On 18th May, 2009 the Sri Lankan Government declared its victory over the rebel Tamil Tigers after almost three decades of war. The streets of Colombo broke into celebrations, processions, flags, fire-crackers, drums. And, we were there witnessing probably the biggest day in Sri Lankan history. Many years from now, I shall be recounting this and saying, “I was there, experiencing the historical moment.”
Amidst celebrations, the cynics wait and watch on how the President and his Government find a political solution to the situation. But it was our house-maid, Karuna, who came out with real words of wisdom.
She said (in her broken English), “It is not nice to celebrate so much when so many people have died and been displaced in the road towards victory. People should also maintain five minutes of silence for all the lives lost in the process.”
I couldn’t help but agree.
15 comments:
Thoughtful Karuna..
mixed emotions
Cheers!!!!!
that was a amazing thought to come from when the temptation to be euphoric about a war victory might be overpowering...glad to see people who can think different!!
Perhaps it is important to also mention that this cleaning lady is Sinhalese, and not Tamil
Doubly interesting if you count in the meaning of her name.
true, Mr Jauhari!
thanks for that input, Pooja.
you all can also read an insightful artice on the subject from TIME magazine over here:
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1900888,00.html
dude, someone has copied your blogpost: http://theniceblogs.blogspot.com/2009/05/sri-lanka-18th-may-2009.html
http://resistancerebellionanddeath.blogspot.com/2009/05/truth.html
some thots
what a great post, meraj, and some shameless woman has blindly coped it. hope you could contact her and give her a piece of your mind!
thanks for the appreciation, Dolphin!
actually, i'd rather ignore this person. in fact, most of her posts are a lifted straight from here and there.
anonymous,
thanks for bringing this to my notice
just wrote on this on the better half's blog ...you guys are there in the midst of this huge phase in SL history - Karuna couldn't be more right...too many lives lost on all sides...she said it all ..(though adding a "nidhi" to her name will add soundbytes of a more virulent nature :-)) ..was also interesting to see the effect this whole thing had on the election campaign in TN ...stay safe ! peace - B
btw why this owner approval thing on your blogs , guys ? let a thousand opinions bloom , nahi ?
:-0
thats because, some useless bloggers started putting up some very unnecessary comments full of expletives, rude words etc.
cheers!
m
Hmmmm...Certainly we should observe silence for all those who have had to sacrifice their lives.
And all those posters, cutouts etc are completely unnnecessary. But what's wrong with a few celebrations? We suffered for 30 years because of the LTTE, and achieved a victory everyone said that we would never be able to.
We've had too much negativity, too much interference, and a whole world saying that we couldn't do it. I dunno...I think a few celebrations were in order.
With you, Queen. Thx for dropping by. Cheers! m
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