Nivedita Ramakrishnan
Every death is a solemn negative event. And when it involves hundreds of innocent people falling prey to death which they did not deserve, it is downright unfair and cruel. But during such moments is when we ought to learn some crucial lessons that will help us and the community keep the positive thoughts intact to move forward and stand up strong.
Who would have imagined in their wildest dreams that Paris of all cities would be terrorized? Nobody had even suspected this event until if happened. Which teaches us that what's happening now may not be the same after even 5 minutes! We need to understand that anything might happen at anytime, and we must gear up for this.
If we lower our heads and not act out, that is not going to help anyone. It is very important to keep in mind what happened and move forward with an intent of wanting to better things, to be stronger for the community and the world at large. If one person is bold and courageous, those around him will see this and be strong as well.
Fear is the first thing that strikes our heart when there is danger at large. It is what keeps us reminded of the actual going-ons of the world.
Then again, when such a cruel disaster hits us, how long should we be in fear? This board that says "Je n'ai pas peur" means "I am not afraid".
Show your oppressors that you are bold and will fight back, and then you will come to notice that they see you in a new light.
They say that it is during the darkest hours that our real colors show up. There have been numerous examples of humanity showing its kindest sides when disasters like these occur and with the advent of technology, it is perhaps increasing even more. Even though we wouldn't really know the person who is in danger, we would want to immediately rush forward and help them come what may!
The hashtag #PorteOuverte spread like wildfire on Twitter: Safety locations for Parisians in danger used this hashtag; people who cannot speak French only had to show this to local Paris residents who immediately welcomed people into their homes. This way, running around aimlessly in a state of fear can be replaced with having the knowledge as to where the people can seek shelter even in such very dangerous emergency situations.
The French citizens and their President stay strong, saying they're not afraid of the perpetrators' attack. They have their dead and their wounded, but yet they do their best to strive forward. And seeing what all this attack has brought about, the world now stands with France in support. All of the Earth's human citizens are now one with France in their thoughts and prayers.
Humanity is a large, large family and we are all indeed one. But it is solidly displayed during such times when we need comfort and support. Let us look for everybody, let us share their grief and help them get back on their feet.
It is important that innocent people are not judged falsely; while this is said to be the work of one notorious group, we should remember that it was not all Islamic people who support this. Let us please not see the innocent people in a negative light.
Those of us who are unable to volunteer out there in France to help the wounded, those who are unable to donate for helping them out do the very least by making signs and at the very least, by changing our Facebook profile pictures. But how many are doing this to show support and how many to be shallow? Please, let's understand this point and really keep support for France in our thoughts above all.
Paris' motto is "Fluctuat nec mergitur" which in Latin means "Tossed but not sunk".
Let us help Paris with our love and support and Paris, with its already existing strength and extreme love for life, will definitely rise up again and sail strong!
Another teenager in university, having a penchant for Japanese, literature and all the small things in life that almost always go unnoticed.
