Bangalore Diary: Curtains on the Trip

Towards the end of my stay my friend, Kitty, asked me how I was feeling about the city as my visit was drawing to a close. The novelty had worn off, somewhat, and a little fatigue was setting in. However, unlike the previous times I had visited India this time it no longer felt like I was living out of a suitcase. I was comfortably ensconced in an apartment, I had mobile phone and internet access, I had privacy, and I had my mother to keep me company. There are things I have never had in the U.S. that I enjoyed in India -- in particular, the feeling that I was well-plugged into society.

But, I have lived for over twenty years in the U.S.. The isolation and solitude that I have lived with, I have grown accustomed to. India is a 24-hour bazaar -- bustling, and continually in-your-face. On occasion, I missed the dullness and quietness of U.S. life. I also missed my home -- my sanctuary for over a decade --, and my family and friends. But most importantly, throughout my stay in India I was actively in touch with my children. I have to admit that I am an over-involved parent, and even eight thousand miles of separation can't keep me from being that way. I spent hours on the phone talking to my girls, in what I regarded as counseling (who knows how they perceived it!). Eventually, I felt it was less effective doing this long-distance, and I grew anxious to return home.

So, in a sense, I was happy to return home, but only because I held the hope that, going forward, I will get to spend some time every year in India.

Terror in Mumbai

I am attaching below an open letter to the Indian Prime Minister written by an unknown (to me), anguished Mumbaikar. I find it interesting to contrast hawkish opinions, many times from people of Indian origin in the U.S., in response to past and present crises, with articles like the following, several of which are emanating from India. The former are asking for "hot pursuit", to "nuke Pakistan", and to "stop pampering minorities". The latter are saying that what we have at the root of such events is a problem of venality, corruption, politicization of the civic and security apparatus, and utter incompetence.

In principle, I have no problem with military action -- only, that it should not be an emotional reaction but a carefully crafted strategic one. India, unlike some of our neighbors, will live on for many millennia, and that's the kind of policy response that the people of India deserve.

Another theme I hear -- and have myself articulated -- is PIO/Indian anger at U.S. insistence of restraint even as the Bush administration has repeatedly surpassed itself for thuggery and bullying. India's strategic concerns, however, are for India to address and see through. Realpolitik demands that these be coordinated with other military powers, but in the end if it makes strategic sense to carry out a decisive, military action, we should see this through. Sunil Khilnani, director of South Asia Studies at Johns Hopkins, has argued this point in a piece in the Financial Times today.

But India will also need to defend itself and its principles from those who threaten it. It needs to make clear to the one country most closely involved with Pakistan -- the US – that there are things that Pakistan must do; or which India may otherwise have, with prudence, to do for itself.

However, Khilnani also points out why a bombed-to-rubble Pakistan might be more trouble for India in the long run.

Now for the letter from the Mumbaikar:

LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER

I am a typical mouse from Mumbai. In the local train compartment which has capacity of 100 persons, I travel with 500 more mouse. Mouse at least squeak but we don't even do that. Today I heard your speech. In which you said 'NO BODY WOULD BE SPARED'. I would like to remind you that fourteen years has passed since serial bomb blast in Mumbai took place. Dawood was the main conspirator. Till today he is not caught. All our bolywood actors, our builders, our Gutka king meets him but your Government can not catch him. Reason is simple; all your ministers are hand in glove with him. If any attempt is made to catch him everybody will be exposed. Your statement 'NOBODY WOULD BE SPARED' is nothing but a cruel joke on this unfortunate people of India.

Enough is enough. As such after seeing terrorist attack carried out by about a dozen young boys I realize that if same thing continues days are not away when terrorist will attack by air, destroy our nuclear reactor and there will be one more Hiroshima.

We the people are left with only one mantra. Womb to Bomb to Tomb. You promised Mumbaikar Shanghai what you have given us is Jalianwala Baug. Today only your home minister resigned. What took you so long to kick out this joker? Only reason was that he was loyal to Gandhi family. Loyalty to Gandhi family is more important than blood of innocent people, isn't it? I am born and bought up in Mumbai for last fifty eight years. Believe me corruption in Maharashtra is worse than that in Bihar. Look at all the politician, Sharad Pawar, Chagan Bhujbal, Narayan Rane, Bal Thackray , Gopinath Munde, Raj Thackray, Vilasrao Deshmukh all are rolling in money. Vilasrao Deshmukh is one of the worst Chief minister I have seen. His only business is to increase the FSI every other day, make money and send it to Delhi so Congress can fight next election. Now the clown has found new way and will increase FSI for fisherman so they can build concrete house right on sea shore. Next time terrorist can comfortably live in those house , enjoy the beauty of sea and then attack the Mumbai at their will. Recently I had to purchase house in Mumbai. I met about two dozen builders. Everybody wanted about 30% in black. A common person like me knows this and with all your intelligent agency & CBI you and your finance minister are not aware of it. Where all the black money goes? To the underworld isn't it? Our politicians take help of these goondas to vacate people by force. I myself was victim of it. If you have time please come to me, I will tell you everything.

If this has been land of fools, idiots then I would not have ever cared to write you this letter. Just see the tragedy, on one side we are reaching moon, people are so intelligent and on other side you politician has converted nectar into deadly poison. I am everything Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Schedule caste, OBC, Muslim OBC, Christian Schedule caste, Creamy Schedule caste only what I am not is INDIAN. You politician have raped every part of mother India by your policy of divide and rule.

Take example of former president Abdul Kalam. Such a intelligent person, such a fine human being. You politician didn't even spare him. Your party along with opposition joined the hands, because politician feels they are supreme and there is no place for good person.

Dear Mr Prime minister you are one of the most intelligent person, most learned person. Just wake up, be a real SARDAR. First and foremost expose all selfish politician. Ask Swiss bank to give name of all Indian account holder. Give reins of CBI to independent agency. Let them find wolf among us. There will be political upheaval but that will better than dance of death which we are witnessing every day. Just give us ambient where we can work honestly and without fear. Let there be rule of law. Everything else will be taken care of.

Choice is yours Mr. Prime Minister. Do you want to be lead by one person or you want to lead the nation of 100 Crore people?