As we salute the martyrs of the terrorist attack on Mumbai, let us also pause for a moment to think about where do we go from here. All of you have heard the outrage from the rich and the famous. Now that their favourite watering holes are no longer safe havens they are waking up to the fact that our constables are expected to protect us, armed with a puny lathi or completely outdated rifles. Or, that they are made to work for days on end without so much as proper food or conveyance allowance. The elite class is suddenly agitated that large masses of the police force, the guns and official vehicles are commandeered to protect corrupt and debauched politicians – the very same politicians whose lumpen armies go about destroying our meagre public infrastructure at the tiniest signal from these so-called leaders.
Let us not worry about why India’s rich and famous are waking up today. Let us welcome the fact that they have woken up; if only because the terrorists did not spare those who can stay or dine at India’s most expensive hotels. Instead, let us use this unique opportunity to co-opt them into our effort to change this country. It is a country that is worth fighting for. One that a Sandeep Unnikrishnan, and scores like him are willing to lay down their lives for. Let us at least initiate a civilian effort to reduce their burden by drawing up a plan for change.

The Action Plan
What can we do? Here is a preliminary list of possible actions. You can contribute to the list and help with the creation of an action plan to ensure effective implementation. Let us work at the change NOW. We are inspired by America, which atoned for the second term to George W Bush by voting decisively for change by putting a black man into the White House. Let us plan for change NOW when the rich and powerful, who enrich our venal political class, are feeling sh

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