Applicant - Vivek Kapadia 1 September 2012 IE, Spain - MBA Application 2012 Essay Topic 2
Applicant - Vivek Kapadia
1 September 2012
IE, Spain - MBA Application 2012 Essay Topic 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?
Mumbai…Circa 2013
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!
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
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012
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
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
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
Strength of Mumbai
Resilient
Flexible
Cosmopolitan
Vibrant
Family oriented
Hardworking
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Recent developments
Focus on higher education
Rise in per capita income
Recognizing women rights
Infrastructure development
Technological advancement
Upgradation in public transportation
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012
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
Spirit of Mumbai
Presently killing the spirit of Mumbai… “public apathy in the face of adversity!”
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012
Mumbai reeling under pressure
frequent terrorist attacks
violent insurgencies
obsolete flood & drainage system violence & harassment towards women
political instability
health and lifestyle issues
red-tapeism & bureaucracy
growing water crisis
increasing power outages
rising stress & intolerance
rising inflation
infrastructure
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Key lifestyle concerns
Key categories
affecting Mumbai
Social
Demographic
Infrastructure
Environmental
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Social concerns & probable measures
Public apathy Motive and support victims of
adversity Zero tolerance for miscreants
Corruption & Bribery
Discourage corruption and bribery at all levels
Report instances to avoid widespread proliferation
Gender bias Support victims and generate
wider awareness Educate peers on the
drawback of gender bias
Woman empowerment
Recognize women rights Protect and provide adequate
safety to women
Vandalism Boycott all forms of vandalism Inform law makers and socially
abandon vandals
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012
Demographic concerns & probable measures
Population congestion
Create awareness and use of contraceptives
Promote and practice family planning
Food habits Reduce excessive fast food
consumption
Promote awareness on ill effects of processed foods /
obesity
Traffic discipline Adhere to lane discipline and
alert maneuvering Control against road rage and
rash driving
Sedentary lifestyle
Endeavor towards work - life balance
Nurture a hobby and participate in diverse physical
activity
Social / Professional
burnout
Time-off for self contemplation and to discuss
problems / issues
Adequate breaks / rest from social and professional
outings
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Infrastructure concerns & probable measures
Power Engage in power conservation Introduce renewable energy
measures
Water Prevent undue wastage Water conservation and
rainwater harvesting
Waste management
Practice and promote recycling / re-use
Innovate new waste management methods
Slum rehabilitation
Expedite slum rehabilitation Educate and improve life of
slum dwellers
Safety & Security
Be alert and aware of personal safety and information
Notify law enforcement agencies on suspicious
activities
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012
Environmental concerns & probable measures
Pollution Reduce and control all forms
of pollution Proactively support
government control measures
Nature conservation
Protect flora and fauna Participate in tree plantation
and nature conservation drives
Open spaces Maintain parks and green
spaces Participate in gardening and
landscaping
Protect environment
Stringently fine and penalise environment degraders
Support to those engaged in protection and conservation
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012
Negative influences
Pressure from social and peer groups
Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption
Stress and anger
Drugs and decadent lifestyle
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012
To improve lifestyle & sustain development
Establish strong public support
systems
Ensure stringent law enforcement
Encourage work life balance
Improve Infrastructure
Practice better traffic
management
Introduce green spaces
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012
What Mumbai needs?
&
‘Permanent CEO’ ‘Accountability’
To plan and execute development of the city, and incorporate global best practices from other world class cities
Severely blacklist and penalise those lacking commitment and sincerity in public / government service
IE, Spain – MBA Application 2012
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