Friday, November 27, 2009
One year passes to a peaceful 26/11
We have seen a year post the 26/11 catastrophe I would like to express my condolences to all families affected and appreciate the spirit of India.
The display of strength by all affected families is the true act of heroism. We have to unite of a larger purpose that is beyond trivial conflicts borne in the mind. We have to think beyond who is big and who is small. We have to work towards a happy nation... towards the ultimate cause of humanity.
I would like to take support of these lines by famous American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson that say -
Where can we find the royal road to reformation and change? To which Emerson declared: "Not he is great who can alter matter, but he who can alter my state of mind." He strongly urged us to undergo an inner reformation. I want you to be assured that the challenge to which we set ourselves day after day - that of our human revolution - is the royal road to bringing about a reformation in our families, local regions and societies. An inner revolution is the most fundamental and at the same time the ultimate revolution for engendering change in all things.
It all begins with me, the people around me that form my closest environment. We can change the world by changing our own negative tendencies. Let us not miss out on a chance to help someone of make someone happy.
Towards a happy India
Lets build it... person by person
Cheers
Sandeep Chagger
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
I Admire terorists...
I Admire terorists...
Shocked to read the title of my post? Well...to elaborate..I admireterrorists..not for what they do, but for the WAY they do whateverthey do!! Professional. Focused. Target oriented. Dedicated...I couldgo on and on. Of course their orientation is towards the destructiverather than the constructive forces. Imagine what would happen if therulers of our country could acquire even ONE of these qualities fromterrorists and use it in a constructive way..imagine a focused,dedicated and professional chief minister....imagine what wonders hewould do to our country. Why is this professionalism and thisdedication missing from the people who profess to be constructive?What is it that actually drives these terrorists? What would drive ourrulers to to that? Money? That they have! Power? They have that too!Amenities? They have plenty! Then what? I don't have the answer tothat... If anyone does, mail me on sanjana.bhosale@gmail.com.I can only think of a song by John Lenon which goes like this, "Imagine there's no country...it isn't hard to do...nothing to kill ordie for, and no religion too...imagine all the people living life inpeace....!
Ciao for now.
Sanjana
Shocked to read the title of my post? Well...to elaborate..I admireterrorists..not for what they do, but for the WAY they do whateverthey do!! Professional. Focused. Target oriented. Dedicated...I couldgo on and on. Of course their orientation is towards the destructiverather than the constructive forces. Imagine what would happen if therulers of our country could acquire even ONE of these qualities fromterrorists and use it in a constructive way..imagine a focused,dedicated and professional chief minister....imagine what wonders hewould do to our country. Why is this professionalism and thisdedication missing from the people who profess to be constructive?What is it that actually drives these terrorists? What would drive ourrulers to to that? Money? That they have! Power? They have that too!Amenities? They have plenty! Then what? I don't have the answer tothat... If anyone does, mail me on sanjana.bhosale@gmail.com.I can only think of a song by John Lenon which goes like this, "Imagine there's no country...it isn't hard to do...nothing to kill ordie for, and no religion too...imagine all the people living life inpeace....!
Ciao for now.
Sanjana
Friday, December 19, 2008
Heroes At The Taj
Commentary
Michael Pollack 12.01.08, 7:40 PM ET
My story begins innocuously, with a dinner reservation in a world-classhotel. It ends 12 hours later after the Indian army freed us.
My story begins innocuously, with a dinner reservation in a world-classhotel. It ends 12 hours later after the Indian army freed us.
My point is not to sensationalize events. It is to express my gratitude andpay tribute to the staff of the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, who sacrificedtheir lives so that we could survive. They, along with the Indian army, arethe true heroes that emerged from this tragedy.
My wife, Anjali, and I were married in the Taj's Crystal Ballroom. Herparents were married there, too, and so were Shiv and Reshma, the couplewith whom we had dinner plans. In fact, my wife and Reshma, both Bombaygirls, grew up hanging out and partying the night away there and at theOberoi Hotel, another terrorist target.
The four of us arrived at the Taj around 9:30 p.m. for dinner at the GoldenDragon, one of the better Chinese restaurants in Mumbai. We were a littleearly, and our table wasn't ready. So we walked next door to the Harbor Barand had barely begun to enjoy our beers when the host told us our table wasready. We decided to stay and finish our drinks.
Thirty seconds later, we heard what sounded like a heavy tray smashing tothe ground. This was followed by 20 or 30 similar sounds and then absolutesilence. We crouched behind a table just feet away from what we now knewwere gunmen. Terrorists had stormed the lobby and were firingindiscriminately.
We tried to break the glass window in front of us with a chair, but itwouldn't budge. The Harbour Bar's hostess, who had remained at her post,motioned to us that it was safe to make a run for the stairwell. Shementioned, in passing, that there was a dead body right outside in thecorridor. We believe this courageous woman was murdered after we ran away.(We later learned that minutes after we climbed the stairs, terrorists cameinto the Harbour Bar, shot everyone who was there and executed those nextdoor at the Golden Dragon. The staff there was equally brave, locking theirpatrons into a basement wine cellar to protect them. But the terroristsmanaged to break through and lob in grenades that killed everyone in thebasement.)
We took refuge in the small office of the kitchen of another restaurant,Wasabi, on the second floor. Its chef and staff served the four of us foodand drink and even apologized for the inconvenience we were suffering.Through text messaging, e-mail on BlackBerrys and a small TV in the office,we realized the full extent of the terrorist attack on Mumbai. We figuredwe were in a secure place for the moment. There was also no way out.At around 11:30 p.m., the kitchen went silent. We took a massive woodentable and pushed it up against the door, turned off all the lights and hid.All of the kitchen workers remained outside; not one staff member had run.The terrorists repeatedly slammed against our door. We heard them ask thechef in Hindi if anyone was inside the office. He responded calmly: "No oneis in there. It's empty." That is the second time the Taj staff saved ourlives.
After about 20 minutes, other staff members escorted us down a corridor toan area called The Chambers, a members-only area of the hotel. There wereabout 250 people in six rooms. Inside, the staff was serving sandwiches andalcohol. People were nervous, but cautiously optimistic. We were told TheChambers was the safest place we could be because the army was now guardingits two entrances and the streets were still dangerous. There had beenattacks at a major railway station and a hospital.
But then, a member of parliament phoned into a live newscast and let theworld know that hundreds of people--including CEOs, foreigners and membersof parliament--were "secure and safe in The Chambers together." Adding tothe escalating tension and chaos was the fact that, via text and cellphone,we knew that the dome of the Taj was on fire and that it could movedownward.
At around 2 a.m., the staff attempted an evacuation. We all lined up tohead down a dark fire escape exit. But after five minutes, grenade blastsand automatic weapon fire pierced the air. A mad stampede ensued to get outof the stairwell and take cover back inside The Chambers.
After that near-miss, my wife and I decided we should hide in differentrooms. While we hoped to be together at the end, our primary obligation wasto our children. We wanted to keep one parent alive. Because I am Americanand my wife is Indian, and news reports said the terrorists were targetingU.S. and U.K. nationals, I believed I would further endanger her life if wewere together in a hostage situation.
So when we ran back to The Chambers I hid in a toilet stall with afloor-to-ceiling door and my wife stayed with our friends, who fled to alarge room across the hall.
For the next seven hours, I lay in the fetal position, keeping in touchwith Anjali via BlackBerry. I was joined in the stall by Joe, a Nigeriannational with a U.S. green card. I managed to get in touch with the FBI,and several agents gave me status updates throughout the night.
I cannot even begin to explain the level of adrenaline running through mysystem at this point. It was this hyper-aware state where every sound,every smell, every piece of information was ultra-acute, analyzed andprocessed so that we could make the best decisions and maximize the odds ofsurvival.
Was the fire above us life-threatening? What floor was it on? Were thecommandos near us, or were they terrorists? Why is it so quiet? Did thecommandos survive? If the terrorists come into the bathroom and to thedoor, when they fire in, how can I make my body as small as possible? IfJoe gets killed before me in this situation, how can I throw his body onmine to barricade the door? If the Indian commandos liberate the rest inthe other room, how will they know where I am? Do the terrorists havesuicide vests? Will the roof stand? How can I make sure the FBI knows whereAnjali and I are? When is it safe to stand up and attempt to urinate?Meanwhile, Anjali and the others were across the corridor in a mass ofpeople lying on the floor and clinging to each other. People barely movedfor seven hours, and for the last three hours they felt it was too unsafeto even text. While I was tucked behind a couple walls of marble andgranite in my toilet stall, she was feet from bullets flying back andforth. After our failed evacuation, most of the people in the fire escapestairwell and many staff members who attempted to protect the guests wereshot and killed.
The 10 minutes around 2:30 a.m. were the most frightening. Rather than theback-and-forth of gunfire, we just heard single, punctuated shots. We laterlearned that the terrorists went along a different corridor of TheChambers, room by room, and systematically executed everyone: women,elderly, Muslims, Hindus, foreigners. A group huddled next to Anjali wasdevout Bori Muslims who would have been slaughtered just like everyoneelse, had the terrorists gone into their room. Everyone was in deep prayerand most, Anjali included, had accepted that their lives were likely over.It was terrorism in its purest form. No one was spared.
The next five hours were filled with the sounds of an intense grenade/gunbattle between the Indian commandos and the terrorists. It was fought indarkness; each side was trying to outflank the other.
By the time dawn broke, the commandos had successfully secured ourcorridor. A young commando led out the people packed into Anjali's room.When one woman asked whether it was safe to leave, the commando replied:"Don't worry, you have nothing to fear. The first bullets have to gothrough me."
The corridor was laced with broken glass and bullet casings. Every tablewas turned over or destroyed. The ceilings and walls were littered withhundreds of bullet holes. Blood stains were everywhere, though,fortunately, there were no dead bodies to be seen.
A few minutes after Anjali had vacated, Joe and I peeked out of our stall.We saw multiple commandos and smiled widely. I had lost my right shoe whilesprinting to the toilet so I grabbed a sheet from the floor, wrapped itaround my foot and proceeded to walk over the debris to the hotel lobby.Anjali and I embraced for the first time in seven hours in the Taj's groundfloor entrance. I didn't know whether she was dead or injured because wehadn't been able to text for the past three hours.
I wanted to take a picture of us on my BlackBerry, but Anjali wanted us toget out of there before doing anything.
She was right--our ordeal wasn't completely over. A large bus pulled up infront of the Taj to collect us and, just about as it was fully loaded,gunfire erupted again. The terrorists were still alive and firing automaticweapons at the bus. Anjali was the last to get on the bus, and sheeventually escaped in our friend's car. I ducked under some concretebarriers for cover and wound up the subject of photos that were latersplashed across the media. Shortly thereafter, an ambulance came and drovea few of us to safety. An hour later, Anjali and I were again reunited ather parents' home. Our Thanksgiving had just gained a lot more meaning.Some may say our survival was due to random luck, others might creditdivine intervention. But 72 hours removed from these events, I can assureyou only one thing: Far fewer people would have survived if it weren't forthe extreme selflessness shown by the Taj staff, who organized us, cateredto us and then, in the end, literally died for us.
They complemented the extreme bravery and courage of the Indian commandos,who, in a pitch-black setting and unfamiliar, tightly packed terrain,valiantly held the terrorists at bay.
It is also amazing that, out of our entire group, not one person screamedor panicked. There was an eerie but quiet calm that pervaded--one morething that got us all out alive. Even people in adjacent rooms, who werebeing executed, kept silent.
It is much easier to destroy than to build, yet somehow humanity hasmanaged to build far more than it has ever destroyed. Likewise, in a periodof crisis, it is much easier to find faults and failings rather than tocelebrate the good deeds. It is now time to commemorate our heroes.
Michael Pollack is a general partner of Glenhill Capital, a firm heco-founded in 2001.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Thank you Terrorist!
We've been feeling the pinch from year 93,
For fear grips us as we walk around free,
We conveniently say it's Mumbai's resilience,
But to us its just, a part of our existence.
In our quest for life, we seem to neglect,
We are soft targets of a coward's bullet.
Our safety is a matter of grave concern,
for we've elected some mules to govern.
After every bomb-blast,they offer condolence,
the repeated attacks prove their impotence.
They play all tricks to garner some notes,
they divide us all to gain majority votes.
And, WE the people, fight amongst each other,
As external forces come in and conquer.
Shoot all in their vision at ramdom,
for WE fail to react in tandem.
If it was not for our defence personnel,
we'd have exhausted before their arsenel.
In your endeavour to cause irreparable harm,
you have evoked a feeling of unique charm.
By filling a billion minds, with true Indianness,
you have dampened your chance of causing more mess.
Thank you Terrorist! for uniting a great country,
By coming together, WE have booked you a cementery.
For fear grips us as we walk around free,
We conveniently say it's Mumbai's resilience,
But to us its just, a part of our existence.
In our quest for life, we seem to neglect,
We are soft targets of a coward's bullet.
Our safety is a matter of grave concern,
for we've elected some mules to govern.
After every bomb-blast,they offer condolence,
the repeated attacks prove their impotence.
They play all tricks to garner some notes,
they divide us all to gain majority votes.
And, WE the people, fight amongst each other,
As external forces come in and conquer.
Shoot all in their vision at ramdom,
for WE fail to react in tandem.
If it was not for our defence personnel,
we'd have exhausted before their arsenel.
In your endeavour to cause irreparable harm,
you have evoked a feeling of unique charm.
By filling a billion minds, with true Indianness,
you have dampened your chance of causing more mess.
Thank you Terrorist! for uniting a great country,
By coming together, WE have booked you a cementery.
Measures - from a common man
We need a Peaceful Planet comprising of People of Diversities who will co-exist.
Non- cooperation by not paying tax, not voting, initiate attack on Pakistan etc may not practically work. If you want to hurt Negligent and Corrupt Politicians, deprive them of the position of Power. That is all that matters to them. If we can vote them in, we can vote them out.
India is a democratic country and it gives us power to ask and question. Did we ever use it effectively ?
We have RTI tool to seek information. Have we effectively used it ?
Come together and raise the questions, start a signature campaign and see that all of them are answered. Bring it to its logical end, if you believe that this is real concern for you and for us.
Judicial reforms, Legislative reforms, Police reforms will take time. No change happens soon. We need to push for it. But in parallel and immediately, we need to work around the system to ensure that there is peace, safety and growth in a balanced manner.
A few suggestions which may be thought over :
Firstly, we need to change our Attitude of ' sab chalta hai' and giving the favours in whatever form. Because there is a giver, there is a taker. Please do not spread / encourage corruption. The only way it can stop is to collectively stop it. A little inconvenience may be worth it.
It is a waste of time to even submit any memorandum and charter to the Govt as they will only waste our time in discussions and trying to get consensus... more paperwork and at best a High Level Commitee will be set up and Nothing will happen. It is only to divert our energies with false assurances.
Let's do what we can within our control and means and for which following action plan may be discussed :
1) Citizen Vigilance Committee to be set up with a specific mandate ( to be evolved through debates and discussion ) to monitor and ensure the governance and accountability that we want to see. The Core Committee should comprise of professional from the Corporate, academician, lawyer/ retired judge ,a youth representative and a representative from minority community. The committee should have members by rotation, annually. Maybe have an open discussion with Public once a quarter on key issues that emerge out of such monitoring.
2) Citizen Group should consider filing criminal case in such cases of negligence by Ministers and Public Servants for cheating/ forgery/ culpable homicide as case may be.
3) Press for Whistleblower Act. Till such time, set up a whistleblower blog to bring on record any such complaints or information.
4) Schools and Colleges should have compulsory training in self defence and crisis management. Parents alongwith representatives of NDA should take the responsibility to form groups and ensure its implementation.
5) May be similar training for other citizens as well. Let's initiate the dialogue with the Defence forces.
6) Pre-requisite qualification and a fitness criteria for those who are in field of Politicians. Those with criminal record to be disqualified, some benchmark of retirement age to be set.
7) Media to exercise desired caution and prudence and be responsible in reporting and not create panic and be the voice of a few Powerful Politicial Parties.
8) Start community service groups by Groups and teach and educate people and make them aware so that they do not continue to be prey to divisive politics by our Leaders. Spread knowledge and Awareness. Extend help to the lesser privileged. It is lack of literacy emanating from poverty that is the root cause of the increase in crimes and which allows people to be misled by Politicians.
We do not need to be hit by terror to awaken to the above facts....we should do this nonetheless. Let's mobilise the anger and anxiety to a constructive and actionable purpose. It's never too late to start. It's a collective responsibility. Take out 2 hours a week....and applaude those who do it.
An eye for eye may eventually turn all of us blind.........The victims of an attack are always innocent people like me and you.
Let's restart our fight for a Truly Free India where our Fundmental Right to Life, Liberty and Survival are protected.
Let's ask the leaders, if India is safe why do they need so much of our taxes to be spend on their security. Who do they fear ???? If they can't take the bullets like our officers to protect innocents, why have they chosen to be leaders.
ASK and ASK till we get the answers. It is Each Citizen's Right to Ask and Every Leader's Duty to be Accountable.
Do not let Politicians feel that our anger will die down over time. We will be driven, vigil and active and be Together. Show them the Power of being United.
We saw the Terrorist strike from front. They dared to be unmasked.
Do we know the Faces who have caused the Nation to come to this brink of Destruction? Let's Find Out.
Take this Pledge to be a Responsible Citizen.........
And put forth your suggestions and ideas to enable the above.
Non- cooperation by not paying tax, not voting, initiate attack on Pakistan etc may not practically work. If you want to hurt Negligent and Corrupt Politicians, deprive them of the position of Power. That is all that matters to them. If we can vote them in, we can vote them out.
India is a democratic country and it gives us power to ask and question. Did we ever use it effectively ?
We have RTI tool to seek information. Have we effectively used it ?
Come together and raise the questions, start a signature campaign and see that all of them are answered. Bring it to its logical end, if you believe that this is real concern for you and for us.
Judicial reforms, Legislative reforms, Police reforms will take time. No change happens soon. We need to push for it. But in parallel and immediately, we need to work around the system to ensure that there is peace, safety and growth in a balanced manner.
A few suggestions which may be thought over :
Firstly, we need to change our Attitude of ' sab chalta hai' and giving the favours in whatever form. Because there is a giver, there is a taker. Please do not spread / encourage corruption. The only way it can stop is to collectively stop it. A little inconvenience may be worth it.
It is a waste of time to even submit any memorandum and charter to the Govt as they will only waste our time in discussions and trying to get consensus... more paperwork and at best a High Level Commitee will be set up and Nothing will happen. It is only to divert our energies with false assurances.
Let's do what we can within our control and means and for which following action plan may be discussed :
1) Citizen Vigilance Committee to be set up with a specific mandate ( to be evolved through debates and discussion ) to monitor and ensure the governance and accountability that we want to see. The Core Committee should comprise of professional from the Corporate, academician, lawyer/ retired judge ,a youth representative and a representative from minority community. The committee should have members by rotation, annually. Maybe have an open discussion with Public once a quarter on key issues that emerge out of such monitoring.
2) Citizen Group should consider filing criminal case in such cases of negligence by Ministers and Public Servants for cheating/ forgery/ culpable homicide as case may be.
3) Press for Whistleblower Act. Till such time, set up a whistleblower blog to bring on record any such complaints or information.
4) Schools and Colleges should have compulsory training in self defence and crisis management. Parents alongwith representatives of NDA should take the responsibility to form groups and ensure its implementation.
5) May be similar training for other citizens as well. Let's initiate the dialogue with the Defence forces.
6) Pre-requisite qualification and a fitness criteria for those who are in field of Politicians. Those with criminal record to be disqualified, some benchmark of retirement age to be set.
7) Media to exercise desired caution and prudence and be responsible in reporting and not create panic and be the voice of a few Powerful Politicial Parties.
8) Start community service groups by Groups and teach and educate people and make them aware so that they do not continue to be prey to divisive politics by our Leaders. Spread knowledge and Awareness. Extend help to the lesser privileged. It is lack of literacy emanating from poverty that is the root cause of the increase in crimes and which allows people to be misled by Politicians.
We do not need to be hit by terror to awaken to the above facts....we should do this nonetheless. Let's mobilise the anger and anxiety to a constructive and actionable purpose. It's never too late to start. It's a collective responsibility. Take out 2 hours a week....and applaude those who do it.
An eye for eye may eventually turn all of us blind.........The victims of an attack are always innocent people like me and you.
Let's restart our fight for a Truly Free India where our Fundmental Right to Life, Liberty and Survival are protected.
Let's ask the leaders, if India is safe why do they need so much of our taxes to be spend on their security. Who do they fear ???? If they can't take the bullets like our officers to protect innocents, why have they chosen to be leaders.
ASK and ASK till we get the answers. It is Each Citizen's Right to Ask and Every Leader's Duty to be Accountable.
Do not let Politicians feel that our anger will die down over time. We will be driven, vigil and active and be Together. Show them the Power of being United.
We saw the Terrorist strike from front. They dared to be unmasked.
Do we know the Faces who have caused the Nation to come to this brink of Destruction? Let's Find Out.
Take this Pledge to be a Responsible Citizen.........
And put forth your suggestions and ideas to enable the above.
Letter to the PM by Editor Mumbai (TOI)
Dear Mr. Prime minister
I am a typical mouse from Mumbai. In the local train compartment which has capacity of 100 persons, I travel with 500 more mouse. Mouse at least squeak but we don't even do that.
I am a typical mouse from Mumbai. In the local train compartment which has capacity of 100 persons, I travel with 500 more mouse. Mouse at least squeak but we don't even do that.
Today I heard your speech. In which you said 'NO BODY WOULD BE SPARED'. I would like to remind you that fourteen years has passed since serial bomb blast in Mumbai took place. Dawood was the main conspirator.
Till today he is not caught. All our bolywood actors, our builders, our Gutka king meets him but your Government can not catch him. Reason is simple; all your ministers are hand in glove with him. If any attempt is made to catch him everybody will be exposed. Your statement 'NOBODY WOULD BE SPARED' is nothing but a cruel joke on this unfortunate people of India .
Enough is enough. As such after seeing terrorist attack carried out by about a dozen young boys I realize that if same thing continues days are not away when terrorist will attack by air, destroy our nuclear reactor and there will be one more Hiroshima .
We the people are left with only one mantra. Womb to Bomb to Tomb. You promised Mumbaikar Shanghai what you have given us is Jalianwala Baug.
Today only your home minister resigned. What took you so long to kick out this joker? Only reason was that he was loyal to Gandhi family. Loyalty to Gandhi family is more important than blood of innocent people, isn't it?
I am born and bought up in Mumbai for last fifty eight years. Believe me corruption in Maharashtra is worse than that in Bihar . Look at all the politician, Sharad Pawar, Chagan Bhujbal, Narayan Rane, Bal Thackray , Gopinath Munde, Raj Thackray, Vilasrao Deshmukh all are rolling in money. Vilasrao Deshmukh is one of the worst Chief minister I have seen. His only business is to increase the FSI every other day, make money and send it to Delhi so Congress can fight next election. Now the clown has found new way and will increase FSI for fisherman so they can build concrete house right on sea shore. Next time terrorist can comfortably live in those house , enjoy the beauty of sea and then attack the Mumbai at their will.
Recently I had to purchase house in Mumbai. I met about two dozen builders. Everybody wanted about 30% in black. A common person like me knows this and with all your intelligent agency & CBI you and your finance minister are not aware of it.. Where all the black money goes? To the underworld isn't it? Our politicians take help of these goondas to vacate people by force. I myself was victim of it. If you have time please come to me, I will tell you everything.
If this has been land of fools, idiots then I would not have ever cared to write you this letter. Just see the tragedy, on one side we are reaching moon, people are so intelligent and on other side you politician has converted nectar into deadly poison. I am everything Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Schedule caste, OBC, Muslim OBC, Christian Schedule caste, Creamy Schedule caste only what I am not is INDIAN. You politician have raped every part of mother India by your policy of divide and rule.
Take example of former president Abdul Kalam. Such a intelligent person, such a fine human being. You politician didn't even spare him. Your party along with opposition joined the hands, because politician feels they are supreme and there is no place for good person.
Dear Mr Prime minister you are one of the most intelligent person, most learned person. Just wake up, be a real SARDAR. First and foremost expose all selfish politician. Ask Swiss bank to give name of all Indian account holder. Give reins of CBI to independent agency. Let them find wolf among us.. There will be political upheaval but that will better than dance of death which we are witnessing every day. Just give us ambient where we can work honestly and without fear. Let there be rule of law. Everything else will be taken care of.
Choice is yours Mr. Prime Minister. Do you want to be lead by one person or you want to lead the nation of 100 Crore people?
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Idea behind starting the blog
Dear Friends,
The idea behind starting the blog was to gather ideas and people who wanted raise their voices, concerns, and issues around. We are not trying to be different or any innovative for the moment and we are honestly just like one of the blogs that have floated in the wake of recent terror attacks. Few of which, we all and others believe will lose the steam before anything substantial happens. Our aim is to sustain this anger and not lose the steam.
When we started the blog many of the people to whom we had sent invites asked us, “What will you do next??” This, I think the biggest mistake we all make and unless we do not give this habit of “killing the idea” before it starts will lead to ‘no action but only talks’. Most of the people want to do something but when we ask them to come and comment and provide inputs to our blog the standard reply, “What will happen? Tell what the solution is?” Solutions if are so easy and can be arrived on once you blog then this world would have been a much safer place well before.
We need to discuss before arriving at solutions. I firmly believe discussions will lead to solutions. More importantly if the discussions and points discussed are executed then we can achieve our goals. If different people blog and come together we would for sure get a clear picture of what all needs to be done. To stress again, we need to take the first step before taking the second one. Its nature’s law. We cannot jump to conclusions. I would be happier if people jump to opportunities more eagerly than jumping to conclusions. Here is an opportunity. I am not saying you need to blog here only. You can do that anywhere. But just do it.
Again we need to be in the system to change the system. I personally do not mind contesting elections. The only question here goes to the Congress and BJP is just send me the price quotation of the elections tickets (I expect some discount owing to the current scenario). With this blog we intend to do whatever we can so that our passion and anger does not die off.
We with his blog intend to the following things:
- Create awareness among people about the seriousness of the issue and inform them to be prepared to give up the “Chalta hai attitude”
- As it is said “If you wish to see a change, then be the change” therefore we need to be in the system to make the change in the system. Encouraging more educated people to join politics
- Create an educated and sensible vote bank which will not fall prey to the vote bank politics of the politicians
- Come up with the solutions, opinions, point of views which we would take up to appropriate authorities
As previously stated we are no different but we wanted to contribute in our bit and this is our effort to do something. We really are confident this blog will make a difference and our opinions will be counted. Be optimistic. If we all feel ‘what next’ before starting or initiating any plan or movement then we would never achieve our goals. We need to be a part of this historical event in making. I urge people to be a part of this.
I know its clichéd but “Its now or never”.
Ashish Dave
9930268084
Saturday, December 6, 2008
My point of view ...
“Mumbai Under attack …’ this is was the title of the big known newspapers and what was appearing on TV screens for one whole week starting from November 26th 2008. Yes, Mumbai was under attack, but mostly it is the whole world that was under attack. It is the entire world that was under attack because as humans we have failed to live with each other peaceful, because attacks like those have connections and need networks in order to be successful, and more than ever because despite what has been happening all around the world in terms of terrorism we continue to make the same mistake. This is the purpose of this blog if I understood well, to not focus on the terrorism but on the ERROR done and correct.
The attack on Mumbai – on its tourist area of Colaba by the attack on some 5 Star Hotels Taj Presidents and Oberoi, the famous Café Leopold … and the Mumbai CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) the busiest railway station and one of the UNESCO World Heritage site, that sees millions of people using it on a daily basis … People lost theirs, innocents died into this Red Wednesday 26th November 2008. Something I have realized as a foreigner is the way people - Mumbaikars -have managed the situation by their known spirit. “You are half dead no longer alive if you allow anybody to guide your life”. Of course as human beings, being scared is part of our emotions, but the way life started again after the attack as if nothing had happened, shows determination and that willingness to not give a chance to terrorism. The purpose of terrorists and something they have in common, is that they want to frighten others and set up a state of panic and scary among the people … and in some cases they succeed for various reasons: free advert from the media while TV channels compete to each other on who’s gonna keep attention of a big audience once they don’t filter on what they pass on their antenna, for some support from states/countries, big companies or personalities … and most of all when we allow the situation to get worse by sitting without doing anything, when we accept the situation as something normal that was supposed to happen in our lives …
This is why I salute the Spirit of Mumbaikars, that spirit of never giving up, and never allowing others (i.e. terrorists in this context) to decide on how life should be lived! I also support the initiative taken by young people, who don’t have TV Channels in order to start acting now, who don’t have an army under their control or power as some “leaders” of this world … but who found that there is always a way to fight the evil with the weapon they have, which is the spirit of the ancestors.
People become angry after such kind of atrocities, but what is very important is “the way this anger is channelized” (if I use the words of Sandeep Chagger one of the initiator of this blog) in order to rebuild what was destroyed and in building a strong foundation for a better future. It is the responsibility of each other to act, and it is possible.
While analyzing the Mumbai attack, some connections of the terrorists with “X” country were revealed and it was said that the “proof” could be availed. Without going beyond, it is true that from many years back, some governments have been and are still supporting terrorism and atrocities all around the world, bring fear and scary to millions of people who saw their freedom of enjoying life taken away. This has been happening in Europe, Asia, Africa … and as said above, it is however the situation still to several places. My message into this, is quite simple:
The said leaders whom I call more just politicians will never deliver to our expectations. Even some of them are opportunists who benefit from the “worse” happening to us as a part of he “media” does, the simple citizen is always the one to suffer from this, … being a victim is not only to be in a country that suffers the attacks from terrorists but it is also to be from a country that supports terrorists. This is why it is also very important to distinguish government from common people and never generalize while managing the after terror attacks at any time as it might have more consequences than what was expected.
Let me end on these words of one of the Guruji of Africa, the former president of South Africa, President Nelson Mandela Madiba: “Never be scared of falling down, be scared if you fall and never rise!” Saying no to terrorism and their atrocities don’t concern Indians or Pakistanis or whoever else in particular. It is the humankind responsibility to say “No” to terrorism and fight against it. It doesn’t require more as one sentence or even one word can change something. And the best time is “Now” in this battle “Next time’ is not an option. Stand tall and be the change agent the world needs, make the world better more than the way you found it!
All of you say “Yes, we can”! With Gandhiji, Nelson Mandela … and recently Barack Obama, what was ‘impossible’ before became ‘possible’. These are big names that were backed in their ‘Non violence” fight by the common citizen, simple people like you and me! It is just a matter of what you believe, what you want to have and see happening. Now it is up to decide on whether you have that willingness to go that extra mile that makes the difference and makes the world more peaceful and better than ever.
Contribute to this initiative and if you have any question related to my article, feel free to contact me at: gwasam@gmail.com
Sam
Proudly Rwandan and Mumbaikar
The attack on Mumbai – on its tourist area of Colaba by the attack on some 5 Star Hotels Taj Presidents and Oberoi, the famous Café Leopold … and the Mumbai CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) the busiest railway station and one of the UNESCO World Heritage site, that sees millions of people using it on a daily basis … People lost theirs, innocents died into this Red Wednesday 26th November 2008. Something I have realized as a foreigner is the way people - Mumbaikars -have managed the situation by their known spirit. “You are half dead no longer alive if you allow anybody to guide your life”. Of course as human beings, being scared is part of our emotions, but the way life started again after the attack as if nothing had happened, shows determination and that willingness to not give a chance to terrorism. The purpose of terrorists and something they have in common, is that they want to frighten others and set up a state of panic and scary among the people … and in some cases they succeed for various reasons: free advert from the media while TV channels compete to each other on who’s gonna keep attention of a big audience once they don’t filter on what they pass on their antenna, for some support from states/countries, big companies or personalities … and most of all when we allow the situation to get worse by sitting without doing anything, when we accept the situation as something normal that was supposed to happen in our lives …
This is why I salute the Spirit of Mumbaikars, that spirit of never giving up, and never allowing others (i.e. terrorists in this context) to decide on how life should be lived! I also support the initiative taken by young people, who don’t have TV Channels in order to start acting now, who don’t have an army under their control or power as some “leaders” of this world … but who found that there is always a way to fight the evil with the weapon they have, which is the spirit of the ancestors.
People become angry after such kind of atrocities, but what is very important is “the way this anger is channelized” (if I use the words of Sandeep Chagger one of the initiator of this blog) in order to rebuild what was destroyed and in building a strong foundation for a better future. It is the responsibility of each other to act, and it is possible.
While analyzing the Mumbai attack, some connections of the terrorists with “X” country were revealed and it was said that the “proof” could be availed. Without going beyond, it is true that from many years back, some governments have been and are still supporting terrorism and atrocities all around the world, bring fear and scary to millions of people who saw their freedom of enjoying life taken away. This has been happening in Europe, Asia, Africa … and as said above, it is however the situation still to several places. My message into this, is quite simple:
The said leaders whom I call more just politicians will never deliver to our expectations. Even some of them are opportunists who benefit from the “worse” happening to us as a part of he “media” does, the simple citizen is always the one to suffer from this, … being a victim is not only to be in a country that suffers the attacks from terrorists but it is also to be from a country that supports terrorists. This is why it is also very important to distinguish government from common people and never generalize while managing the after terror attacks at any time as it might have more consequences than what was expected.
Let me end on these words of one of the Guruji of Africa, the former president of South Africa, President Nelson Mandela Madiba: “Never be scared of falling down, be scared if you fall and never rise!” Saying no to terrorism and their atrocities don’t concern Indians or Pakistanis or whoever else in particular. It is the humankind responsibility to say “No” to terrorism and fight against it. It doesn’t require more as one sentence or even one word can change something. And the best time is “Now” in this battle “Next time’ is not an option. Stand tall and be the change agent the world needs, make the world better more than the way you found it!
All of you say “Yes, we can”! With Gandhiji, Nelson Mandela … and recently Barack Obama, what was ‘impossible’ before became ‘possible’. These are big names that were backed in their ‘Non violence” fight by the common citizen, simple people like you and me! It is just a matter of what you believe, what you want to have and see happening. Now it is up to decide on whether you have that willingness to go that extra mile that makes the difference and makes the world more peaceful and better than ever.
Contribute to this initiative and if you have any question related to my article, feel free to contact me at: gwasam@gmail.com
Sam
Proudly Rwandan and Mumbaikar
Friday, December 5, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Remember Remember the 26th of November
The Gun powder , Treason and Plot
I know of no reason why
This day SHOULD EVER BE FORGOT
It was a day that began like any other - office, lunch and an 8:15 pm movie at New Empire (Diagonally opposite CST Station). The movie was Das Vidaniya, which is the story of a man who knows he's dying of cancer, and so, he makes a plan of things he wants to do before death.
The Movie ended at 10:40, and as we (friends) were walking out, we were greeted by the guard at the exit, who very calmly asked us not to go towards the right as "TWO BOMB BLASTS & RANDOM FIRING HAD TAKEN PLACE".
I was so taken aback at his warning and calmness, and for a while i wondered whether it was a joke. But then I heard the firing, and its not something that anyone anywhere would like to hear. Clear, loud gun-shots in the dark night, making the atmosphere completely chilly.
Suddenly, the Movie had come to life and i had become the protagonist, thinking of things i would want to do before tragedy struck.
I hurried out of there, towards home (through Colaba and through chaos). I reached home safely, but MANY OTHERS DID NOT, and I WOULD NOT ALWAYS.
Its High time something is done to address this problem.
We, the people, have a short memory. Within days, all this will be gulped down and will become a part of our daily fight for survival - job, trains and terrorists. WE MUST NOT LET THAT HAPPEN.
On the 27th, while on my way back home after a game of football, i heard two girls, aged 5-6 years, talking about terrorists and bombing at the Taj and Oberoi. I couldn't believe it. I mean, two young girls, who didnt possibly know how to add numbers, knew of terrorism. Thats how deeply the terrorists have struck us.
And i believe most of our politicians are much bigger terrors than the terrorists. Agreed that they are corrupt and want to make their money , but how can they put at risk even the Country and its security.
I also wonder how no kin of any of the politicians was present at the Taj or the Oberoi, considering these are the hotels most often frequented by the Political Figures. Does it signify that they had already received some sort of a warning ?
And lastly, the MNS. If having people from across the country border come and cause terror wasn't enough, we have a party that wants to harm anyone crossing the State Border.
"A person would much rather die at the hands of a terrorist, than die at the hands of a fellow country man."
The time has come for everyone to come together and take ACTION, and not just talk about it.
We saw it start at the Taj rally on the 3rd of December, and we must not stop till we push all TERROR elements out of the Society- the Politicians, Terrorists and the MNS.
Akash D
INDIA
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
a mere political agenda - NOT ANYMORE !
The city known for its full of life and high spirited culture: MUMBAI, today is angry and the fury is visible in the voice of a commuter on the streets of the city who is desperate to see an end to such traumatic incidents. In our own nation we are living with a fear of what might happen next, and the question is whether the government is capable of protecting its people.
Last night, while I was on my way to home and like many people in Mumbai use the public transport, I sat in the auto rickshaw lending the driver an ear to his thoughts of anguish with a passionate determination to contribute towards bringing this to an end.
Last night, while I was on my way to home and like many people in Mumbai use the public transport, I sat in the auto rickshaw lending the driver an ear to his thoughts of anguish with a passionate determination to contribute towards bringing this to an end.
He had an opinion to make, saying that why are we going out to search for terrorist links when the nation has so many terrorists disguised behind high profile political designations preaching religious fanatism and provoking one against other. Babri Masjid demolition provoked the Muslim Community and became a cause of further destruction and a root cause of this act - GAIN CONFIDENCE OF THE "MAJORITY" HINDU COMMUNITY and FORM THE INDIAN GOVERNMENT. Now sit back and bear the brunt and keep playing the tit for tat game. A Muslim does anything wrong, it is considered as an act of terror for which anyone else is excused. The Political parties are corrupt and what we need is the youth to take over the old mindsets. WE NEED AN INDIAN OBAMA ! These were the thoughts of the rickshaw driver and I patiently listened to his perspectives and at the end, while getting down of the rickshaw asked for his name to which he replied 'Arif' and I understood that these were the thoughts of a suppressed liberal Muslim who has fallen under the shadow of fundamental Islamic thoughts creating terror around the world causing the liberal Muslim community to be targeted and viewed with suspicion.
While walking back, i questioned whether these are the thought of one of the most mega-diverse nation of the world which is SECULAR by law in all aspects, which respects the religious views and identity of all, which does not discriminate or divide on the basis of religion, caste or creed. My question to this is that, if this is the case then WHY DO WE ALLOW OR RATHER VOTE FOR PARTIES THAT ARE PROMOTING RELIGIOUS FANATISM. Should they even exist. India is a nation of brothers and sisters that preaches the thought of 'united we stand and divided we fall'.
The 26/11 terror attacks are on and the first SMS that I receive on my phone is - "Where is Raj Thackeray and his 'brave' sena? Tell him that 200 NSG Commandos from Delhi (NO Marathi masoos! All South & North Indians!) have been sent to Mumbai to fight the terrorists so that he can sleep peacefully." My objective is not to cite examples, but only enlighten the fact that there are political bodies prospering by using the issue of regional and communal divide, hence creating rift in humanity, which I hope is seen as a bigger objective, still.
The nation which we proudly call Bharat Mata (Mother India) needs the new generation radical leaders. We need the fresh thoughts, we need transformation, we need execution, we need prosperity, we need happiness which still happens to be the utmost purpose of existence for humankind. We need the Rahul Gandhis, the Omar Abdullahs and the Sachin Pilots and more than anything else "TRUST" & "CONFIDENCE" in our leader.
As Vimal rightly said in his entry, lets respect the sacrifices made by our heroes and lets not make them go waste. The Karkares, Salaskars and Unnikrishnans have sacrificed for a cause and it is upto us to give it an effect. Let us not stop our fight till the Indian Government and the world finds a solution to terrorism.
Here, I completely agree with Erica's observation below "The decision of reaction to terrorist or even Pakistan certainly will affect the election next year, and all political parties are moving for their benefits. Results are always being compromised in this democratic country." Let us NOT LET COMPLACENCY CREEP IN. The files of this incidence must be on Government's highest agenda till a conclusion.
See you at the 'walk of peace rally' in from of Taj, still a monument of National Pride !
Sandeep Chagger
BULLET PROOF???
Since times immemorial, India has constantly been attacked for innumerable reasons and it has invariably managed to produce heroes who rise to the occasion and lay down their lives. What drives them is the sheer love for their motherland and fellow countrymen. November 26th, we all know, was no different. Mumbai was under seige by the terrorist and the Police Force, Army, Navy, and the NSG rose to the occasion. Do we respect these martyrs? Is their valor an inspiration to us to do something for the country or just a topic of discussion for a day or two? As we are starting to come to terms with the trauma, will we remeber these martyrs or will our memory conveniently erase it to occupy absolutely irrational issues?
When three collegues of mine, namely Ashish Dave, Sandeep Chagger and Raksha Bhagat came forward with this idea of starting a blog (and a community down the line) to act against terrorism and asked me to join in, I felt really proud of them. Further, I feel really obliged to be asked to contribute to this blog. There is so much to talk, so many issues to raise, so much to do. The best way to go about it is to start the easy and the most necessary ones.
Back to that fateful day, Mumbai Police lost three of its best officers. Do you think two young terrorists were too much for them to handle... and we are talking about the likes of encounter specialists here? No, definitely not. Do you think our Police is incompetant to handle 10 terrorists? I don't think there are many who will answer this question in the affirmative. Then why did we have to pay such a heavy price to counter this attack? Reports suggest that bullet proof jackets could not stop the bullets from piercing the chest of these brave hearts nor were the helmets good enough to save the best brains in our poilce force. I thought we could have given them a better chance against these cowardly terrorists who needed human shield to fight the NSG.
I was deeply saddened by the lack of ammunition for our Police force who will happily take the bullets down their chest so as to ensure every Mumbaikars' safety. The reports I read the next day on this issue was even more startling. The police force had ordered bullet proof jackets way back in 1992 and still use the same ones. The same material was reordered in 2002 but have we taken into consideration the fact that the arsenal of terrorists is getting more sophisticated by the day. The answer is a big NO... we weren't bothered because we did not know perhaps... the politicians must have known but did not care. This very fact raises serious questions over our respect for valor, bravery and patriotism of these martyr. What every human being in our country including our politicians (you got to put them in the same class because of their appearance) tends to forget is that the more we take these sacrifices for granted, the more we are compromising on our safety. The bullets shot by these terrorists is moving towards you and me, we are saved just because the Karkares,Salaskars and Unnikrishnans are happily standing as a human shield in front of us.
The sad part : they are ensuring that our lives are bullet proof but we cant give them good quality bullet proof jackets.Its time we atleast do this. Lets give them a level playing field against a terrorist with AK-47s and grenades. I dont have much faith in our politicians and I am not too sure if our Policemen will get new jackets before the next 'n' attacks. I am even more sure of the fact that any Indian reading the post will echo the same sentiment. So, as we take our first steps towards a revolution to rectify (t)ERRORISM, we can begin by contributing, in our own humble way, to collect a decent sum of money to facilitate our Policemen with the best available bullet proof jackets. Let's not sacrifice any of our brave men (already very less in number) to these cowards from across the border.
If we, the stakeholders of this blog, unite as a community, we can definitely make the lives of our bravehearts BULLETPROOF... so I urge all readers to drop in a comment, just to let us know that you believe in this initiative ( if you truly do) and help us assess the strength of true Indians in bringing about a revolution!!!
When three collegues of mine, namely Ashish Dave, Sandeep Chagger and Raksha Bhagat came forward with this idea of starting a blog (and a community down the line) to act against terrorism and asked me to join in, I felt really proud of them. Further, I feel really obliged to be asked to contribute to this blog. There is so much to talk, so many issues to raise, so much to do. The best way to go about it is to start the easy and the most necessary ones.
Back to that fateful day, Mumbai Police lost three of its best officers. Do you think two young terrorists were too much for them to handle... and we are talking about the likes of encounter specialists here? No, definitely not. Do you think our Police is incompetant to handle 10 terrorists? I don't think there are many who will answer this question in the affirmative. Then why did we have to pay such a heavy price to counter this attack? Reports suggest that bullet proof jackets could not stop the bullets from piercing the chest of these brave hearts nor were the helmets good enough to save the best brains in our poilce force. I thought we could have given them a better chance against these cowardly terrorists who needed human shield to fight the NSG.
I was deeply saddened by the lack of ammunition for our Police force who will happily take the bullets down their chest so as to ensure every Mumbaikars' safety. The reports I read the next day on this issue was even more startling. The police force had ordered bullet proof jackets way back in 1992 and still use the same ones. The same material was reordered in 2002 but have we taken into consideration the fact that the arsenal of terrorists is getting more sophisticated by the day. The answer is a big NO... we weren't bothered because we did not know perhaps... the politicians must have known but did not care. This very fact raises serious questions over our respect for valor, bravery and patriotism of these martyr. What every human being in our country including our politicians (you got to put them in the same class because of their appearance) tends to forget is that the more we take these sacrifices for granted, the more we are compromising on our safety. The bullets shot by these terrorists is moving towards you and me, we are saved just because the Karkares,Salaskars and Unnikrishnans are happily standing as a human shield in front of us.
The sad part : they are ensuring that our lives are bullet proof but we cant give them good quality bullet proof jackets.Its time we atleast do this. Lets give them a level playing field against a terrorist with AK-47s and grenades. I dont have much faith in our politicians and I am not too sure if our Policemen will get new jackets before the next 'n' attacks. I am even more sure of the fact that any Indian reading the post will echo the same sentiment. So, as we take our first steps towards a revolution to rectify (t)ERRORISM, we can begin by contributing, in our own humble way, to collect a decent sum of money to facilitate our Policemen with the best available bullet proof jackets. Let's not sacrifice any of our brave men (already very less in number) to these cowards from across the border.
If we, the stakeholders of this blog, unite as a community, we can definitely make the lives of our bravehearts BULLETPROOF... so I urge all readers to drop in a comment, just to let us know that you believe in this initiative ( if you truly do) and help us assess the strength of true Indians in bringing about a revolution!!!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Mumbai is resilient by force, not by choice.
They say Mumbai never sleeps. Its true. During the recent attacks Mumbai never slept. But the reason for Mumbai to stay awake was poles apart from the usual. Mumbai did not sleep because IT COULD NOT sleep. The horrors of the attack did not let anybody wink their eyes for the last 60 hours and I am sure it will not let anybody sleep with the usual normal comfort for the coming days.
Day after day people attack our city and country with renewed force; Day after day the scale on which the attacks are carried out increase. The terrorists seem to better their attack compared to their previous and we worsen our approach of handling such issues consistently. They have killed over 200 people and injured more than 300. I completely disagree. They have killed the confidence of the more than billion Indians and have left us with these horror stories.
Somebody asked me did you lose anybody in the attack. I said “Yes, I lost countrymen. My fellow Indians were injured”. I said I lost India’s most brave armymen and the policewalas whom we have never met but they have laid their lives for us. I do not know anybody who went through the circumstances personally but I also do not know why I was sad and angry. This was the depressing and saddest part of my life. I have never felt so helpless and powerless. I feel impotent. I am sick and tired of hearing that Mumbai is resilient or the people in city are resilient. The fact is we are not resilient. We are not going to comeback to work again as the way we use to before. We are not what we were before. We are heartbroken and we are angry. We have lost the confidence in ourselves that we can change things for better.
The terrorists are the second most cowardly people today, first being the politicians obviously. The lack of will power of politicians at central and state government is totally clear. They blame each other and we blame them. But nobody is ready to take the ownership and responsibility of it. Neither them nor us. They visit the ground zero. They say this will help in boosting the morale of the men in uniform. That’s the worst statement I ever heard in my life. I am not exaggerating but it’s true. Mr. Deshmukh is only worried about the security arrangement during his son’s wedding or Mr. Rane is only worried about the security of his son Nilesh. To tell you all what I have personally witnessed in my office bulding: Nilesh Rane son of Mr. Narayan Rane visited Madison office in Andheri in a golden BMW with a cavalcade of armed men, two gypsies!!! What has he done for us and why is he offered such a tight security? Mr. Deshmukh arrives at Taj with Ritesh and Ram Gopal Verma with smiles on their faces as if they have come for recce for a film that would be soon announced on the recent attacks. This has further made me and the entire Mumbai angry. We are literally fed up of the government. We need a change. Change in the leadership. We will vote them out during next election. But wait. Do we have choices? We have a person who has committed 4 murders and on the other hand a person who has raped one and murdered 2. You need to choose one of the two murderers during the election. This is just like somebody says I will kill you, but you have two choices; 1- You want to be killed by a Gun; 2- You want to be killed by poison. The result is the same. So if we vote the other the result IS going to be the same or maybe even worse. This further angers me.
I want the people of Mumbai and India to be angry. Anger is good today. I want all of us to keep this anger alive. This anger will drive us in creating a safe future and trusted system for our coming generations. We need to channelize this anger. We SHALL NOT forget this.
“We need to be in the system to change the system”, this was said in the past by many and we have heard it a millions of times maybe. But now is an opportunity to realize this; we have no choice today and therefore we need to create a choice today for our better tomorrow. Let’s together be resilient by choice and not by force.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Let us all stand united to face threat of terrorism
Said by Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, after the Mumbai terrorist attack.
Before come to India, what I heard about is only accident happened at local train transportation in Mumbai. It never comes to me that terrorisiam is in Mumbai (However actually there always is, mostly in north-east India). When the attack happened and the whole country in a commotion, my thought was confused with so many picese of information from people/ media around. However, what came to me first is the same as Singh said.
India, such a complicated country, with its diverse religion, race, political separatism and of course territory issues. I hope this threat could united this country, not separate them.
Been studied International Relations for 4 years in university, now I realized Taiwan is really reluctant to South Asia. I can not recall any of the issues we were learned in class, so just share some opinions I have, after share with friends here.
Apparently if I am an Indian, we do firmly believed that this attack is planed by Pakistan. While what confused me is the current situation between the 2 country before the attack. Pakistan just gone through a coup with the internal conflict of U.S. relation and religion, then re-elected their president. Government of Pakistan now might unable to control all the groups. Why they choose now to plan attack as recently the tense between India and Pakistan is mild?
What should be the solution?
There is always be political influencing, Singh has devote into economics and appeal to the U.S., which had made the traditional power very unhappy with him. The decision of reaction to terrorist or even Pakistan certainly will affect the election next year, and all political parties are moving for their benefits. Results are always being compromised in this democratic country.
Not except from international mechanism, there always be hidden agenda follow by Multipolar System, here dialogue between India, Pakistan, U.S. and China. The most different part is terrorist attack makes people irrational that caused internal conflict. Since 911, the international society still haven’t form a strategy to against terrorism.
I hope the leaders of India could manage the action in peace, even expect to see a best practice build up against terrorism.
Record from http://namasterica.blogspot.com
by
Erica Wu
Before come to India, what I heard about is only accident happened at local train transportation in Mumbai. It never comes to me that terrorisiam is in Mumbai (However actually there always is, mostly in north-east India). When the attack happened and the whole country in a commotion, my thought was confused with so many picese of information from people/ media around. However, what came to me first is the same as Singh said.
India, such a complicated country, with its diverse religion, race, political separatism and of course territory issues. I hope this threat could united this country, not separate them.
Been studied International Relations for 4 years in university, now I realized Taiwan is really reluctant to South Asia. I can not recall any of the issues we were learned in class, so just share some opinions I have, after share with friends here.
Apparently if I am an Indian, we do firmly believed that this attack is planed by Pakistan. While what confused me is the current situation between the 2 country before the attack. Pakistan just gone through a coup with the internal conflict of U.S. relation and religion, then re-elected their president. Government of Pakistan now might unable to control all the groups. Why they choose now to plan attack as recently the tense between India and Pakistan is mild?
What should be the solution?
There is always be political influencing, Singh has devote into economics and appeal to the U.S., which had made the traditional power very unhappy with him. The decision of reaction to terrorist or even Pakistan certainly will affect the election next year, and all political parties are moving for their benefits. Results are always being compromised in this democratic country.
Not except from international mechanism, there always be hidden agenda follow by Multipolar System, here dialogue between India, Pakistan, U.S. and China. The most different part is terrorist attack makes people irrational that caused internal conflict. Since 911, the international society still haven’t form a strategy to against terrorism.
I hope the leaders of India could manage the action in peace, even expect to see a best practice build up against terrorism.
Record from http://namasterica.blogspot.com
by
Erica Wu
Mumbai Attacks ! What NEXT ?!?!?
The world has evolved with evolving mindsets and perspectives of people, with certain grim realities that cause sufferings and leave people full of hatred and enmity for one another creating an environment where causes have become bigger than people and the result is war and terror. A similar situation has just been experienced where limits of enmity have been redefined and the cost of the same is 'lives of people'. Innocence in this world has become a victim and been attacked, not once or twice, but again and again. The day of 26/11, has been embossed in the pages of history, MUMBAI - THE WORLD - HUMANITY has been attacked, brutally.
The world is adopting a reactive strategy, to fight when it happens. Our focus towards rectification, has been consistent in deviating us from the root cause of this entire situation which is the true way of rectification and completely removing this cause of Terrorism.
Different adoptions and meaning have been created of 'Islam' to misguide the youth for personal benefit, creating global havoc in the form of terrorism. Can we define an end to this.
Indians & internationals in India have experienced this grim reality from close, and they know how bad it has gotten in Mumbai. Can we control the worse from happening. Let us create a channel of discussion and without playing the role of a devil's advocate fight against terrorism by adopting the channel of peace. Lets contribute a solution through our views !
Cheers
Sandeep
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