Ubaidullah Pandit (عبيدالله پنڈت)

Even with the dusky light of the skies, Our struggle will be mirrored by the lake. Sitting by the Jhelum and the Indus, We will sing the songs of freedom Like the Jews sitting by the rivers of Babylon. Our home is a million Jerusalems to us; We're pilgrims to its days of independence. We'll bring the walls down by the waters above; We'll melt our chains by the bars of your cage,  That's our tryst with destiny. (14/15-August-2020)

Every event presents itself in multiple ways. It has its consequences, good or bad, spinoffs, windfalls and tragedies. The Beirut Blast of August 04, 2020 is one of the biggest tragedies in recent years, killing hundreds of people and injuring thousands. Amid this devastating explosion, is there anything we can come away with? Perhaps this horrific event too has taught us a lesson, which each one of us must take very seriously and sincerely.  This blast took place just two days before the 75th anniversary of the Hiroshima incident of the Second World War. It's an appalling reminiscence of how we humans have put our survival in grave peril, bringing home to us humans the impending horror that is probably awaiting us if we fail to act wisely. There's more we must be willing to do than just pour out empty condolences. Those who died 75 years and those who died a few days ago left us with the same message and lesson. They gaze into our eyes from their graves. Through the ashes they...