Dec 16, 2008 Portland Edition Vol. 4 No. 23 Events   There are 3 upcoming events listed in our Portland calendar. Click here for calendar. Bombay, 2008 This edition of Gram Sabha is dedicated to the memory of those who died in the Bombay carnage of last month. The very unthinkability of the manner and scope of the attacks numbed us simultaneously as they brought both anger and pain. Lurking too was a sliver of awe at the audacity of the action, and the realization of how fragile life really is. As the initial shock settled, there was the constant realization that it still wasn't over; it was in the end an ordeal that lasted several days. Only after the buildings were cleared and the bodies recovered came the deeper questions: Why did this happen? What should be done? What can be done? What has gone so badly wrong? And, what is the Pakistani view? These are some questions that we seek to ask in this issue. There are as many answers as there are people, but they fall into some broad categories. One view, expressed by Arunima Menon and Chanchal Chatterjee, is that India needs to awake, get tough, and go where the evidence leads. [contd. on right...] A Call to Action As the shock of the atrocities perpetuated in Mumbai last month turns to anger and outrage, Arunima Menon shares her perception of the event as a call to action to all Indians to resist complacency and be vigilant. More... Small Numbers, Big Changes With politicians and media pundits madly scurrying around and pointing fingers over the latest terrorist attacks in Mumbai, reader Chanchal Chatterjee suggests Indian citizens take a closer look at themselves, realize and encourage the power to bring about change that is inherent in each individual. More... Jahiliya or Jihad? Theorist and poet Ranjit Hoskote explains how the horrific events in Mumbai and the individuals that perpetrated them are new products of a convergence of theories, religions and cultures in a country divided by theories, religions and cultures. More... The Monster in the Mirror Acts of terrorism do not exist in a vacuum. In witnessing the media and political response to the horror in Mumbai last month, author Arundhati Roy speaks out to highlight the context for these latest attacks and reminds readers there’s a larger picture to view. While there can be no justification for acts like these, to refuse to examine the environment they brew in is folly. More... A Very Big Deal Irfan Husain explores the modus operandi of the Pakistani government and asks Pakistani citizens to demand more accountability and responsibility from their leaders. Have they become truly indifferent to terrorism? More... The Good Old Clenched Fist Encouraged by the bold actions of a few brave Indian citizens, journalist and Dawn correspondent Jawed Naqvi looks at India's current love affair with armed forces and explains that the ordinary citizens have more strength than TV’s commandos ever could. He explains how each finger is necessary for the full force of any clenched fist. More... What Would Gandhi Do? As India boils with heartache and rage, writer and publisher Niranjan Ramakrishnan reminds its citizens and leaders of the nation’s sentinel, Mahatma Gandhi, and his clear hearted vision. Directing readers to Gandhi's Hind Swaraj, he allows for the acknowledgement of the Pakistani threat but urges all to focus on India’s highest ideals. Gandhi recognized and wrote about terrorism, says the author, but also provided perhaps the only way to deal with it without forfeiting everything worthwhile. More... India's 9/11? Hope Not! As various media sources refer to the recent terrorist attacks on Mumbai as “India’s 9/11,” humor columnist Melvin Durai worries what that label may imply for India’s future and finds little to laugh about. More... Movies     There is one Indian movie playing in Portland. Details... Bombay, 2008 [contd. from left column] Another view, expressed by Arundhati Roy, and Ranjit Hoskote, is that the response needs to focus as much on introspection and self-correction. A sobering view from Pakistan is brought by veteran journalist Irfan Husain. Methodological prescriptions aside, what is the mindset that is needed to combat terrorism? Jawed Naqvi titles it well as Clenched Fist. Trying to answer the same question, Niranjan Ramakrishnan examines how Mahatma Gandhi might approach it. It is left to Melvin Durai to wonder what would happen if, as often repeated, the Bombay attacks are treated as India's 9/11. Interpreters Needed The Southern Poverty Law Center is still seeking Tamil,Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi speakers to assist them withinterpreting during client interviews of Indian workers. Contact Anjali Nair if interested. About us |Submit articles |Advertise | Contact us |Subscribe FREE |Privacy Policy |Archives Copyright© indogram - the global Indian village in your neighborhood™