Study Abroad Overview: The University of Mumbai

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Nicholas Schweers

LTC Ticen

2/3/17

Study Abroad Overview

Congratulations!

If you are reading this, you are either considering attending The University of Mumbai, or you are preparing yourself to go. Regardless, you are about to embark on a fantastic journey. The University is world acclaimed, but that is not necessarily what I want to tell you. I want you to know more about what is important, like the history of Mumbai, the social ways of Indian people, the environment, and most importantly, the food of the region.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI-

The University is quite a large school, and one that has more than doubled in size in recent years. In fact, it is so large that there are 40 faculty members in their Arts department alone. This is impressive, especially for a school that is widely known as a more math oriented school. For engineers, this school is also a haven. Due to the relaxed attendance policies, students can engage in clubs and organizations that will not only provide entertainment, but also can help further one’s education. But another awesome aspect of the University of Mumbai is its location. The University has many different campuses throughout India, but the one we are discussing is actually the Main Campus in Mumbai. This is special in particular because of the many aspects of its surrounding areas.

HISTORICAL ELEMENTS NEAR THE UNIVERSITY

To be frank, the school is probably the least entertaining part in your study abroad experiences. I find that one of the most interesting factors of Mumbai is its dense history that the whole area contains. Mumbai’s history ventures back thousands of years. Originally called Bombay, it has lasted through many times of change, many wars, and other mass carnages that have only added to the culture. It is located in-between many different world powers, and has prospered from the trade between all countries. Unfortunately, Mumbai’s influence on trade has also been a cause of many of the “mass carnages” that they have faced. For instance, when the Suez Canal was built, Mumbai and its surrounding areas became ports for many incoming goods, and prospered from taxes and business for the Canal overall. Yet when World War One and Two came around, the Suez Canal became a major point of conflict. Its advantages for one’s economy and Militaristic maneuverability were unmatched.

The British, who controlled much of India, have influenced much of the culture wherever you look. But when India was reaching its independence from Britain, they began to have many internal struggles. One of these most notable struggles was the Hindu-Islam conflict. This conflict lead to many thousands of people being abused or even Massacred throughout much of India. While there remains violence and tension between different religions in India, Mumbai celebrates its diversity and acceptance.

RELIGION IN MUMBAI-

Mumbai is seen as a very liberal part of India, for it constantly celebrates diversity and acceptance. Through the mass diversity and the hectic schedule of “Mumbaikars” (the pet name from people who live in Mumbai), the people show their religious conviction by regularly attending the services of those religions which they follow. These religions include, but are not limited to, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, and Buddhism. Each of these religions celebrates holidays and other special occasions in unity with each other, and even Christmas lights are held during the whole Christmas season. The people, being so devote, must conform their busy schedules to their religious lives as well.

PERSONAL LIFE-

The people of Mumbai are known as, “Mumbaikars” or “Bombayites”, and are seen as hard working, cultural, witty, modern, and passionate people who are very approachable. They are commonly seen as a light hearted people. For example, it is not uncommon for you to find them travelling several hours for something that has no major impact on them. But that is only an outside perspective of their vast and interesting culture.

While in Mumbai, you will see things that you most likely have never seen before! For instance, if you do not live in one of the United States’ largest cities, then it will be unfathomable how packed Mumbai is. During periods of heavy traffic, the streets will be packed, and the railways will be as well. In fact, it gets so packed on the railways that there have been reports of people being shoved out of their trains in other people’s attempt to get on board. To go along with that negative, 12 hour workdays are common throughout India, and weekends are typically a lost concept in Mumbai. Thankfully, there are many more bonuses to life in Mumbai than there are downsides.

The social life in Mumbai is widely acclaimed throughout much of the world. Shopping is a large attraction to all in the area. Malls are so huge that they are described as “mind boggling”. They are open from 10am until 10pm, and are most busy on Sundays, where it is said that there is little to no room to even move while shopping. People go to these malls, “to check out the latest fashion, eat, relax, be entertained, and have fun— as well as shop” (goin). While the mall was fun, nothing brings you closer than a stroll through Mumbai’s street markets. Everywhere you look, there is fresh fruit and meat being sold by loud vendors. The spices and live meats seem innumerable as do the people yelling their offers in the streets. Many people even advise taking a translator or learning some Hindi before taking on the street vendors. After looking at all this food, and hopefully having lunch, you can continue to look around. When you work off your lunch and get hungry, the street vendors often sell small snacks such as spiced potatoes cooked in dough. After a long day of walking around markets or working, there is nothing like blowing off some steam.

My favorite two ways to blow off steam in Mumbai are to watch some of their excellent “Bollywood” movies, or to enjoy the local night life. The movies themselves are full of drama, intense action scenes, and are generally very fun. They also help you grasp tiny pieces of Indian culture that you may otherwise miss. But most of all, the night life is where it’s at. Mumbai is known as one of the safest cities in India, especially for women. Here, women are allowed to wear modern Western clothing, instead of traditional Eastern clothing. They are allowed to party and generally be themselves, so go out and enjoy Mumbai for what it really is, and do not be afraid! But if we are being honest, the social aspect STILL is not what all I look for in a new environment. The main thing that I seek is good food!

INDIAN FOOD-
I love food. There. I said it. I love food, and I’m under the impression that so does most everyone else. Having lived at VMI, I have truly come to appreciate good food more and more. I cannot even begin to touch the most basic variety of their foods, so I will just tell you my two favorite meals. First, I love Nalli Nihari.

Nalli Nihari is a thick meal that can be cooked many different ways, with many different ingredients. Whether it is cooked with mutton, chicken, or beef, it is all cooked relatively similarly. You cook the meat in a broth with several vegetables, and many spices. The typical hot Indian food is savory, tender, and very filling. It is everything you could imagine for any meal of the day, and can be matched well with any sort of bread.

My second favorite meal is Mutton Curry. The two meals are actually quite similar, but I definitely could eat both every day.

This savory meal, spicy and tangy as it is, is very nutritious and very tasty.

Overall, this is just some of the information which I found when learning how to survive the great University of Mumbai. The Indian culture is full of thousands, if not millions, of other interesting and peculiar oddities. American culture is so different from Mumbai’s, but deep down, we all seek similar interests and a good life. All of these things are readily available for you to soak in in Beautiful Mumbai, and I hope that you get to experience even more than I did. Good luck!

Works Cited:

http://archive.mu.ac.in/About%20University.html