Own up!

Bangalore

While lying down in the warm water in the river one evening, I went through the previous weeks experience in that night.

There were three strong elements in the whole situation:

- Individuals who can't pursue their dreams just because they are worried about monetary aspects of running a day to day life; which in turn takes them away from their passion.

- Artists and ritualistic healers like "Pulluvars" who can't make a living any more out of what they are passionate about and what they know the best.

- Lack of knowledge sharing by NGOs and individuals about the river. I did meet some people who have painstakingly undertaken research and explored their river in their own ways.

But it was kind of obvious that night that they prefer to remain in their own island of knowledge, and that they look at everyone else with doubt. ( A typical social dynamics of Kerala, I guess!!)

One person after the other, came forward to address the gathering :

-Some one literally cried about how sad it is to see this river like this NOW
-Some one shared how wonderful the river was when they were kids
-Some one nostalgically talked about the days when the river used to touch both the banks
-Some one criticised about wrong actions about the Government and ....

While hearing all this, I was thinking the following:

"Well, its wonderful to see these people being so passionate and even romantic about the river. I don't know if I will ever meet such people any where else."

It was truly touching to see them singing for the river in that moonlit riverbed.

But, what's the point in just being romantic and do nothing about the situation? I agree, its wonderful to be able to sing and remain passionate about the river. Not many people would do that. The way they were communicating their anguish was impressive, but again, for me it was about:

"Hello guys, wake up and do something!"

If you feel so much about the river and it's present plight, own up!
It's high time that you take responsibility for what you can!


© GP 2006