Sunday, November 30, 2008

Terrorist attack at The Taj Hotel, Oberoi, VT Station, Leopold Cafe, Cama Hospital & Nariman House-What am I feeling and thinking as a Mumbaikar?

There is enough being said and enough being printed and discussed about the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai city.

I take pride in the fact that I am born and brought up in Mumbai. Have lived most of my life in Mumbai. I claim to my friends, relatives and Husband (who hails from Kolkatta) how well I know Mumbai- like the back of my hand.

True Blue Blood Mumbaikar is what my blog says.

But today I am sad and lost. My mind, thoughts and feelings are completely jumbled and empty. Like the needle of a compass, which has lost its magnetic north. Swinging in all directions. Aimlessly.

There is a numbness. There is no intensity left. Blasts, Riots, Bandhs and now the open firing......

Terrible sadness for lives lost, families disrupted, government and private property damaged, international criticism, loss of business, impact on economy....nothing seems to provoke a discussion. No public debates and tea table rounds of discussions.

Yes, a sense of gratitude for the known and unknown brave hearts. For saving lives and giving away their own.

Long talks by ministers, international support, rewards and awards......everything feels very false.

May god give strength to the family of those, who have lost their lives/ are wounded and hurt physically or emotionally.

Me Mumbaikar is down and under today. It seems like an herculean task to get the spirit of Mumbai back this time.

But fight back we will. Nothing or nobody can beak the spirit of Mumbai.