I know that I’m quite late in writing or may be late in reacting to this but as one of my friends said “Do Not Forget and Do Not Let Others Forget”, so I think that this delay is quite justified. I am not a social custodian neither the self proclaimed curator of the art that we have lost and at the same time, I am not the one who holds some kind of authority in context of the Indian Society but nevertheless, I want to write about it, even if my words go unheard.
I am shattered to see whatever is happening around me. No… no… I am not talking in context of my personal or professional turmoil deep in me. The smoky streets, the terror struck people, the bloodshed and let me get a little harsh out here, The Massacre. I believe, it is important to keep the memories or experience of what they call it as the biggest terror attack so far tucked away in the minds of individuals but at the same time, it is equally important to break that shell and live for another day.
Yeah, it’s true that we shouldn't forget it and shouldn't let other forget it as well but what plays the role here? Pictures are worth a thousand words but how long do you want those words to live? Honestly speaking, being a photographer, I know the importance of pictures but I don’t want to look at those pictures or something similar for the rest of my life. You may conclude it as the impact of the pictures or may be a flaw in my insane might. But, I conclude that the real story extends beyond those flashlights, mega pixels, shutter speed, exposure and 35 MM format. These stories perhaps have no words at all. And, the Creator neither gave us the skills nor the rights to fill words in those innocent mouths.
What started as a deadly dance of death is going to end as some important people are getting a bit too involved while they are pulling the strings. I am sorry, but this was not just a dance of death. To many, it meant the life. It is also true that it changed life. Changes are not always negative. Think about a news reporter who has been dying to get a good story so that he can save his job in this horrific time of recession. This whole 60 hours of live ‘action’ spelt success for many of the people I personally know. It came in as a big opportunity for a reporter who was desperate for his job, for someone who wanted to explore a new arena in terms of his job aspect and for someone who wants to make a movie out of it.
What’s the use of reliving those 60 hours of terrorism? Is it the terror based theme of the movie that it will make it a box office hit or the star cast where we are expected to see all the leading names in the industry dramatically vying for the eyeballs in a recreation of Taj or Oberoi and making fun of the martyrdom of Major Sandeep, ATS Chief Hemant Karkare or top cops like Vijay and Ashok Kamte. Not to forget, there will be a romantic angle to this whole thing where in the cops might have met their respective wives and girlfriends before leaving in a melodramatic sequence and much more. If you are reading this Sir, then please no movies on this. It will be a matter of shame for the Indian armed forces that while they were inside, the LIVE coverage which was just a TRP strategy, provided lead to the terrorists of what is happening and what is not.
I am not a
Mumbaikar or a
Marathi Manoos but have been staying here for 4 years now on the mercy of Mr. Raj Thackrey. Yeah, one thing more, I had some respect for this guy who had the whole of Maharashtra under his influence but was nowhere to be seen when it came to Non-Marathi Manoos saving his city. If the sight of about
700 Non Marathi and
Non Mumbaikars and the SMSes and mails saying the same failed to disrupt the law and order of this city then how would be by any chance, Mr. Kamal R Khan and his movie Deshdrohi would have done that. There should have been a clear divide. Those who are Pro MNS shouldn't have watched the movie, as simple as that.
Many of us are talking about the anger, spirit and resilience of the city but have we ever pondered that Mumbai is like that? The spirit of Mumbai comes in the scene, not because of the will of the
Mumbaikars but for the simple reason that we aren’t left with a choice. We are forced to hit the offices for work the very next day because we have to. No one would like to take a risk of skipping a day and end up starving at home along with the entire family. Ideally, I think the phrase ‘Spirit of Mumbai’ shouldn’t be taken as granted thought it means nothing for a man who is running fast, changing his train at the overcrowded stations rushing past through the metals detectors quickly enough so that the security personnel don’t even hear a ‘Beep’.
A blast was reported in Assam, within a week of this attack. I guess, terrorists are pretty eager to the share the responsibility and the initiative of ‘not letting the others forget’. I tried to catch up with loads of people, over the phone, over the internet and, no offense, the ones who were there were proud to have been there spotting the convoy, the grenade, the guns or the smoke more than they were sorry for this loss which shattered hundreds of homes.
Someone recently asked me that why didn’t I go to get some pictures of the Taj burning down or clouds of smoke hovering over the monument. For a while, I did regret that I didn’t go to click pictures but then I realized, how a person would feel if he is being clicked naked and there is not much he can do to cover himself? As a photographer, I would have got a great picture with emotions, drama and all but as a human I should have covered it and should have even destroyed all the evidences that he was naked once.
The person in question is none other than our country, India while she is wailing trying to cover herself up with whatever is left out of the bombed, torn apart and blood soaked of her garment. We as her kids, are rejoicing, praising the commandos but everything is in context of the trauma she is going through and she can never get out of it if we keep on looking at the pictures that show the wounds on her face and discussing that it would have been either you or someone you know.
Take a new canvas and paint what you want your mother to see. I know that is not all, so take a step with your actions in that direction and bring that picture to reality. Turn it into a reality and this is the only way you can help yourself and the country.
God Bless Everyone!
Peace Out
Piyush Singh
www.piyushsingh.com
Hope everyone is doing good. 3rd August 2009 is a date I would never forget. I would like to thank Ms. Aron, Senior Resident Editor of Hindustan Times Lucknow for giving me a chance to meet the former president of India, Hon'ble Mr. APJ Abdul Kalam. All in all, it was a great day and when he spoke, he had a mesmerizing impact on everyone present. But what followed a day after was indeed the biggest of honours. This is what HE has to say about one of my poems(you may see the poem at the bottom of this note) which is popularly known as Mamma Hold Me.