The essay discusses the author’s thoughts on nuclear weapons and the potential consequences of a nuclear war. The author expresses her frustration at having to restate arguments that have already been made by others, but feels compelled to speak out due to the seriousness of the issue. She emphasizes the need for people to understand the true nature of nuclear weapons and the devastating impact it can have on the earth and its inhabitants.
The author criticizes the belief that nuclear weapons are about peace and deterrence, arguing that this theory has fundamental flaws. She questions the assumption that what deters one country will deter another, and highlight the ever-changing nature of governments. The author also emphasizes the importance of knowledge and understanding in combating the threat of nuclear war, and credits the efforts of activists and demonstrations in postponing its occurrence.
Furthermore, the text discusses the proliferation of nuclear weapons, with India and Pakistan justifying their possession and other countries potentially following suit. The author envisions a future where nuclear technology becomes more accessible, leading to a world brimming with missiles and a new world order dominated by a pro-nuclear elite.
The author urges individuals to take the threat of nuclear war personally and to speak out against it. She emphasizes that nuclear war is indiscriminate and affects everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. The author calls for action and highlights the importance of individual voices in addressing this critical issue.
The narrator left home for three weeks and met a friend who questioned the impact of the recent success and fame. The friend suggests that the only perfect ending to the narrator’s story would be death, as nothing in the future could match her current buzz of success. The narrator contemplates the effects of fame and realizes that if it becomes a permanent condition, it would be detrimental to her well-being.
The narrator believes that there are other kinds of dreams and fulfillment beyond wealth and fame, and that failure can be honorable and fulfilling. The narrator shares her beliefs about living life fully, seeking joy in sad places, and never forgetting the unspeakable violence and disparity in the world. The narrator returns to India and expresses her concern about the rise of fascism and nationalism following the nuclear tests.
The narrator acknowledges the vulnerability of speaking out against the government and expresses their fear of the tide of public opinion turning against them. The narrator declares herself an independent, mobile republic and a citizen of the earth, willing to sign nuclear non-proliferation and test ban treaties. The narrator mourns the passing of the world and criticizes the nuclear tests as the end of imagination.
The author questions the reasons behind India’s decision to conduct nuclear tests, suggesting that political expediency may be the motive. The three official reasons given for the tests are China, Pakistan, and exposing Western hypocrisy, but the author finds these reasons somewhat baffling and not new. The author argues that India’s war with China and Pakistan are outdated, and while Kashmir remains troubled, there must be existing tensions for Pakistan to exploit.
The author criticizes Western hypocrisy, highlighting their history of colonialism, apartheid, and other atrocities, but questions the need to expose it further. India’s decision to pursue nuclear weapons is seen as hypocritical, as it goes against their previous moral stance of not believing in them.The author believes that India’s pursuit of superpower status is ridiculous given its development ranking and the high levels of illiteracy, poverty, and lack of basic amenities in the country. The author connects the nuclear bomb and the demolition of the Babri Masjid as part of a nation’s search for identity, criticizing the actions of those celebrating the bomb while condemning Western culture.
The author suggests that the government should focus on restoring dignity to tribal people and addressing their mistreatment instead of pursuing authenticity and banning Western influences. The author argues against railing against the past and instead encourages nurturing and loving what is beautiful in the world, as making bombs will only destroy. The author criticizes the ruling class for prioritizing bomb-making over education and questions the lack of information and language to inform the people about nuclear weapons.
The author questions the prime minister’s authority to decide on nuclear weapons and expresses distrust in their ability to prevent accidents. The author views the nuclear bomb as anti-democratic, anti-national, and evil, challenging both religious and non-religious perspectives on its creation. The essay ends with a reminder of the fragility of the world and the potential for its destruction.
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