Dear India, Why Have I Been Exiled From My Homeland Kashmir?
“I was made to leave my homeland in the middle of the night. Am I not Indian enough?” asks Puja Raina Mahaldar.
Dear India,
Am I not Indian enough? In the 27 years of my exile, I sit back and think, I have not picked up weapons. I believe in peace and the greatness of this country. So why I am forced to live in exile? Why doesn’t my country think of me?
I was nine-years-old when I was made to leave my homeland in the middle of the night like a thief. I am in my 30s now and I’m a nomad. I keep changing my home every now and then with my job. I am losing my identity. My kids don’t associate with the word Kashmiri and Kashmiriyat. They don’t relate to their roots. I am a duty-bound citizen, so then why doesn’t India listen to me?
Your lost child,
Puja Raina Mahaldar
(Do you ever feel like talking to India? Yes? Perfect. How about you write to her and tell her if you’re a good Indian or a bad one? You could be bitchy, angry, happy, emotional or humorous . But if your answer is No – never mind, there is always a beginning. So let’s start here.
Don’t be shy; say it all. Mail us your letter at lettertoindia@thequint.com. We’ll ensure India gets your message.)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)