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Why I walked to
work
Deepika D'Souza
On Thursday 26 of September 2002 I walked to work.
I walked because a national bundh was called by the so-called powers
that be.
And there were no buses, trains or taxis to take.
Because two 'terrorists' entered into the Swami Narayan Temple and
killed several innocent people.
The 'terrorists' claimed that they did it to take revenge on what
happened in Gujarat post Godhra, where 'terrorists' of the VHP, RSS and
Barang Dal combed the streets of Gujarat killing, raping and maiming
people spreading hate and sending the economy of Gujarat in a downward
spiral.
I walked as my own
personal protest against the 'terrorists' who claim to rule our country
I see very little difference between Bush, Osama, Musharraf, Modi,
Advani or Thackeray. Each one claims to offer retaliation as a form of
retribution.
Retribution where only innocent people's lives and livelihoods are
irrevocably hurt and futures threatened.
Where Singhal's threat to replicate the 'experiment of Gujarat' hangs
over us all;
I walked because I wonder whether it would be easier to die in a
communal frenzy or in a bomb attack of a suicide bomber
And I wonder whether the 'Government of India' has any plans to fight
the terrorists within its institutional folds or do they feel that they
can guard every temple, car or public place from future 'revenge
bombers/terrorists'.
I walked because I know that the Constitution of India assures every
citizen equality, fraternity and justice
And because I believe that the Rule of Law and the idea of a Secular
Democratic state is what the Tilak, Gandhi and others fought for,
and if this is not what the present leaders elected or otherwise believe
in, they should not be allowed to stand for election or represent the
people of India,
and need to be tried under the very laws they have created,
for disturbing law and order and threatening national peace and
security.
I walked also because I know that in the face of all this violence
and hate,
that the humanity of the ordinary Indian is still alive, maybe
hidden like a tuber but very much alive.
Even as I walked the few cars on the road stopped and asked if I needed
a lift
But I continued to walk along with hundreds of others - ordinary people
like myself who refused to be intimidated,
and who know that a future for our country, our people and our
children lie in health, jobs, education and conserving our environment,
in justice and equality, not in wars, arms or yatras.
Deepika D'Souza
September 26, 2002
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