Festival time is on in our country. Recently we have celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi with full devotion and a great sense of togetherness. In fact, we have been the participants and witness of many festivals and social-cultural-professional events of collective efforts in all spheres of human activity. Truly speaking, collectively we can do much more and achieve even the seemingly impossible goals than doing it alone. And in the bargain, we feel internally connected, strong and happy. It is very rightly said by my great persons that coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress and working together is success.
Since time immemorial, the human race tried to live together in families, groups etc., notwithstanding the fact that with the passage of time the human culture and civilization progressed with a lot of developments in all walks of life throughout the world in varying magnitude. Why talk of only human beings, for that matter, all creatures on this earth like to live together in one way or the other. You must have enjoyed seeing the herds of elephants roaming in the forest; honey bees’ super activity around the honeycomb; zebras and buffaloes daring to put up a winning fight against the lion or leopard. The other day I happened to see a poster showing a few horses running together and the caption of the poster was, “Togetherness is Happiness.” So right. isn't it?
Right from our childhood, we learn to live in a family, in villages and cities organising and enjoying the festivals together, participating in games, getting education in schools/colleges/universities, working in different workplaces and thereby learn the great lesson of life to live like a social human being to ensure our wellbeing. We miss our kith and kin, friends and dear ones so much and long to meet them or at least talk to them, share our feelings of joy, sorrow and whatnot. The technological developments like transport, communication, mobile, internet, social media etc. have proved to be great enablers in this direction.
Interestingly, whenever we set out to achieve something or have actually achieved something, we show a “V” sign (for victory) to our well-wishers, supporters and friends. But have you ever seen the cranes in groups heading south for the winter, flying along in a “V” formation? It is really beautiful to see and inspiring to know the science and logic as to why they fly together in that manner. In fact, as each crane flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 70% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. As scholars and philosophers opine, it is quite interesting for us to learn a few lessons of life here:
1) While flying, when a crane falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone - and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in the front. To say, people who share a common goal and a sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily, because they are travelling on the thrust of one another. So, if we put in practice as much sense as a crane does, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way as we are.
2) Now when the head crane gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another crane flies past. Very right. It makes great sense to take turns doing demanding jobs, whether it is cranes or we the people.
3) Cranes honk from behind to encourage those up to keep up their speed. What message do we give when we cheer or warn from behind? Obviously, cheering up or giving warning signals by the fellow participants re-energize or alert the front runners. It is necessary for good progress.
4) Finally, the most notable issue. If by any chance, a crane gets sick or is wounded by any means and falls out of formation, two-three other cranes fall out with that crane and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen crane until it is able to fly or until it dies and only then they start flying on their own or with another formation to catch up with their group. To say, if we behave with every human being with compassion, empathy and a sense of belonging particularly in times of crisis, we all will enjoy its huge benefits in terms of power, prosperity and pleasure.
As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion. (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)
