I know I am black. And I know I’m African. But it was one incident that made sure I could never forget my identity, if I had to live in this city.
It was an October night in 2008 and I thought I had nothing to worry about walking down one of the popular streets in Pune. I heard some commotion. An Indian lady was injured because of an African guy; he had later offered to take her to the hospital and pay for the treatment. A huge crowd had gathered and they were demanding money. I knew from experience that I should not interfere and keep walking. And yet, just by the mere coincidence of being there at that time, and just for being black, I was first surrounded and then assaulted by a group of 15 people. “All of you Negros are the same,” they said, as they beat me up with sticks and stones.
I spent the next three days in hospital. No policeman agreed to register a written complaint, nobody even agreed to call it a case of racial crime.
Since then, I am aware every moment of who I am, and where I am. Four years and another attack on a fellow Burundian later, I would still say not all Indians are the same.
(As told to Amruta Byatnal)
Very sad to hear this. I am so sorry this happened to you in our
country, and I do deeply apologize on the behalf of whoever did this. I
hope this comment will reach you and reaffirm your faith that not every
Indian is racist.
In a Globalized world, and for the likes of Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Gandhi and others who brought positive change in equalizing all races, I'm ashamed that this happened to you, my friend. We should all feel humbled that you still bear no grievance against us Indians, I personally Salute you.
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