Ten years have passed after we witnessed the 9/11 events
that shook the world. When I was thinking of writing this blog, I read an
exclusive interview of Mr.Obama to The Times of India. I thought it would be
appropriate to quote it as it reflected my thoughts too. Here is the part of
his interview:
“On this 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks
of September 11, 2001, we remember that 9/11 was not only an attack on the United States
We remember that among the nearly 3,000 innocent people lost that day were hundreds of citizens from more than 90 nations. They were men and women, young and old, of many races and faiths. On this solemn anniversary, we join with their families and nations in honoring their memory.
We remember with gratitude how ten years ago the world came together as one. Around the globe, entire cities came to a standstill for moments of silence. People offered their prayers in churches, mosques, synagogues and other places of worship. And those of us in the United States will never forget how people in every corner of the world stood with us in solidarity in candlelight vigils and among the seas of flowers placed at our embassies.
We remember that in the weeks after 9/11, we acted as an international community. As part of a broad coalition, we drove al-Qaida from its training camps in Afghanistan, toppled the Taliban, and gave the Afghan people a chance to live free from terror. However, the years that followed were difficult and the spirit of global partnership we felt after 9/11 frayed.”
We remember that among the nearly 3,000 innocent people lost that day were hundreds of citizens from more than 90 nations. They were men and women, young and old, of many races and faiths. On this solemn anniversary, we join with their families and nations in honoring their memory.
We remember with gratitude how ten years ago the world came together as one. Around the globe, entire cities came to a standstill for moments of silence. People offered their prayers in churches, mosques, synagogues and other places of worship. And those of us in the United States will never forget how people in every corner of the world stood with us in solidarity in candlelight vigils and among the seas of flowers placed at our embassies.
We remember that in the weeks after 9/11, we acted as an international community. As part of a broad coalition, we drove al-Qaida from its training camps in Afghanistan, toppled the Taliban, and gave the Afghan people a chance to live free from terror. However, the years that followed were difficult and the spirit of global partnership we felt after 9/11 frayed.”
The emotional gathering of people at ground zero and the
markings of the names on the tablets, of the 3000 that laid their lives for no
fault of theirs was moving my heart. Not long ago what we witnessed at our own
capital too only increased my pain. There is a lesion we need to learn from the
Americans. The loss of 3000 people made more than 5 million men and women to
take up the uniform. It united whole United States of America
This day, we all need to take up an oath that we will stand
for our country and for the united fight against global terrorism. Youngsters
should become more responsible and help our security forces and intelligence to
fight against terrorism. The government should take serious efforts in
combating terrorism. Absence of even CCTV cameras in sensitive areas and non-maintenance
of metal detectors and carelessness in securities are unforgivable acts. As
written in my previous blog, why that we lack in technology or use of available
technology? Can we not develop program which can detect unusual activities and
send alarm? I think, a simple program in the camera software could do this. Or
is it that bomb sniffing dogs can only do so after the blasts or we have only a
few in the country that we need to spare them only for the rarest instances?
Can we not recruit more trainers and more dogs as well as recruit more
intelligent officers and task force? This in one way, solves unemployment problem
and help us combating terrorism too.
TV channels too need to be sensible in reporting news. They
can help investigating and then take credit rather than a hurried news which
might make sensation but will hinder the investigations.
There is a lot that can be done by the general public. The
real heroes will crop up from these unknown soldiers is my strong belief.
Compulsory military training to all youth from 20 to 25 years might be the need
of the day. Protecting the whistle blowers is the responsibility of the government.
Our laws too need to change. While the US
Can these lesions and instances unite Indians? Write to me
your feelings or concerns or ideas, etc., You can comment here or send me mails
with your name, email ID and phone number. If you like send us your photo, so
that we can publish them here.
