"Spirit of Mumbai", "Mumbai back on track", "Life moves on"... I first started hearing these terms on 11th July, 2006. The fateful day when mindless terrorists blew up 7 local trains in Mumbai killing 187 commuters and injuring over 1000 commuters. And it was not just me, every journalist reporting on this terror act used these terms freely in an effort to showcase Mumbai's terrific spirit to fight against all odds and get back on track. But were we right" Does life really move on" Maybe we are wrong.

Life does move on for most of us who are unaffected by the blasts. For journalists like me, it was yet another story to be covered. Yet another deadline to be met. Yet another case study to be shot. Yet another round of administration bashing. Most of us got into the trains the very next day. And after a few jittery moments, we may hardly ever remember that terror struck just sometime back.

But what about those victims who suffered injuries and relatives of those who lost their lives in the blasts. Does life ever move on" Does the spirit of Mumbai allow them to live normal lives" I am afraid it does not. The initial few days after the tragedy is quite different.There are relatives, friends, colleagues and employers around to give moral strength.The govt in a bid to drown resentment announces fancy packages and the media plays its role of being a Universal saviour.

Nearly one year has passed since the 7/11 blasts. For the ones who have survived the blasts, its not just bitter memories to look back at but also severe injuries and disabilities to battle with. Many of them see nightmares and are unable to sleep soundly. Their careers have taken a toss with their disability affecting productivity and insensitive employers unwilling to help them. Social life has been disrupted thus scarring them psychologically.Some have been scarred so badly that they refuse to take the train journey. Many of them turn into a recluse trying to shield themselves from the outside world.And to top it all, an indifferent administration which refuses to even disburse their rightful compensation on time.

One of the survivors asked me "Why should i tell you my story. What difference does it make to the government and society. Should they wake up after i cry in front of a television camera. Cant society be sensitive on its own and help us rebuild our lives"

Frankly speaking i had no answers. Since i realised that i remembered to contact this victim only because the 7/11 anniversary was on the way. Perhaps one reason why i am writing this blog. Now you may call me insensitive. Precisely why i wrote this. Atleast it would set some of us thinking and reflect on how we should deal with terror victims when we meet them next. Or is it asking for too much"