We are living in such an era where ‘Patriotism’ holds a great importance and there is no chance to disrespect it in any way. We have seen many cases of violence, in the name of ‘Patriotism’. Nowadays, it is very easy to judge a person and label him as an ‘Anti-National’ without cross checking the facts, but is this right? No Indian would like to disrespect the nation; but what if he is not in a position to respect? What if a person has ‘Patriotic’ feelings but can’t prove them due to some circumstances? You might be wondering why we are telling you this; let us narrate an incident and you yourself will feel that patriotism has to be felt and not be shown.
Nowadays, the multiplexes have that rule of playing the National Anthem before the movie starts; this is good in a way and imbibes patriotism, but should it be a reason to attack someone? We are talking about disability activist and writer, Salil Chaturvedi. We had seen him in ‘Galli Galli Sim Sim”, a Television programme for children and he had also compiled the 1st Konkani audiobook for blind. Among all his hobbies is favorite one his to watch movies. Although the multiplexes of Panaji are inaccessible to wheelchair users, Salil is provided all possible help; pushers always make sure he is carried to a decent seat so that he can enjoy the movie.
He had gone to a multiplex in Panaji to enjoy Rajnikanth’s movie; he never thought that it will become a NIGHTMARE! He was attacked by a husband-wife duo just because he couldn’t stand up for the National Anthem. Had he been a normal person, this treatment was fine, but he is the one who is wheelchair-bound due to a spinal injury. This incident came to light when a Twitter user highlighted it in a series of tweets; have a look…
According to reports, Salil Chaturvedi was assaulted by a couple sitting behind him, because he unable to stand up while the National Anthem was being played. He couldn’t rise his feet and due to this, the man hit him, following which the woman said “Why can’t he get up”.
When Salil explained them the reason, they were too embarrassed and quietly left the theater.
Since the year 1984 Salil is wheelchair-ridden and is paralysed from his waist. After this incident, Salil is shaken and has taken the decision of never visiting a multiplex again. He feels that if he visits the multiplex again, his spinal injury might worsen due to such incidents.
Salil says “My father is an Air Force veteran. I represented the nation in wheel chair tennis at the Australian Open. Look at my life choices! Who are you to judge how much I love India”
Is this the way to judge a person and brutally attack him without knowing the reason? This is so wrong, in fact I suggest that appropriate actions should be taken against such haters. What do you think about this incident? Do share your views in our comments section below!
