As they say, it is better late than never. Warm wishes for a great year ahead for all of you and your dear ones. This is a reaffirmation of the wishes you would have got on time for the New Year.The cusp of December and January saw a few happenings that were contrasting in nature.
My mother celebrated her 80th birthday. I took her to a nearby temple, where she most probably would have prayed for a peaceful end. As we advance in age. I think, a peaceful end would be most coveted.
A few days later my son turned 17. He would have wished for a bright start in life as he stands in the threshold of adulthood and partial independence.
My friend’s father passed away after a period of protracted illness at the age of 84. He was affected with Alzheimer’s, but it could never deter him from living life to the fullest. Last year, he asked his son for a laptop. Just a measure of enthusiasm for a man who does not know computers.
In a couple of days time another friend’s father would be celebrating his Sadabhishekam (80th birthday) with his wife,children and grandchildren. A boon only a few can hope for. A retired IAS officer, he and his wife, also an ex-IAS officer, lead a simple contended life.
So there it is, life and death. While we mourn death, we can also rejoice life. We will be here only for a very short period and it is worth while to enjoy it, without petty things like anger, squabbles, ego, pride, coming in the way.
In different parts of the country, we are now celebrating Bhogi, Pongal, Sankranthi, Lohri, Uttrayan to mark the sun’s transition to the northern hemisphere.(Though it is the earth that moves, the sun gets the credit, very similar to a corporate set up where somebody does and someone else gets the credit).These festivals symbolizes the discarding of old things and bringing in of the new. It is a pity that Chennaites take it literally and burn old things in their house and if they cannot find anything in their house, will burn their neighbour’s property and pollute the atmosphere.
So what better time than now to throw out old hatred & prejudice and bring in new friendships & relations. Time to apologize for our mistakes and give others a chance to apologize for theirs.
A few days later my son turned 17. He would have wished for a bright start in life as he stands in the threshold of adulthood and partial independence.
My friend’s father passed away after a period of protracted illness at the age of 84. He was affected with Alzheimer’s, but it could never deter him from living life to the fullest. Last year, he asked his son for a laptop. Just a measure of enthusiasm for a man who does not know computers.
In a couple of days time another friend’s father would be celebrating his Sadabhishekam (80th birthday) with his wife,children and grandchildren. A boon only a few can hope for. A retired IAS officer, he and his wife, also an ex-IAS officer, lead a simple contended life.
So there it is, life and death. While we mourn death, we can also rejoice life. We will be here only for a very short period and it is worth while to enjoy it, without petty things like anger, squabbles, ego, pride, coming in the way.
In different parts of the country, we are now celebrating Bhogi, Pongal, Sankranthi, Lohri, Uttrayan to mark the sun’s transition to the northern hemisphere.(Though it is the earth that moves, the sun gets the credit, very similar to a corporate set up where somebody does and someone else gets the credit).These festivals symbolizes the discarding of old things and bringing in of the new. It is a pity that Chennaites take it literally and burn old things in their house and if they cannot find anything in their house, will burn their neighbour’s property and pollute the atmosphere.
So what better time than now to throw out old hatred & prejudice and bring in new friendships & relations. Time to apologize for our mistakes and give others a chance to apologize for theirs.
For we may never pass this way again.
A happy BHOGI, PONGAL, LOHRI, UTTARAYAN to all you folks!
 | Seals & Crofts - We May Never Pass This Way Again .mp3 |  |
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