No matter how frequent or infrequent the attacks. No matter whether there is one, twenty or two hundred casualties; a terror attack is numbing, horrifying and ultimately bewildering. What has become of humanity? The children attacked in Manchester were babes. So many of them were pre-teens enjoying the music of their favourite singer. No religion in the world can justify this kind of killing. It is murder plain and simple. There will be no Jannat for the perpetrators.
When I think of the suicide bomber, born in the same year as my son, I grieve for his mother who probably had hopes for her son. I grieve for other 22-year-old lost souls easily led into do or die causes. I grieve for a world that’s imploding.
What we need is a strong moral voice. We need to spread the word of love, humanity and fellowship.
We need to create enough jobs so people are not led astray. Economic stability is vital. We need a world that nurtures not a world that hinders. I often wonder whether a world led by women will be less violent. But that means straying into untested territory, something I will avoid.
Recently I attended an event by The Asia Foundation. According to their website, the foundation is committed to strengthening governance, empowering women, expanding economic opportunities, increasing environmental resilience and promoting international co-operation. These are lofty ideals but concepts such as these will lead to a more harmonious world. Their work in sustainability, good governance and innovation is sure to make a positive impact in the Asia-Pacific region. Engaging young minds in these life-changing issues will lead them away from suicidal thoughts and steer them towards positive outcomes eventually creating a healthy and thriving environment.
Suicide is one of the main causes of death among teens and young adults. At such a young age, how can they know for sure they want to end their lives?
To what depths do they sink that death seems preferable to life? Why do young adults prefer turning away from the world? As a parent I grapple with this world we have created, this monster that is getting out of hand. Future generations need to believe again. They need safe havens. They need hope.
Giving hope is exactly what The Asha Centre aims to do. I was at a book release event for Zerbanoo Gifford’s book, ‘An uncensored life,’ written by Pune’s Farida Master. It was an elegant soiree at Meera Gandhis’s iconic home that once belonged to Eleanor Roosevelt. Meera Gandhi is an effusive and warm hostess; Farida was her usual friendly self but the lady who stole the show was Zerbanoo Gifford. She spoke with wit and a typical self-deprecating Brit sense of humour but below the surface, she is a woman of substance, driven by a passionate cause to make a difference.
Whether in politics or through her foundation, Zerbanoo Gifford epitomizes hope. Located in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, UK, her Asha Centre creates an environment for young people to thrive away from this crazy world; a place to get inspired and find purpose. Empowering youth to work towards social transformation is what will eventually lead the misguided away from suicide bombing and towards fulfilment.
Fulfilled is how I feel each time I eat at Indian Accent. I cannot participate in the debate between which is better Delhi or New York since I have not yet enjoyed the culinary skills of Delhi. Friends who have, are equally divided between the two. Some say New York has better cuisine but Delhi better service and presentation and others feel the food in Delhi is better. Next time I visit Delhi; Indian Accent will be on my radar so I can judge for myself. In the meantime, I continue to enjoy Indian Accent’s amazing meals in my city.
I enjoy the textures and tastes of Japanese cuisine and recently had two sensually engaging meals at a couple of New York’s iconic eateries: Morimoto and 15 East. New York like Mumbai is littered with celebrities. At restaurants, I often walk past them. Stripped of make-up and designer clothes, they look as normal as you and me. And no one bothers them.
I almost missed spotting one of my favourite authors, Salman Rushdie, who was seated at a corner table with what I can only presume is his latest love interest. The man really has an uncanny knack of acquiring the best eye-candy.
And talking about authors, the one book I cannot wait to dive into is Arundhati Roy’s second novel, The Ministry of Happiness. Due to be released in early June, I am counting down the days. Some pleasures are just not tangible.
What is not tangible but immensely palpable is the support shown by people in trying situations. Manchester residents rose to the occasion post the attack. Cabbies turned off their meters. People living close by opened their homes. Food was provided. Shelter was given. Children were cared for. Solidarity was on display. Just as it has been during other attacks; post 9/11, after the pressure cooker bomb in NYC, in the aftermath of the 26/11 attack in Mumbai.
And as long as this feeling still exists, there is still hope for our fractured world.
In the meantime, a message to violence perpetrators that still resonates, from a legend who just had a birthday:
“You play with my world
Like it’s your little toy
All the money you made will never buy back your soul”
- Your Legacy Will Live Forever, Wendell My Friend - February 18, 2020
- What I Enjoyed Reading In 2017 – Part Two - January 13, 2018
- What I Enjoyed Reading In 2017 – Part One - January 11, 2018
