Friday, February 4, 2011

A Salute to the Egyptians

I have always deeply admired the Egyptians - I love their sense of humour, their warm open nature, and  their respect for a healthy work-life balance in their lives (something that many Indians tend to lack).

The recent events in Egypt has taken my respect for Egyptians a few notches higher.  It is not for me - a foreigner - to say who or what system should govern Egypt.  All I can say is that freedom and democracy are important for any civilization, and is something worth struggling for.

The last 10 days I have seen a different facet of Egypt - I have seen a steely resolve among the youth of Egypt that I had never seen before - a steely resolve that can remake history.

It is said that suffering and struggle tends to shape character and strengthen bonding - and this is what I am observing today among the youth of Egypt - whether in the way they organised the neighbourhood protection committees to protect their families, or in the way their spirit has held up against huge odds.

One cannot with certainty predict the outcome of any event.  But whatever the outcome of this event - of one thing I am very sure : the Egypt that I will return to (hopefully very soon), will be a different Egypt, and a much improved one, for sure.

6 comments:

Gaurang Rao said...

I too hope it will be a much improved Egypt when you return

geetha said...

Youth power rules...! I am happy to see your post. Take care.

manu said...

I think you were very lucky to have stayed back and witnessed and absorbed the vibrations of a nation in revolution. Great historical moment to witness. By staying back for rest of your colleagues, I think, you have also made known, your true heroic leadership nature.

vandram said...

Thanks - hope it gets resolved soon - am getting worried about the escalating violence.

Unknown said...

Nice to see a post on this. For some reason forgot you were there. We kind of feel here especially since many of my colleagues are located there. Hope as you said we will see a beautiful Egypt back soon.

manu said...

Those moments were pages from history and you witnessed it. Great.