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Come together now
Come hell or high water, it's bonding that keeps us, and hope, afloat, discovers Sudeshna Chatterjee
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
THE world's never been closer. At the recent Mumbai marathon, buzzwords had moved from images of leaders like Gandhi, to words like peace and harmony. Faith in the togetherness of man has never been stronger. As times are getting tougher, notes Bangalore-based psychiatrist Dr Vikas Mohan Sharma, from natural calamities to man made ones, men are huddling closer. "Tragedy makes for catharsis," he says adding, "Those who have lost someone embrace memories, and those who were spared give thanks. In either case, people tend to reach out even more."
Cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar believes in family power over willow power. It's been the backbone of his success, he says, and it stays with him through the tough times and good. "When I'm not playing, I'd much rather spend time with my family, as it gives me maximum happiness."
Bengal's beloved Saurav Ganguly recently retired for a chance to watch his daughter grow up. As his daughter watched his last Test, bunking school for once, his wife Dona Ganguly said, "These moments are what make cherished memories."
Singer, poet, artist and author of Swapnalok Society, Suchitra Krishnamoorthi says that tragedy puts things in perspective. "The only real things are people around you and the power of living in the 'now' is supreme. If I want to be in touch with someone, I do so irrespective of whether the person has called on
me or
not."
me or
not."
Actor Pooja Bedi says, "Tragedy brings forth a metamorphosis within. It dramatically alters not just situations, but thoughts and emotions. My brother passed away a decade ago. Then my mother. But there is no regret about something I left unsaid, undone or unresolved. I have always lived in the 'now'. Be it hugging my dad or saying sorry for something, I've never ever hesitated. We always complain, but forget to thank people. Just make it a habit to be grateful and life will turn 360 degrees."
Kamini Karlekar's first book (Un)settled: Notes from A Shifting Life explores what it means to be unsettled and to belong. Karlekar observes, "Having lost some people very close to me in my early 20s, I'm aware how precious time with my loved ones is. It's also a result of me spending large amounts of time away from home on
work."
work."
Considering many have a life today that is more on the run, is it worth making efforts to ensure space and time for your loved ones? As TV actor Ronit Roy puts it, "Bonding with my family comes naturally and is the reason for me to be alive and kicking."
Santoor player Rahul Sharma feels his life has changed post 26/11. "I thank God that I am alive and have loved ones to take care of me. I value and adore even more their presence in my life. These days I check on my friends and family frequently to see if all's well."
Image consultant Dilip Cherian maintains that "calamities coupled with the economic slowdown, has resulted in people feeling a sense of fear and discovering spare time. There is the huge question of 'what if' looming large on the horizon. You either turn to neighbours, friends, family or classmates and old colleagues on networking sites and blogs to reconnect and find a sense of solace."
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