It's been almost 10 days since Mumbai witnessed the terror strike. The shadows of which are still visible. Nevertheless, efforts are being taken by people voluntarily to cope with what has happened and to try to avert the untoward in the future. The Protest rally on the 3rd of December was one such effort. It was a platform where people could express themselves through painting, elegy, poster, lighting a candle or by being there. People from not only Mumbai, but even Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, stood together in the face of terror.
Blue Lotus too did it's share by contributing in its own way. Here are updates from various Blue Lotus branches across India. Blue Lotus coordinated the drive at 3 places namely, Chennai, Kolkata & Bangalore. Chennai had their drive on 7th Dec 2008.
Mumbai Update:
Being really close to the terror sites, coming to office on Monday, 1st Dec. was not an easy task. Incredibly everyone was in office and were sharing similar unanswerable feelings of sorrow, anguish, anger, etc. An 'Express Yourself' board was put up in the office for all to express and give a vent to what was in their hearts. On 3rd of Dec, 6 pm, Blue Lotus as a whole, participated in the Protest rally. Many people from all over Mumbai had gathered. After the national anthem was sung, Blue Lotus employees led the peace walk.
The vigil planned to be held at Cubbon Park eventually took place at the Mahatma Gandhi Park.
Approximately 100 people would have turned up including office-goers, children, students and few elderly people. People wrote their feelings and thoughts on the vinyl message board put up by the India Today Group as well as on forms distributed. Vigil had banners, placards, candles, flags, human chain, slogans, anger…..
Prominent participant was Capt.Gopinath.
There was no true feeling for a cause that could be seen. People had opinions and were getting angry. There was some apprehension on media also.
I guess people should not respond only emotionally but be practical and intelligent in whatever they do. There was also an interesting thought which cropped up suggesting people to start with the fundamentals – paying taxes, following rules, being helpful, involving in neighbourhood watch committees, participating in civil defence programs, etc. I guess that’s a good way to respond and take this initiative forward.
Kolkata Update:
Around 45-50 people had gathered at Maidan to participate in the rally.
We went there and lit candles and eventually people came and joined us. The people around were of the view that it was shameful for the country that after so many warnings from the IB the government still failed to take necessary actions and prevent the attack.
Everybody is willing to stand by each other and fight against terrorism. It was a pleasant sight at Maidan to see the people of Kolkata coming forward to express their solidarity for the innocent lives lost in the Mumbai attacks and to express their anger towards the system.
Chennai Update:
We have forwarded and informed as many people, including friends in the media, as possible. Everyone from the organising team has contributed by arranging for the banners, candles, forwarding the mail, messaging others, etc. We have requested Chennai Live fm to announce the same, and they will be doing it on their afternoon show.
Chennai's Peace rally was held on 7th of December.
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