The Spirit of Mumbai - Enough is Enough

Action surely speaks louder than words. That’s what the people of Mumbai completely believe in and this time, they have made a strong attempt to be seen and heard. Here, people do not believe they need leaders to drive home a point. The people of Mumbai want their voices to be heard and rightly so.

Following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks of 2008, the city that never sleeps has been continually experiencing a nightmare over the past few years. Bomb blasts and terror attacks, riots and curfews, the people of Mumbai have seen it all. They are waiting for justice… but then, is the justice within reach? While politicians drone endlessly and blame each other, while countries send in their grievances, the people of Mumbai have only one question. When will we get justice? As this question remains unanswered, Mumbai found its own solution. The Gateway of India in Mumbai, witnessed a peace rally attended by thousands of people on 3rd December 2008.

People from Mumbai and even from neighboring areas of Pune were seen participating in this peace rally that began at 18:00 hours on 3rd December 2008 and continued, late into the night. The atmosphere was electrifying and the surprising element remained to be the huge sea of humanity that thronged the streets of Mumbai, only a week after the terror attacks. This is perhaps the first time when there were no endless speeches and no leaders to show the way. The people of Mumbai came together at one spot, only through messages that were spread via the Internet. Social networking sites such as Facebook, Orkut and Twitter along with SMSes played an important role in bringing people together. Distraught people joined hands through groups and communities as the message spread. All this was only possible because of a single anguished person who poured his feelings on a blog site. The message soon spread to many others who joined hands to highlight the anguish faced by the common man.

Thousands stood at the Gateway of India with placards that displayed some of the most creative slogans. Youngsters donned T-shirts that said, ‘I love Mumbai’. These T-shirts were sold for 100 Indian rupees (the collection to be donated to the relief fund). While some lit candles, others met the commandos to show their gratitude. The slogans gave a glimpse of the anger and frustration of the people especially against the politicians. Muslims joined the peace rally and shouted slogans against Pakistan. Indian celebrities of the film industry were also spotted out here. Film actress Preity Zinta dressed in white was spotted holding a torch, while lyricist Javed Akhtar was seen addressing the crowds. Amongst the others, were actress Kangana Ranaut, item girl Rakhi Sawant, actor Randeep Hooda and Sonu Sood, director Anurag Kashyap, singer and VJ Raageshwari and television and film star, Rajeev Khandelwal. As the Indian Flag was waved with pride, people from all castes and creeds joined hands to voice their opinions about the Mumbai terror attacks.

The people of Mumbai surely do want their voices to be heard. And this time, they came armed with banners that displayed slogans against the politicians in particular. In a serious and tragic time like this, the enthusiastic mob used their creativity to the fullest to express their views. While some messages reflected their anger against terrorism and politicians, some had a touch of humor. Certain slogans paid a tribute to the people and brave soldiers who lost their lives. Here’s a look at some of the slogans seen on the placards at the Peace Rally held at the Gateway of India, a stone’s throw away from the Taj Hotel.

"Mr. Deshmukh, don’t play a joker. Remember, you are our naukar (servant)!"

"India needs leaders and no dealers!"

"Donkey, donkey, old and gray,
Open your mouth and gently bray,
Lift your ears and blow your horn,
To wake the world this sleepy morn."

"Dear, Chief Minister.
Instead of taking Ram Gopal Varma for Taj Terror Tourism, if you would have shown the terrorists Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, they would have anyways killed themselves."

"Gandhigiri gave us 1947. Now! It’s time to grab AK-47."

"We would prefer a dog visit our house than a politician."

This slogan was used below a picture of bangles worn by women in India. "A token to leaders of the world from the Citizens of Mumbai."

This slogan was used with a photograph of Raj Thackeray. "Missing!!! Aapan hyaana pahilat ka? (Has anyone seen this person?)"

"I am an Indian: There is only One ‘Sena’ that I believe in. That’s the Indian Army."

"U.S. politicians from Yale
Ours from Jail!"

"Dogs and politicians not allowed in this rally."

"Raj Thackeray’s Bandhs
R.R. Patil’s Chhoti Baatein
Naqvi’s lipstick and powder
Deshmukh’s terror tourism
A-Chauthanandan’s Dogs
Nahin Chalta Hai! (Will not be acceptable)"

"10 Pakistanis on a boat come and take our dignity away because you, Mr. Politician, are incompetent, illiterate, selfish and corrupt. Nahin Chalta Hai! (It will not be acceptable) "

"DESHMURKH – A film by Ram Gopal Varma. Starring: You Know Who"

"A - Attack Pak/ISI
T - Talk Less
S - Sleep in Peace"

"3 Enemies -
Politicians
Terrorists
Dawood."

"Terrorism has no religion… or does it?"

"Call back the bar girls. Maybe they can protect us."

"Hi Raj, so, how much does your Audi cost? Stop fooling my Maharastrian brothers and sisters and Mind your Own ‘Business’!"

"I am ready for war against terror."

"Dear CM, for once do something good. Become the PM of Pakistan."

"Phir bhi mera Bharat mahaan ..." (Anyways, India is a great country!)

"Politicians, go to Leopold and try and have a chilled beer without security. Then you will realize terror and fear. Don't mess with my Mumbai."

"Our government: Mumbai's Weapons of Mass Destruction."

"Real Eyes Realize Real Lies"

"Puppets look good in shows, not in the government."

"Netas (Politicians) = Z + security; Janata (public) = no security"

"There are more terrorists in India. They're called politicians."

"We want to live, not exist."

"Where is the protocol?"

"We salute the brave hearts."

"We owe it to them, who laid down their lives as the price of freedom. We vow today that their sacrifice will not go in vain. We seek change, we demand action."

"It’s spelled Justice, NOT JUST US!"

"Bombay (Mumbai) needs own NSG."

"We should make military training and first aid training mandatory in all schools and colleges. So our children can know how to attack and defend against terror."

"Ministers Answer Us
Why do we need any peace talks with Pakistan?
Is Pakistan worthy of trust?
Why blame Pakistan when our ministers are the real culprit?"

"Enough is enough."

"Government failure in protecting us."

"It’s an attack on India. Time to hit back."

"Time for action, not resignation."

"We want peace."

This peace rally at the Gateway of India in Mumbai only indicated one thing. The common man will ensure he is heard and will do everything needed to bring about a change. The spirit of Mumbai continues to bind people together despite the terror attack, while the citizens still wait for justice…