The deep rooted practice of racism is making its presence felt yet again and has impacted many innocent minds, leaving behind gory imprints. The impact of colour discrimination has created deep and dark strokes, causing never ending pain, even as stark questions hang in the air. Why should the feeling of being part of another colour or a different genetically inherited physical appearance be a burden on any one's shoulder? It seems that 'Xenophobia', which is a reflective feeling of hostility to any stranger in a group is on the rise across the globe.

Racism was a construct based on the theory of some people being superior to others on the basis of their colour. There has been a lot of violence against us, Indians for some time, probably due to the colour of our skin. The community has been targeted for no reason and suffers racial discrimination without any reason. On the contrary, Indians follow the mantra of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' as a creed for respect, protection and affection to every foreign guest, who steps on our shores. History is full of instances where Indians have treated the Atithi next to God. Even at the expense of the host a visitor is always given priority, respect and comfort of space.

These gestures of gratitude have been overlooked and India has been exploited since ages. In the 16th century, a few White guests, who came to India in the garb of traders under the Union Jack exploited this hospitality. Instead of remaining as guests, they became the masters of this land, leaving behind deep scars both racial and economic.

Hundreds of years later, Gandhi, the apostle of peace and non-violence came forward to shake the conscience of this nation, but not before he was thrown out of a first class train compartment because he was not a White. That racial incident shook Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi to such an extent that he went on to become the liberator of a billion souls. Halfway across the globe and half a century later, Indians across the globe are facing a similar situation. The need of the hour is another man to rise to the occasion and take the fight to the perpetrators of racial crimes.