I am back from a wonderful vacation. I attended a Christian wedding, visited my college, had a pleasant conversation with one of my profs there, chilled out in Mangalore and last, but not the least, clicked snaps using my new digicam!

It felt like hitting the refresh button. And today for no particular reason, I have been feeling extremely elated! Wonderful!!

But somewhere not far, people have lost their lives. The extent of the tragedy is staggering. Survivors don’t know what to do with the dead bodies. Relief aid is not finding it’s way to the needy. It’s no longer a number game. The magnitude of the disaster is no longer being measured, but being comprehended (for logistical reasons). The gloom of Sunday’s Tsunami is everywhere.

I wonder, like I always have, if we are ever going to learn anything. When I say ‘we’, I am not shifting focus to policy makers and politicians. I mean WE. After the recent tragedy, I wonder if WE will ever understand how futile our everyday life is becoming. We bicker, hoard, insult, hate…..we forget that life is precious and uncertain. Sometimes I wonder if it is me, but not a day passes without me noticing how much we take for granted. We have become insensitive and indifferent. I donno about other countries - but we in India are sitting on a potential landmine every single day of our lives. I don’t think there is a disaster management system in place. I don’t think the people concerned have ever heard of being prepared for the worst.

I have a plan for the worst case scenario. I strive to live everyday of my life to the fullest. No regrets. If I die tomorrow (or tonight!), I’ll rest in peace. I make a concious effort to share my happiness with people around. I make sure that I don’t spread my sorrow. I know that all my lows are just passing phases. This is how I live my life. This is how I prepare for the worst case scenario.

Honestly, I don’t feel a thing for the dead. Don’t get me wrong - I am not being heartless. I grieve for the living. The ones who have lost their loved ones. The ones who are homeless and orphaned. The ones who live a lesser life of greed and hate. I pray they find their measure of peace.

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