Echoes of Conflict - May 2025 Part III

ECHOES OF CONFLICT

By: Arijit Bhattacharya, Finance, Grant & Capacity Building Manager

The air in Jodhpur was dry, heavy with anticipation as the sun dipped behind the ancient sandstone walls of Mehrangarh Fort. The city, often a haven of color and vibrancy, seemed muted that evening.

Rumors had been circulating for days after the terror attack at Pahelgam on April 22, 2025 — whispers in the bazaars, hurried exchanges in chai stalls, and the constant buzz from online platforms playing updates in muffled tones. A war-like situation had erupted between India and Pakistan, and Jodhpur, being a border city, was naturally on edge. 

The local authorities had already begun preparations. Blackout drills were announced for the 4.00 PM, and households scrambled to cover their windows with thick sheets. It was surreal, almost theatrical, yet the gravity of the situation kept us silent. My father said, “It is in the darkest of times that people’s true colors shine. Remember, beta, courage isn’t the absence of fear; it is the triumph over it.” 

Later, suddenly, a siren tore through the stillness, its wail slicing into the dark. My heart raced as I rushed to turn off our lights. “Stay low,” my inner voice commanded.

The night seemed eternal, each minute stretching into an hour. But amidst the fear, there was an undeniable sense of unity. Outside in the hallway, one of my neighbors shared, “Hope is the only thing stronger than fear. Let us not forget that.” 

The morning came with an eerie quiet. The sun rose over Jodhpur’s ochre walls, painting them in hues of resilience. News filtered in. Skirmishes had subsided, and diplomatic talks were underway. Though the tension had not fully evaporated, there was a palpable sense of relief. 

That day, standing on the terrace again, I looked toward the horizon and felt the weight of history. Jodhpur, the gateway to so many tales of bravery and resilience, had once more stood firm in the face of adversity. The echoes of that night remain within me — a reminder of how fragile peace is and how strong the human spirit can be when tested.