Comparing the two tragedies purely from the eyes of the citizens of either cities, seems like Mumbaikars demonstrated a better presence of mind than did their counterparts in New Orleans. Before help could pour in from other states or even the center, Mumbaikars went out of their way to provide help to the needy. This was a great equalizer, people who travel in cars and care two hoots about the common man on the road, were forced to seek help from the same common man. Wasn't there a possibility of looting here? There very well was. But were there any such instances? No. People living in the US who had families in Mumbai who were stranded, appealed via rediff.com for help. Who helped these families? Was their a similar show of concern in the US? My intention is not to put down the efforts of the American citizens nor am I criticizing any nation or its political leaders. All I am saying is that if the common Mumbaikar has one reason to be proud of, if he feels that in his own way, he did something that even citizens of the biggest power couldn't, let him feel so. After all how many chances does the common Mumbaikar get to be proud of his/her achievements?
