Pereirawadi finds support on World Wide Web

While the city is crying hoarse about the manner in which officials went about with the demolition of 21 homes in Pereirawadi, to make way for the re-development under the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme (SRA), youth from the Mount Carmel Church decided that all they needed to do was 'log-on' and speak up.

They have started a community on a popular networking site, called 'Indians and Mumbaikars take a stand for justice in Bandra's Pereira Wadi.'

Says Father Warner D'souza, Assistant Parish Priest, Mt Carmel Church, "We were all outraged with what was happening at Pereirawadi and had to do something about it. We began speaking about it in church and the topic became part of one of our youth meetings when someone suggested that we start a community on this networking site because that is where everyone is.

Also, we knew that numbers do make a difference. Before we knew it, we had a good amount of people speaking about the issue on the online community. Today we have more than 400 active members who are trying to contribute in their own way."

Interestingly, members on the community are not limited to just Bandra residents or Mumbaikars, rather support is flowing from Indians across the globe. Says Monish Gangwani, who is based in Seattle, US.

"I read about the issue online and the entire episode was unfortunate to say the least. Being a Mumbaikar and a Bandraite at that, I have an idea of where this is and I guess that created more of a connection. Seeing this group on the site enabled me to do something about it, even if it is being another number that is supporting the cause."

Pearl Fernandes, who is in Australia, is also cued into matter. "Sites like these have helped me meet  friends and cousins I had lost touch with, and also to voice my opinion about issues I believe in.

I think it is such a great idea to post something like the Pereirawadi issue online, so not only do people within the boundaries of the area, but individuals anywhere and everywhere can support such issues," she says.

This apart, local support has been overwhelming and way beyond what the youth who ideated this expected. Musician and composer, Ehsaan Noorani too has supported the cause and feels that there could not be a better alternative to get the point across. "The effort is fantastic.

People who are net-savvy would understand the issue better. And social networking sites are the perfect platform to promote just about anything. You have people from different backgrounds reading it and it only adds impetus to the movement.

"Courtesy the community, contributions for the evicted families are also pouring in.  Such websites have been ridiculed often, but in our case it is a boon.

Even MP Priya Dutt got to know about the issue through it. Issues are discussed regularly and updates are sent. We want the politicians to know that the youth has a voice. Our support base is strong enough to take on anyone," concurs Fr Warner.
kunaal.majgaonkar@timesgroup.com