Life is Beautiful

The 1997 Oscar winning film ‘Life is Beautiful “ starring Roberto Benigni was based on the holocaust. The blackest chapter in Human history. Horrific acts of human atrocities against fellow humans were brought about by a stunted person’s oversized EGO. Hitler was able to mobilise millions and blind them with such hatred that they willingly killed and tortured innocents. 

History repeats as we witness one man’s ego which has the world standing by and watching as Russia and Ukraine continue their unbeaten war.. 

Evil is so persistent in each one of us that we see the worst much before the good. We are more open to hearing the bad about someone and quickly believe it. The louder a voice the easier it is believed. 

If someone repeatedly shouts out lies it soon becomes the norm. 

Yet, we know that truth prevails even if it takes time to emerge. Silent whispers are eminently heard amidst the noise. Let us not forget how after 200 years of violence, struggle and sacrifice, it was the soft spoken Mahatma who finally got India her independence. His methods of truth, non violence and Satyagraha finally forced the British to return. 

This year, a dear friend said, “Is the year of Karma”. A year of new beginnings and rewards that were long pending. To all who are true, stay strong. Believe in yourself and you will persevere. Start with you and be the change that you want to see in the world. No, I’m not aiming to change the world because to me it’s beautiful, just the way it is. The cycle of Karma will mete out rewards and punishments as deserved. The  Ego brings a person's downfall sooner or later. 

Say it loud till you really believe that “Life Is Beautiful “.

A SUNSET OF DIFFERENT STROKES

There is another heaven on earth apart from Kashmir in India- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Waiting to be exploited by the luxury tourism industry; we are glad we experienced this heaven in its purest form. We stayed close to Radhanagar beach at Havelock Island, Andamans. Although Google rates it as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it has not received its fair share of adulation and popularity. The beaches of Bali, Maldives, and Koh Samui- all famed for supernatural beauty fall short as you step onto this lovely beach. Real Pristine sands and the crystal clear deep waters here will take your breath away!

Radhanagar, like a young blushing bride, displays varying moods at different times of the day. As the sun rises early over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, by 6 a.m. it’s bright and sunny. You must wake up much before to see shimmering baby pink hues of sunrise. Breathtaking Ocean views refresh the darkest of doubts in the human mind. It’s an experience that beckons beyond discovery. Let the waves brush against your feet and the cool waters exhilarate you. Words are wasted here- just feel and you will experience divinity.

Peek in at noon and see the sky an azure blue. The scorching sun in the clear blue skies makes perfect shadows on the white burning sands. The afternoon slips away quickly and by 4 it’s perfect at the beach. Sip on your tea and gorge on the samosas before you enter the waters for a swim. The Ocean is alive here and it beckons you to come play with it. It’s imperative to let go!

Sunsets at Radhanagar on Swaraj Dweep are picturesque. We watch the sky take on various shades of orange, crimson, and blue as the sun goes down. Breathtaking views from different angles. Photographers and enthusiasts are seen trying to capture the beauty. Catch the sun in your fingers- if you get it right! A short watch tower structure built right on the beach lets you take some aerial pictures of the place. Don’t miss it. 

During our stay, we witnessed beautiful sunsets. This one, however, on the penultimate evening was different. The children wanted to play volleyball with their dad while I just wanted to be with my musings. As I walked by the waters watching the skies change colour it felt like the clouds were moving with me. A look at the sun and it seemed to speak! I looked again and, it smiled- I smiled back! As the sun descended into the West  I felt like I was losing a friend. I couldn’t bear the thought and turned around- a beautiful gibbous moon above smiled upon me. A descending sun and an emerging moon shared space in the open sky- opposite each other. A sight that I’ve never witnessed before. 

Isn’t it a similar situation when a phase in our lives is about to end? We feel sad, almost depressed. Take a deep breath and turn around. Just shift your point of view. You will see the moon emerging- a new chapter that’s about to start. Embrace the night and say goodbye to what is no more. There’s always a bend in the road, a new path: often more beautiful beckons. It’s a sunset of different strokes that taught me how to paint the picture perfectly.