A walk- Celebration of Youth!

Heart Beats of SPCE: Part 10

A Walk-Celebration of Youth!

In the vibrant year of 1982, after the grand success of our Cultural Program, SPACE 82, we decided to throw a grand party. Perhaps this would be our last get together as SPCE students. There after, we would be busy into term work submissions and main examinations. 

Hotel Delhi Darbar at Grant Road, famous for its mouthwatering non vegetarian dishes, especially the white chicken, was chosen for the party.

Our group, featuring Nandu Ingale, Anup Sharma, Hemant Naiknavare, Raju Bhagia, Suresh Mahajan, Rajan Bunage, Pramod Sant, Deshpande, Nitin Gadkari, others, and myself, embarked on the journey from our hostel in Andheri to Grant Road. Reaching the restaurant on time, we threw ourselves into the extravagance of the party…a feast of laughter, stories, and flavours that danced on our palates!

As the clock struck midnight, we made an unconventional decision. The decision that would turn this night into an unforgettable adventure! Instead of heading straight back in taxis, we resolved to walk all the way to our hostel, embracing Mumbai's quiet nocturnal charm.

Our journey began. Girgaon Chowpatty, our first stop, welcomed us with its calm waves and the cool, salty breeze of the Arabian Sea. The moonlight shimmered on the water as we paused to soak in the serenity, with laughter and light-hearted jokes echoing across the quiet shore.

As we walked onward, the iconic Mahalaxmi Temple came into view. Bathed in moonlight, its spiritual aura seemed to bless our adventure, imbuing us with newfound energy. 

Nearby, Haji Ali, standing boldly amidst the rippling waters of the Arabian Sea, left us speechless. Its white dome glowed softly under the night sky, surrounded by the gentle hum of waves.

The heart of the city was calling as we made our way past Dadar TT Circle. The crossroads  were wide open and peaceful that night, with just a few vehicles breaking the silence. 

The view of Mahim Church, with its graceful silhouette, lent a moment of peaceful reflection before our journey resumed.

Bandra's seaside road proved rejuvenating, as the Arabian Sea reappeared to accompany us. The iconic Sea Rock Hotel, standing tall against the shimmering waters greeted us. The sea breeze carried laughter and songs, pushing us forward with renewed vigour.

As the night stretched on, Vile Parle and Andheri marked the final stretch. We were approaching to the end of our epic trek. 

And then, as dawn broke, we finally reached our hostel at SPCE. The sky, tinged with hues of orange and gold, greeted us warmly. The rising sun painted the campus in soft light, as if welcoming us back from our night of exploration. Birds began their morning songs, and the cool morning breeze carried with it a sense of calm and renewal. For a moment, time seemed to pause; the world waking up while we wrapped up our extraordinary journey!

Mumbai at night had wrapped us in its magic! 

That wasn't just a walk! 

That was a celebration of friendship!

That was a celebration of youth!

Every step walked that night is remembered!

Dr. Mahendra Ingale, Former Principal @Pune, March 2025