Parents always supported the ruling government which was then Congress. Being a child who always liked to ask questions, I often used to ask them why Congress? And the usual answer we used to get is about Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru who made all the sacrifices during Independence time frame of India. I somehow never believed all what Mahatma Gandhi said because being a visual person I used to literally think if someone hits on my cheek, I will never show my next cheek rather I will give back. Yes, even today my answer would be that.
But I do believe what Mahatma Gandhi says about people who do crime we should not hate them instead we should hate the crime and not the person. There should be always a chance given to people and everyone has that right.
When I got my official right to vote in India I remember I was the only one in my house who voted for BJP, not because of Hinduism, but I felt there is some potential in that government, in that people and more over I felt Congress has been sitting on the ruling seat for long and there is a possibility of getting rusted and hence a change is needed.
I was very happy that the government whom I voted won the election and one started seeing the change, a good one.
I still remember my time in Toronto when the nuclear test was done in Pokharan India. The flashing news was all over next day but what was interesting to me was that the world was watching India but India's cautious and well planned strategy helped in completing this test successfully. I was very proud for this skill and smartness that the country holds.
I had to face many questions from my fellow colleagues and friends who were non-Indian and some who were Canadian but their parents were once Pakistani. I was amazed the way Farooq was aggressive with me and I could see how much hatred he had in his eyes for me. Because I was from India and he was not happy that India did nuclear test. I could see how he was brainwashed because this guy never ever visited Pakistan then why so much of anger?
The day was then when I used to get on with everyone who ever said negative about India. Being an independent person, I wrote the letter to the news agency who published the article calling India as a backward country where even today bullock carts and fire lamps are used. I couldn't take that insult and wrote to the agency. I believe in expression of thoughts and beliefs and its everyone's right.
Today when I see that same India, feels so sad that people who are living there have to forcibly go through all these government laid out policies... not to do this not to that and seems the country got the freedom from Britishers but not from the indifferences of caste and religion.
Someone who is considered to be of lower caste went inside the temple and he didn't see the next days dawn or the one who got killed by the mob only because there was a rumor that he had beef. What is digital India project? Bunch of idiots will get internet access and will be connected with the world?
People ask me who is the best leader you think? And I want to tell them that there isn't one. Out of that if Narendra Modi has got an opportunity then he shouldn't misuse and take advantage of those people who are having their faith in him. I do not have any faith but if at all he has any capability then he must bring peace, solidarity and secularism first and then once the nation is united everyone will understand the language of progressiveness...!
Its a shame to even tell such things are happening in a country which was always known for its progressiveness and intelligence of the mass.
I can only say India is no longer that country where I happily was born and raised and grew up with independent thoughts and united people of all kinds.
A story to tell my kids which I cannot make them witness one.
~ Dawn
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