When I was 6 years old back in 1960 wed not long moved from our beautiful seafront home in Worli to a new build gated colony in Mahim, Bombay. We were people from all parts of India, and a scattering of English. All the kids played together, we fought, split up & got back together again as kids do, going to the best schools in different parts of the city getting the education that would help propel our dreams into reality. I worried about not being able to speak English at school & the inevitable punishment, humiliation, that would ensue if you didnt toe the line. Imagine that, a little Indian girl going to school run by Welsh people in India. Meanwhile on the other side of the world another 6 year old had to be escorted to school, while a mob of screaming angry people frightened by the sight of a tiny girl challenging segregation, demanding the right to education & a way of life that would give her the dignity that as a free American she had a right to. Things havent changed in the hearts of these two mighty countries. Still parochial, still the existence of huge inequalities, prejudices & injustices at every level. Happy Birthday to a pioneer Ruby Bridges. 60 today.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 10:14:59 +0000
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