11/26

I think I would not be doing justice to myself if I don't write about the terror attacks in Mumbai. I still vividly remember my uncle taking my sister and I for the ferry ride from the Gateway of India. The ferry takes you around in the Arabian Sea showing you picturesque views of the Taj. I was around 8 years old and remember being enamoured with the beauty of the building. The Taj and the Oberoi are landmark hotels in Mumbai. They are places I have grown up seeing, hearing, visiting, almost taking them for granted. VT station - I have been there umpteen number of times. Helplessly, I watched the terrorists paralyze my city all thanksgiving weekend. I still shiver thinking it could have been my dad, my mom, my husband's parents, my friends. I still feel violated.

I know in the aftermath people are blaming the politicians. I dont know if the politicians could have necessarily prevented this. Probably if the intelligence reports would have been acted upon in a more serious fashion. However, I do know one thing - the only way to get this done with is remove the root cause - hatred. I also think justice should be sought and the terrorists (including the planners and the minds behind this) should be punished. The US felt this very same anger after its 9/11 and this is no different for an Indian. I think the US should demonstrate true qualities of being a world leader and join hands with India in the war against terror. This is no time to be diplomatic or hypocritical.

I don't know if this is a true saying or I just made it up - Once a Mumbai-ite, always a Mumbai-ite. I could live far away from the city but my heart still beats for it and I still retain the spirit. Mumbai, I can't wait to visit you again.

Signing off,
Sumi