Author: Pratishtha Dobhal
Publication: Firstpost.com
Date: September 7, 2011
URL: http://www.firstpost.com/ideas/delhi-blast-another-black-wednesday-as-terror-strikes-78436.html
My ancestors tell me freedom of thought and
expression is part of my inheritance, and even though they sometimes feel
I take it for granted, a scene like this Wednesday's makes it apparent that
while independent India may be my present, the struggle against terrorism
is my present continuous.
I am not alone in this ensuing struggle. My
government, people, and the world at large are part of it. But unlike some
leaders who react differently, mine often only want me to be strong when struck
by tragedy. The Home Ministry tells me that I shouldn't be intimidated by
terror, but then they seem oblivious of the fact that I don't have 24*7 security
at my disposal. Some of my friends have resigned themselves to fate. After
a blast like today's they know they'll suddenly see more police reinforcements
and checks at crowded places, they also know it'll last for a few days, maybe
even a week. Having duly observed the routine that follows time after time,
they know life will also have to return to normal.
It's the nature of armchair activism/reaction
from the powers that reign supreme which angers and upsets me. It's also the
reason why a movie like A Wednesday seems to offer a more 'absolute' solution.
I can understand, even empathise with the protagonist. The story of an ordinary
man who plans 'Operation Kill' to arm-twist the authorities into handing over
terrorists responsible for the 1993 Bombay blasts. In a scene when the protagonist
is asked who he is by the police, he says
"I am that person who is scared to travel
in a bus. I am that person who either gets trapped in rain or in a blast.
I am that person who used to doubt others just by looking at their wrists
and I am also that person who is scared to grow beard and wear a cap. I am
that person who gives a deep thought to choose a name of his/her shop for
trading fearing that my property may get destroyed in a riot. Whoever is involved
in a quarrel, it's me who is always killed in the end. Just look at a crowd
of thousands & select one face, I am that person. I am just a stupid common
man."
What Neeraj Pandey may not have realised while
filming and writing that movie is that A Wednesday was to become over and
over again the chosen day for the carnage caused by the terrorists. 26 November,
2010; 11 July 2011, and 7 September, 2011 all happen to fall on Wednesdays.
The middle of the week, where regular folks like you and me, are more bothered
about wrapping up work for the week, or planning a weekend with family or
friends, and finally unwinding.
My condolences, as of every other Indian,
are with the families of people for whom this was no ordinary Wednesday. Pandey's
celluloid solution/dream seems a reality waiting to happen if the government
continues to congratulate me and you on resurfacing well after yet another
attack.
