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Time of India

Open letter to Mr. Raj Thackeray

Ambreen is a well-known journalist and blogger. She has won several awards for her work. She has also worked with UNICEF and NASSCOM Foundation. As an Army wife, Ambreen has been involved in the welfare of retired soldiers, war widows, orphans and disabled soldiers. Ambreen, is the founder of an organisation called The Changemakers where she and her team identifies, mentors and guides the ex-servicemen, war widows war orphans, till they are firmly placed and secure in the professions of their choice. LESS ... MORE Mr. Thackeray, I write this with a lump in my throat and pain in my heart, because while thousands of our soldiers stand guard at our borders, prepared to sacrifice their lives for this nation, I watch leaders like you, relentlessly wage war within it. Your repeated targeting of non-Marathi speaking Indians, especially those from North India, has long ceased to be political rhetoric. It has now become a regular assault on the soul of our country. You speak of Marathi pride, but the way it is being weaponised against fellow Indians is not pride it's prejudice. Worse still, it's dangerous. Have you ever stood in front of a coffin draped in the Tricolour? I have. As an army wife, I have stood beside mothers from Bihar, fathers from Uttar Pradesh, sisters from Rajasthan, and wives from Jharkhand all mourning men who died for Maharashtra just as much as they did for Manipur. None of them asked where their sons would be posted. None of them asked whether mother tongue would be spoken where their loved ones bled. Because for them, every corner of India is home. Every fellow Indian is family. When our soldiers don the olive green uniform and kiss their children goodbye, they do so, knowing that they may not return. They do it for all of us, regardless of our language, region or religion. But in your world, Mr. Thackeray, we are suddenly 'outsiders.' The ones who must be vilified, humiliated, beaten back. All because we dared to migrate in search of dignity, work, or opportunity. But tell me, is migration a crime? Or is it only criminal when it involves people from North India? I have travelled with my husband from Leh to Shillong, from Amritsar to Andaman. In every part of this country, I have seen a shared pride in being Indian. In army units, accents may differ, food may vary, but there's one unshakable bond patriotism. Yet when I hear your speeches, I realise that the real danger to this nation may not lie across our borders, but within them in hearts that no longer beat for unity. While a soldier lays down his life protecting every inch of our beautiful country, you seem to carve it apart with your words, your politics, and your prejudice. You have every right to preserve the Marathi language, culture, and ethos. India is strong because of its diversity, not in spite of it. But not at the cost of vilifying other Indians. Not by turning Maharashtra into a no-entry zone for people who speak Hindi, Bhojpuri, or any other tongue. While our valiant soldiers stand tall on the frontlines, you and those who echo your mindset stand as mere caricatures in front of them. It is my request to sit back and reflect, try to use your politics to build, not break. Inspire pride, don't incite prejudice. Maharashtra deserves leadership that reflects the courage of Shivaji Maharaj, not the bitterness of division. If our solders can serve without bias, then surely, you can lead without hatred. India needs healing. It does not need hate. Jai Hind. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.