Sunday, September 11, 2011

Ten years after 9/11



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, it was an attack on the world and on the humanity and hopes that we share.

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. Before this anniversary, they saw to it that the man behind this was eliminated. A determination that made them achieve this. I salute this country which stands tall even in calamities. US, I stand by you on this day along with billions of my fellow Indians.

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 could just fly into another country and eliminate the terrorist without any legal proceedings, why we keep our fingers crossed on a terrorist who was caught red handed?

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.