What the common man can do

Sushmita Dutta 26th November, 2008 is a day that changed India. The assault on Mumbai has awoken the citizen of this country at last. While for the last couple of years, terror strikes have, unfortunately, become a common phenomenon nothing had the effect Mumbai did this time. An enraged city, indeed nation, is determined not to take this any more. The anger that has arisen must be put to good use. Much as we expect the police and administration to protect us, the citizens of this nation must realize their duty towards their country and contribute towards securing this nation as well. History has change course due to mass movements. The terrorists have declared a war on our country; we must resolve to fight back together and determinedly. Here is how: Question Politicians It is time to start questioning our politicians about how they are going to provide safety to the crores of Indians. It is time to ask them to rise above their petty vote bank politics and to care for the people in India. Citizens have to be responsible about their vote, and make the elected accountable when they fail in their duty. We have to show the door to politicians who give statements like ‘Small incidents happen in big cities’ or ‘Even a dog would not visit his house if he were not a martyr’. Leaders who give such statements do not realize the fact they themselves are alive because such brave officers guard them day and night. A huge amount is spent on the politicians to keep them alive and officers like Major Unnikrishnan brave everything to save the skin of such men. Be vigilant Thomas Jefferson once said, “The price of democracy is eternal vigilance.” It could not be put in a better way than this in today’s situation. The common man has to play a role like never before if terrorism has to be completely wiped out. We all have to be extremely vigilant about our surroundings. Everyone must keep their eyes open at all times and ensure that suspicious activity is reported. Even if we face certain difficulties like having to wait in long queues at airports or railway stations for security reasons, we should not complain- in fact we must complain if a check is not made. Speak out! It is time to get united and protest against the entire corrupt system. We have to be aware of the right to franchise and should vote only those who seem to delivering the goods. Most of all we need to be vocal adopting all possible means to tell out government that we cannot be taken for granted. We must keep up the pressure. Respect life The terrorists consider every life as an object, so it has become very important that people should not forget the value of life. We must look at rooting out the cause behind such activities if we really want to kill the ‘disease not the patient’. If we can invoke the feeling of belongingness and the sanctity of human life even in one person we will be able to make a difference in the society. We should start believing that all of us are Indians and we are not to be divided on basis on Hindus and Muslims, and so on. We have to defeat all such forces who want to spread the seed of discord among us. We must take a pledge that whatever the circumstances, no one will be able to divide us. Educate to inform Education, not just literacy, can be a powerful tool to change the society. Although some of the most notorious terror acts are said to have been planned and even executed by highly ‘educated’ folks, there is reason to believe that maybe some people will see reason to not pick up arms and kill their fellows for a grievance. But we cannot be only dependent upon our government to provide education to everyone. It is neither feasible nor possible. But if each of us decides to educate and inform about one’s rights and duties to at least one person, a lot more people can be covered. It can open up many more minds which will think better and, instead of taking up the gun, can become a positive force in the society. We need to make a choice today: Whether we want to live in the shadow of fear of getting killed everyday or change India for a securer future. We owe it to our future generations to make the right choice. Last but not the least the famous quote by Rabindra Nath Tagore “Jodi tor dak soone keu na aashse…tobe ekla chalo re” If no one listens to your voice, then walk alone and bring the change.