New Year Resolutions

January 1, 2009 will embark a NEW beginning. Like always, New Year smells fresh. The first day of a new year always energizes us with positive energy. It appears as if we have left all bad memories and actions behind us and this year promises to be different.

Usually, for a few minutes I mourn for the old year as it finally says its adieu. For many of us this passing year has been a symbol of new start, some of us became proud parents, some others tied knots, some found new love, some found new friends, some switched jobs, some traveled places, some heartbreaks, and some of us lost our dear ones.

One incident that bought us closer together was the Mumbai attack. We felt closer to each other when compared to the scenario before the attacks.

Pre attack days witnessed the Political Mahabharata with Shakuni mamas as our leaders, Kauravas as their followers, and the Pandavas as the society. People who suffered the brunt are the Draupadhis. Look at the anti north Indian campaign, the common man faced the brunt. North Indians were kicked and thrashed publicly, their homes ransacked, and they were forced to leave. Pakistan repeatedly violated the anti-cease fire agreement and our voices remained unheard. Post attack, someone is mercilessly killed as he refuses to contribute to a state leader’s birthday celebration.

Kasab, a Pakistani national is believed to have been brain washed. He was ensured, that if he died during the war, he will reach heaven. He was also ensured that his family will be awarded a compensation of ninety-six thousand INR. He was caught alive and now the Indian judiciary will sentence him soon. What about our leaders who kill for pleasure? How about revenging the death of our soldiers when their tortured and mutilated bodies are returned?

Ever wondered, why does India always wake up thanks to the activities of the outside forces? Is a life lost during Mumbai attack is more valuable than someone killed during internal attacks?

Any crisis this country faces is turned into a Political ball game. Minutes after Mumbai terror attacks were over, the political lashing started. We witnessed our leaders accusing each other for the security lapse.

New Years is here, let us be resolute to keep WAR as the last option. Give peace a chance and hope that Pakistan acts maturely. As the saying goes: umeedh pe duniya kaayam hai!