Mumbai 11/26

I have been following the Mumbai terror attacks ever since it started two days ago. However hard I try, I just can’t seem to get the images that have unfolded before my eyes out of my mind, as I watched the Indian news channels most of my waking hours since this horror started. Most of the time, in the initial few hours, I found myself with mouth agape, watching in disbelief and shock at what was happening to the city and the places therein I had come to love so much during my five years stay in Mumbai. Then, there was anger, helplessness, desperation and now, just a need to prove that we are much stronger than this.

You can’t help but fall in love with this city. The places targeted in these attacks are an important part of some of the wonderful memories I have of the city that was Mumbai. This was the city where I came into my own, this was the city which taught me the useful life lessons that I am so thankful for, and, this was the city that embraced me when I came in as an awkward, unsure young adult. Mumbai pushed me to become who I am and made me realize the unlimited possibilities that awaited me, if only I reached out. It’s not the same city anymore, will never be now. Today, as I reflect on the gore I witnessed these past couple of days, I am heartbroken and stunned. Mumbai has been robbed: robbed of its uniqueness, robbed of what it stood for, robbed of its essence, and mostly, as it seems right now, robbed of its spirit.

Having said that, I also know that though it will take some time, it will not be long, before, Mumbai defies these adversaries of mankind, and stand tall again with a renewed vigor and, a slightly ‘scarred’, but, stronger spirit. And, that ‘scar’ is just going to be a reminder of what it takes to be a city of dreams, a city of joy and, a city of undying spirit…it won’t be a hideous blemish, but, will represent defiance in the face of terror, the triumph of Mumbai and India. We need to do that if we want to show, in our own little way, to these people who are trying to ruin the very fabric of India and Mumbai that they have failed in their attempt. We are a resilient nation and Mumbai, even more so. No matter how hard they try, we will rise again and conquer the screwed up ideology and mentality that is motivating them and not let it touch the soul of the nation and the city we love so much. But, in order to do so, we have to stand united, irrespective of our identities, and, work together with a single minded pursuit of winning this battle we have been forced into. The war on terror is ON and we are up for it. Try as they may, we will survive and shine like never before.