“In the silence after gunfire: a nation must listen “
(Prachi Vyas)
The recent attack in Pahalgam—once considered a peaceful and picturesque tourist destination—has shaken the nation once again. It’s heart-wrenching to see innocent lives lost and families torn apart by yet another act of terror, seemingly rooted in religious hate and cross-border tensions. Our deepest empathy and sympathies go out to the families who have lost their loved ones. No words can truly capture their pain.
While grief and rage are natural reactions, we also understand the frustration being directed at the government and our armed forces. Security lapses, if any, need to be addressed and learned from. But what disturbs society at large is the way this anger is expressed by some through extreme hatred, blame, and accusations, often amplified by media that seems to have lost its sense of responsibility.
Instead of calming the public and helping them process their grief constructively, many media outlets are sensationalizing the tragedy, further deepening divides. The role of the media should be to inform responsibly—not to incite.
This incident should serve as a wake-up call for every Indian—regardless of religion, language, or region. We need to stop seeing ourselves as separate communities and start acting as one nation. Why not invest in our youth through military education or basic training, so they understand the discipline, sacrifice, and strength it takes to guard our borders? Let us encourage military education programs like the NCC, civil defense training, or even basic self-discipline camps. Why not empower ourselves instead of only pointing fingers from the comfort of our homes?
Cursing the government and military in front of cameras won’t bring solutions. But open, constructive dialogue might help those in charge take corrective measures. Let us use our voices not to spread more hate, but to demand better security, smarter policies, and stronger unity.
Instead of only blaming and cursing, can we also ask: what can we, the people, do? Here it is!
First, we must use social media responsibly. Let’s verify every piece of news before we share it. In emotional moments, misinformation spreads like wildfire, causing unnecessary panic and deepening divides. Every forward we send should bring calm, not chaos.
Second, real support lies in standing by the families of the victims—not just through words, but through action. Whether it’s offering help, or simply expressing solidarity, our small gestures can bring real comfort to those who feel alone in their grief.
Third, while holding governments accountable is necessary, we must choose peaceful, constructive ways to do it. Petitions (on positive note), discussion and alike are powerful tools. Anger, when expressed responsibly, becomes a force for positive change.
And finally, above all, we must guard our unity fiercely. Terrorists thrive when we divide ourselves. Now more than ever, we must stand together as Indians first—refusing to be broken along lines of religion, caste, or language.
In the end, every death is painful, whether caused by violence, accidents, or nature. No one can control death. But what we can control is how we respond to life’s toughest tests. Every tragedy brings lessons hidden within the sorrow—lessons about strength, unity, and resilience. Let’s not waste them by playing the blame game. Let’s rise above it.
In times of loss, true patriotism is not about shouting the loudest—it is about standing the strongest, together. For the sake of our future, and for the lives lost—we owe it to them.
Author’s Note:
This blog comes from a place of deep pain and concern. After watching videos of grieving families and hearing the harsh criticism directed at our forces and government, I felt compelled to share my thoughts. While I completely understand the anger and sorrow, I also believe that channeling it constructively is the need of the hour. My intention is not to silence anyone’s grief, but to encourage unity, reflection, and action. Let’s not let hate divide us further—let’s rise as one nation.
