Friday, February 20, 2009

26/11…It's Still Fresh in My Mind- THIS TIME I WILL REMEMBER…


It's a general trait of Indian masses - or why differentiate on the basis of class - t's a general trait of Indian people that they have a very weak memory; Especially of the events that shook them the worst and the rest of the world. I know it's sounds sarcastic but it is the truth, a bitter one though.
Ask an American about September 11 and they would tell you every single detail of that fateful day. But ask any Indian about such an attack….he would be able to tell you what he was doing at the time of the attack or how his neighbor's uncle's daughter's husband escaped the attack miraculously but he won't be able to tell you the date. ( I could have used son-in law but just for the message to be conveyed you know!). You don't trust me? After you finish this ask anyone whose city has been under such terror attacks, you would be depressed. Not because of the intricate details and the sheer impact that attack had on that person, but because of the lack of knowledge and especially the date of the attack.
Dates are important. It reminds us how heinous that act was and more importantly how our life would have been if that day wouldn't be in our lives. What September 11 did to Americans was that it made a narcissist nation aware of the world happenings. It taught them that even a sleepy Afghanistan can make them lose their Wall Street powered sleep forever. The attack on Mumbai on November 26, 2008 (yes, even year deserves a mention) changed the apathetic Indian scenario a little bit. People are now aware of the NSG and how dirty can Indian politics be. (they touched a new low…but more on that later). The spirit of Mumbai was acclaimed worldwide to stand up to such gruesome attacks and recover in no time. But at some level, I feel we should not recover. Being attacked and recovered is more like being challenged and lose.
Today I want to post a poem by noted Bollywood lyricist Prasoon Joshi (Rang De Basanti fame) after the attacks. This appeared on Times Now channel and literally brought tears in my eyes. I want you all to have a look and vow that we will never forget 26-11-2008 for the rest of our lives.
THIS TIME I WILL REMEMBER
A MOTHER CARESSING HER DEAD SON'S FOREHEAD AND PREPARING HIM PRE-MATURELY FOR HIS FINAL DESTIANTION…
THIS TIME I WILL REMEMBER
INNOCENT DINERS LINED UP AND SHOT AT POINT BLANK,CAUGHT IN SOMEBODY ELSE'S WAR…
THIS TIME I WILL REMEMBER
BLOOD SPLATTERED WALLS WITH GROTESQUE IMAGERY, FRESHLY BURNT FLESH, SHATTERED MIRRORS AND BROKEN LIVES…
THIS TIME I WILL REMEMBER
A MOTHER AND HER TWO YOUNG KIDS CHARRED BEYOND RECOGNITION WHILE THE DAD PUT PUBLIC GOOD AHEAD OF THE PERSONA…
THIS TIME I WILL REMEMBER
GUN TOTTING TERRORISTS CREATING MAYHEM ON THE STREETS, TARGET PRACTICING AT A RAILWAY STATION
THIS TIME I WILL REMEMBER
BACKPACKERS AT A CAFÉ OR RECEPTIONIST AT A HOTEL REDUCED TO PIECES FOR NO REASON
THIS TIME I WILL REMEMBER

 

 

4 comments:

Udayan Srivastava said...

Ur concerns seem logical. We cerainly have such tendency... Not good for us.. Giving the attackers an edge by so called 'recovery from attack' is surely not goin to help... The poem is awesome... Good job buddy...!!
udi here..

Anonymous said...

yaar prateek !!! do u know what you have written. your blog name myth is one of the best blog i have read. not because my name is there inside it because this blog is not talking about idealism! its showing your true feeling and believe me as i was there with you that night i can say its well written and truly written. you are right its end of an era, but lets hope this saga of our love hatred stupidity and fun is always with us, till the end of our life.really missing you all guys- naveen

Ankit Rai said...

yaar it's fabulous and heart touching experience which u've shared..really liked it dude..

Tanya said...

Really well written and left me contemplating. The value of human life in India needs to be recognized and felt by every fellow Indian. The poem is really touching. Great work Prateek and a well targeted human sentiment.