon for tyre manufacturers and suppliers of fuel. It seems
to freelance for them and gets good commission as it contributes to augmenting
the requirement of tyres and fuel.
In essence, the “100
yards of potholes” epitomizes everything from corruption to poverty, to opportunities
and valuable lessons. Long live the “100
yards of potholes”: I wish I could say this but I don’t wish for this wish
to come true.
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