The day after

I came back late at night today. The day was spent listening to friends on what they thought about the attack and how India should react. After listening to few discussions, I realized it was pointless talking about a solution from what we know. Everyone had a different perspective and their solutions depended on that perspective.

As a layperson I just don't have the data to recommend any solution. But, I know what I want. I want to lead a peaceful life - some part of which depends on the fact that I can go out and return safely without feeling threatened. That my family doesn't have to fear every time I leave home - or that I don't have to fear for my family's safety when they need to travel. It's not asking for much. But at the moment, I'm not sure if this can be guaranteed. I don't have any suggestions to offer the government. Except to do something that makes a tangible difference. Don't procrastinate. Don't pass the buck. Don't let things be. Do something.

And it was in this state of mind that I switched on the television. And what do I see - people gathered with placards and lighting candles to mourn the dead. Not this time please, I thought to myself. What's the point about lighting candles and whom does it affect I've always wondered. I sorta understand if it was done to mourn people who have been killed in an accident - but this time, it was not an accident. It was deliberate. And lighting candle seemed just so... wrong. In stead, we need to keep the fire burning within us if we need to do something about it. We need to remember the hurt and pain so that we try to make a difference. Don't light candles and pass it off as an unfortunate incident. It was in this frame of mind that I came across a similar post by Deepak Shenoy. How I agree with him.