Mumbai Masala: The Mango Season Hits High Prices, Along with the Loss of a Great Soul

As summer settles in, Mumbai is brimming with anticipation for the arrival of the king of fruits—the mango. Yet, despite the season being in full swing, mangoes are still a rare sight. A few trucks carrying the much-coveted yellow fruit have started arriving at the APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) in Vashi, but the prices are through the roof.

Months before the mango season begins, importers from the Gulf and other regions secure advance bookings for hectares of the crop, particularly the Alphonso variety, leaving little for the domestic market. The shortage has driven prices to sky-high levels, but this has not deterred mango enthusiasts. The craving for the juicy, succulent fruit is so intense that people are willing to pay top dollar just to take a bite of the beloved mango.

In restaurants across Mumbai like Thakar Bhojanalay, Thacker’s, Soam, Status, Samrat, and Tip Top, the star dish is aamras-puri. Hot puris are broken into pieces, dipped in icy cold aamras, and enjoyed with unparalleled delight. The experience of eating aamras with puris is nothing short of heavenly for mango lovers.

Although there are various types of mangoes available in the market, including hapus, pairi, langda, Kesari, dasseri, neelam, and totapuri, it is the hapus (Alphonso) that is truly regarded as the “king” of fruits. The orchards in regions like Ratnagiri produce some of the finest Alphonso mangoes, known for their rich flavor, sweetness, and distinct aroma.

A Karma Yogi in the Real Sense

Mumbai recently lost one of its finest citizens—Mahavirprasad Saraf, a businessman whose legacy extends beyond his professional success. Saraf was known for his commitment to social welfare, and he dedicated much of his wealth to bettering the lives of others.

One of the turning points in Saraf's journey occurred when he attended a funeral and was shocked to see that mourners had no place to sit. This experience inspired him to donate cement benches to the crematorium. He went on to install thousands of cement and steel benches in public gardens, playgrounds, railway stations, and other public spaces.

Saraf’s compassion didn’t stop there. He recognized that many railway stations lacked access to drinking water for commuters. In response, he spent a significant portion of his fortune to install water coolers at numerous stations. Saraf was also a strong advocate for education, particularly for women, and contributed millions of rupees to promote educational initiatives. Known for his humility and soft-spoken nature, Mahavirprasad Saraf was truly a karma yogi, embodying the spirit of selfless service in the truest sense.

The Hopes Dashed by Trump's Immigration Laws

In another troubling development, the tough immigration policies proposed by Donald Trump have cast a shadow over the hopes of thousands of Mumbai students who were planning to study in the United States and eventually settle there. For those already studying in American universities, the future appears uncertain as the new regulations could limit their ability to stay and work in the U.S.

The uncertainty surrounding U.S. immigration laws has prompted many students to reconsider their plans. Perhaps, instead of chasing the American dream, these young individuals should focus on pursuing their ambitions within India, where countless opportunities await. India, with its growing economy and expanding opportunities in various fields, offers a bright future for those willing to contribute to the nation’s progress.

As Mumbai faces these challenges and moments of reflection, its citizens continue to demonstrate resilience, innovation, and a commitment to making a positive impact on society.