Observation of Places - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

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Observation of Places-

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By

Sandesh Naresh Malekar

EPGDHRM (2017-18)

Roll no:  EPGDHRM30

TISS

Acknowledgement:

I Sandesh Naresh Malekar student of EPGHRM from department of Human Resources.  Before starting my fieldwork report, I want to thank Dr. Varsha Iyer, Department of Sociology who provided me an opportunity to collect information from grass root level and interacting with different people at Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.

I want to thank my classmates who Pooja, Leislan, Ruhika, Shruti, Suman and Rajesh for their assistance in multiple ways.

Sandesh Malekar

Roll no. EPGDHRM30

Fieldwork schedule

Visited CSMT railway station on 25th September, 2017 at 1900 hrs.

Introduction to fieldwork

Fieldwork programme provided an opportunity to students to apply their theoretical knowledge taught in the classroom appropriately in different practical situations.  It serves as a social laboratory where in students test their theoretical knowledge in practical situations and develop the skills of social living.

In simple words, it can be said that theory without practice is empty and practice without theory is meaningless.

Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Introduction:

Chhatrapati Shivaji  Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) is popular railway station and is a spitting image of Victorian-Gothic style of architecture in India. Located in the heart of Mumbai, the CSMT is also a 'World Heritage Site' declared by UNESCO in 2004. Built in 1888, the station is the grand reminder of the British Raj pre-independence and is still one of the most historical landmarks within the Central Business District (CBD) of Mumbai. A bustling terminus, the CSMT is well-connected by rail to all parts of the country.

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Objective of fieldwork

To observe the place from various sociological angles and learn the process of interviewing people.

Observations:

My visit was during the peak hours at CSMT it was extremely busy, as it was office-closing hours and time for departure of long distance trains.

Station was fully packed I started my fieldwork by first visiting the platforms from where the outstation trains depart.  Some platforms were empty as there were no trains scheduled to depart.  People were running to get on the trains. There were many people on the platform in the que waiting to take their trains without any prior reservations.  There were more men than women around on the platforms.  Most of the male passengers were busy on mobile phones and ladies where busy chatting with the accompanied people.  If there are two people travelling you could see at 6-7 people come to drop them.   All platforms had vendors selling water bottles, dry snacks, keys, chains etc.  Platform tickets where checked by the TC(ticket checker).  Porters were assisting passengers with luggage, packages, animals etc.  Fish porters where waiting for train to arrive and offload the imported fish from other cities.  An elderly woman wearing white nighty was begging from bystanders.   A eunuch was doing a make up in the halted train.  A lady sweeper resting after long day.  Police officers reported on duty and was ready for having their meal before starting.  The hawkers were selling keychains and other petty stuff.  Non-railway staff was operating ticket-wending machines.  Many passengers in waiting area were eating food and messing up the place.  Local train platforms were very busy, people were returning home from offices.  There were men and women who were well dressed waiting near the first class compartments.  People from different class were accommodated in second-class compartments.