India, The Golden Nightingale, is the largest democratic country in the world. It also has the second largest population in the world. A melting pot of cultures, innumerable cultures co-exist in unison. It has the title of being one of the most secular states in the world.

In spite of all this, India has been the victim of many a terrorist attacks. However, the world has turned a blind eye to the terrorism problem around the world, especially so, in India. The U.S. in particular never suffered any specific terror attacks. But, the world was caught in awe at the magnitude of the 9/11 Twin Tower blasts. No one ever imagined that a terrorist attack of this magnitude could ever take place. Of course, the blasts were condemned by the world. But they served a very positive purpose, that of an eye-opener for the U.S. It made Uncle Sam realize the magnitude of terrorism prevalent around the world.

It also brought to the fore the problems faced by India. The recent 7/11 local train blasts at Mumbai shocked the whole world. Almost 200 people lost their lives in it. It showcased the magnitude with which terrorists plan to attack at various prime locations in India. The terrorists target the local trains in Mumbai. As many as 7 bombs went off in different trains in Mumbai. These trains are the lifelines of the Mumbai public. It connects the whole of Mumbai, including the suburbs. This is just one of the many incidents that have shaken the country.

Mumbai is the only city in the whole world that has been a victim to 2 serial blasts; one of 1993 and one of 2005. Apart from this, there also have been a series of terrorist attacks around India. The Akshardham temple attack, the attack on Parliament, the Srinagar bombings and the Malegaon blasts, the most recent, are just a few of them.

Why is it that India has been constantly victimized by the terrorist organizations? Does a developing country like India have to be the one that has to bear the brunt? Can't it generate the necessary taskforce to combat these forces? Doesn’t it have the potential to actually annihilate these forces and give a fitting response to them?

The answer to all the above questions is a simple one. India has all the potential, the technology and the courage to do as it pleases. But luckily for the few, it prefers to give them a chance or two. As Mahatma Gandhi rightly said, "An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind." Following his dictum we are here today. India does retaliate. But it does so in a subtle way, in which no communal hatred within the country is incited. As already mentioned, it is a melting pot of various cultures. A slight friction can ignite a spark. Thus India has to be very careful in its proceedings.

Well, I just wanted this article to serve as an eye-opener. A reminder that even in the biggest democracy, trivial things have been making a lot of difference. A reminder that having one of the highest populations in the world is an advantage, and a disadvantage. This article serves as a bell-ringer in the minds of the readers, that India is a country of mettle and that it can go to any extent if needed to protect its interests.