One week later

What happened at the Gateway of India in Mumbai last night, one week after the attacks was called by various names - some timid, some aggressive - a citizen's vigil, a prayer meeting, a rally and finally even a movement. These are the terms that people gave to the gathering on Wednesday night at the Gateway of India depending on their own expectations and the notion they carried about why they were there. It was entirely of the people, by the people and for the people. That is why i, personally, call it a March. I associate a March with a spontaneous need to redress something, lay down demands, voicing them loudly and clearly and finally having a military quality. The march yesterday met most of these requirements.

The moods went from sombre to angry to disrespectful to downright rude and ugly. This was expected, but the target was not the terrorists as much as the politicians. The language of the banner ruled as everyone read what the other had to say. And there was a lot of 'talk' going on. 'Terrorists brought RDX, Deshmukh brought RGV', said one. Another said, 'Terror came by boat, politician came by vote'. The ingenuity of the slogans brought a smile to the lips, even as the black humour tugged at the heart.

It was definitely an out-pouring. The junta wanted a podium. It was all the energy pent up inside that came out. Everyone was out there to speak out and add to the collective voice. They came from far and near. Roads, trains and buses for miles around Gateway were jam-packed from early afternoon until late night. They were of all ages and from all walks of life. There were all religions there. Essentially, it was quintessential Mumbai in all it's hues. If Raj Thackeray wanted a quick sample survey of who Mumbai really is, he should have been there. And he was invited to do so, by many of the posters. 'Where is Raj Thackeray?' several there wanted to know.

It was a young crowd, hitherto unconcerned with politics and happenings. And once again one felt the reason they had to come was because they had seen with their own eyes all that had happened. The media had brought to their homes all the events in their details and as they unfolded. Without coverage, the people would not have come pouring into the street the way they did. If the media woke up our gentle giants - the youth of our country, so much the better. Hopefully they are not cynical and still feel they can and will make a difference. Media's role is definitely to awaken people and it cannot be held responsible for how this awakening is taken forward. To say they should not have said this or micro-analyse that, is not right. Let us remember we are all humans trying our best. If the media knew everything, they would be God. Let them be, for heaven's sake. They filled a void that the country's politics and gundas left within us.

Taking forward the thought of the people needing a podium, i suggest we set up a corner at the Gateway, a fitting venue for such events going forward, for people to speak. Though I hate comparisons with other countries, let us develop a Hyde-Park style area where citizens can stand up and talk straight from their hearts. Let them organise their movements from here. Let powerfuls like Nana Chudasama and Anil Dharker and their likes who were all there yesterday, use their clout to commandeer an area for the soap-box. Let it be perfectly legal and safe to call a public meeting by any ordinary citizen there. Let the people through a simple application to Colaba police station ask for police protection if they think it will be necessary during such talks. It is our right to speech. Much stronger than the lame and much hyped right to information.

Unlike rallies and political mumbo-jumbo, let the people have a chance to speak. The public will decide and will weed out the grain from the chaff themselves. Don't worry about those who will abuse this, for they will be abused themselves. The people know. Let us have faith in them and indeed in oursleves. The voices have to continue. They will be the only ones to save the country from the terrorists within and without.

If you agree, forward this thought to your friends. Do it in your own words and with ownership. But please don't let the momentum built up turn to a trickle. Be a karmayogi as our Gita tells us. I felt it was my duty to say what I have. I hope you find something that you consider your duty and do it.

Comments

[MNS]

Shameless North Indians doings protest rally in Mumbai. Shouting Hindi Vande Matre and Bharat mata in Maratha land. Where were you when Marathi Manoos killed. MNS gave blood. Marathi Manoos jago, don’t shy, north Indian taking over Amchi Mumbai. Join MNS, pride of Maharastra. Raj Saheb very angry, wait and see plan revenge