Thursday, November 27, 2008

Mumbai Mayhem- Praying For The City

First of all, I am traumatized, but safe. Thank you all for your concern and for your mails. It's been over 24 hours, and the city is under siege. I don't really know what to say. It's been a numbing and humbling experience. Numbing because of the carnage involved. Humbling, because they have shown us how vulnerable and helpless we all are. Young men, 22 to 24 years old, killing, dying for an indeterminate cause they do not understand themselves.

Both Taj and Oberoi hotels are very close to our house in Cuffe Parade. Most importantly, Taj Mahal Hotel is to Mumbai what the twin towers were to NY. It's a symbol of what the city stands for. Grand, luxurious, beautiful, enigmatic. I sat in front of the television, watching it burn, and I wept. It broke my heart, to think of all those trapped inside. We could hear the explosions, and they shook us from within. I am not a weak person. I have lived through many terror attacks on Mumbai, but today it's different. We lost the Chief of the Anti Terrorist Squad, a brave man, who fought for all of us, till his last breath. We lost many innocent people, in the hotels, at VT station and on the streets.

The TV channels were quick in giving out the names of the two terrorists killed in the cross-firing. "Abu and Ishmail", they kept repeating. Underlining their religion. But you know what, terror does not have a religion. It's just about terror. For the first time in my life, I feel fear. When I went for a walk, I saw people staring at each passerby. What has religion got to do with it? Does death choose it's victims by religion?

I just heard another explosion, a big one. I stay right opposite the World Trade Centre. We could be the next target. Soon enough, they will find us. But you know what, I am not staying in anymore. I am going to work tomorrow. Mumbai will fight back. We all will fight back.

14 comments:

Absolutely Fabulous said...

Prati! I'm relieved to hear from you. You be safe. I don't know what to say. I am in shock.
My heart goes to you and Mumbai. Xoxo

Marian said...

Darling ive been weeping as I watch the news here.I like you agree that terror has no religion.Whether muslim,jew.christian,buddist,hindu etc...we are people at the end of the day.May God keep you safe,May He comfort those who have loved ones involved in this siege and may the souls of those killed in this tragedy rest in peace.
I am praying for you...
Marian.

yiqin; said...

THANK GOD YOU ARE SAFE!!!! A Singaporean died there. We are all really shocked & upset :/

samsara said...

Dear Ms. Prati!
What sadness in all our hearts for all of those lost in this senseless violence. It is a relief to see a post from you both calm and strong. I am hoping that you and all your friends and family are safe.
Sending hugs from New York,
Samsara

Pratishtha Durga said...

Ab Fab: I am safe, Joy> Mumbai is already getting back on its feet.

The House Of Style: Marian, you have no idea how I wept as I watched the Taj burn. I felt, angry, helpless and sad at the same time.

Yigin: My heart goes out to all the victims from across the world.

Pratishtha Durga said...

Breakaway: Don't aplogize! You are a muslim, THEY are NOT! Like I said, terror has no religion. Remember that. I have enough Muslim friends in my life, to whom I am closer than I'd be to my family. This has nothing to do with their names. These people are not even human!

Samsara: Thanks a lot for your wishes and prayers.

Ann Marie said...

I had no idea you were so close to all of this. So glad you are safe! Your words and thoughts on this terror act are so right. Bless you and those you hold dear.

Vain and Vapid said...

I am so glad to her you are ok, my deepest condolences go out to you and fellow Mumbai-ers. I know how terrifying something like is must be, I was very close to the World Trade Towers on 9/11...

Reena Rai said...

Thoughts and prays are with everyone in Mumbai

Marie Louise said...

I have been thinking about you all week. I am glad the violence is over there and sad to hear about all the death. I am glad you are okay. It's a shame that there is so much hate and anger in this world.

Pratishtha Durga said...

That Girl Designs: Oh, too close to all the action. But I am glad that all my loved ones are safe. though my heart goes out to those who lost someone.

Vain and Vapid: it was horrible! How long before we learn a lesson?

Fashion Dreamer: Thanks for your prayers, honey.

Marie Louise: I wonder when we'll be able to learn that love and hope are the best gifts mankind can give itself.

Marian said...

darling how are you? thank you for the love about the endo.how are is yojur family and city in the after math?
praying for you.
Marian

Absolutely Fabulous said...

good to hear from you again Prati! take care. xo
love from my heart to yours,
joy

Mercedes de Marchena said...

Prati, darling!
Just back from Panama, SO GLAD you are safe! I couldn't believe the horror...Keep strong!
love,
Merc