Sunday, November 29, 2009

'Never Forget 26/11'

It has been one long year since the brutal attack on the country's most talked about city. This post is an attempt to be a different take than the more commonly viewed angles that keep appearing on National Television. So this is not a commemoration of the attacks but an introspection of what we are as individuals, as a society and as Indians.

Notwithstanding what the attack and its aftereffects were made out to me, let us be brutally honest. The attacks were a 'huge success' from the viewpoint of the attackers. The sophisticated armed men roamed the city striking targets at will, even as media covered all the angles and a mockery of our social security system was made on all the available media.

Three of the best fighters in the establishment who dared to rush in when everyone was rushing out were allowed to lie there in their own blood for 40 bloody minutes before someone could tend to them.

It is said, 26/11 was India's 9/11 (In different date formats, though). While US had the balls to go for an all out war against the perpetrators, we have followed a passive, if not undetermined, approach. However, all said and done 8 years later, the superpower in question has neither been able to win, nor disengage from the war which has been dubbed as the biggest strategic error since the Vietnam War. Face it, Pakistan is no Lebanon or Palestine. How, in the wildest dreams, can someone in his senses suggest that India launch a war against an irresponsible nuclear armed state and assume that we shall live happily ever after? This when 40% of our fellow Indians live without electricity and farmers commit suicide on a weekly basis? Defies logic.

Ok, even if we declare war and annex Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. Then what? As if the simmering north east, red belt, Maoists and Naxalites are not enough on the plate.

Coming back to 26/11. Are we not as clueless and as defenseless as we were one year ago? Shows of solidarity are totally relevant and recommended, but they are no good if not followed up by action by government, you and me. I am not competent to make recommendations to the north or south block, but can surely say that it is up to the 'intelligent middle class' to come out of their drawing rooms and start keeping things in line. We already have enough people who don't vote, don't pay taxes, don't follow social etiquette, bribe at the drop of the hat but are never short of advise.

Lastly, salute to the martyrs of the fateful day and all other less talked about events, bravehearts who defy all odds and fight for the nation, so that we can safely go to sleep each night. Let us never forget that there was a 26/11 that changed Mumbai forever. If we forget, we better rest assured there are going to be more.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

What is this life, if full of care... We have no time to stand and stare

Have you ever watched kids On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain Slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last.

Do you run through each day On the fly?
When you ask How are you? Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores Running through your head?

You'd better slow down Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last.

Ever told your child, We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste, Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch, Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time To call and say,'Hi'

You'd better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last..

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift.... Thrown away.

Life is not a race. Do take it slower
Hear the music Before the song is over.