Things coming out over the past one week have peeved me to the core. As a citizen of India, it pains to see your beloved city being ravaged by a bunch of vultures. But, in the aftermath of such a heinous crime, I wasn’t too sure of the long lasting imprints being carved in my psyche. I have never ever been so concerned about anything. I mean, literally anything. My heart goes out to all who lost their near and dear ones in this battle. The sandstorm refuses to die down and I am glued to whatever media has to offer on paper or by electronic means. I can hear a distinct voice reverberate through these times and that is of anger and frustration towards our polity. Never before in my entire lifetime of understanding the political class and their shenanigans, have I heard this voice so strong. Suddenly a country of one billion seems to have found its voice. A political class responsible for projecting this country as soft spoken and an epitome of stoicism has suddenly begun to realize the gravity of the situation. We no more seem to be mere pushovers. No one can now afford to take us for granted. The sooner the essence of our emotions dawns on them, the better. The sincerity is unmistakable.
But these times have compelled me to think. As has the case been with others like me.
What exactly ails India today? Is it the bureaucratic system set up by our politicians?
I don’t think so. India is because of Indians and not politicians. In a democratic setup like ours, the ultimate powers of electing our leaders lie with us. Then, why do we falter? Instead of engaging in blame games, we should engage in introspection. A country of one billion was held for ransom by a bunch of 20 year olds for 60 odd hours. In retrospection, we nitpick every minute detail of government’s ineptness to act proactively. But do we ever pinpoint fingers at ourselves? Do we have the courage and wisdom to look within ourselves and ask questions; questions which are very much pertinent.
It’s the time for self realization. Politicians engage in politics because we let them to. It’s what we did 5 years ago has come back to haunt us. In various manifestations, in various forms, but the signals are very clear. It is a question thrown back at us –“Do we have it in ourselves to unite and stand up for a cause?” Indians are known never to disappoint. But the question staring right into our eyes is –“Do we have that passion?”
I hope I won’t be disappointed. We owe to those who have laid down their lives for this country. Let their sacrifices not go in vain. We have to learn as well as teach few lessons, the most important of those being the message that “We stand united.”
Jai Hind.
