As 26/11 came and went and as we had one year of no violence…… Each one of us paid our respects in his/ her own way. Yes, Mr. Chidambaram has been an able Home Minister. There are changes and loopholes in the security apparatus. But what struck me the most was the human loss and suffering which no words can mitigate. I avoided watching any of the footage of the last year’s events as it is painful. What I did watch was how some families who had lost their dear ones were doing one year on…..

With pain and remorse and grief which will last them a lifetime, they move on… I can only imagine (not totally) how difficult it must be for a parent, a spouse, a child, a brother, a sister to cope with the tragic loss of lives of those who meant the world to them. Will the children who have been orphaned ever lose the scars on their psyche? I doubt so… I just hope that people around them allow them to relegate this grief to some private corner of their mind. Let them not relive those horrific moments unless they wish to talk about them. Sometimes, the blurring of memories help to cope with the pain. Reliving the loss sometimes opens old wounds. I hope the media types have the sensitivity to not hound the people for sound bytes.

Yes, we want to remember and salute those who laid down their lives to ensure our freedom. We want to honor the memories of those caught in the crossfire, waiting at the train station, having an evening out having dinner — all innocent people caught up in tragedy. But, I do hope that instead of only gestures and empty words, our politicians can ensure that all compensation reaches those affected. That after suffering the loss of lives, they do not have to run from pillar to post to get the money they were promised. That disaster management mechanisms are not only on paper but actually implemented when in times of crises. That our politicians know how to maintain the dignity of an occasion instead of sparring like cats and dogs. And that common people like you and me look after ourselves and be vigilant and watchful.

Do not leave without commenting. I love a good conversation :).

Post Navigation