I was part of the crowd in the protest rally at Gateway of India… the atmosphere was magical and it felt good to see so many youngsters take to the street. A colleague later questioned if something constructive will come of it? He felt that we Indians have gotten used to living life in fear. Plus, he didn’t think that we were capable of either changing ourselves or the political system around us. Life will go on soon, he said, till the next terrorist attack.
Did he have a point? I hope not. See, I don’t call myself an optimist or a pessimist like most people. I rarely see the glass as half full or half empty. I am a realist. I see it exactly the way it is. But for once, I want to hope. To hope.. that we have finally awakened…that we will try and make a difference. That the past can and will be erased and the future will be bright and happy.
In some ways, this feeling of hope comes from the American elections. Till a few years ago, did anyone believe that an African-American would lead the free world? A man rose from anonymity to one of the most powerful positions in the world. He beat conventional favourites and managed to break old party politics. Even in his administration, he has retained the services of a Republican as the Secretary of Defense. His reason.. he is best-suited for the job. It’s that simple.
When will we learn? In the wake of the recent terror attacks, all our politicians expressed grief at the lives lost. Still, there was a hidden agenda. They used the situation to gather a few more votes for the upcoming general elections. I was aghast.. till I realized the reason they did so was because of us.
Yes, us. What have I done to change the system? Nothing. I have lived with it.. I bowed in front of it time and time again. Even for someone who is as headstrong and rebellious as me, I learned to pick my fights. and to let the little lapses pass. Can you blame then for taking advantage of us then?
