Katrina...

“India has pledged US $ 5,00,00,00.00 (United Stated Dollars Five Million Only) to the US of A for relief works….”, DD News, 6th September 2005.

That is, for your information, Rs. 225,000,000.00 (Twenty Two Crores and Fifty Lakhs Only). This is the amount that is being given to a country, which has

• The largest economy in the world.


• The largest nuclear arsenal in the world.


• The largest pool of brainpower in the world.


• The largest budget in the world.


• The largest space program in the world.


• The best warning systems and technology in the world.


• The list will go on…

This is the same country, which at every turn has fueled terrorism and then pretends to fight it. (Think back and you will see how it armed Iraq to fight Iran, when it suited its plan. Think back and you will see how Pakistan – who was and still is being helped by American Technology and Funds – even now are harboring and shielding known terrorists.)

This the same country, which feels it’s its birthright to attack another nation because some suspected terrorists who attacked its soil are hiding there…in the same breath, it does not lift a finger to get the persons suspected of causing havoc in our cities, to justice. On the contrary helps them against us. This is the same country, which is quick to impose sanctions against us, if we don’t toe their line.

I don’t wish to and I am sure there is no need to bring out the reasons for which I feel so strongly against the contribution, which our Nation has pledged.

I am, by nature, a very undiscriminating person. I dislike everybody equally. So, I am not particularly anti-American or anti-Black American or for that matter anti-anything…as long as the person/community/country/thing/technology/discovery/ etc. does not harm anyone in the process.

I have been through an invasion (Iraq-Kuwait, 1990), though not through the war. I have felt the tremors that shook Gujarat a few years ago. But, I was safely in Mumbai when thousands lost their kin and kind. I was in Mumbai during the latest deluge. I (and my dear ones) was spared from the misfortune that befell so many of the Mumbaikars.

So, I have not really gone through the hardships (this maybe a understatement) that many have gone through during the trying times (across the globe). Therefore, some may feel that I am simply too calloused to understand the sufferings. Believe me, I am not. I feel pain too.

Also, I am not blind to the fact that we ‘have to do’ certain things in the name of humanitarian causes and/or to maintain diplomacy. Please do so by all means. But does diplomacy have to be practiced at the cost of your own lives. Doesn’t charity begin at home anymore?

I can understand the reason behind helping a nation like Afghanistan to rebuild it. But money/aid to USA? Why? Especially, when there is so much need for it here, in our country.

Villages are without water and food. Even major cities lack the proper infrastructure. Hospitals don’t have basic equipments (oygen cylinders without oxygen!). Commuting to work (for a common person) is such an ordeal. Schools lack the facilities and teachers don’t get paid. Need I go on?

Don’t these problems need to be attended? If there is a lack of funds (it is entirely a different matter that we have enough for the neta’s to siphon off and loot, and drown our cities), then why are we borrowing to pay for other’s sins?

Why should Bush enjoy vacations with the taxes I pay?

Wanakkam.