By: Fatema Agarkar, Educationist and Founder of ACE (Agarkar Center of Excellence).
Mumbai, the ‘city of dreams,’ as it is fondly called does have its shared of challenges especially the minimal ‘per sq ft’ space available when you are a resident in a middle class family. It is over populated, and congested, and traffic snarls means some commuting spend more time in transit than in their work place especially if the workplace is in ‘town.’
Expanding northwards was inevitable and some expected this faster than the pace it has set but this expansion has led to the creation of what I call mini hubs and communities that are now completely self sufficient and self servicing, a story similar to Dubai that has seen development grow beyond its Bay area to outskirts to accommodate the growing demand. Even though the geopolitical situation has caused some real investment projects to slow down, the government’s efforts to sustain ensures that the growth story remains intact. Demand is very much there.
Much like the ‘Bombay Dream,’ where even within the metros cities, Mumbai emerges as the place to be from a work perspective- financial and commercial capital of the country for a good reason. The city never sleeps and is constantly evolving but continues to be a place where opportunities are possible and rewarding. Including for families as Mumbai is home to some of the most experienced and progressive schools from a nationwide perspective.
Navi Mumbai, the northern ‘suburb’ which is a 45 minute ride from the ‘main city’ thanks to the roadways like Atal setu is the greener and spacious neighbourhood, boasting of all the right facilities especially for young and old families.
Navi Mumbai with the airport initiation, and planned infrastructure is becoming a ‘respite’ for families who seek comfort, access to larger and greener spaces especially since many work spaces now have sprawling offices set up which quite frankly are unaffordable rentals in town.
Families need amenities and with the space available, the natural transition has a tremendous scope especially for school managements because they have access to a pool of talent in terms of teachers and demand in terms of families seeking quality education. And space- available and looking ‘healthier’ in terms of outline that its city counterparts.
What city schools lack in terms of infrastructure, Navi Mumbai makes up for in abundance and with a community emerging, access to talent i.e. teachers is easier and more seamless.
With the proximity to neighbouring khandala and pune, and the airport access, the ‘reach’ is quicker and therefore becomes a far more appealing ‘hub’ from every aspect including facilities for sports, recreation as well.
