Living with Terrorism

Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture, at TSC - Dhaka University Campus.


We live in a world where everything in the rich countries make into headlines. We hear of 9/11 even today and the explosion in London and Madrid are being discussed in medias on and off. World started taking terrorism seriously only after 9/11. Before London was a safe haven for the terrorists from India and Pakistan.

We watch explosions in Iraq and Afghanistan with a blank face. India is a constant victim of terrorism for many years. Indians literally live with terrorism, we never know when and where terrorist would strike. But it doesn't make much news in the rest of the world. If it is in US or any western countries, the authorities might have crushed the terrorism at any cost.

I won't expect India to be harsh, but the absence of effective administration add to the menace. Terrorism and corruption is closely related. In India the whole system is corrupt from top to bottom. Politicians are not better than hooligans. 'Chalte hain' attitude is so deep in the Indian psyche. If look at Indian society, it is so chaotic and undisciplined. Politicians are so irresponsible and eying only at vote banks. Why we can't make a system where people as well politicians behave like civilized humans?

India is located among 'enemies'. There is hardly any nation in the neighborhood that supports India, besides it is learn t that Pakistan's ISI engineers most of the explosions in India. But why India is silent about that?

I feel extremely sympathetic to the victims of Bomb blast. The cries of little Yash in the hospital bed in Ahmadabad is heart breaking. The kid doesn't know why he is suffering, and where his parents are?(His father and elder brother got killed in the blast). It is a shame that we live in a society where some people invest their money and brain to kill innocent people.

Religion always embarrass me with its soulless rituals, but lack of spirituality. All religion desperately need a spiritual leader like HH Dalai Lama who is a living example of compassion and love. People who 'fight' in the name of religion must listen to him. So that we can build a more compassionate world.

At the end, we can't take this act of terror lightly as usual. We need an effective system and sincere politicians to tackle terrorism.

Green Sikkim

Nature is spectacular everywhere. When you travel to a new place, its mountains and oceans may remind you of the last one you have seen. It is my first visit to Sikkim, or any north east state of India for that matter. This hill state reminds me of Mcleodganj with its mountains attired in green. But there ends the resemblance. India is the abode of many cultures, languages and religions, and north eastern states are as different as four southern states in many respects. I feel it is the people that bring the real charm to any place. Here also I met a couple of nice souls.

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is a well planned city and clean compared to other Indian townes - may be the cleanest and greenest in India. People are friendly and disciplined; I was so relieved here as I come from chaotic places. This state is the most peaceful in India, here communal violence, quarrels or shouting don't disrupt the tranquility of the place. I haven't seen any single beggar here and foot path vendors too are alien to this place.

Buddhism has got a huge influence on the society. Buddhist monasteries are the landmark of this green state. There are many monasteries as well monks also. The graceful architecture of this monasteries are real feast to the eyes. Buddhism came here from Tibet and Tibetan influence can be seen in the cuisines and attires. There are quite a few Tibetan origin Indians here.



Women also are more empowered than in the rest of India. I have seen young girls in modern outfits, selling flowers and vegetables in market. They were not stared while buying liquors - in fact I haven't never seen any girl buying liquor in any part of India. Kavita, the student convener of SDF (Sikkim Democratic Front) says she feels proud of Sikkim as women are more free and there is no dowry system here. Her parents are supportive of her political activities and there is no parental pressure to get marry, she says with a warm smile.

But as an independent kingdom till 1975, many here don't feel like Indians. It is evident when they say, 'Indians speak loudly'. When I asked about this to my friend who is an engineer with Sikkim govt, he responded, 'Have you seen anybody in the parliament who look like me?'. Sadly, Indian politics is controlled by politicians from hindi belt where even literacy is below the national average. And Sikkim has only one parliament seat! So is other north eastern states also.

I will leave Gangtok tomorrow, but I will miss the greenery and the warm smile of the people in this little green state.