Welcome to new India !!!

It was 29 years ago. I remember and it is all fresh in my mind. The month of October 1990 !!!

I was studying 3rd Semester of Mechanical Engineering at my home town Davanagere. The communal violence between Hindus and Muslims had started on 5th October, the day before Ram Jyothi procession relating to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement had arrived in town.

In the next few days, the riots flared to its peak resulting in 17 persons dead, over 400 arrested and properties worth of crores damaged or looted. Curfew with Shoot and Sight Orders were issued to bring the situation under control. Army was called and deputed across the town. It was relaxed only between 6 am - 7 am everyday for people to buy daily grocery, vegetables, milk and essentials.

It had been a week I was at home without meeting any friends. The 18 year old boy with high energy and hormones felt it was too much to bear. Thought why not venture out and see first hand what is happening in town.

Quietly took my motorbike outside my house. The road was all empty with no sight of life anywhere. Started my bike and went off on a ride. Felt happy to be free and revving up on my bike after a week. Took a turn at the end of road. Was shocked to see an Army Solider with a gun in the middle of the road !!!

I stopped my bike. There were nobody on the road except me and him. Didn't know what to do and kept looking at him. He was calm with no emotion whatsoever. Took his long gun and started pointing at me. I initially thought he is trying to scare me off. Then remembered that 7 people were shot during that week by Army for violating the Shoot at Sight Order !!!

He started aiming his gun straight at me. Heart said it was my end ! Mind was contemplating, will Bullet come and hit my head or face or chest or.. !! Death was staring at me for real ! Just stood still with chilled spine and no movement !!!

Guess 10 seconds had passed by. The Army Man slightly lowered his gun. I thought he changed his aim from my head to chest now. He removed his face off the gun aim point, looked at me and swayed his head indicating to go away quickly. Turned my bike and raced back home as if I had escaped from death and was given another life to live.

On Saturday, when I was watching the news about Supreme Court's verdict on Ram Janambhoomi, I couldn't stop remembering this incident. Worried whether the verdict would cause any such riots. Been watching TV and I am very happy there are no voilence incidents reported throughout India.

I am excited to see India has changed, for better. Indians have become wiser. Citizens treat our Constitution to be above religion. A progressive and vibrant Democracy. True Unity in Diversity. These make me a more prouder Indian now.

Welcome to new India !!!... ????

?? Jai Hind ??