A Health Haven
Mumbai Newsline, The Indian Express
Tuesday, August 19, 2003

Flashback – 1980. Twenty-one acres of reclaimed land on the Napean Sea Road sea-face lay barren. It took 20,000 truckloads of debris and soil to cover this surface and transform it into Malabar Hill’s biggest melting pot, by 1989. Today, you would hardly believe that the spot where Priyadarshini Park (PDP) stands was anything but lush rolling green.

When the synthetic, Olympic track was laid, in 1992, PDP went from being just another garden to a sports complex. In addition to middle age regulars who frequented the park for their daily stroll, young athletes in sports gear descended in full force, to sprint on the brick red turf.

“PDP is not a formal garden. It is a park with a rural ambience, where sports blend with nature,” says founder-member B A Desai. That is quite evident, as a host of activities take place simultaneously, every evening. People from neighbouring areas – and beyond – descend here for a brisk walk, a breath of fresh air, a chat with ‘bench-friends’, depending on their daily fix.

Rustom Vazifdar, resident of Malabar Hill and PDP regular for the past decade, says he enjoys his slow-paced daily walk with the sea breeze in his face. “I am miserable if I miss out, even for a day,” he adds.

The park is also dotted with joggers, some moving gracefully, others huffing to complete their daily rounds. A cacophony of kids are playing ball on the lawn or chasing each other in circles, while indulgent grandparents look on.

There are also sports activities coordinated by the park authorities. There’s the fitness centre which offers yoga, aerobics classes by Reebok-certified instructors and a gym complete with a sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. Those who prefer the outdoors, play football in the middle of the oval Olympic track, while athletes run around them, practicing long jumps.

Grins 10-year old Shreya Doshi, “The athletic classes are excellent and I have improved my speed so, I’m looking forward to sports day in school.” The C-shaped bend of the huge track is also utilized for open-air karate classes.

There is a cricket academy to coach children between the ages of seven and 12. Next to the track are four tennis courts, one of which is exclusively for children. Those who are content to watch all this from the sidelines sit in the viewing gallery, which has been hewn out of the rock surface. Behind them, facing the ocean, people watch the sunset, framed by the crashing waves and violet sky.

But physical training is not the only aspect here. An Art of Living course has been started on a monthly basis and the response has been tremendous. “I even participated in a session myself,” says Desai, adding, “It was a physical, mental and spiritual high.” He’s also enthusiastic about the newest introduction to the park. A Vruksh-Vatika (conglomeration of trees) has been planted. And classical, devotional and instrumental music will be played here every morning. “we’re also going to encourage young classical and semi-classical artistes to play live, every fortnight,” he adds, keen to diversify the park’s health profile.