26/11 and my thoughts...

Almost one year after the Mumbai Terror attacks and it still continues to haunt us. I remember vividly those 3 days. The TV was on almost through the day, with constant updates. Appa would call from office, or we would message him to give him the latest… Facebook status messages were all completely about the terror attack. I kept switching from one news channel to another –trying to find one that would give the best coverage. And at night, we would switch if off, hoping and praying that by the next morning everything would return to normal.

And now, one year on… I guess we should be glad that atleast the trial has commenced. Pakistan as usual, is doing nothing about the situation. Personally, I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that none of our esteemed politicians step in and botch up the situation. We should be glad that atleast now, the NSG, the army and other military, para-military, and security forces are being given the respect and recognition they deserve.

Yesterday’s newspaper carried a series of articles on 26/11. One of these was written by a Canadian therapist. A half-page article, she wrote about how forgiving those terrorists is the first step that we should take. I don’t know how this woman would react if there was such an act in her own backyard. Personally, I agree with forgiveness and not bearing grudges. But that applies only to petty, personal matters – like when my sister doesn’t return borrowed clothes, when a best friend forgets to tell me something, or when I myself make a mistake that I feel bad for. When a bunch of people come to your country, hold a huge number of people hostage in one of the most iconic buildings, and kill hundreds of others, I don’t know how anyone can even consider forgiving them. It may sound immature, but all I want is that the people responsible for this be put behind bars permanently.

Several people –the famous, the wannabe-famous and the not-so-famous have given their views on the terror attack. One of the most outrageous sound bytes was given today, by a Mr. Quereshi, a young Pakistani diplomat-types (I missed the introductions given on the show by Arnab Goswami, of TIMES NOW) The panel was discussing about how things have changed since 26/11 and about how Pakistan has failed to do anything yet.

And Mr.Quereshi said,

“What about the 10 Pakistanis killed by your intelligence agencies, on Indian soil during the attack? What about them and what about their rights and their families?”

I’m sorry, but I don’t think I understand what he meant. Were we supposed to greet these terrorists with garlands and make them feel at home?! Or should we have said, ‘Okay! Lets wait for them to finish firing and bring our buildings and people down. After that, we can try to take them into custody’. Needless to say, this immature chap was instantly cut-off by the other panelists and taken off air.

Shobaa De and Mr. Sohail (the guy with the shock of white hair and belligerent attitude) decried the rock concert at Leopold and the candle-lighting ceremonies all over the country. They said that it was mere symbolism, and that we should focus our energies towards accountability in governance. It was rightly answered by one of the survivors.

She said,

"The country is in grief and is mourning a terrible incident. I think we all have the right to gather in crowds and light candles to remember our fellow citizens. The average Indian can do nothing much else, except to perhaps vote a better government to power. But what difference does it make? Each candidate is as bad as the previous. Please tell us what we should do, as normal citizens and we will do it.”

Terrorism seeks to terrorise the country, and to instill in people a fear of the ordinary. (I myself avoided crowds for a while). And the best way for the normal citizen to deal with this is to say, ‘I don’t care if you’re bombing my cities, I will still live. I will gather in crowds to pay homage and respect to those who saved us and died, and I will continue to celebrate the fighting spirit of this country.’

It is for people like Mr.Sohail and Mrs.De, people who have publicity and chances to be on these panel discussions, to really go up there for a discussion with our politicians and ask them, ‘What have you done so far?’. We can only submit petitions, and maybe hold demonstrations… and who knows how effective these will be?

Its been one year now and little progress has been made. But let us hope, that atleast the coming year is peaceful.

The spirit of India

I know that we're all tired of the phrase 'Spirit of India' or 'Spirit of Bombay', but I came across this picture, and I couldn't help but be inspired and touched by the selfless actions of our people.

This should be made 'Picture of the Year'.

Register to Vote today!

On that note, for those of you who are Indian citizens and above the age of 18, please sign up for your voter ID. Its our chance to make a difference! :)

Register here - http://www.jaagore.com/main.php.

Its a simple site, guiding you easily through the process of filling out the form and even finding out which constituency you belong to. And they keep you updated on the status of your application, give you information on polling booths, voting, etc as the election draws close.

So please sign up, and spread the message.. :)

While America celebrates...

AMERICA CELEBRATES!

The United States of America celebrated change today, by embracing the election of the country's first African-American President. An expensive election, and trend-setter in many ways, it was followed by millions around the globe. This marks an important point in history where people learnt to put aside racial differences and come together to trust in one man who is a symbol of hope to an economy reeling under a severe economic crisis.

Returning from college today, I watched the speech given by Barack Obama upon being declared President-Elect. His speech was simple, yet inspiring and invoking feelings of patriotism among all. However, at the end of the speech, what I admired the most was his humility and the respect that he gave his competitor Senator John McCain. In a country where we are used to useless opposition and ruling party leaders, who do nothing but attack each other personally, it comes as a breath of fresh air, when the elected President publicly congratulates his opponent and solicits his cooperation in making the country a better place to live in.

In Obama's own words -

"Senator McCain has done so much for this country, sacrificed so much, much more than you or I could even imagine...and I must congratulate him".

And when Senator McCain too gave a wonderfully gracious speech, assuring the new President of his support and calling upon the Republicans to also wish him well and give him their cooperation... it was truly a beautiful moment.

Politics and elections would never be completely free of mud-slinging and it would perhaps be rather naive to believe that would ever happen. But, regardless of what happens during the campaigning, at the end of the day, it is nice to see a warm handshake between the two sides. A sign of inspiration to thousands of people who look to their leaders to make their dreams come true.

Our politicians must be busy now, writing out congratulatory notes to the new leader. However what they must be doing, is to look at President Obama and Senator McCain and understand from their behaviour today, how a leader must behave.

To respect the accomplishments of people and appreciate them.

To give an assurance to the people that they will do the best they can, while at the same time inviting positive and constructive criticism.

To have a smiling face when you are the loser, rather than vandalising property and looting the town.

It has been famously remarked -

"The trust of the people in the leaders reflects the confidence of the leaders in the people."

Let our leaders never forget,

"To be a good leader, you have to have something in your character to
cause people to follow you"..

So, dear politicians, please give us something to respect you for....

Partition

I started writing this during an immensely boring class of international relations. Ideas and suggestions are most welcome.. :)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It was the evening of the 30th of August of the year 1947. India was still suffering in the after-math of newly-acquired freedom. Freedom, which brought along in its wake, a flood of newer problems. Communal violence and bloodshed were the order of the day, alongside the untiring efforts of an infant government to establish peace.

The scene outside the Lahore Government General Hospital was no different from the rest of India and Pakistan. A young South Indian couple were expecting their first child, and they planned to leave as soon as mother and child were well. Hindus were not welcome in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and they were to move to Madras. Mr. Raman walked into the hospital’s over-crowded maternity ward. The sound of wailing babies and the unpleasant odour of the hospital surrounded him, and he walked towards his wife’s room when he heard the unmistakable sound of a child’s cry coming from within.

A sense of relief filled him, and he rushed towards the door, eager to see his wife and newborn baby. Happiness filled his heart as he stood at the door, and smiled at his wife, seeing a little bundle wrapped securely and held lovingly in her arms. She looked a little tired, but her face was radiant with happiness and she called him to come forward and take a little look at his daughter – their little princess.

A nurse rushed in, and took the baby away from them. They were asked to finish the paper work and vacate the room immediately. A number of expectant mothers were waiting for the use of this room. The delivery had been absolutely normal, with no cause for worry and no need to spend time occupying the hospital’s precious-few wards. Their daughter would be cleaned, checked-up and brought back to them in just a few hours, she said. A little upset, but eager to hold his baby in his arms, Mr. Raman rushed out to complete the formalities while his wife got dressed to leave.

A few hours later, they were all set to leave. Train tickets in hand, and a taxi waiting at the driveway, they waited for the nurse to bring them their little girl. Mr.Raman mentally reminded himself that his wife and child would have to undergo a complete medical check-up once they crossed the border. Right now, the most important thing was to get them to safer and more familiar territory.

A sudden commotion diverted his attention, and he noticed a large group of people coming down the road, armed with slogans that spoke of their desire to have all Hindus evacuated from the area. The situation was becoming increasingly volatile, and they urgently looked around for a sign of the nurse bringing them their baby.

A few minutes later, they walked swiftly into the waiting car, with the child in their arms – wrapped in a warm cloth and her face almost covered to keep away the dust. Violence would break out at any moment.
There was no time to cuddle the baby or even look at her upon reaching the train-station. Mr.Raman held his wife’s hand tight and helped her onto the train. It was only upon boarding the train, and cuddling the baby, that they realized the cruel mistake fate had played upon them. The child they held in their arms was not their princess, but a little boy…


To be continued...