Last few days we've seen a number of attacks against North-east Indians. A North-east INDIAN got beat up in Bangalore because he couldn't speak in Kannada. I love Bangalore but do I really want to go there now? That boy and I have a lot in common, he's Indian, so am I. He knows no Kannada, neither do I. But yet, we lived in the city for so long and loved it too. In a different incident, a couple of north-east INDIAN boys got beat up for not drinking with the locals. Really? Isn't drinking - not drinking a personal choice anymore?
Why have the north-east Indians been treated so differently then the rest of us? Because they look different or because they can't speak the local language? Just because the thumb stands out from the rest of the fingers doesn't make it any less important. It still is a part of the hand, and a very important part I say.
People from the North-east are often treated in a step-sibling like manner. Yet, when Mary Kom wins a medal, we never fail to take credit for it as a country. When Tea from Assam is appreciated all over the world, we swell with pride. The seven sister states offer some of the most spectacular sights in the country, yet how many of us travelled to those states? Why is there a need for a special passport-like document for the Indians residing there?
These states and the people there are as much Indians as the rest of us. The South Indians look different than the North Indians and the Guajaratis don't look the same as Bengalis, but we are still Indians. If looks and languages were the factors that decided one's Indian-ness, India could not have survived as the world's largest democracy for as long as it has. What makes India special is the vast bouquet of cultures, languages and people it offers.
India is not an intolerant country. We shall not let it be an intolerant country. When I say, "All Indians are my brothers and sisters" I mean it. North Indians, South Indians, North-east Indians and Central Indians are all INDIANS first.
Next time, a North-east Indian is attacked or ridiculed for the way he/she looks or speaks or the State he/she belongs to, keep in mind, he/she is one of you, an Indian. And there's no saying for sure we will be spared from the ridicule for there will always be differences. And if we don't stand up for them, any idea if there'll be anyone left to stand up for us?
Why have the north-east Indians been treated so differently then the rest of us? Because they look different or because they can't speak the local language? Just because the thumb stands out from the rest of the fingers doesn't make it any less important. It still is a part of the hand, and a very important part I say.
People from the North-east are often treated in a step-sibling like manner. Yet, when Mary Kom wins a medal, we never fail to take credit for it as a country. When Tea from Assam is appreciated all over the world, we swell with pride. The seven sister states offer some of the most spectacular sights in the country, yet how many of us travelled to those states? Why is there a need for a special passport-like document for the Indians residing there?
These states and the people there are as much Indians as the rest of us. The South Indians look different than the North Indians and the Guajaratis don't look the same as Bengalis, but we are still Indians. If looks and languages were the factors that decided one's Indian-ness, India could not have survived as the world's largest democracy for as long as it has. What makes India special is the vast bouquet of cultures, languages and people it offers.
India is not an intolerant country. We shall not let it be an intolerant country. When I say, "All Indians are my brothers and sisters" I mean it. North Indians, South Indians, North-east Indians and Central Indians are all INDIANS first.
Next time, a North-east Indian is attacked or ridiculed for the way he/she looks or speaks or the State he/she belongs to, keep in mind, he/she is one of you, an Indian. And there's no saying for sure we will be spared from the ridicule for there will always be differences. And if we don't stand up for them, any idea if there'll be anyone left to stand up for us?
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