I know I haven't blogged in a bit and it's not because I've forgotten or don't have anything to write about. The problem is that I have too much to write about. I have way to many thoughts in my head right now. There is so much going on in this world that it's become overwhelming. The worst part is that there are still so many tragedies taking place around us and so many "unresolved" conflicts. Tragic world events are piling up and I just don't know how to write about them right now. What I can do is write a little about one such event; an event that reached it's climax on November 1, 1984.
I'm not going to get into details. For a full report you can visit: www.ensaaf.org. They have several publications. My favourite is: "Twenty Years of Impunity" a report by Jaskaran Kaur. It's absolutely incredible the way in which they have put forward witness affidavits, statements from commissions, and laid out the trail of events. I highly recommend you start there in your quest for knowledge regarding 1984.
I've met many people over the years and one thing I've realized is that everyone has their own pesonal feelings when it comes to the events of 1984 in both Punjab and Delhi (of course we cannot ignore the fact that several anti-Sikh events took place around India). There's also this "backlash" against 1984 that I've picked up on. Many people still appear to be "afraid" or "hesitant" in speaking about 1984 or simply even asking questions about it, or discussing it.
Some are afraid of inciting hatred. Some are afraid of sounding like "whining victims". Some seem afraid of opening old wounds.
These fears are understandable. But then why do we even bother speaking about any historical event or world conflict?
We should not be afraid to listen to or show love and support for someone who has undergone grave human rights abuses, personal loss, and tragedy.
At the end of the day - we are all human. Look past the politics and see the person and the soul that resides in that body, in that group. Start from there.
What surprises me most is that many people living in Delhi are not even aware of the Widow Colonies. I met a girl here in Toronto, who said she grew up in Delhi and it was only when she married in Canada, that she found out from her husband what happened in Delhi in 1984. She said she was absolutely shocked to learn that something like that had happened while she was there and she had no clue all these years.
On one side, it can be said that the stories, the decision to talk rests with the victims who suffered. On the other hand, it cannot be forgotten that these were strategically planned attacks on a group. If we stand any chance of making our world safer and better, then we have to educate ourselves.
If knowledge and sound analysis was not the underlying purpose then why would we discuss wars and conflicts in our world's history? Why would there be courses and programs dedicated to it?
Every event has characteristics to it. They involved people, authority, policy, a nation, ideals, and prejudices. When something as large-scale, calculated and strategic as 1984 happens, we need to learn from it. We need to know why it happened and how, so that we can work together to find ways to prevent such things.
Some people say "it's been 26 years, time to move on." My question to them is: "Move on from what?"
- Are we to tell the mother that still weeps for her children to move on?
- Are we to tell the kids who watched in horror as their parents were humiliated, butchered, and lit on fire, to move on?
- Or are we to tell the father that saw his daughter, wife, mother raped before his eyes, that his nightmares will eventually move on?
There is no need to say "move on" - because 1984 is a fact. There is no need to start drawing boundaries, or spew hatred - no. No need for that. All that is needed is a little compassion; a little understanding; and a whole lot of education.
This is part of history. This is still part of our reality. Twenty-six years is not a long time. Those victims, those families are still here amongst us.
Let's stop ignoring a factual event. Instead let us learn from it.
Never again. Never again to any group. Never again to any individual. Never again to any child.
Be informed. Be smart. Be proactive so that together we can make a brighter future. That may sound corny, but it's crucial.
In my book I've acknowledged the victims of '84. But I also wrote something, a thought, that came to me when I first finished reading my manuscript. I'll end with that thought now:
There is wisdom in every story told,
every experience shared;
a wisdom that can become a beacon
for hope and change for the future.
But first, we must listen.
every experience shared;
a wisdom that can become a beacon
for hope and change for the future.
But first, we must listen.
-N
1 comment:
Hello Nav,my name is Ranveer Singh Dhillon. Even though I,dont like my,course books, reading always has been a very important part. My sister, gave me "Under The Moon Lit Sky" couple of days ago and I am already done reading it. I liked the way it has been written covering the details of every incidents, whether in Canada or in India. first thing ofcourse I read was the lines you wrote about listning. I thought about it, and they were true. I have alwys followed the path of " Be a good listner , before you want others to listen to you".
~ Ranveer.
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