Peace...Our Only Hope

Reading the history of our country, the one thing I am not able to comprehend is the reason of the condition we are in today. Why after all the years of togetherness did we have to be separated? Why the partition? We look alike, we behave the same, our cultures are similar and we have so much history with each other. Does a line drawn on the ground really separate the two countries?

Whatever the reason for partition was, it definitely was not to reach the state we are in today. People say many things but it is up to us what to believe in. Why do we have to believe that the people across the LOC are any different from us and they are always thinking about destroying us? Just because someone has the power to tell us this does not make it true. All the problems we have faced in the past can now be left in the past. The time is to forget and forgive and move hand in hand into a bright future. What we come across here, they are also succumbing to the same.

Do the people who are responsible for bringing harmony in between these countries actually interested in doing that. The corruption and the lack of honesty and integrity in our government are so widespread that even if someone wants to solve this problem it really can’t be done.  The important question that we need to ask ourselves is that, does the act of one individual or a group of people define the entire nation or religion for that matter? Several statements that make the people in this country come to a conclusion are said with respect to a political agenda. We have to put our foot down and make our judgement on the situation.

This issue is very sensitive and it really should not be discussed out loud. But is this going to facilitate in overcoming the problems. I think NO. The only way, today, to actually get rid of the issue is to make an effort, to make sure that the line drawn remain on the ground and does not come on our hearts. The youth of both the countries have to realise that after all that we have been through and for all the problems that we have to face in the future, we cannot and should not let others decide for us. Let others not make decisions for us anymore. Let us stand united and fight for the truth that prevails in the hearts of the people on both sides of the border. Let all the differences end and a new era begin. Let us bring back the unity with which, we fought out the tyrants from once OUR country. It is time we tell ourselves if we want to survive the future the only hope we have lies in PEACE.

Child Trafficking and India

The very thought of it brings jitters to many, but child trafficking is rampantly carried out in India. It is the most odious act against humanity as a whole.

It begins from the family of the children, in many cases, where the parents are ready to “sell” their children for a few thousand rupees. It moves on to kidnapping, abduction and deceiving. Not only economic conditions, but also factors such as, bad company, addiction to drugs, ill treatment by parents, social acceptance, incest and rape end up in child prostitution. Children are lured into this heinous world with promises of better education, jobs, marriage and higher standards of living. Once taken to different parts of the country, these children are forced into prostitution and sex slavery. 

These rackets are very well thought out and structured. States like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are the 'sources' and Delhi, Mumbai and Goa are the main 'receivers'. The eastern parts of the country remain the major sources, also owing to the geographical conditions. We share a porous border with Nepal and Bangladesh, which allows international trafficking. 10% of the child prostitutes in the country belong to these areas. Goa on the other hand is the main receiver. The reason lies in the tourism rate and the severe lack of legal bindings. Goa is the new Thailand, as India takes over South Asia as the hub of child trafficking and prostitution.

We consider ourselves as developed and educated individuals. At the backdrop children, the future of our country, are facing nightmares every second. Indians epitomise hypocrisy. On one hand, they project traditional cultures and values and on the other they participate in activities like child flesh trade. India is a major part of this multi -million dollar industry. Everyone is a part of this widespread scandal. The chain starts at the grass root and goes right up to the “elite” classes, with political involvement and criminals. Everyone, from brothel owners, local leaders to corrupt officials, is a part of this ridiculously large and complex network.

How it is possible for a human to carry out such an unthinkable act will probably always remain unanswered. From economic conditions to social norms, does anything justify child prostitution? NO. We all know what is happening around us, the question here is why is it still happening? Finding ways to put a stop to this vicious structure and protecting these child victims is not rocket science. So isn’t it time for each one to save one?