This ghostly building first popped up on Instagram in 2022. I wondered about it then. Regretting its tragic deterioration. Amazed that somebody could abandon it and allow it to go to seed. Last week it resurfaced. A new picture. Posted by somebody astonished it was still standing. The building looking more eerie than before. Creepers clutching it evilly. Only a wolf howling at the full moon was missing. I remember seeing it in better days. A handsome relic of the Raj in South Bombay.
The British left behind an entire heritage precinct of such magnificent buildings and institutions in Fort and Ballard Estate. Each with a proud history telling a fascinating story. Many have survived. Conserved from environmental destruction. Then lovingly restored. And now occupied by multinationals and foreign banks. Also by courts, police stations, hotels, educational institutes, libraries, the railways and armed forces. Looked after by aesthetes with a pride in architecture.
This spooky building got left out. But indefatigably, it survives. Now overrun by nature. Ruined by environmental forces. Neglected by man. I wish I could enter it. To gaze warily at the black holes of its windows. It looks forbidding and unfriendly. I wonder what lies inside. Will phantoms of dead families emerge from dark shadows to greet me? Will there be sepia photographs of life when the building was a home? A postbox outside looks up at the building gloomily. Maybe the postman knows the story.
About Mark Manuel
The above thoughts/content has been proudly copied from the wall of Sir Mark Manuel. Being interviewing almost every role model of this country and going stronger each day. Mark Manuel is a respected Mumbai editor, writer, and columnist.
With over three decades of journalism in leading publications. This includes the Free Press Journal, Times, Dainik Bhaskar, Mid-Day, and Afternoon. He is famous for his brilliant pen interviews. He himself is a TEDx speaker.
Further
His interviews have featured in several leading media houses. They include the Hindustan Times, Huffington Post, BBC, and Network 18. Almost every famous person has been interviewed by him in the country from Mother Teresa to Muhammad Ali. His first book is just out. It’s titled Moryaa Re! It is a crime thriller that is perhaps the country’s first police procedural. He began his career covering crime. And in a tribute to his experience and knowledge of this beat.
Several distinguished officers of the Mumbai Police and its Crime Branch collaborated with him to make this book possible. Amitabh Bachchan wrote the forward in a statement of friendship for Mark Manuel and admiration for his work.
About Story of Souls
Leave your comments on how you like this story. If you love it, share it to bring that change we wish to see in the world.
You can also share your inspiring story with us at submitstories.storyofsouls@gmail.com. Story of Souls is an initiative where we invite people to bring their stories to us. We want people to “write to heal.” The idea of Storyofsouls is appreciated by ALL INDIA RADIO. An Online Platform where you can share your real-life stories. The impact of our stories has reached the UN and Harvard University. For some real-life stories, web series are also planned. You can also visit our YouTube channel. You can follow us on Facebook LinkedIn Instagram.
Storyofsouls is glad to inform you that we are now a Google News-verified platform.
We are proud to inform you all that storyofsouls.com is the official TEDx MotiJheel Kanpur Partner for their upcoming event.
