Too many.....

I was trying to get to my meeting in South Mumbai. The car wasn’t moving and there wasn’t much to look at. In fact, I tried to avoid looking out because professional beggars were scratching at the window. “These people are so different,” I thought. Satish, my driver, wasn’t amused either.

“Politicians do nothing for the people,” he opined.

“We’re not so different,” I thought. “Politician-bashing is a universal human activity.”

“Seven million people move into the city to work every day,” Satish continued.

“They don’t look like they’re moving, Satish.” I replied. “7 million people,” I thought. “It’s like the entire population of Switzerland driving into one city.”

“They don’t all drive, sir. Some take the train.”

“Too many cars, Satish.” I replied.

“Too many cars. Too many people. Too many languages. Too many religions…..”

“My driver is a philosopher,” I thought.

“… too many problems.”

“And a realist,” I concluded.

Note: The photo directly shows two of the three types of taxis. The third type is a blue ‘cool’ taxi – i.e. air conditioned. (You can see one in the background.) I was in a car arranged by the hotel. (I hope the company pays my expense claim.)