Leaving with a Bang

After a few relaxing days in south Goa, I returned to Mumbai to prepare for my departure. But on the fateful day of my flight back to the states, the unthinkable happened. Bombs aflared in Colaba, Mumbai´s tourist heart as terrorists stormed the five star Taj Mahal hotel and other frequented tourist sites. Fortunately I was staying with a friend north of the city at the University of Mumbai and no where near the scene of the crimes. Unlike the madness happening further south, the campus was deserted as classes where canceled, commuters too scared to travel. But panic still reigned in the Savitribhai Phule Ladies hostel as the residents watched the news unfold. It was hard to believe how much damage a handful of crazed fanatics could cause as bombs went off around Colaba and automatic weapons were discharged in Churchgate Station. Close to 200 people were killed during the three days of violence. Thankfully, unlike the September 11th 2001 attacks of which I was also a witness, the terrorists were not as efficient in their mission of destruction. But pain and suffereing they did cause and as the hours of terror dragged on, Mumbai watched with its heart in its mouth. I watched with disappointment, saddened by humanity´s potential for evil and our disposition towards hate. How much easier it is for us to cause harm to ourselves and others than commit an act of good. How acts of evil leave a longer lasting imprint, scarring mercilessly the face of our world. I still would like to think that there's a balance that leaves no bad deed unpunished. But as terrorism grows exponentially, we must think of new ways to combat hate and ignorance. To spread love and peace in places of war and hate.