Bombay blasts

I know Bombay will recover tomorrow, faster than any city, any people in the world. It says a lot about our ability to get right back to business and all that. But for once, just this once, isn't it time to scream retribution? No. Don't go out and kill people. Don't declare a bandh. Stand up for one day, as one people and say to the Government, to the Police, to the Politicians - STOP F*****G US and give us our due - in terms of security, infrastructure and every single thing that we as a city have deserved for decades and now desperately need.

It brings me to a question though - why do we tolerate these incidents and the subsequent inaction and dramas? I know it's not patience when I see the mad rush to get into trains and buses. It's not tolerance because this was the city that witnessed and was party to the '92 riots. It's not indifference, because every time there is a tragedy, we just gather together and help each other out. I know we don't enjoy it because nobody can. Then what the hell is it? Is it the "chalta hai" attitude? Are we afraid of something? Or is it pride?

Are we not hurt enough? Are we not angry enough? And while we try our best to be professional day in and day out, don't we want to hold anyone accountable? Do we want madcap political parties like the Shiv Sena, an hypocritical BJP or an impotent Congress to be our voice during these times? Incidents like these do not harm the communal "harmony" because simply put, unless the politicians and goons mobilize to do something, our "chalta hai" attitude is a good enough reason to not hurt anyone. I hope we defy the call for a bandh which won't serve any purpose and will clearly tell every politician out there that Bombay won't listen anymore.

About a couple of years ago, after the Mulund blasts, L1 and I landed up at the office wearing a black armband. We got weird looks and while the smarter ones understood, no one joined us. The idea was not to get anyone join in but the response showed how people don't realize that it is important to express yourself. I know it doesn't do anything, but it shows that maybe we care. It's better than a bandh because while it's business as usual, it shows pain, anger and solidarity. I hope we can take this route this time.

Stop tolerating this Bombay or we are dead. Stop turning the other cheek because every time you get back to business, it is simply an indication to others of your unlimited ability to take the biggest blows and walk out of it with a smile. Don't be paranoid. But don't tolerate anymore. It's 6 blasts, it could be more next time. Register your protest.

Please check out www.mumbaihelp.blogspot.com. And while all this is happening, Srinagar has been hit by another bomb blast.

L1 went into this telecon with a customer and the customer asks him "How are you?". He responds "my city has been rocked by 7 explosions" and went on to give him graphic details for the next 5 minutes. But here's the killer. The customer said "..i understand your frustration and your anger my friend... i was at ground zero the day it happened. let me know if you want to have today's session ...we can reschedule it when you are feeling better". How does L1 manage to meet such people?

Signing off - angry, concerned, hurt - and hoping that your near and dear ones escaped this dastardly act. And praying for the souls of those who were unlucky enough to be caught in this.