Dear fellow Indians, friends of India, and all well-wishers:
Not often does one get to witness history being written.
Before our eyes, we see history happen in the very NOW.
We read in history books about persons, places, facts, and events.
Some of those known to us—fearless girls and risk-taking boys;
The students and their mentors march forward to write history,
Dreaming of a better today, a brighter tomorrow, full of promises.

Some of us who wish to be with them may not be able to join.
Maybe you are far away, or you are afraid to come out, speak out.
You can still be part of them, sharing and owning their dreams.
Being humbly aware that their struggles will make us bolder,
And will make us, all Indians better, our destinies, resources.

Few of us knew who Neha was, until a couple of months ago.
Remember that she fasted for weeks, braving pellets, lathis.
She did this for students, for our parents, for our better future.
Thousands today wish Neha were 'my sister' or 'my daughter.'
She spoke with truth and power, seeking integrity, transparency.

Mother India's beloved son, Dipke, challenged youth to wake up,
To build a nation where people are not threatened or ignored;
That together we should actively participate in shaping India,
Ensuring that all are accountable, and collectively responsible.
Those who did not matter for long must be told that they matter,
And, they have sanctity, dignity, rights, innate and inalienable.

Because many dared to dream and march, because many sacrificed,
We are able to taste freedom, to know what vote is, and its power.
Many have come and gone, but our tryst with destiny remains intact.
Many, of all ranks and skills and resources, keep the nation above,
And for that they are ready to question, stand alone, and be jailed.

So, dear friend:
Whoever you are, wherever you live,
Do not feel bad for not being with them,
Unable to share LIFE on streets or hear slogans.
Just hold these young men, women, in your heart.
Those who were detained or threatened or hit,
Let them stay with you, in front of your eyes.
They hold something precious in their spirit—
That is made of greater and nobler stuff:
A dream for a freer and brighter future.

It does not matter if thousands join,
or a few will convey this message;
The message is the same!
As Martin Luther King said,
"The arc of the moral universe is long,
but it bends toward justice."
Or as students recited for generations,
"Satyameva jayate, nanritam."
Truth alone wins and not falsehood.

United in dreaming of a better and brighter India,
Where the youth will flourish fearlessly,
Carrying all with them.

Stan SJ @ VJ, Delhi, October 10, 2026