I feel for the workers. In fact I put them before myself, which I believe is the path to my true happiness. I feel the feel they feel. I can’t ignore their woes whether they are part of my association or not.

In New Delhi, while the agitation launched by my trade union PTI Employees’ Union enters its eight year, I am concerned that my friends at the counry’s other premier news organisation Hindustan Times continue to long for justice.

In an unprecedented move in the history of the media industry, 362 workers of the Hindustan Times were dismissed from service six years ago; many others were then removed or transferred subsequently. Today, with their leaders also having been removed from service, the workers seem to be fighting a never ending battle. I meet many of them quite often in labour courts from where they can be seen returning empty handed after each hearing.

It is unfortunate that most of us just happen to pass by the Hindustan Times Building situated at the plush Kasturba Gandhi Marg in the heart of the national capital Delhi, oblivious of the misery and pitiable conditions of ‘some other’ human beings. Here’s a glimpse from the spot, as captured by me:

Click the images to see the larger picture.

With such a long time having been exhausted, I believe the workers should not be satisfied with anything but victory. Victory should certainly be theirs; it is a matter of time. They should keep believing in their non-violent ways and remain committed to achieving their objectives through peaceful and legitimate means. They are not alone. In their support, may I reproduce here the famous Lagaan number as also few lines from my favourite Bob Dylan…

“How many roads must a man walk down / Before you call him a man? …

How many years can some people exist / Before they’re allowed to be free? …

How many times must a man look up / Before he can see the sky? …

Yes, ‘n’ how many ears must one man have / Before he can hear people cry? …

Yes, ‘n’ how many deaths will it take till he knows / That too many people have died?

The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind / The answer is blowin’ in the wind.”

Laal Salaam.