You could say it is an ending of sorts. Perhaps the most tragic ending to a year ever. Unexpected, unparalleled, the earthquake and the tsunami that followed, has wreaked havoc across coasts, bringing death and destruction. Who would have envisaged such an end to 2004?
As reports flood in and death tolls mount, there’s much to reflect on life and it’s strange ways. Nature that nurtures can also lash out in unmitigated fury. And as people living in vast extended and interdependent communities, which in turn are dependent hugely on the eco system we live on, we have much to learn.
The first being, never take anything – be it your resources or the people around you – for granted.
The second, that life could take unexpected turns in the fraction of a second. Let’s live it well and earn happiness rather than other less important things.
Interestingly, the spirit of the common man, the ordinary folk, is what shines through in these difficult times. Generous souls have come forward to gather together groups or like-minded to provide food, shelter and clothing to the affected. Housewives are hard at work churning out masses of rice, sambhar or idlies, packing them for distribution among those hospitalised or homeless. Those with the will have found a way, turning their own homes into shelters for women and children. Almost everyone one knows is helping in some way or the other, however small.
As the resilience of the human spirit shines through, one hopes that this giving and sharing, would be the basis for new beginnings come the New Year. While the gloss peels off and the artifice of social polish wears thin, it will be time for a rather solemn 2005. When hopefully, we as citizens ask vociferously for better community safety standards and an alert infrastructure. Because it has happened and we learn from what we experience. Also because we do lead better lives and would wish for others to do to.
It’s time to look for new beginnings come 2005.
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