I was casually skimming through the newspaper today morning, when I came across an opinion piece. It was a eulogy dedicated to Satyendra Dubey, a project director of the NHAI who was murdered this day ten years ago, for trying to put an end to the corruption that was going on in the shadow of the GQ project. I had no idea who this guy was. Not surprising, as I had never followed the news very keenly until recent times. Even so, I was mildly aware of the day to day happenings, but this name didn’t even ring a bell. I was not even remotely aware of the existence of a Satyendra Dubey. A little digging led me to this Satyendra Dubey’s Story.

It felt so strange to read something that happened such a long time ago. As I read I felt a strange mix of emotions. I knew how this story was going to end. At first I felt angry at him for being so careless with his life. I wished I could go back and reason with him, convince him that it wasn’t worth it. I wish I could tell him that his death would change nothing.

I felt sorry for the parents who had to lose their son to an unjust, world, just because he refused to turn his back on his rigid moral values. Their loss was real and no amount of ‘justice’ can fill the void that was left in their lives. Nothing makes the sorrow easier.

I felt guilty when I realized how incredibly short term our memories are. In the days immediately following such an incident we would raise a hue and cry, have shouting contests on TV, even marches and protests –but this passes and this becomes another fleeting moment in time- a moment quickly wiped away from memory-and nobody remembers Satyendra Dubey anymore.

I want to leave this here.This is a beautiful, beautiful piece that came in the Indian Express a few days after Satyendra Dubey’s untimely demise. Unfortunately I was able to read this only today. http://www.indianexpress.com/storyOld.php?storyId=36601

This is dedicated to all the martyrs.Here’s to all the Satyendra Dubeys, the Shanmughan Manjunaths, the Narendra Kumars. A salute to all the unsung heroes of India!!