It is the first season since we started living in our cottage here ten years ago, we have noticed this interesting feature in our Bell Fruit tree- the ripe fruits and new flowers at the same time! Usually the tree flowers twice in a year and produces fruits. During the last six months it is the third time, the tree is flowering.
Yes the climate change is perhaps the reason. We had a short and mild winter, a mild and short summer and a prolonged spell of monsoon season with more rains during summer than what would be usual.
This experience with one tree led me to look at the other trees and some fruit bearing trees. Some had fruits earlier than the usual time and some are only flowering now.
The trees adapt to the environment and climate changes, although stressfully!
It is a turning point in the Ukrainian war imposed upon it by Russia. With the USA, Britain, and Germany showing signs of getting involved in the war directly, the Russian intention to create a semblance of a Third world war is at our door step, unless wisdom prevails and world leaders climb down from posturing.
It was COVID pandemic for two years; now it is the war and its devastating effect in many countries. The Sri Lankan and Pakistani internal turmoils contribute to the uncertainties ahead of us. The traction that China has towards Russia is likely to create another complex situation. India has so far dissociated from taking a stand on the war because of its own compulsions. India has been a traditional ally of Russia. Russia, China and Pakistan are in one block. India is neither an umpire nor an activist in this situation.
The environment of peace and rights of a sovereign nation cannot be regulated by the United Nations. Its leadership is weak and not inspirational.
We live in fear of the nuclear button that all these nations have access to!
The Russian premier is considered to have serious debilitating disease as of now. His decision making abilities are under dispute! His rogue behaviour reminds us of Hitler's!
In India, the voice of dissent towards a particular minority community is expressed manifestly creating disharmony that I never witnessed in the last fifty years, since I had a sense of political affairs in India.
The season of peace, harmony and collective journey seems to give way to authoritarian rule. The Prime Minister is of India is not rising to be a statesman at this critical juncture to offer stability to our federal structure where all communities live and share their experiences equally. The recent announcement of the Home minister that the government is preparing to introduce a uniform Civil Code is adding fuel to suspicion and anxiety!
The political season is changing in India. It is a season of narrow partisan perspective to control and impose rather than carrying people into a welfare status and wellness for families!
I agonise and feel the pain of this fallen state of democratic Institutions globally. A wrong gets justified because the brute power of majority justifies it. That is different from the Parliamentary democracy of Nehruvian era, where people and values mattered! Now religious fundamentalism rules. The independent institutions such the Courts work under pressure to conform to the political climate of having to give assent to what is politically demanded. Just one example of not fixing responsibility on anyone for demolishing the Babri Masjid unlawfully and violently tells us that the Courts work under compulsions.
Who are we to be in such a changing scene! To be a light engaged in good works and to receive all people around as our neighbours!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
No comments:
Post a Comment