Terrorism... a curse to humanity... one year has passed after the country witnessed one of the most gruesome terror attacks in history, yes... you are right 26/11/2008, mumbai terror attacks... the pictures and the videos which ran through our television boxes that of the victims aand the terrorised hostages along with the governments blunt attitude towards the issue during that time, are still fresh in the minds as they were before.
India observed the first anniversary of 26/11 by conducting remembrance campaigns all over the country in different places and locations. The question here arises that, what does one expect out of these remembrance campaigns et al, and what do they ultimately find there?? My question was answered…..
Two groups gathered simultaneously at Salem Bye pass, Shivaji Nagar, bengaluru, near the Mahatma Gandhi statue, though for one reason but with different ideas and concepts.
Both their ideas were brilliant, one wanted to donate the net income generated during the campaign period to Police force of our country to acquire better protective gears. And the other just wanted to remember this day and pay homage to those who lost their lives during those 60 hours.
One would have expected to hear about the lives of the martyrs and their heroic sacrifices for the country as a remembrance of their courage and bravery, but it was appalling to notice that the event was turned into a publicity stunt by both the organizers. Though their ideas and cause were excellent, but the only thing which went wrong was that they forgot those soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. There was neither a photograph nor a mention about the brave heroes. The event organized by one of them did have the posters of the martyrs and did mention them at the end… for some, one and a half minutes. (Due to the request made by an audience)
Our soldiers who died for us… are definitely worthy of getting more than this… It is hard to swallow that people like Ashok Kamte, Hemant Karkare, Vijay Salaskar, Sadanand Datye, Sandip Unnikrishnan, Shashank Shinde, Tukaram Omble and others, didn’t give it a second thought to loose their lives for our country… a country in which they are forgotten in no time…
The event did accomplish its goals… it made for an incredible publicity stunt for both the groups… It was more about political issues and marketing stunts, rather than words of gratitude for those who lost their lives in the fumes of terrorism. Both the organizers made maximum use of the public presence to market themselves and people (wannabes) used the event to pose for the media. The solemn gathering was ultimately turned into an ad campaign. Though the candles were lit and homage was paid, by the chief guests and others, the thing which was noticed, was that those who genuinely wanted to pay tribute and light candles, didn’t get their chance to do so. Ultimately, people and the chief guest only danced to the tunes of the cameraman and the media.
How the tribute to the martyrs turned into a talk of India – Pakistan rivalry and the partition of the latter is beyond anyone’s comprehension, the two hypocritic hours ended meaninglessly and people dispersed with confused minds.
This incident answers my question... as to what does one get in such remembrance campaigns where they go to light candles and pray for the souls who died in the catastrophe.
