The hope I find in the Dadri lynching (accident or incident) is the spirit of an Indian  and  Indian Air Force‬. Allegedly, over rumors that the family had consumed beef, in the broad daylight 200 neo-hinduvadis barged into the house of Mohammad Sartaj (a corporal-rank technician in the IAF); killing this serving air warrior's father. Sartaj’s family was immediately moved into the Air Force’s accommodation at the Subroto Park in Delhi. “We are with him and our people are there to assist the family” assured Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha.

Later Sartaj without any trace of cynicism delivered a powerful and poignant message "I can't blame everyone... Most people are good... only a handful is bad." "Saare Jahaan Se Accha, Hindustan Hamara, Mazhab Nahin Sikhaata, Aapas Mein Bair Rakhna". “I appeal to them for peace and communal harmony. It is not a time for politics, but for empathy” added Sartaj. The Indian Air Force has definitely been grooming the most secular nationalists with a true spirit of Indianness – live and let live!
© RISHIKESH KB