4 days after the terrorist attack I finally got myself to go for work. The hustle bustle and the traffic left me with awe. All the times in the past when such attacks have happened in the trains or the floods which took place in the suburbs, you feel sympathetic for a while and then forget it. But this time the hit was close to home. It was where my presence was a possibility. Every time such an attack would happen in the past I would boast with indignant conceit that I was lucky I stayed in South Mumbai which is not prone to such attacks.

This attack was a slap on my indifference and conceit. This time the attack happened where it was most unexpected. It happened in the highest tax payer’s home. It happened in South Mumbai. Unbelievable! But I thought I was safe! I thought I could not be touched! But it happened after all.

It was a realization, an awakening to all the rich south Mumbaiites specially the youth who are so aloof. We are the first ones to run away from the country. I realized we are the ones who allowed it to happen. How many of us vote? How many of us care about what the politicians are doing? How many of us question the government if promises are unfulfilled? How many of us stand for elections and take responsibility in our communities? I don’t think even one. This has given the government and politicians an easy way out.

I have been getting messages about Raj Thackerey not coming out, about lashing at the politicians and the silliest of all was an appeal to not pay taxes. Not pay taxes!!! Only an ignorant fool who does not understand the economics of a nation can talk like that. This is just an escape route that we south mumbaiites who have always been selfish are yet again taking. Using the terrorist attack as an excuse we are looking at our own personal selfish gain and not the country at large. It is a pity that the educated upper class Indian youth is not aware of the law, its rights and responsibilities.

What India needs is the youth to stand up! Each one of us has to stop blaming and passing the buck. Get up and protect yourself. It is not as easy as paying and getting protection. Money cannot buy everything such as peace of mind. Let’s understand the loopholes and make ourselves aware of the law, more adept at preventing and handling disasters.

In my opinion this can be addressed through education. The right form of programs that deal with knowing your rights, knowing the law and managing disasters.

John Kenneth Galbraith an economist has said “ No matter how harsh the realities or the adversities a society may face, if the people who make up that society are strong, they can become a driving force for a brilliant turnaround, recovery and growth, and succeed in leading society to prosperity” Though this has been said in the context of financial disaster I would like to extend it to any mishap or adversity. Let us all become this force and turn this country around.