On the PIL, in my opinion, filing a PIL for something of this nature and saying I’ve done my bit, is like check book philanthropy – you can only achieve so much, at best a symbolic victory (which will be soon forgotten. If you want to test this statement, recount any 10 PILs that brought about real change without resorting to Google).

And as far as my comments on Mumbai’s spirit goes I don’t need Mr.Seth to tell me that, its something I’ve had a very personal experience with in 2003.

And also, this blog is a platform to air my views. I really don’t care if it ever reaches the right people or not, so yes, I don’t need a “celebrity/intellectual” to endorse me. Lastly, you mentioned that “Mr. Seth just exercised his freedom of speech”, do I not have the same right? Or do I need to have political ambitions to do so?

Anyway, here’s hoping that this entire incident serves as a much needed wake up call and some good comes out of it for our nation.

Thanks for the list of measures, if only they’re actually taken up.

Though I would like to point out that no. 3&4 are actually issues that Mr. Seth very eloquently put forward on the Times Now show, so at least give him credit for that. I think he is bringing about the change he can, at least stepping up and recognizing where we lack instead of many many people (politicians, govt. and police officials and also media) who are failing to do so. As a citizen we have certain rights and duties and I would say Mr. Seth just exercised his freedom of speech to convey what Indian citizens feel. One can’t expect the whole of Indian population to participate in elections just because there is a general dissatisfaction as to how the country is being governed. You voice a lot of opinions in this blog, are you considering a political career??
All one expects is that when you say you want our votes, at least prove it in times of crisis that you deserved it and if not us,at least some people made the right decision by voting for you. We’ve been let down far too many times.

In response to your: “In fact Alyque Padamsee even wanted to file a PIL against the intelligence wings of the government. However, I believe that the time for meaningless posturing is over. I’d like to request all these “celebrity/intellectual” guests – If you genuinely care for what happened, stop blaming all and sundry for what transpired and do something about.”

Doesn’t filing a PIL in your opinion qualify as actually doing “something about it”???

Again going back to your accusation of Mr. Seth not doing anything to change the situation, the fact that you mention the Spirit of Mumbai and how things are taken in the wrong perspective,is also something Mr. Seth criticized in the show, again proves that he is already bringing about change questioning this idea that is often glorified to console the people of Mumbai. He definitely made you think!

Again good list of measures but let’s see if this will ever reach the right people or would you need to be an “intellectual/celebrity” to be heard??

Everyone has a role to play, people, social and political agencies, media and also movies. Let’s not think life is a movie, even though it may become so unbelievable that it might seem like one. And even though there are lessons to be learned we have to see them in our context and use them realistically. Finally, I think the government, politicians, media, army, other special bodies and the people need to work together. It is good to identify the problems, at least offer an alternative point of view, have an opinion but then we should all come together find solutions.