A picture does speak a thousand words!

By -
Ten years ago...
I rubbed the ashes on my chest,
Life changed that day.
Leaving the grave of my belongings,
I walked far far away...
Red, white, black, green,
Colors of celebrations affray.
Streets screamed in blood red,
So I walked far far away...
Broken twigs of that tree,
My son asked me everyday.
Why didn’t I bring the tree along?
When I walked far far away...
A helpless name,
A lamented photo,
A lot to face everyday.
Like a common man,
I walked far far away...

In 2002, Godhra riots  brought the ugly side of our society. The photo above clicked during the riots by Arko Datta became the face of that tragedy. Qutubuddin Ansari, the man in the photo suffered a lot as people mocked him (However, www.gujaratriots.com claims that the photo is fake). In search of a normal life, he left Gujarat. This poem is an attempt to canvas his reasons and pains to move to another state.  Though, later he has moved back. Watch Qutubuddin Ansari's latest interview here. 

(Disclaimer: There are many controversies as to when and how this photo was taken. As a poet, I subscribe to none)

Comments

  1. Manju ModiyaniMarch 19, 2012 at 4:32 PM

    This picture brought tears to my eyes...it portraits the pain and sufferings...sorrow..indeed it speaks a thousand words..painful words...

    nice poem..ur words reflect the emotions aptly...i feel touched by ur poem above..

    Nice work! keep it up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 3:39 PM

      This picture is heart wrenching. Thanks for reading Manju and welcome here...:)

      Delete
  2. Akshay Kumar GMarch 19, 2012 at 4:46 PM

    I remember this picture so vividly. We can only imagine the pain and suffering this man went through or for that matter all the victims and their families of the riots.

    Really touching tribute.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 3:41 PM

      True...Thanks for the comment Akshay. Hope you are doing fine.

      Delete
  3. Someone is SpecialMarch 19, 2012 at 5:20 PM

    a picture does speak a thousand words saru...! 'I walked far far away' ~ the repetition of the lines touches the heart very easily and the outcome is tears..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Someone is SpecialMarch 21, 2012 at 2:38 PM

      Saru! This post is eagerly waiting to hear your words..

      Delete
    2. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 3:42 PM

      Thanks for your comment SIS and I will surely read it. Thanks again for the link...:)

      Delete
    3. Someone is SpecialMarch 23, 2012 at 5:54 PM

      :-) Thanks again Saru...!

      Delete
  4. Writefully YoursMarch 19, 2012 at 5:42 PM

    this picture does speak a lot...i remember this pic like many of us do...we can just hope that Gujarat is doing good..i hear contradicting things everyday though..
    i actually have a collection of pics that have affected me in some way and this is one of them...may be someday i ll share them...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 3:43 PM

      Sure, share those pictures with us. I hope we have peace all over...

      Thanks for reading Prateek!

      Delete
  5. SagittarianMarch 19, 2012 at 6:31 PM

    Picture speaks out loud, how and what does the man felt. Indeed speak a thousand words, and it saddened and touches my heart,.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousMarch 19, 2012 at 6:39 PM

    I have not read all your posts, thanks to my workload ( which probably is going to stay put for the next few years ) but as part of the privileged lot( the ones who are formally educated) we must speak more often on issues. You have done the right thing to do so here :)

    The poem, though, stands out not only because it is about an issue which changed the face our nation but also because its beautifully written - taking nothing away from the author :) Really impressive

    PS- was watching this movie the other day ( Mr and Mrs Aiyar ). Its a beautifully made movie too..also on the same lines.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 3:47 PM

      We should write more about issues which affect us and world in general. This picture is painful and I always wanted to write about it. When I saw his interview, I can't stop myself from doing so.

      That is a good movie. Thanks for your comment Mishra Ji...:)

      Delete
    2. AnonymousMarch 25, 2012 at 2:40 PM

      Pleasure is totally mine. You are a remarkably talented woman. God bless you

      Delete
    3. Saru SinghalMarch 26, 2012 at 1:42 PM

      Thank you Mishraji for a huge compliment!!!

      Delete
  7. MithlashMarch 19, 2012 at 7:37 PM

    I can recall this picture was the face of riot and that time used by most of the leading newspapers n magzine. I felt very happy after seeing his interview..It was very shameful act and you have wisely n nicely penned down the pain n agony of people very nicely..After reading I am so touched...wonderful creation n wisely crafted...Keep rocking!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 3:48 PM

      Yeah, this picture was all over and whenever we talk about Godhra Riots this is the first image that comes to our mind. It was indeed a shameful act. Thanks for liking the poem, Mithlash!

      Delete
  8. umashankarMarch 19, 2012 at 9:01 PM

    Pictures do speak a thousand words. Great poems speak a million.

    ReplyDelete
  9. vinayMarch 19, 2012 at 9:49 PM

    Now that is something which was not only painful to the people of Gujarat but to the people all over the country.
    Nice composition..your words brought out the emotions clearly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 3:51 PM

      Yeah, it was really painful and the entire nation was ashamed of that tragedy. Thanks for liking the poem, Vinay...:)

      Delete
  10. Rahul BhatiaMarch 19, 2012 at 10:35 PM

    Saru, this was very poignant like every human tragedy. The picture and words complement each other very effectively!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 3:52 PM

      It was and thank you for complimenting the post...

      Delete
  11. NishaMarch 19, 2012 at 10:36 PM

    The fact is, many more unknown Qutubuddin Ansaris are there in our country...

    Good to see you writing on social issues. That takes some courage, especially so, in case of controversial topics. Lets hope nothing like this is repeated ever.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 3:53 PM

      There are endless cases which need our attention and I pray nothing like that ever happens to anyone...

      Delete
  12. UnknownMarch 19, 2012 at 10:36 PM

    Diz picture does speak a lot

    ReplyDelete
  13. Shah NawazMarch 19, 2012 at 10:49 PM

    True... Picture can speak the whole story without any word....

    Very impressive....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 3:56 PM

      Yes, it surely can and thank you for reading...:)

      Delete
  14. Sujatha SathyaMarch 19, 2012 at 11:04 PM

    it brought tears to my eyes - his interview - what he said
    and the poem is so deeply empathetic & heart-felt

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 3:57 PM

      Interview is indeed very emotional. Thanks for your comment Sujatha...:)

      Delete
  15. Spiritual SherpaMarch 19, 2012 at 11:17 PM

    Irrespective of the story behind the pic this one depicts one of the many faces of humanity that manifests itself every now and then to show that we have not evolved intellect yet...

    ReplyDelete
  16. UpasanaMarch 20, 2012 at 12:04 AM

    This is pure brilliance Saru! Such beautiful and heartwrenching lines! You amaze me every single time!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 3:58 PM

      Thank you so much Upasana for a lovely comment!

      Delete
  17. shashi purwarMarch 20, 2012 at 12:11 AM

    pic hi sab kuch kah rahi hai ...............best work saru .

    ReplyDelete
  18. LadyFiMarch 20, 2012 at 12:43 AM

    Powerful words that go beautifully with this heart-rending photo.

    ReplyDelete
  19. JennyMarch 20, 2012 at 12:45 AM

    The picture is heart wrenching. Your poem has truly rendered his thoughts at that moment. Moving Saru.

    ReplyDelete
  20. HemantMarch 20, 2012 at 1:02 AM

    Such an emotional story, u had describe in 'words'...and the pic is enough to tell the entire story....
    Saru di!! you have got some sort of charm...lovely effort..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 4:10 PM

      Thank you so much Hemant. You just made my day!!!

      Delete
  21. TeamgsquareMarch 20, 2012 at 1:14 AM

    Riots were really inhuman ... Many people have suffered and continue to suffer . You rightly put their suffering to your words ..........

    ReplyDelete
  22. Jyoti MishraMarch 20, 2012 at 1:25 AM

    this picture is the epitome of the human tragedies..
    it penetrates deep down.. n your words add more depth..
    very moving post !!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. indu chhibberMarch 20, 2012 at 2:02 AM

    Even though living far away you are still connected to the issues which rock India-nice! & a sensitive poem too .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 4:34 PM

      Thank you Indu, I am Indian and will always be...:) :) :)

      Delete
  24. Atanu ChatterjeeMarch 20, 2012 at 3:21 AM

    Silence is eloquent,
    sometimes Speaking is more eloquent than Silence..
    Without controversy a creative poetry.BOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 4:38 PM

      Thank you so much Sir for your comment and wishes...

      Delete
  25. RamakrishnanMarch 20, 2012 at 3:29 AM

    Remarkable poem & heart rending picture.

    ReplyDelete
  26. PoojaMarch 20, 2012 at 4:23 AM

    I fail to understand how on earth can any "human being" in good senses deem it "fake". Pain is etched in every feature of his tormented face and you've brought it out so well in this forum Saru..
    Kudos to you for this verse :)
    God bless you. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 4:47 PM

      Thank you Puji for writing so well here and appreciating it:)

      Delete
  27. SoniaMarch 20, 2012 at 4:40 AM

    Amazing words Saru.. The picture really talks thousand words. The look of the man in this picture is so heart wrenching..

    ReplyDelete
  28. sriramnivasMarch 20, 2012 at 4:47 AM

    The first victim of any war or riot is innocence. Godhra riot is no exception to this..........a great tribute in the form of a poem. I salute you!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 4:59 PM

      You said the most appropriate thing. Thank you for a lovely comment Ram.

      Delete
  29. HarshaMarch 20, 2012 at 4:56 AM

    I don't know why can't we behave like humans! It is ugly and disgusting that humans cause such a harm and pain for each other. Man made tragedies are the worst!

    Wonderful lines Saru. You aptly brought out both the wickedness and helplessness in our society.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 5:14 PM

      No one can understand that, Harsha. Thank you for reading and appreciating the poem.

      Delete
  30. MadhushaMarch 20, 2012 at 5:57 AM

    This picture always sends chills across my spine :(

    ReplyDelete
  31. BikramMarch 20, 2012 at 11:05 AM

    This brought some memories of the 1984 sikh riots and I dont know why such issues have erupted or how can a human do this to another human .. pity

    although in both the issues there has been one common factor.. which i would not say as intellignet people would know ..

    AT least this man returned back, whereas the 1984 sufferers are still homeless ..

    Bikram's

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 5:16 PM

      It was a painful era. I still remember what many families faced. Such tragedies are a black spot on the face of society.

      Delete
  32. LeoPawMarch 20, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    Million words of intense pain and suffering. Picture and the poem put together.

    ReplyDelete
  33. RajMarch 20, 2012 at 12:34 PM

    I have seen this picture many times and every time it breaks my heart and my belief in humanity. Your poem is a very touching and painful tribute. "Why didn’t I bring the tree along?" - I wish no tree (or human) was never uprooted from its home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 5:18 PM

      I wish so too Raj. Thank you for reading and for your comment.

      Delete
  34. Chetan MaheshwariMarch 20, 2012 at 12:49 PM

    very good and emotions portrayed in the right manner....it is good to write on these topics taking the incidents, pics from real life...i liked it:)

    ReplyDelete
  35. raMarch 20, 2012 at 1:09 PM

    picture is synonymous to the poem..Saru

    ReplyDelete
  36. Ruchi JainMarch 20, 2012 at 1:44 PM

    Very emotional pic and your words exactly depicting his feelings..

    ReplyDelete
  37. TaniaMarch 20, 2012 at 4:12 PM

    Touching photo and poem. Well done!

    Hope you have a blessed week.

    ReplyDelete
  38. magiceyeMarch 20, 2012 at 9:06 PM

    poignant...

    ReplyDelete
  39. AnonymousMarch 20, 2012 at 9:42 PM

    A very touching poem,brought tears in my eyes,I could feel the pain... :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 5:24 PM

      It's very painful, Rekha. Thanks for stopping by...:)

      Delete
  40. Cloud NineMarch 21, 2012 at 3:15 AM

    A single picture that speaks of human loss and pain. Your words describe it touchingly. Wondering why on earth we fight over religion...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 5:29 PM

      Seriously, why we do that? Thanks you for your comment dear!

      Delete
  41. AnonymousMarch 21, 2012 at 5:42 AM

    great poem

    this photo will be an icon against violence

    thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  42. PrashanthMarch 21, 2012 at 9:19 AM

    I remember the picture, its speaks a million words. The pic is so intense and captivating, thanks to the person who took this pic it really reminds us that we are yet to move forward for a better tomorrow as a country...truly touching lines Saru...very well worded.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 5:30 PM

      We have a long way to go as a country. Thanks for liking the post.

      Delete
  43. AnonymousMarch 21, 2012 at 1:08 PM

    awesome....awesome...awesome....Saru, no words....
    hamara naman aapko...........

    ReplyDelete
  44. Shamsud AhmedMarch 21, 2012 at 1:16 PM

    this is a fantastic write....Thank you for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  45. AnonymousMarch 21, 2012 at 1:42 PM

    powerful picture, amazing lines! Really touching..

    ReplyDelete
  46. Saru SinghalMarch 21, 2012 at 4:20 PM

    True, Ash...We can't even access what pain they have grown through...

    Thanks for reading!

    ReplyDelete
  47. BGTMarch 21, 2012 at 11:50 PM

    This picture is a true depiction of sorrows people went through in the Gujarat riots! Sad part is that we seem to have forgotten all that and moved on in life! Its true - in India, we don't value human life!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 24, 2012 at 2:56 PM

      Yeah, we don't seem to care. Though, it's a sorry state but it's true.

      Delete
  48. Richa SonpatkiMarch 22, 2012 at 1:39 AM

    I remember this picture. Beautifully crafted poem Saru. It was a heart wrenching time, still is to look back. One cannot imagine what people must have gone through at that time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 24, 2012 at 2:57 PM

      We can never imagine what those people might have gone through. Thanks for liking the poem, Richa.

      Delete
  49. Azra RaphaelMarch 22, 2012 at 1:57 AM

    for everyone nothing quite screams about the horrors, nightmare and bloodshed of that riot like this one picture is. there's no way anyone can walk away untouched by this photo.

    thank you for the post..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 24, 2012 at 2:59 PM

      You wrote everything in one sentence, thank you for that. :)

      Delete
  50. Bhargav BhattMarch 22, 2012 at 2:01 AM

    THE TRUTH OF GODHRA RIOTS WILL I DOUBT WILL EVER COME OUT... ITS CRUEL AS HUMANITY DIED EVERY SINGLE MOMENT ON THE DAY AND FOR ANOTHER FEW MONTHS... NICE POST, KP IT UP...

    ReplyDelete
  51. eatpraylovemoviesMarch 22, 2012 at 2:37 AM

    I have no words!

    ReplyDelete
  52. StfuMarch 22, 2012 at 4:18 AM

    the photo that i can't look at for 5 seconds,,you gave words to it..i respect you for your courage.
    you poem was picture in itself..and i can't say anything that it truly deserve.. it's too touching for compliments..

    lastly..thanks for the link..i didn't know such website existed...
    i don't care with the controversy..even if it's fake..it shows the emotions of thousands who never got a click before they surrendered to worst human nature..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 24, 2012 at 3:19 PM

      I agree, without caring about the controversies we should think about the people who suffer in riots. BTW, Gujarat Government distributed CDs along with India Today issue that time. I can never understand the word politics.

      Thank you for reading and appreciating in such a nice way!

      Delete
  53. ZebaMarch 22, 2012 at 6:13 AM

    Wow. You are quite the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Gautam S BrahmaMarch 22, 2012 at 9:57 AM

    truly a moving image with meaningful lines..

    ReplyDelete
  55. SuruchiMarch 22, 2012 at 10:31 AM

    The photo is as moving as your words...sad that we use a human's loss to signify a tragedy, but such is life!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 24, 2012 at 3:24 PM

      The gravity of any tragedy is indeed measured in numbers and alas! such is life.

      Thank you for reading Suruchi!

      Delete
  56. SATYA LAKSHMIMarch 22, 2012 at 11:20 AM

    I was speechless after seeing the picture and your writings. Flawless writing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 24, 2012 at 3:25 PM

      Thank you so much Latha...:) It's a very encouraging comment.

      Delete
  57. UnknownMarch 22, 2012 at 11:43 AM

    this pic made world wide waves ,the man in the pic lost his job and the society boucot him out of fear.Now a days he stitches clothes from home ,basically has got into tailoring.he got so traumatied that all these years he searched for the man who photographed him ,the photograph that chaged his life.v recently a meeting was arranged between him and the photographer who spent spent some time with him and answered all his questions . he seemed at peace after that...this is not a fake pic,i saw his interview ..the pic was shot while he was pleading to the cops to save his family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 24, 2012 at 3:28 PM

      I'm not sure about this story as Arko Datta knew him and he was a tailor by profession. Anyways, we can't confirm the story. You are right about the picture and thanks for taking the time out to read and comment.

      Delete
  58. Anoop Mathai MathewMarch 22, 2012 at 12:16 PM

    Some people suffer a lot, but they do not get the right amount of attention or care needed. Such ventures can prove a ray of hope... Thanks for the wonderful read Saru!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 24, 2012 at 3:29 PM

      I wish I can do something for people in need. Thank you for reading Anoop :)

      Delete
  59. Neeraj GuptaMarch 22, 2012 at 2:13 PM

    left speechless 10 years ago , now too seeing the picture.....
    and your poem reminded me of the situation too....

    ReplyDelete
  60. Vishal KatariaMarch 23, 2012 at 12:29 AM

    Beautiful poem, Saru...

    Really touches the heart; brings out the emotion.

    One can only imagine what Ansari must have been through... Was the movie Khakee somewhat based on this man's story?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 24, 2012 at 3:31 PM

      I don't know but it sure has some resemblance. Thank for liking the poem Vishal...:)

      Delete
  61. PranitaMarch 23, 2012 at 1:27 AM

    Very touching.. disturbing as well! But the poem really seems to tell the story of his/their life/lives!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Elixir of life (dr_nidhi)March 23, 2012 at 4:07 AM

    Your post left me speechless ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 24, 2012 at 3:34 PM

      Thank you, feels good when your efforts are translated properly.

      Delete
  63. GayathriMarch 23, 2012 at 4:42 AM

    That picture churned my heart..!! Such a grown up man begging with his hands clasped what a pity!! The poem was very touching..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 24, 2012 at 3:34 PM

      Picture is indeed very moving and thanks for liking the poem Gayathri.

      Delete
  64. MakMarch 23, 2012 at 5:05 AM

    Your words touched very deep.

    ReplyDelete
  65. sibiMarch 23, 2012 at 7:56 AM

    How many innocent lives get affected by religious fanaticism? When will followers realize the essence of their religion?
    Thanks for sharing your beautiful poem

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 24, 2012 at 3:38 PM

      Countless and history can vouch for that. I hope soon people realize the essence of religion...

      Thank you for liking the poem...:)

      Delete
  66. Satish MutatkarMarch 23, 2012 at 8:24 AM

    Haunting picture, wonderful verse....

    ReplyDelete
  67. Mohit UdhwaniMarch 23, 2012 at 9:09 AM

    Hats off to your writing skills

    ReplyDelete
  68. Rohit Singh JainMarch 23, 2012 at 9:49 AM

    Awesome post, loved it.

    ReplyDelete
  69. ArnieMarch 23, 2012 at 11:18 AM

    The Face of the Riots! It actually brought tears into the eyes of many!

    ReplyDelete
  70. The Solitary WriterMarch 23, 2012 at 2:34 PM

    Very touching dii.... very sad... :) Well written

    ReplyDelete
  71. The PoetMarch 23, 2012 at 10:33 PM

    Hello Saru.
    I find this photo very moving..those look like real tears to me! Very thought-provoking post. Thanks for sharing.

    When you get a chance, please vote for me over at Bloggers.com

    The Beloved

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 24, 2012 at 3:44 PM

      Hi Andy,

      Those were real tears. He was begging the army to rescue his family. I will surely do that.

      Thanks:)

      Delete
  72. Subhrashis AdhikariMarch 24, 2012 at 4:29 AM

    painful

    ReplyDelete
  73. AsifMarch 24, 2012 at 11:18 AM

    Its one photograph that will remain indelible in the memory of many.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Jayashree SrivatsanMarch 24, 2012 at 12:35 PM

    Hi,
    I was in college during the riots in Gujarat and this pic from the newspapers never left my memory. Nice post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 24, 2012 at 3:53 PM

      Yeah, I was in college too and this photo was all everywhere. In the papers, magazines and on the net. Thanks for liking the post...

      Delete
  75. ShreyaMarch 24, 2012 at 2:04 PM

    Lovely poem, sadly beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  76. PhilO♥March 24, 2012 at 2:36 PM

    Those eyes..It's as if one can feel the pain. The way people suffered, is just heart breaking.
    Great piece! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PhilO♥March 24, 2012 at 2:38 PM

      I'm in Gujarat now. People are still scared.

      Delete
    2. Saru SinghalMarch 24, 2012 at 3:56 PM

      Oh, that's sad to know. But such events have life changing effect on people. Thanks for reading dear...

      Delete
  77. M'Bai MadrasiMarch 25, 2012 at 11:01 AM

    I have known and read about the controversy..
    communal riots have always had drastic effects on our society!The 93 riots in Mumbai was just equally terrific.
    beautifully penned .The poem actually speaks all that in the picture

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 25, 2012 at 12:37 PM

      Every such tragedy is heart wrenching. Sadly, our country has a lot of history of such events. Thanks for liking the poem...:)

      Delete
  78. Dr.ShaiziMarch 25, 2012 at 2:05 PM

    Thnx saru 4 penning down 1 of d bitter truths,d society suffers...bm also happy 2 see 159comments each 1 able 2 understand dat pain in d eyes of dat man as recently on fb there ws sm news regarding cancellation of a petition by a court..d petition is filed by a muslim lady who has lost her husband in riots..i ws totally broken 2 c d comments which speak all crap..full of communalism praising 2 punish d muslims..i wonder,,is dis d real india..v speak of national integrity nd so on bt..:(i didnt felt pain as me too a muslim bt bcz ppl r losing faith in humanity..life is nt dat cheap dat ny1 can b killed nywhere..all dose who died during riots,to whichwever religion dey belong to,all of dem were humans..d pain cause to their familes was walso equal,no less,no more den y ppl talk suc crap..i jst wish dat ppl shud respect HUMANITY...Ameen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 26, 2012 at 1:46 PM

      I agree, we are humans and we should remember that. I always feel if there we are not separated into three pieces (India, Pakistan and Bangladesh) it would have been much better. A line on the map has caused so many problems. And since when religion permits you to kill...

      Amen to that noble thought!!!

      Thank you for reading Sir...

      Delete
  79. MiMarch 26, 2012 at 3:17 AM

    After reading this poem and watching the video, I actually rread everything about the incident and what led to it. I wasn't aware in detail about this mishap!
    The picture is so full of words, and converys such a strong message!!
    I think you have done justice to this pic, by writing this poem! Hats off!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 26, 2012 at 1:49 PM

      This picture is fixed in the minds of many. It's painful too see humans suffer in the name of religion.

      Thank you for reading and appreciating the poem...:)BTW, how was the Goa trip??? Waiting for Goa diaries...:)

      Delete
  80. ArtiMarch 27, 2012 at 11:58 PM

    The pain is gripping just like your poem Saru. Its been long still the pain can be felt... Very touching, beautifully penned poem Saru.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 28, 2012 at 12:41 PM

      Thanks a lot Arti...This photo is very moving...

      Delete
  81. SprigBlossomsMarch 29, 2012 at 2:33 PM

    Such depth is conveyed here, Saru, in this touching poem. You bring out the reality of suffering as felt on that day. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMarch 29, 2012 at 5:06 PM

      Thank you Ananya, means a lot to be appreciated by you.

      Delete
  82. An Apel a DayMarch 29, 2012 at 3:41 PM

    This one makes me sad. Such pain some people have to endure.

    ReplyDelete
  83. AnonymousMarch 31, 2012 at 4:22 AM

    reading u for the first tym... but can say ur thoughts are high...heart touching lines.....

    if ur interstd plzz visit my article on godhra hope u can feel the crux of this...


    http://tamanna.jagranjunction.com/2011/09/22/gujrat-riots-2002-and-sabarmati-express-set-on-fire/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalApril 2, 2012 at 1:47 PM

      Thanks for reading and sharing Tamanna. Will surely do that. :)

      Delete
  84. AngelMarch 31, 2012 at 9:53 AM

    Pics alone speaks a volume..it moves me !

    ReplyDelete
  85. Owais Ashraf PhotographyMarch 31, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    Beautiful poem and a silent yet so verbose picture. Im moved

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalApril 2, 2012 at 1:48 PM

      Yeah, picture is the hero here and thank you for liking the poem.

      Delete
  86. just another wake up callApril 1, 2012 at 2:13 PM

    beautifully written. loved the post..

    ReplyDelete
  87. Dwiti RApril 5, 2012 at 9:34 AM

    beautiful..
    even after so many yrs, thinking about godhra brings tremors..

    ReplyDelete
  88. Loganathan ArumugamApril 9, 2012 at 11:07 AM

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    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalApril 10, 2012 at 11:15 AM

      Thanks for the offer. I will give it a thought.:)

      Delete
  89. EktaApril 9, 2012 at 12:47 PM

    OMG, this picture truly speaks a lot.

    ReplyDelete
  90. dissentingmindApril 13, 2012 at 12:09 PM

    Powerful, pervading and honest.
    Very well written.

    Even though I am not in a position to say this, for some reasons, I will.
    ..pardon me for trying to overreach -

    The poem along with the picture say a thousand words in silence. Incoherent yet crisp, vivid yet unassuming...I think the description makes the surreal look ordinary and anticipated.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalApril 23, 2012 at 10:49 AM

      I am so happy to read your comment both as a reader and as a writer. It gives me immense happiness when someone as intelligent as you lands on my blog.

      Welcome here and thanks for writing a beautiful comment.

      Delete
  91. AnonymousApril 21, 2012 at 9:21 AM

    i remembered this pic and most of the people have different opinion on what happened in godhra in 2002
    but i thouhgt what ever happened was not good

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalApril 23, 2012 at 10:51 AM

      Yeah, such events are black spots on the history of our country Thanks for reading Chirag.

      Delete
  92. AnandMay 6, 2012 at 12:26 PM

    Indeed the picture does speak thousand words.. Your poetic narration too have best complimented the photograph. Its disheartening to even imagine the pain these guys have gone through in life.. My prayers for them to overcome such disastrous situations!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMay 7, 2012 at 8:42 PM

      Yes Anand, it is beyond our comprehension to understand what they went through. All we can offer is our wishes and prayers...

      Delete
  93. mohamedali jinnahMay 18, 2012 at 10:37 AM

    Poem Penetrate my heart. More comments to this poem give more important to this poem. Beautifully written.
    Men are cruel, but Man is kind. ~Rabindranath Tagore

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalMay 18, 2012 at 1:14 PM

      Yes Sir, this quote from Rabindranath Tagore has so much depth in it. Thanks for liking and reading the poem.

      Delete
  94. Found In FolsomMay 25, 2012 at 2:11 PM

    Touching...loved it.

    ReplyDelete
  95. happy quotesMay 26, 2012 at 2:37 AM

    nice and really touching.......

    ReplyDelete
  96. TTTMay 27, 2012 at 10:31 AM

    very touching Saru ...

    ReplyDelete
  97. JaganJune 7, 2012 at 4:06 AM

    Very touching.

    ReplyDelete
  98. LekhaAugust 1, 2012 at 5:25 AM

    Hi Saru,
    I had never seen this picture before. Thanks for writing about this and reminding people how fragile life can be!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Saru SinghalAugust 18, 2012 at 2:21 PM

      Hi Lekha,

      Life is so cruel at times. Thanks for reading!

      Delete
  99. vandyAugust 18, 2012 at 1:34 PM

    By putting his pic here u hv given more pain to the person.He is craving for anonymity.Though the pics is published thousands time b4 but we can do our bit by not publishing again knowing he wd hate to see it.
    rgds

    ReplyDelete

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