The entire world is aware that we are bang in the middle of a critical moment in the history of mankind. In the process of evolution Nature produced a highly developed and advanced species, homo sapiens, mankind as we call ourselves. This is now evolution at it’s peak. What that really translates is that humans became the caretakers and custodians of this wonderful planet called Earth which was once known as paradise.
However we all know what man has done to his world. We are at the cross roads of how, what and where we go from here. At this junction, while our way of life has prompted us to pause and ponder, what we must grasp is the understanding that we are equipped with all the intellectual power necessary to roll out the protocols and the guidelines that will eventually deliver a way of life that we all desire.
To start, we need to solve and set aside our biggest problem: Starvation. There must be enough food available so no one ever goes hungry, ever. Stomach full, man then looks beyond the trauma of everyday survival.
This done, our essential nature comes to the fore. The vagaries of problems to survive, which indeed is our first and ongoing battle once they recede onto the backburner, our next duty of indulgence is procreation. This, like survival, is an imperative for all creatures on the planet.
The third and last obligation that all living creatures must endure is Death. Death is an integral and natural part of life. Human beings are the only product of this creation that can know and question the full meaning and purpose of life. And Death. In exchange for that unique and exclusive endowment, we are entrusted with the responsibility to ensure that all life in the Three Kingdoms, Animal, Vegetable and Mineral, are properly administered and operating at full capacity.
That capacity includes peace, good health, mental and physical and a joyful coming together of all life on our planet. The immense bounty of nature is our birthright.
Duty calls, it’s now time to restart, reload, refresh and restore life for everything and everyone and return to the realm of reality. From here on we need to discard, desist and delete all desires and dreams that so far have only delivered disaster and destruction.
We need to cancel out all the cravings and callousness that culminated in the current catastrophe. Our existence was created to experience joy, not worry and pain.
We must immediately adapt to the politics of restoration, of reform and rehabilitation. We must set up the protocols for a policy of determination and devotion, a dedicated striving towards our magical destination of eternal joy.
Having said, and read all that, and if you are still with me, let’s get down to the grassroots, literally. The task ahead is nothing short of tantalising, growing food. Let’s work Goa first. Clarity begins at home.
Goa has this unique distinction of being the newest free state in the nation. We have blended so well the western way of life that was the legacy of our recently returned occupiers, with the mystery and wisdom of the only and oldest surviving culture in the history of Human Development.
The world now acknowledges that when it comes to the true meaning and understanding of life and existence, India is where it’s at.
So why then are we not the example of an advanced way of living? Why haven’t we blended the wisdom of our inner being with an outer display of health and comfort?
The reason? We allowed our inbuilt promptings of greed and ego to take over our operating systems.
We can start right here, at home, in this blessed state of Goa to regroup and reorganize and set up a new agenda to make this State the way it wants to be.
We have the most fertile lands, an over abundance of water, a country blessed with year round conditions for sowing and growing. The seas and the trees provide tirelessly and unfailingly an abundance, a harvest of plenty that you don’t see anywhere else.
Most significant of all, this part of the world, because of its beauty and bounty, has crafted the unique character of the people of this State, People of goodness, gratitude and generosity.
The Bucket List: 1. Select the right Administrators and leaders. Men and women of noble character, people with a passion and pride, who recognise the uniqueness of this State, who will be dedicated to the service of the people. We learn in this country, that service to the people, “Seva”, the best way to off load all the negative Karma that we bring, and take, before and after every time we come and go. One only escapes the “endless” cycle of birth and death. When the Karma burden reaches zero.
2.The list of Projects: Once the land and forests provide all the food we need to eliminate the evil of starvation, the follow up plans will include.
a) Total Health and Medical facilities.
b) Education. Starting with children. Upto the age of six, kids must never enter the classroom. Mother Nature is the best teacher. Children must first experience nature. The outdoors provides joy, good health and a naturally developed immunity. Exercise and fresh air enhances their appetites, so no trouble at feeding time. During these years, no books, no chalk, no slates, but instead music and dancing. And it’s important to imbibe in them respect and love for their elders and everyone else.
After that, by the age of seven, the Three R’s can take over.
Reading, ‘Riting, and ‘Rithmetic’.
We intend to extend the programme to be included in his bucket list in a follow-up essay. Thank you for staying with us until the end.
(The author is now a permanent resident of Goa after many years of living in Mumbai, New York and UK.)
