Chak De India!

It is a pity that we Indians are living in an age when speaking in the interest of our country is termed as a crime. Shahrukh Khan had only said that we should not ignore the Pakistani cricket players for IPL. And this statement alone ignited such a furor? It feels so distressing that the Indian actor is made to pay heavily for such a trivial matter. Where does this leave the “Aman ki Asha” Campaign of the Times of India? “Nazar Mein Rahte Ho jab Tum Nazar Nahin Aate", these are such beautiful lines but does this poetry have the strength to curb the Indo-Pak enmity. With people like Thackeray and his Sena around, I do not think it is possible. 26/11 was a nightmare not only for Mumbai but for all of us but it does give not any of us the right to become a terrorist and divide our own fellow Indians.

In the wake of “Mumbai Manoos” issue, I think the “Aman ki Asha” Campaign should now be directed towards our very own Kashmir, Vidarbha, Telangana and Mumbai. It is sad indeed but first we have to curb this disintegration within our own country. The need is to be united not only in the stadiums while cheering for our Cricket Team but outside it as well. Otherwise people like Thackeray would compel us to go back in the times there were small principalities like, Magadha, Pataliputra, Taxila etc. and once again an East India Company would get hold of us. And then, there might not be another Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi to rescue us. I have beautiful childhood memories of visiting Massoorie and Nainital but now I see prejudiced behavior of the natives. I am told it is because now it is Uttarakhand and we are from Uttar Pradesh. It is so painful to be served with such treatment in your own motherland just because you live in a different state.

Mumbai is my dreamland, a beautiful city surrounded by the sea, the hub of the film stars and most importantly the hometown of my favorite Sachin Tendulkar. But this issue can alienate the rest of us from “Mumbai”. If one billion Indians unite against them, we can save not only Mumbai but Kashmir as well. Otherwise the Pakistanis would be witnessing a disintegrated India and there is no need to say that this would give them immense satisfaction.

I want to know, where is Shahrukh Khan Wrong here? His hard work and a big sum of money is at stake with this movie yet he says his “Integrity is Non-Negotiable” Rarely do we Indians show such brevity and courage. We must support him wholeheartedly and show the world the power of a United India.

Best Wishes
- Archana Dass
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