They never host public functions at Mumbai University’s gorgeous old Convocation Hall, but the keepers of the keys enthusiastically agreed to host the launch of Nana Chudasama’s book, History on a Banner. The gesture acknowledges his hand in the creation of the city’s sense of self. Like Busybee’s columns and RK Laxman’s Common Man cartoons, the Chudasama banner – iconic on its perch above Marine Drive for the last 40 years – has held up an articulate mirror to ourselves, our leaders, our present and our future. In these regular, witty updates on the state of our city and of our nation, it has given us moments to pause, smile and frown alike. From the chilling facts of life under Emergency rule, to the cricket team’s performances, to the waves of crime and crises that engulfed Mumbai from time to time over the last decade, most major cornerstones of public life have been cut down to size in brief, pithy home truths.

Forty years of messages, now bound up after a year and a half of work, compiled and edited by Neeru Nanda, present themselves in History on a Banner. “The idea occurred because a lot of my readers wanted a book,” says Chudasama, the gracious, twinkly-eyed occupant of Soona Mahal’s first floor, in a room overlooking the iconic messageboard. “And it was a good idea.”

Indeed. The banner goes to about 15 other places in the country, including Pune, Chennai and Indore, proving that the living history it records has always applied to India as a whole. Nonetheless, Mumbai’s emotional attachment to the banners are particular. “This is a city of spirit. I feel sorry that the infrastructure has not kept pace with the people. But I am a great optimist. And I have great faith in Mumbai.”

The optimism, like the banners, extends to the rest of the country as well. “According to me, India is on the go. Our leadership is mediocre: it has done alright, but not very well. Democracy in this country works, though. My banner is a concrete example of it.” It’s the rule of nature, he says, that eventually top-class leadership will float up above the sea of mediocrity. It’s the optimism of experience speaking, and this is why History on a Banner, record of the past though it is, is also propelling us towards our future. For Chudasama, and a city and country he loves, humour doesn’t just conceal anger: it also indicates hope.

HISTORY’S HEADLINES
Some of the bon mots of the last four decades which had a direct impact on public opinion

POINTS ABOUT POINTS 20 = [INFINITY]
The googol symbol caused Congress workers to misinterpret the banner as an obscene criticism of the 20-point programme. Chaos ensued until explanations were appended.
14/04/76

WE LOVE BOMBAY / LET’S MAKE A CLEAN START
The pioneering ‘I Love Bombay’ (now ‘I Love Mumbai’) effort anticipated the wave of environmental organisations now working in the city.
03/01/90

AFTER 50 YEARS GANDHIJI’S INDIA IS NOW GOONDAJI’S INDIA
Encapsulating the real mood of India’s uber-hyped golden jubilee.
31/01/97

GREEK DICTIONARY MEANING OF IDIOT: MAN WHO DID NOT VOTE
His most frequently-quoted and visibly impactful banner yet.
25/01/07

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