Fake Patriotism

On the evening of April 22nd, I was about to go to bed when my 11 year-old daughter, who is with my parents right now, called me around 9pm. Sad, scared, confused. She was appalled by this heinous act of terrorism. She kept saying - "What was their fault? They were just tourists. They were just trying to have a fun time." I talked to her for the next hour. I listened to her. I consoled her. I knew my sleep was doomed. Who can sleep in times like this? 

She was worried about what would happen next. How would India respond? I assured her India would handle this diplomatically. India will not choose violence. 

A few days later, when India announced Operation Sindoor, she sent me this message. 

"Mamma, India is choosing violence." - the weight of these words crushed my heart. I didn't know what to tell her. As soon as Operation Sindoor was announced, a surge of patriotism was witnessed across social media. Here a truth bomb, posting on social media about patriotism does not make you a patriot. I know a lot of people who were excited at the possibility of a full-blown war. It seems they wanted a real adrenaline-filled adventure after being disappointed by the endless tirade of badly made bollywood movies about patriotism. I have only one question for these people - How would you express your patriotism if there was no Pakistan? Think about it. 

One good thing that happened in the last couple of weeks is that we celebrated the two female officers who were in the forefront of the war briefing. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Sigh. I am just so sick and tired of seeing the news and photos of bollywood actresses and influencers everywhere. We need more role models like these two women. There should be a strategic celebritification of such extra-ordinary men and women. I want to see female scientists, justices, cops, and entrepreneurs in the limelight. 

I have complete faith in our defense forces. They are the reason we are thriving as a nation. Let's be clear. They are not here to entertain us. War is not entertainment. We lost lives to terrorism. We responded with a strong action. We are even. What more do you want? Every time a family member of a fallen soldier or a civilian speaks of peace, we troll them. We don't even spare the foreign secretary from trolling. Who the hell do you think you are to troll a high-ranking officer like that? People don't realize the price of war. Mainly because it's not them or their loved one who lost a life or are risking their life in a war. Ask these war mongers to fight on the border, they'd shit their pants. 

War is never the answer. Yes, we must fight terrorism. Yes, we must protect our sovereignty. Yes, we must not let the sacrifice of our people go to waste. But at what cost? Sacrificing hundreds and thousands of more lives to avenge those 26 lives? How does it make sense? For the first time, I am in agreement with Donald Trump, even grateful. If you use your common sense, you'd know a full-blown war would have been the stupidest idea. 

I really hope the ceasefire prevails. I can't have another dreadful conversation with my daughter. More than that, I hope these war mongers realize that we don't need another war in this world. Look at the havoc it has wreaked in Ukraine, Russia, Israel and Gaza. 

Our government and armed forces are more than capable to resolve this matter. They don't need your advice. So shut the eff up.