A group of students from Kings College London came down to the Gods Own Country in India. This was somewhere in 2003. On the other side of the world, Mr Bush had just started his adventures game of killing the innocent people in Iraq. The group of studens were on a trip to study the cultural aspects of Kerala. On the other end the culture-less man had gone completely nutts in the unwanted War. Well! these two things are not linked at all in any manner, apart from the fact that these were happenning around the same time. And for me, like almost of the rest of the world, was a time of anger and emotion which the War evoke.
A bunch of students from our college were partnered with the English students to help them in their project, I was one among them. Britain was supporing America in the War. One of those days at the Kovalam Beach Resort, at one of the dim corners of the Hotel, me and my friends set the stage for some dark humour. The foreign students were called individually to the spot were I was waiting with a frustrated mood. "First of all, I am really sorry. But he is not, going on a spree of killing people. And you people are supporting this nasty act. This is the way we have decided to protest aginst the war. I dont like what I am doing, but... I am sorry, sorry once again." I pretended to take the gun I was hiding under my shirt. The scene was worth a watch. They really got scared. The prank went well. The intention was not just a laughter, but was an attempt to leave some memories of War protest. I did not really feel that it left any impact accept some fun. So on the last night before all of them left India, I decided to have a word with the only-American among the lot. 'I could not tell you how angry I was on America, Bush in purticular.' I did not shower my anger on him, but wanted to tell him how wrong Bush was. And how disappointing his acts are. 'The poeple who are being killed may not even know why are they being punished. As an Indian sitting so far in here, I wont be able to do much. The protest should happen in America, Protest anywhere else will mean nothing. The public anger should make him think about his deeds once again.' I did not know if I could make any impact on him. But I wanted to do my bit. That was the best I could do to register my protest. The American student was quite, patient and was listening attentively.
His name was Matt.
What could 'me' as an individual do to change the world. Thats the question that stops us all from doing anything. We sit silent in the crowd, hiding our disagrements within. Why does not one stand up and say "I protest". Why does not one look into the eyes of the administrator and say "you are an absolute ass". Its nice to hear someone doing it. But why is it always 'someone' but not you or me.
Time went by.
Bush Won the Chair again - I was shocked, I was angry, I was upset.
Bush got a shoe on his face - I laughed, I celebrated.
Bush left the chair - I looked on.
Obama took over the office - I was excited.
Little did I know that Matt played a role in Obama's victory. Little did I know that I played a small part in inspiring him to do what he was doing.
After 6 years, I was not quick to recognize Matt when I saw his picture with Obama. I met him again, online. Politics, campaigns, social causes- He has walked a long way since that night.
Matt I am proud of you. Keep up the good work.
- An Indian Friend
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