This was something I wrote for my college magazine 2 years ago. I hate the fact that 2 years later, it still holds true. Heres hoping that this time around, the aftermath will be a lil diff.
"People killing, people dying, children hurt you hear them crying, can you practice what you preach, and would you turn the other cheek?"
So go the words of The Black Eyed Peas' first single that attained instant success all over the world. Whether the song became popular owing to the bitter truth in its lyrics or simply because of its catchy tune is hard to tell. But the fact remains that man has become the biggest predator to civilization.
India as a nation seems to have become quite immune to the various acts of terrorism that happen practically everyday in some or the other nook and corner of the country. It comes, it devastates, and it disappears, leaving behind harsh memories and incomplete families.
In situations like these, much worse than the horror of the present is the fear of the future. Fear of riots breaking out, best friends becoming worst foes, mass destruction and communal chaos loom large over the country. It’s apparent that basic faith in humanity is staring death in the face.
Political leaders responsible for most of this widespread tension and distrust often act as the silent observers. When terror strikes, they are rudely shaken out of their stupor. Nothing good comes out of that anyway, all they do is come out of their hiding and condemn the heinous crimes committed and announce compensation for the victims and their families; price for one dead family member, Rupees 50 lakhs. Some even go to the extent of declaring state wide or nationwide bandh to condemn the assault, handicapping the entire nation/city and giving an unofficial holiday to people who couldn’t care less.
In the days following a terror attack, security is beefed up in public transports and other public areas, albeit temporarily. Gradually, all is forgotten. Life moves on, slowly but steadily. And then one day, terror strikes again, everything comes to a standstill, and once again, the government is caught unawares. So it seems we are turning the other cheek after all, again and again, and again…
"People killing, people dying, children hurt you hear them crying, can you practice what you preach, and would you turn the other cheek?"
So go the words of The Black Eyed Peas' first single that attained instant success all over the world. Whether the song became popular owing to the bitter truth in its lyrics or simply because of its catchy tune is hard to tell. But the fact remains that man has become the biggest predator to civilization.
India as a nation seems to have become quite immune to the various acts of terrorism that happen practically everyday in some or the other nook and corner of the country. It comes, it devastates, and it disappears, leaving behind harsh memories and incomplete families.
In situations like these, much worse than the horror of the present is the fear of the future. Fear of riots breaking out, best friends becoming worst foes, mass destruction and communal chaos loom large over the country. It’s apparent that basic faith in humanity is staring death in the face.
Political leaders responsible for most of this widespread tension and distrust often act as the silent observers. When terror strikes, they are rudely shaken out of their stupor. Nothing good comes out of that anyway, all they do is come out of their hiding and condemn the heinous crimes committed and announce compensation for the victims and their families; price for one dead family member, Rupees 50 lakhs. Some even go to the extent of declaring state wide or nationwide bandh to condemn the assault, handicapping the entire nation/city and giving an unofficial holiday to people who couldn’t care less.
In the days following a terror attack, security is beefed up in public transports and other public areas, albeit temporarily. Gradually, all is forgotten. Life moves on, slowly but steadily. And then one day, terror strikes again, everything comes to a standstill, and once again, the government is caught unawares. So it seems we are turning the other cheek after all, again and again, and again…
This may sound brash but you have written exactly what i think..i mean, about the thoughts i had after 26/11 event... its a bit like deja vu!!
ReplyDeleteIts not true that politicians are not aware... they are always aware, they always know... but they just don't care...
ReplyDelete