Navi Mumbai is a mini-India

When he shifted to the satellite city in 2003, Dipen Rajkonwar was greeted by remote areas in nascent development stage, less connectivity and minimal progress in terms of infrastructure.

The scene was same throughout the city except for a few nodes like Vashi or Nerul.

“However in a decade’s time the city has developed greatly. From infrastructural facilities like good roads, skywalks and shopping malls to upgraded and affordable transport and excellent railway connectivity, it has come a long way,” says the Kamothe resident, adding that Navi Mumbai has witnessed progress in a short span of time.

Rajkonwar who has been serving as the general secretary of the Assam Association for 10, loves the fact that Navi Mumbai is cosmopolitan in both identity and spirit.

“One is sure to find people from all parts of India living in here. For me, it is a mini-India. Although, a few years ago there used to be some friction between locals and people who came to reside from other places, now everyone gets along well,” he says. He adds that the city is bathed in light and shine during festivals of every community.

Rajkonwar, who is employed in the income tax department, has been an active and contributing member of the Assam Association for the past decade. “One of the main focus of the association is to promote cultural exchange between Maharashtra and Assam by having cultural programmes of both the states. Apart from this, we also provide accommodation and counselling to cancer patients who come for treatment here from Assam,” he elaborates.

That is where the negative aspects of Navi Mumbai come into picture. He says, “Public health facilities in the city are very few. For instance, cancer patients who come here have to go to Mumbai for treatment as the Kharghar branch of Tata Memorial Hospital only admits special and complicated cases. For regular check-ups and OPD purposes, one has to go all the way to Mumbai. Even otherwise government hospitals in the city providing affordable and quality medical care are not enough for the present population.”

As a person who is involved in socio-cultural activities all year round, he also feels that more public auditoriums and halls should come up so that Navi Mumbaikars can enjoy more cultural programmes like dance and drama.

He feels that like every city the shortcomings in Navi Mumbai will be resolved with time as the city has been able to progress so much since it came into being. The fact that quality of life is better in the city, makes it a well-chosen residence for Rajkonwar.

“With relatively less pollution and crowd, better infrastructure, friendly people and a good law and order situation, the quality of life is way better in Navi Mumbai,” he concludes.

About dna navi mumbai
In the dna navi mumbai edition, coverage of news is best when compared to other newspapers. The paper gives focus to all kinds of news and gives equal importance to events organised by all the communities.