DAY 219

Another day filled with vacant thoughts. Visual upon visual of unending misery and strife as our brave soldiers risk life to end the evil that has struck the nation. Visual upon visual of the emptiness in the words and expressions of those we have chosen to govern us and guide us. Visual upon visual of the courage of our commandos fighting for our integrity and for the safety of those unfortunate trapped in a difficult situation.

I read the comments of those that come on the blog. Of those that express sympathy and distress. That express anger and helplessness. That question acts and deeds of others; mine included. Of associations and connections. Casting ugly aspersions. I read them all. And I allow them to rest. Rest, because now is not the time for debate and explanation and cause. I have reason and explanation and cause with me. But there will be appropriate time to address that later.

What concerns and attracts me now is a refrain that has perhaps raised its head in a manner that I have failed to observe before. A refrain of anger. A refrain that has daringly ignored the system and the authority. A refrain that boldly expresses now, that we are not interested in being subjected to patent responses from celebrity politicians.

The mass of text messages on the mobile system is living proof of this temperament. There is sarcastic questioning. Cynical proclamation and determined resolve on the action that needs to be done or is being done. It comes from unchartered territory. Its comes from the belly of India; deep and resonant and without apology.

I think it is time it got due attention. In fact this a wrong observation. Sorry.

It is time it will create its own attention. And those that have been dictating to all and sundry the need for attention, will now be gaping bystanders to the attention when it is drawn. Not by them, but by those that have been subjected by them.

As I write, I notice through the corner of my eye the proceedings on the TV screen and quietly approve the success of the forces that have relieved us of the torment and secured the facilities under siege. Job done.

But days from now there will be a catharsis and I pray that the catharsis adopts a temperament that has been guardedly expressed in the lines above.

I join the hundreds of my city people gathered in and around the NSG and Army and Navy commandos, applauding their effort, as they move away from the scene of action. Gentleman you have been our true heroes. This was not your city; it was a part of your land, your country. You came in here as determined Indians and gave us the privilege today of being proud nationals.

No posturing. No postering. No rabble rousing. Just a committed and disciplined army of patriots that delivered selflessly what was expected of them and more…

We salute you !!

Amitabh Bachchan