The document discusses the lifestyle and sustainable development of Mumbai, India. It notes that while Mumbai is a vibrant and diverse city that has experienced recent economic and infrastructural growth, it faces serious challenges to sustainable development from its large and growing population, corruption, and social, demographic and environmental issues like pollution, inadequate infrastructure, and public apathy. To improve its future, the document argues that Mumbai needs to address these social, demographic and environmental concerns through public support systems, better enforcement of laws, infrastructure improvements, encouraging work-life balance, and establishing permanent leadership focused on accountability and incorporating global best practices.

1. IE, Spain - MBA Application 2012
Essay Topic 2
Applicant - Vivek Kapadia
1 September 2012

2. Do you think that the lifestyle of the
inhabitants of your town or city
reflects behavior that is in line with
the concept of sustainable
development? In your opinion, what
should be improved?

3. Mumbai…Circa 2013
One of the most dynamic
and vibrant cities of
India…
contributes commendably to the growth of
the country in terms of economic value,
culture, diversity, advancement,
employment opportunity, and technology
What plagues the city?
burgeoning population and rampant corruption spread far
and wide to influence everything from the environment to
one’s peace of mind!
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012

4. People of Mumbai
Tagged as
‘Mumbaiites’
inhabitants are typically warm,
helpful and forthcoming,
even proven resilient in times of
crisis…
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012

5. Typical Mumbaiites
They love the ‘good things in
life’ and this is quite evident from the
recent spate of malls in almost every part
of the city
They love their frequent dose of
‘roadside food’, and dwell in
the comfort of the sun and rain for
most of parts of the year
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012

6. Mumbai galore
Fundamentally, Mumbai has something to offer
for everyone …
from religious tolerance to its daily
share of nuances, this city caters to
cultural and ethnic
diversity, variety of food,
entertainment, luxury, a wide
range of work opportunity, even
adventure, one just needs to will it and
they shall find it…
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012

7. Strength of Mumbai
Resilient
Flexible
Cosmopolitan
Vibrant
Family oriented
Hardworking
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012

8. Recent developments
Rise in per capita income
Focus on higher education
Infrastructure development
Upgradation in public
transportation
Technological advancement
Recognizing women rights
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012

9. Mumbai’s lifestyle
Sadly …Mumbai still remains host to a number of lifestyle
concerns which could have grave implications for its
future generations…
for its very own sustainable development
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012

10. Spirit of Mumbai
Presently killing the spirit of Mumbai…
“public apathy in the face of adversity!”
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012

11. Mumbai reeling under pressure
frequent terrorist attacks
rising stress & intolerance
violent insurgencies
obsolete flood & drainage system
violence & harassment towards women
growing water crisis
rising inflation
political instability
infrastructure
increasing power outages
red-tapeism & bureaucracy
health and lifestyle issues
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012

12. Key lifestyle concerns
Social
Demographic
Key categories
affecting Mumbai
Infrastructure
Environmental
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012

13. Social concerns & probable measures
Motive and support victims of
Public apathy Zero tolerance for miscreants
adversity
Corruption & Discourage corruption and Report instances to avoid
Bribery bribery at all levels widespread proliferation
Support victims and generate Educate peers on the
Gender bias
wider awareness drawback of gender bias
Woman Protect and provide adequate
Recognize women rights
empowerment safety to women
Inform law makers and socially
Vandalism Boycott all forms of vandalism
abandon vandals
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012

14. Demographic concerns & probable measures
Population Create awareness and use of Promote and practice family
congestion contraceptives planning
Promote awareness on ill
Reduce excessive fast food
Food habits effects of processed foods /
consumption
obesity
Adhere to lane discipline and Control against road rage and
Traffic discipline
alert maneuvering rash driving
Nurture a hobby and
Sedentary Endeavor towards work - life
participate in diverse physical
lifestyle balance
activity
Social / Time-off for self Adequate breaks / rest from
Professional contemplation and to discuss social and professional
burnout problems / issues outings
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012

15. Infrastructure concerns & probable measures
Introduce renewable energy
Power Engage in power conservation
measures
Water conservation and
Water Prevent undue wastage
rainwater harvesting
Waste Practice and promote Innovate new waste
management recycling / re-use management methods
Slum Educate and improve life of
Expedite slum rehabilitation
rehabilitation slum dwellers
Notify law enforcement
Safety & Be alert and aware of personal
agencies on suspicious
Security safety and information
activities
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012

16. Environmental concerns & probable measures
Reduce and control all forms Proactively support
Pollution
of pollution government control measures
Participate in tree plantation
Nature
Protect flora and fauna and nature conservation
conservation
drives
Maintain parks and green Participate in gardening and
Open spaces
spaces landscaping
Protect Stringently fine and penalise Support to those engaged in
environment environment degraders protection and conservation
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012

17. Negative influences
Drugs and decadent lifestyle
Excessive smoking and
alcohol consumption
Stress and anger
Pressure from social
and peer groups
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012

18. To improve lifestyle & sustain development
Establish strong Improve
Ensure stringent
public support Infrastructure
law enforcement
systems
Practice better Introduce green
Encourage work
traffic spaces
life balance
management
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012

19. What Mumbai needs?
‘Permanent CEO’ ‘Accountability’
Severely blacklist and
penalise those lacking
commitment and sincerity
in public / government
service
To plan and execute
&
development of the city,
and incorporate global
best practices from other
world class cities
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012

20. Disclaimer
Source for images:
Google, news related and other websites in the public domain. None of the
images have been clicked by me / involve my personal involvement, and are
shown here purely for representation purposes.
Disclaimer:
The information and details contained in this document are merely from a
personal viewpoint and in no way relate to any person, object, caste, religion,
or category.
Any reference / resemblance to a person, object, caste, religion or category is
purely coincidental.
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012