I'm a firm believer in the concept of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"- the world is one family. This has been more and more reinforced as I have travelled and had the privilege of living in so many different parts of the world. The diversity in us and the peace around us makes the world a beautiful place.
I grew up in India thinking about how our neighbours in the north are all bad, that Pakistanis are out to kill us!! As I lived abroad, I realized that the truth is anything but....I have great Pakistani friends and they continue to remain friends.
What does this mean about the recent gruesome attack in Pulwama. The world is built on some rules and respecting borders is part of these rules and we all need to agree on what is right and what is wrong. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam only works when all of us believe in it....after all, we need 2 hands to clap!!
"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it" Albert Einstein
We have tried peace talks, negotiations, world diplomacy but we have never crossed the border.....even when Kargil happened. I'm not trying to say one is better than the other....but now that we have tried everything else, what options do we have, when we are constantly being provoked??
This is terrorism and terrorists need to know that they aren't safe, just because they hide in another country. We cannot constantly have people being trained and attacking us inside our territory. You cannot enter my house, kill a few people in my family and expect me to embrace you....we have tried this for 70+ years and it hasn't worked!!
Does this mean we should have war??? NO, and I hope and Im sure saner minds will prevail.
"It is an unfortunate fact that we can secure peace only by preparing for war". John F. Kennedy
I won't raise my hand to hit you first but if you continue to hit me, again and again, I will retaliate. You think my restraint is my weakness and only understand force as strength.....then I'm forced to communicate in a language that you understand!!