When we all got together

We had the most amazing turn out at Major Unnikrishnan's Prayer Service held at The Frank Anthony Public School, Bangalore, on 5th December, 2008. Alumni and non-alumni turned up in a large number and the ceremony itself was hugely emotional. I will elaborate on the same in my next post, but first, here is something that I had circulated to all present there and want to share it here as well.




Dear Fellow Alumni,

It is indeed overwhelming to know that we have been strongly moved by the courage and valor of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan and that we all realize that the brave soldier gave up his life to save our own.

We would never know what it took for the brave souls that fateful night to stare the terrorists in their eyes, face their bullets and not care about their own lives. None of us sitting safe here would ever know what it means for a soldier to chase death in order to save millions whom he doesn’t even know.

But all of us sitting here can acknowledge and respect the cause for which Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan and other brave hearts fought to death – the cause of Fighting Terrorism. And all of us here can pledge that we will stand up for this cause in whatever way is possible.

War or hatred or finger pointing is not the answer. Being a RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN is.

If each one of us can resolve to be responsible, resolve to not lead passive lives and resolve to contribute to our society, we can ensure that more brave soldiers would not need to lay their lives in vain.

Being responsible does not mean changing our lives, it just means changing our attitudes.

On this day, when we have come together to pray for the bravest amongst us, let us pay tribute to him by resolving that each one of us will be responsible;

• Let us respect each and ever security personnel at Airports, Offices etc and allow them to do their jobs, even if it takes two minutes more of our time.

• Let us curb hatred. Terrorists do not belong to any religion/ any place. There is nothing we will gain by hating other communities or religions.

• Let us not add to corruption any more. Even if it means getting a ticket, let us resolve to go the right way instead of the easy way.

• Let us spread awareness and education amongst the less fortunate. Start with the house maid, her kids, but realize that education is the best weapon we can equip anyone with.

• Let us make sure we Vote. Even if it means casting the 49-0 vote, we should Vote.

• Let us not exploit anyone and also not allow anyone to exploit us. If it means not paying the auto guy extra but waiting for another honest one to come after 10mins, so be it.

• Let us never forget what happened on 26/11in Mumbai so that we never allow the authorities to forget either. We should never let them forget what their callousness has resulted in and that we will not tolerate their irresponsibility anymore or fall prey to their ineptness

Each one of us can make a difference – we have heard that and ignored that long enough. Its time now to believe in it, act on it and thus pay real tribute to those who had to give up their lives to wake us up. It indeed is Now or Never.