(A letter from India to Pakistan on the anniversary of Gandhi'sdeath)
Dear Pakistan,
Are you thinking about him too? Today is that anniversary, again. Gandhi's death. I remember it so clearly. I felt so relieved, even as my heart clenched in sorrow, because the fighting ceased almost immediately. He won in death, as he freed us in life...
How far back are you remembering? All the way back, to when we were under British subjugation? To the first time we saw him?
It was such a big deal getting dressed up and ready for England's visits. The vessel must be perfect. And that's all we were- his vessel.
Remember how angry he was when we wore instead that white homespun cloth- the one Gandhi himself made for us. I was so scared looking into those burning emerald eyes... I was so excited at the promise of change.
We did such amazing things, such impossible things. Those days of fear, of imprisonment, it was all infused with such purpose! Such excitement! Remember that? My heart beats faster recalling his campaigns, even now...
You know, and I hate to write this, because I know you are probably dodging it as well- but in those days, when we danced as one laughing in triumph, both humbled and yet also raised up by one extraordinary man, the soul of our nation!, I never expected to be laying alone. Drowning in blood...
Our success, our separate freedoms... we forgot a lot in those days didn't we? Maybe we were too excited and too giddy on our new separation, our new ability to do as we wished... that we forgot his greatest lesson: love.
I'm not going to claim that there is a great love now. I'm just writing to remember. Because you know better than anyone. That's why it stopped- that's how he saved us, not only in life but in death. Remember what he said? That no matter Hindu or Muslim we have the same God, regardless of nomenclature. I think about that sometimes. I think about us, and our current issues.
I also think it's good to remember, too. Especially today...
Love,
India