The Battle of Taj

As I sit facing the Television watching the Glorious Taj in flames, I remember the first date I had at Sea Lounge with Rajesh on 9th September, 1983. I had visited Taj a number of times earlier as before I shifted to the suburbs, I was a resident of South Mumbai.
We walked up from Metro to Taj and spent about 2 hours over a cup of tea and a sandwich as our earnings were very modest then. We kept looking at the harbour as well as wishing that the evening would never come to an end.
There must be hundred's of love affairs which must have originated at Taj and bloomed into everlasting relationships like mine. Of course not to forget the ups and downs. The Taj is not just a building, it is a monument with stories of success and love.
Today it hurts to see it getting destroyed blow by blow in the name of revenge.
Last three days I was feeling hurt, angry, numb looking at the mayhem and the agonies of the families who have lost their near and dear ones. Were they only thier near and dear ones. No they were all dear to me too as they are fellow humans. The attack has been on each one of us.
I received many messages and calls enquiring about the safety of my near and dear ones. I answered in yes and no and the next question was why "no".
This may sound very emotional to some of the viewers. But that is what I feel. Various upsurge of emotions. The only emotion I hate and would not ever like to deal with is the feeling of Helplessness.
Today I would like to introspect rather than blame the politicians, I would look as to how I can contribute rather than blame the system, I would join the action team rather than the being the part of a comittee which discusses and discusses at length.
My dear friends, I am sure that the battle of Taj has ignited a spark in every Indian, in every human being to wake up and make this a better day by being an active part of it.
Together let us be a part of this battle and together let us win.
Salma Prabhu

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