A walk for a good cause

I always wanted to do something different from my routine in the weekends. Last weekend was special. It was the 10 K run – a marathon organized in Hyderabad for various causes. The cause was originally Health, Fitness and Environment. But unfortunately it was transformed into one single cause – Fight against Terrorism.

So many employees from various IT companies, NGOs, school and college students participated in the event. The people who usually wake up at 9 or 10 on Sundays were present at the People’s plaza sharply at 6:30. It was a real festive ambience. I was so proud to a part of thousands of people running for some good cause. The scarlet color was Omni-present and everyone seemed to be cheered up involuntarily. No one had the apprehensions of whether they would be able to cover the entire distance in one go. They all wanted to participate and nothing else was in their minds.

It was a beautiful winter morning with no pollution of sound or air around us. The Marathon started at 7:30 and we all started our journey wanting whole-heartedly to complete it atleast within 2 hrs. We were mutually motivated and none of us were feeling tired. First kilometer was the longest. Later we got used to the distances. We were not waiting for the next milestone. Here and there, they had arranged for some rock bands to keep us away from exhaustion. The whole walk or rather run was around the Hussain Sagar Lake. Once in a while there were diversions to extend the length of the road to 10kms. We usually have a notion that people take the easiest path to complete the task. But none of them took the shorter route. Everybody was so sincere that they obeyed the directions, knowing that crossing the 10 cm tall divider would cost them nothing.

I was jogging alone for almost half of the marathon. Surprisingly I was not feeling bored neither did I fall into introspection. I was observing the outside world. I was feeling euphoric to be amidst hundreds of good people. In spite of all the attacks happening around me I felt a sense of unity and humanity the world is preserving. I discovered some beautiful architecture on the way, which was never an item in the list of Must-See places in Hyderabad. The whole task of 10K run was made much easier by these natural elements.

We could spot the 1km (Remaining) mark sooner than expected. It was really a joyous moment when we crossed the chequered flag. Everyone has won in this event or atleast that was the feeling we all had. The entire journey ended in just an hour and a half. I did not feel any tiredness or pain for the whole day. It all started the next day but made sure I went to office. 

The crux of the event is the endurance, belief in oneself and above all the pride of participation. If anyone possesses these qualities, he or she can go to farther not only in this kind of marathon but also in the marathon of life. Waiting for the next Marathon! Three cheers to Hyderabad and the 10 K foundation!!!!

It is not Mumbai- It is India

Terror rocks Mumbai. It was not a bomb blast or hijack but an open firing. A big question against Indian Security. There is no certainty of life the next second. Thousands of lives are at stake. This event has shattered the minds of every citizen of India more than any other incident that had ever taken place in Mumbai for the past 10 to 15 years. Mumbai had always shown solidarity and resilience against these attacks and as always comes back to normal the very next week. Yes, this can be acceptable and appreciated if it was the first, second, third or fourth time. But definitely not forever.

With a population of over a billion, it is next to impossible scrutinizing movement of every individual in India. So it does not make any sense comparing India with US for example. They had also faced a similar mishap during the Twin Towers attack. So how long do you think the media or the politicians were blaming the security breach there? There is no time to blame each other in this scenario. It is high time that we get into action and curb terrorism. This is beyond politics, beyond religion and beyond Indo-pak feud. All we need is to ignore all the differences in religion, status, borders and ideologies and fight against the terrorism minority who are spread all over the world.

The Home-Minister has stepped down, there is a hanging Govt in Maharashtra, Rahul Gandhi is partying while the operations in Mumbai were in a crucial stage, Ritesh Deshmukh and RGV were having a stroll in the Taj Corridor, the information regarding the illegal entry of people in the Indian Territory taken easy by the officials. We blame everyone for the incident. These were a handful of people. What were the others doing? Is it practical to call everyone and enquire about the carelessness?

Whatever happened has happened. It is time to join hands. No BJP or Congress or Jananta Dal can ameliorate the situation. Only we as Indians can do it. It is election time. Do not vote the party. Vote the individuals. Vote if you believe that the person can bring you out of the unprotected shell to the protected space. Do not vote the famous people just because you feel that bad is better than worse. Vote the not so famous people who strive hard for the betterment of the society.

Media is helping us identifying the right people and the wrong people to elect. We should definitely make use of these things. Though at times, they get carried away by showing the gossips and celebrities, they stand up when there is a crisis. They point out every costly mistake a leader makes.
Salute the heroes who fought till every weed was removed. Every citizen should feel responsible for the things happening around and the time will come when everyone of us feel safe to go anywhere in the country.