On August 30, 2001 I returned from Athens after a memorable vacation in Greece. My plan was to work remotely the next 10 days and to enjoy the perfect weather in DC. On September 11, 2001, at 8:00am I started a conference call with my developers in Bangalore and Santa Clara. Around 9:15am my mobile was constantly buzzing with incoming calls. I ignored them till 9:30am to finish the con call. Later I realized those calls were from our concerned friends. Yet another incoming call. I noticed that it was from Hans our good family friend from San Antonio. When I answered he asked me, “Are you OK? Where are you? Hope no one is traveling”. I told him that we are fine and I am working from home. He asked me to turn on the TV and gave me the brief sad news of the WTC attacks.
One by one the towers were coming down. The attack on the Pentagon was being relayed. An act of insane cruelty. Sun Microsystems immediately sent an advisory as not to travel and to extend our system support to New York offices. I contacted the local hospital whether they need blood or volunteers. So much pain and disbelief that it all happened right here and we are witnessing it. A great painful and yet another episode in human history when innocent people were killed by a group of terrorists. It was very sad to watch the TV about the families who lost their loved ones. At the same time despair was turning into hope when the valiant firefighters, courageous law enforcement personnel, and heroic volunteers who managed to resurrect the city within weeks.
After every incident when innocent people are killed or subjected to violence we think that may be this is the last one. Do we need more protection from these acts of terrorism or prevention? I think it will take the “whole village” to inculcate non-violence to be the future means for promoting peace.
Tomorrow is the 10th anniversary and a befitting memorial will be held for the people who lost their lives on that fateful day of September 11. It is not easy to console but life must move on. Let us pray and hope that hate and violence will be replaced by love for humanity and peace.
After every incident when innocent people are killed or subjected to violence we think that may be this is the last one. Do we need more protection from these acts of terrorism or prevention? I think it will take the “whole village” to inculcate non-violence to be the future means for promoting peace.
PEACE ON EARTH
All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.
Dear Sobana,
ReplyDeleteI just read your blog page about that fateful day 10 years ago... I know today is going to be emotional in lots of ways.
I will pray for you and your family as we spend the day remembering friends and strangers whose lives were tragically lost that day...
Your sister who loves and misses you,
Connie
Thanks Connie. Let prayers give strength to all of us. Come to VA anytime.
ReplyDeleteLoL