12 September, 2023

The wind and the flowers!



It was a windy evening a few days ago with clouds gathering all around. I noticed a Magpie Robin at the edge of a tree get swayed in the wind! I wonder why it was nor flying to safety!

When I read the news that people who normally lived in the pavements of New Delhi, were removed and taken to a far away place during the G 20 meetings of International leaders, I got a sense of the reality we face in today's world of distorted thinking! The sight of those who face hardships in life make some people uncomfortable. How is that the Prime Minister is still not taking a stand on the conflict and strife of people in Manipur, where the police had to fire at a group of women who are protesting! It looks like the government looks the other way when people are in distress!

When I looked down after noticing this bird swaying in the wind, I saw the bush with its flowers at the edge of our garden. I felt drawn by the hope of life that bush represented! The reality of life is this duality- people affected by the adverse circumstances of life and the hope that sustained humanity to be aspirational!

I heard Mr Rahul Gandhi mention about this hope during his meeting with young professionals in Paris a few days ago. Referring to his political philosophy he mentioned, 'We live to bring hope to tearful eyes'!

I received a telephone call yesterday from a parent, who needed a consultation for their neuro-developmentally challenged son. When I mentioned to him that I have formally retired, his response was, 'There are children who need your help'!

The Magpie Robin swaying in a moving branch, became a symbol on that windy and cloudy evening, of people living in vulnerable situations, physically, emotionally, behaviourally and socially!

It is from a firm footing of hope, that the bush of flowers represented as a symbol, one can live mindfully of people who wait for a hand holding!

M.C.Mathew (text and photo)

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