Just after the Bombay riots in 1993, I was traveling in a BEST bus. Sitting behind me were two Muslims, a young man and a middle aged woman. They were talking about the wanton destruction of their homes by Hindu rioters. The woman said that the rioters had twisted the ceiling fans out of shape after looting. And what could they have gained by that? They were contemplating moving out of their present location and shifting to a safer place.Then the young man asked her"Aaj chhutti kyon hai?"(Why is it a holiday today?). And she replied"Aaj Janmashtami hai. Aaj Govinda aaya tha."(Today is Janmashtami. Govinda came today) For me, that somehow symbolizes India. That indescribable something which holds us together despite all the strife and hurt which happens. And on every Janmashtami, I remember that.
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