Sons of the Soil: Which one can I call mine?

Politics is not my forte, not yet. Neither do I enjoy an in-depth understanding of the vote bank and its intricate composition. I am, most unfortunately unable to identify myself with any of the factions that exist- the Maharashtrians, the Bengalis, the Biharis, the Tribals, the non-tribals, the Marxists, the Right wingers, [Seriously not talking about hockey here J ] the Kannadigas, the Hindus and the Muslims. Sorry for the expansive list but each one them are equally worth a mention. Personally speaking.

In spite of being devoid of all such worldly wisdom, I can still speak with all my heart and soul. Whatever (in recent times) Raj Thackeray and his many prototypes in different linguistic and regionalist flavours say or have said is unacceptable. Correcting the previous statement- it is hands down ridiculous.

We Indians redefined the word Nation. We wiped off all established protocols when we got together and started our journey. Or in popular words: India awoke even as the whole world slept, with all its diversity and vibrant colors tied together with the symbolic thread of oneness. Even after 60 years have gone by, we continue to march ahead as the world watches in disbelief. It does give me gooseflesh when people draw lines. Never stopping us, but yes, slowing us down. Do the sons-of-the-soil really need such aberrations in between?

Maharashtra for me is not represented by RT or the MNS- far from it. It is in fact led by a few other lesser known genre of people:
- by my ever-so-affable ma`am who tells me Pune is my home (without giving second thought to the fact that I’m a so-called outsider)
- by my very very Maratha friends who keep on cajoling for another of those chat sessions over chaha and vada pav.
By my society watchman who pleads ‘Saab tum waapas aana to idherich rehna, thik?’

Apparently, what RT hopes to achieve is expanding his miniscule support base, blindfolding people by fuelling factionalism.
What he does not realize though, is the youth of today is fiercely independent and educated, and their sheer passion would be more than suffice in tearing the shackles of the uneducated short sighted mind to shreds.

I am proud to be associated with different cultures. I thank God profusely, for having been able to escape the sickening myopia. For not being found at anytime laying down claims of a Tamil or a Bengali or for that matter Bihari supremacy in a subject. And unknowingly doing irrevocable damage to my national pride and my Self.

For having been blessed with the energy and soul to cry out loud and clear- Jai Maharashtra!, Jai Jharkhand! and Jai Hind! in the same breadth.

(This is not by any means an answer to Raj Thackeray’s comments or a reaction to his words, neither is their any animosity harboured towards any person. This is just an emotional plea towards building a new India. And the plea goes out to all people not with cold stares but with open arms. Even for you Sir, Mr. RT)