Delhi's demography comprises people from every nook and corner of the country. As the capital of one of the largest countries of the world, Delhi has the natural role as the showcase of India. People come here in search of better livelihoods, better living standards, leaving behind limited prospects of growth. They bring samples of the culture of their regions. Try and visualise various rivers coming from all directions and pouring into this vast sea of humanity. And now add different colours to these rivers. The result is a sea of colours where each colour retains its identity, lending a distinct identity to the sea. Delhi is a "mini India" where different cultures and languages live in understanding and harmony.

The challenge was to understand the aspirations of these people and also create an atmosphere for them to realise their potential. A bigger challenge was to foster a sense of belonging for the city amongst people. The disconnect between the government and the people, mostly from different and often distant cultural backgrounds led to a relationship of convenience the people had with the city, sans any bond with the city that gave so much. "My Delhi I Care" was not just a slogan but a state of mind.

What irrigation channels do to rural growth, urban infrastructure does to cities. As the capital city, Delhi had to show the way to other mega cities of the subcontinent on how to match the pace of growth with elegance in excellence. Delhi took this as a challenge to create infrastructure which was not just a special response to fundamental needs but, primarily, was a catalyst for growth. Earlier, if people came to the city out of compulsion, they should now come here out of choice.

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