Defining Moment

There is a defining moment in every nation's existence. These moments define the character of a nation and what it stands for. One such moment that the nation of Kashmir is facing today is the fate of Dal lake.
We are fortunate enough to have been blessed with a land of unparalleled beauty. With this blessing comes the responsibility to preserve this beauty. So far we failed to do what is right. Dal lake bears witness that we did not fulfill our responsibilities. Now is the time, when we need to rise up as a nation and come to its rescue. We need to do what is right and what is expected of us.
Government has not been able to prevent its deterioration. We as people need to step up. This lake belongs to each one of us. We need to save it. The people of Kashmir need to own this lake with all its problems. We can't be its fair weather friends. As long as it stays beautiful we will keep visiting it but as soon as it dies we will treat it the way we treat a dead dog. We will want to get rid of it. If we let that happen, what will it say about our character. It has been there forever and we have been proud of it. Now that it needs us, we are turning our backs towards it. It is crying for help:

' Save me! Save me! O' people of Kashmir. I am dying. Please. I need your help. I don't want to die, please help me. Don't go away, now is the time when I need you the most.'

A lot has been written about its condition. People have talked about it, heard about and cried for it. Everyone in Kashmir seems to be concerned but what we need the most is an honest action to save it. A call for help is not sufficient neither is concern. What really matters is the action. We need to act and act now, briskly and efficiently as a nation. We need to gel as a unit , come together and strive, strive hard to save this lake and bring back its lost glory. We need to define ourselves and take a step that will lead this lake into a healthier tomorrow.

Preservation of this lake is a direct reflection of our character as a nation. We have to make a choice. Do we want to watch it die silently and live with this pain for ever? or, do we want to come forward and save it for us, our future generations and the world? This is the defining moment.