A small nation stood against a mighty invader. Every Nobody became the soldier for the country. A man changed from being a comedian to a president to commander in chief. The love filled people became hardened force ready to die for the freedom. That is Ukraine to the world these days.
We have read while growing, how heroes are carved out of common man. And as grownups, we are now witnessing it live as we watch news about Ukraine. I am not sure who will win the war, but undoubtedly, Ukrainians have already won our hearts.
We have grown up reading the story of Ramayana. When a motley army of untrained species stood under the stewardship of Great Ram and fought against the Mighty Army of Ravana. Without fear of losing their lives, they fought for what was right. When a common bushman became a soldier and won the war against a massive, well equipped army because they were on path of righteousness. A person growing up learning such history, will consciously and unconsciously fall in love with Ukrainians.
But, as a citizen of a country which has always followed the path of Ahimsa and has followed a policy of non-alliance since last many years, I am divided as an individual between my heart and my brain. I am no wise man but I know, how surrounded my country is from aggressive nations on West and East. Both close to the mighty invader. Going against it will put lives of my countryman in grave danger. I, also know how many people and students from own country live in the mighty invader country. Going against it will put them in the path of risk. I am aware that most of our defence equipment come from the invading country and it is big market for our finished goods. It is economically and strategically important. So, it may not be wise for my country to go against it.
But it stop us from Loving these brave people of Ukraine? And for me, who has visited both countries but found love and friendship of Ukrainians more welcoming, I feel pain for every drop of blood that falls in that beautiful country. I have walked the streets of Kiev. It is “or rather” was beautiful. The pictures that I see now, shows destruction of such a beautiful city. I wish, the war to stop. I pray that goodness prevails. I have learnt that my friends have been forced to migrate and leave their homes. I pray they go back to their home and live where they belong to. The men who stayed back to fight the war, I wish they remain safe. To the invaders I wish them consciousness, to see what they are doing.
I can pray, I can hope but I wish, I could do more. I wish to live long enough to tell the tales of brave Ukrainians - My friends.
