This is Shweta Sanjiv Bhatt,
As we mark 20 years of the horrific Gujarat Genocide, my heart goes out to the families who lost their near and dear ones to hate and violence and to the brave souls who continue to fight for justice.
To the fearless Mrs Zakia Jafri Ji, Nishrin Jafri Hussain
Today marks 20 years of a fight you did not pick, a fight, which was thrust upon you, which snatched away all that you held dear to your heart .. but even in the face of the impossible, you kept fighting, every single second of each passing day.
When you bravely stood up against this regime to bring them to justice, you stood up for tens and thousands of victims of the Gujarat Pogrom, and that takes courage of another order. Even in the face of upheavals and disappointments, you vowed to continue to fight, and fight you did.
I cannot even begin to imagine what you have been through, and what you continue to endure. The dignity, grace and courage with which you have been relentlessly fighting, has and continues to be a source of inspiration and a light at the end of the tunnel for many.
In these last three and a half years, whenever I falter, I think of you and I think of Sanjiv.
While Sanjiv continues to be my source of unwavering courage, your indomitable spirit continues to be my source of inspiration.
We wake up every day with hope and faith in our hearts of justice being delivered .. but each day, the system betrays our trust, mocks our faith and tries to break down our resolve.
Yet, you continue to persevere with undying spirit … and we continue to fight.
For generations to come, your sacrifices, your fighting spirit, and your grace in the face of atrocity will not only be remembered but will continue to inspire.
You have and continue to hold an extremely special place in Sanjiv’s heart as well as mine and our children.
From one wife fighting for her husband to another … we will prevail …. that is my faith and prayer.
We are and continue to always be with you.
Sanjiv and Shweta Bhatt
This piece was first shared by Shweta Sanjiv Bhatt on Facebook.
