Are we to blame as "CITIZENS" for "TERRORISM"?

26th November 2008. I was in my room in Tampere, Finland basically doing nothing so important. I was just going through the list of movies that I should see soon. I also checked on the match schedule for the next match that Manchester United was going to play. I was supposed to leave for my "vacation" to Russia on 30th November. But, I wasnt planning anything about it as I am very lazy and was waiting for 29th to come to start planning! 

It was around 7 pm or so here in Finland. I just checked Times of India webpage. There were reports flashing," Leopold Café under attack by 5 "terrorists" at 9:15p.m." Then there were reports of Nariman House being attacked and hostages kept on hold by the "terrorists". Then every 5 minutes there were new reports of new places being attacked. The Taj, Oberoi & Trident, CST, Cama Hospital, Taxi blew up in Vile Parle and so on. 

I was out of my senses. First thing that I did was called up mom in Baroda and asked her if she was at home? Then I ran to room mates to tell them this. Sarang was still in the university and Narayan was in his room.

Then we started NDTV and CNN-IBN live news channel. Finally we understood the seriousness of the issue and were feeling so helpless! It was gonna be 8:00 p.m. here which is our dinner time here. Deepa came up and Sarang was also at home. We were cooking but our ears were glued to the computer in my room which was shouting the live updates given by the media people. 

After the dinner we were back in our rooms glued to the news. Believe me this was the only thing we could do from here. I have never felt so helpless in my life. Some "terrorists" were just killing my country people and I was listening to how they are doing it? Army, NSG, NAVY, Police Force joined hands together and were working to tackle this situation. In the course of time we lost some great top officials, hawaldars and great policemen trying to save us from the "terrorists".

One day, Two days, Three days and finally our defence personnels made sure that India was safe for the moment. I had to leave for Russia on the 4th day (30th November). I also told Sarang that yaar main kaise chutti ke liye jau? I have no mood to go. He told me to go to Russia and see how the country operates? What the people do in order to keep things in order. So I decided to continue with my plan. I came back after 7 wonderful days of experience in a wonderful country, RUSSIA. 

The day I returned back, Narayan and Sarang had arranged a meeting in order to raise funds for Policemen Families. I was in the bus so couldnt attend the meeting. But guess what?? None of the Indians came to that meeting except Narayan and Sarang. This incident clicked something in my heart, so we claim to be the intelligent of the lot, doing masters and earning in euros! But somehow we couldnt find time to attend? So like a normal Indian even I started the blame game here in Finland.

The other day, I was listening to NDTV's Big Fight. One person their asked or rather told how should we as common "citizens" help to fight against "terror"?

The answer given by panel was simple,"GO AND VOTE DURING THE ELECTIONS". The answer was simple but the meaning was very deep. I was thinking in my own heart,"Am I responsible for all that has happened to India in December 2008?". My heart then answered back and said yeah maybe! Because I have never taken up voting sincerely since the past 6 years that I was eligible to VOTE! 

I consider myself as that educated individual who wants to create revolution in India! Common, whom am I kidding? If I always let the wrong people come into the government by not voting or being ignorant towards voting procedure how will India rise? 

We some people who have read few books in their life just know how to talk! We never go and vote and then one morning during our breakfast we read the news and say,"yeh politicians kabhi kuch nahi karenge! Pata nahi log inhe vote kyun dete hai?" 

Whoever reads this please lets unite and use one very important right that our CONSTITUTTION & DEMOCRACY gives, "THE RIGHT TO VOTE" and make a difference!

Every vote counts! Every vote is an individuals voice. Please speak up. India needs the intellectuals to speak!

  

-Karan