The real terrorists

In a few hours, it would be a week since the horrible attacks took place in Mumbai. We citizens, wherever we reside, are outraged and baying for blood.

Our Government, the media, everybody is pointed fingers largely at Pakistan, and many of the bodies of governance are busy pointed fingers at each other. There is a lot of debate and discussion about what gives rise to terrorism, the root causes, etc etc. All valid debates and points of view.

Since 1993, Mumbai and other parts of our country has suffered from bomb blasts, random destruction, from terrorists. But who helped them?

Our institutions have been systematically eroded and virtually destroyed. Our judiciary is open to bribery and corruption; our law and order machinery most certainly so; our laws can be manipulated depending on who you are or who you know; corruption is rife in all states in our country. Our media is sensational, insensitive, irresponsible, unprofessional and downright unethical.

Who makes all this possible?

Walt Kelly in one of his Pogo comics, made this statement: "We Have Met the Enemy and He Is Us."

We pay bribes - small bribes, large bribes, but bribes none the less; we work with the underworld (ask any hotelier in Mumbai, ask anybody in the Mumbai films and TV business); we reward TV channels with the highest viewership ratings - it doesn't matter how idiotic the content; we do 'huzoor maa baap' to politicians; we invite them to our social functions; we brag about who we know and how we can get things done; we don't cast our votes because 'who's going to stand in queue in the hot sun?'; we despise the cops, so none of our children want to be cops; we pay lip service to the armed forces, but I wonder how many of us would be delighted if our offspring told us that they wanted to join the Army; we reward a bridegroom who's in the government services by paying the highest dowry; this list is endless.

So, for once, let's, for once, be honest with ourselves and say

I’m starting with the Man in the Mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
take a look at yourself, and make that change.

Only then will we have earned the right to say "Jai Hind" and mean it.