Englishman Gives Shashi Tharoor A Heartwarming Note After Hearing The Jallianwala Bagh Story

Indian freedom struggle was a painful journey. Many innocent lives were lost and people sacrificed their body, mind and soul to free us from the clutches of the autocratic Britishers. But the most horrifying incident of the many that took place remains the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

No matter which school you went to or which board, you surely have heard the story how British troops opened fire at thousands of people under the command of Colonel Reginald Dyer. Even today, the thought of it sends shivers down my spine.

When Shashi Tharoor narrated this story at the Auckland Writers Festival, an Englishman came up to him after the book signing and left him a small note. He apologised for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

“I am British born & I am sorry.”

Tharoor shared this heart-warming incident on Twitter and warmed all of our hearts with it.

When selected authors were invited to tell a 7-minute “true story” at the opening gala of the #aucklandwritersfestival, I told the story of Jallianwallah Bagh. An Englishman came up afterwards at the book signing and pressed this note into my hand. pic.twitter.com/TFBUc1GSqD

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 17, 2018

Shashi Tharoor has been vocal about the atrocities of the Britishers and other pieces from our past. He almost never minces his words and although that gets him trolled sometimes, it never stops him from voicing his opinions.

Twitterverse was touched by the Englishman’s gesture.

1. All of us are.

I'm touched. It was so thoughtful of you to tell Jwb story. Relevant to the gathering. I wish to convey my appreciation to the gentleman for his sensitivity.

— Prakash Rao (@prakashrao26) May 17, 2018

2. There’s still some hope left.

They should be for the atrocities committed. This gentleman appears to be overcome with a feeling of guilt. Still humane to feel sorry for the ruthless actions of his ancestors.

— Davinder Deep Singh ਦਵਿੰਦਰ ਦੀਪ ਸਿੰਘ (@Davinderdeep) May 17, 2018

3. But why do we need it from the current representatives?

This is so deep . I wish he has courage,confidence to ask Elected representatives of his country to apologise .

— एकाकी (@SuhaibFaridi) May 17, 2018

4. I’m sure they are.

Awww…I was there. I think many are truly sorry. Now I am more skeptical of the ‘great Indian divide’, fostered by the Indians!!!

— Sadhana Reddy (@Thenidunno) May 18, 2018

5. It does, it really does.

That story would bring goose bumps to anyone! And we have to give you this that you are really good speaker and a story teller!! And that man was sensitive enough to realise the pain.

— Pretty Paru (@Pretty_Paru) May 17, 2018

It’s true, an apology cannot reverse the pain, nor can it return the lives we’ve lost. But it does make it easier to get through it.

When someone who didn’t know of the evil that took place feels responsible for it simply because the people who did it were their ancestors, we know we have raised some good people. And we can hope for a more peaceful future.

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