Indians: Our Pride and Prejudice

It's a year to the great tragedy that struck our nation. 26/11 should be remembered forever by India, primarily as a day of heinous attack and mindless "retribution". Besides the tragedy however, the day is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. A year on from the tragedy, we wear white to show our solidarity for the victims of the attacks. But that is us, what about the victims of the attacks?
The stories have been picked up where they were left off. The examples are abundant, from the manager of the Taj Hotel to the guard at the Cama Hospital, they have all picked up the pieces of their lives and continued with the same dignity and strength of character that they showed on that shameful day. Indians hold your head high for we have such persons amongst our number. Persons who have not let their selfishness or desire for self preservation come in the way for duty towards their country. To you brave Sirs and Ladies, I bow forever.
However, I would also like to draw attention to something else today. When there are countless examples of citizens who personify "India Shining", there are a few who are apparently not entirely happy with the concept of India at all.
Enter Mr. Raj Thackeray, the founder of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. A year ago he led a charge that North Indians were usurping the rightful jobs of Maharashtrians as they work in Maharashtra. The public vitriol that was spewed was on display in print. television and the internet. Incidents of not just political manipulation but also physical misbehaviour with North Indians led to a large uproar throughout the nation but the common man is sometimes helpless against such atrocities. After the attacks however his attack on North Indians stopped. Thankfully the people who have made their homes in Mumbai did not desert their fellow human beings just because they were born in another state, something Mr. Thackeray would want us do.
A year later and yet another Thackeray to the fore. This time it's the original Thackeray. Even though his name means child, Mr. Bal Thackeray has never had any agendas that would come even close to the meaning of his name. The target of his most recent attacks, Mr. Sachin Tendulkar. What can one say about Sachin, global sports icon, ambassador, demi-god? Yet a simple statement by the Little Master about him being an Indian before a Maharashtrian was misconstrued and used as political leverage by the Shiv Sena chief. What can you say about a man whose party newspaper is called "Saamna"(face-off). One of my dearest friends asked me whether i hated him. She said that since I loved Sachin I should hate Mr. Thackeray on principle for tarnishing Sachin's name. Well, I told her i don't hate him, that it is impossible for Sachin to be treated with anything other than reverence in India.
Cut to the chase, look at what we have. The same country, state and city, yet such differences. I would like to say something. Bal Thackeray wouldn't be who he is if he didn't have the support of the public at some point of time or another, and it is by twisting this support does he get publicity for such shameful accusations. People in India, in the middle class, are struggling to break the shackles of money for good, they work hard at probably unsatisfying jobs just to earn that rupee. If a figurehead( read Mr. Thackeray) comes along who incites them to their ancestral rights or some such, then it is highly likely that those misguided souls might follow in the footsteps of their messiah. And Mr. Thackeray knows that, so he utilizes it. It is shameful, but it is the truth.
I am confident that the spirit shown by Indians on 26/11 can drown out the voices of such power crazed maniacs. If there is a way forward, then they must fall to the wayside