“Dahanu days”

Love and marriage took me to the one-horse town of Dahanu 30 years ago and, ever since, year after year, I’ve grown fonder of the people, the town and its way of life. Hence I can’t help but respond to the well written articles "Dahanu days” by Katy Rustom and "A home away from home” by Aspi ‘Bundal’ Hormazd Irani (Parsiana, March 21, 2007).

However, I beg to differ with Rustom’s remark "Hope lies unkindled.” Phew! Since we’ve endured the last seven years with the seed borers spelling disaster for our chikoo crops and have survived, I see hope looming large over the town and feel blessed to be a Dahanuwalli (I am Soli Muchchad’s daughter-in-law). The town has retained its old-world charm despite the dreadful coal based thermal power plant hovering over us.

Just because a few families have chosen to move to greener pastures we shouldn’t lose hope. I still foresee a bright future for Dahanu. Optimistic as I am, I fantasize about seeing my grandchildren coming home to enjoy their holidays much the way Rustom and her kin enjoyed theirs. And rising to the heights of optimism, I can see most of the families that have migrated coming back to Dahanu ’cause home is where the heart is and one just can’t fall out of love with Dahanu. I remain a staunch Dahanuwalli.

GOVER BOMI MUBARAKAI

Dahanu