Once
someone told me while having a prolonged conversation on Indus Valley
Civilization that they were the Master
of Rivers. It was amazing to know; how they flourished along rivers for
centuries & shifted to Ganga Valley in later periods.
Gone
are the days when people used to throng at the banks of river Ganges when
transporting vessels unloaded their supplies. Pilgrims from all around came
along these ships and resided here taking an oath not to leave the city in any circumstances.
I
met an individual who was dwelling at the Ghats of River Ganges courageous
enough to call upon as a Master of Rivers.
A lanky stature without a single
tinge of fat on his body; elongated beard; wearing vests & a dhoti; in mid
60s he had a peculiar glaze in eyes; my master of river had enough to talk
about the river beyond which he knew nothing of importance and was a proactive
listener with intent.
He
elaborately discussed how the river changes its appearance from morning till
night; the characteristic variation of it in different seasons, the people engagements
with it and much more. While having a chat with him I came to know that he comes
from somewhere else and resided here on the banks of the river. Bewildered by
his oath to live along the river on a boat I unexpectedly asked him- Don’t you
feel dejected?
His
answer made me think twice; how life is evaluated on parameters of selection or
choices rather than flashy ornamentation that we wear all along. Let me share
his answer as it is- A long silence; a pause; a hiccup and the word came out of
his mouth; it’s better to live life as it
is…!
Comments
Post a Comment