By Geetanjali Sharma
Some years ago I went through a terrible phase which shook me enough to understand the need to support mental health. Now, with the world circling around the internet, ‘good vibes’ have taken over to help people who need hope. Anyway, this disclaimer was just a warm-up for my thoughts to roll and discover this week’s write up.
With many sleepless nights in the past week, I am sure all our thoughts and discussions have been about the tragic air crash in Ahmedabad. Devastating as it was, the incident has left the nation grieving. At one point, I consciously kept away from social media as speculations were just adding more drama to the happening while bytes of harrowed family members were unbearable to watch. As we find our way through the storm of this heartbreaking loss, it’s perhaps the right time to understand the fragility of it all.
Here at Rajpur, it’s heartwarming to witness that neighbours are still sacred to our community. For years, I found myself adoring fictional stories with neighbours playing a pivotal role in helping and nurturing their communities but finding myself living in such a neighbourhood is fantastic. Be it a cozy tea party on a rainy monsoon evening or a musical afternoon while soaking in the winter sun, life at Rajpur is lived freely, with many conversations and stories to share and laugh about.
While enjoying the bond of having friendly neighbours, dropping by as a surprise or sending over the fresh yield of Litchi or Jackfruit is well expected. As I hear stories of the neighbourhood from my family, it almost feels like wild greens growing together in harmony and admiration for each other while forming a world of their own.
With changing trends, our focus has shifted from immediate surroundings to a future which lies ahead of our control – much like all those who took that ill-fated flight and, in a blink, lost control of all that there ever was.
While the world mourns and we mourn with it, it’s fair to say that life is what we have right now. Grow with what you have, share your thoughts before it’s too late, and appreciate your time in health and happiness for there is only now to live. So, show your feelings of gratitude and love, face your fears and decide to talk while you still have the chance.
Life is unpredictable, always has been and this incident is a reminder for all to respect the relations we have. Accept the invite to a tea party, go meet your long-lost cousin in the crowd or just sit and relax with all the experiences you have had – introspect and unlearn for the better.
(Geetanjali Sharma is an author and communications specialist. She holds a post-graduate degree in international communication from Macquarie University, Australia.)
