Dying with dignity

When he was born on 17 February 1930 in Calicut, Kerala, the astrologers refused to cast a horoscope for him. They predicted that he would die soon. But Basava Premanand went on to live an inspirational life of 80 years.

He started moved around India explaining tricks behind miracles. He founded FIRA: Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations. He authored 36 books & edited monthly ‘Indian Skeptic’ with articles on the scientific investigation of paranormal occurrences.

In 2006, he was diagnosed of extreme cancer of the stomach. Doctors insisted on an emergency operation, but he went off instead to search for a contractor to build his dream project - a museum on Method of Science. 

 

He handed over the money and came back for an operation that was unable to negate the shadow of death. Yet, his enthusiasm never diminished and the project was inaugurated on 5 March 2009 in Podnur.

‘Dying with one's boots on’ or ‘dying with dignity’ is used to describe persons who live life on their own terms, pursuing their passions and dreams until the very end. It's a mindset that embodies resilience, determination and an unwavering commitment to one's values and aspirations.

 

When we refuse to give up on our dreams, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities. This unyielding spirit inspires others too. When we stay true to our values and passions, we can leave a lasting impact on the world, inspiring future generations to follow in our footsteps.

 

Dying with dignity, living with purpose 

Like Premanand live life to the fullest!

-       Pravin Sabnis 

 

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CAUCASIAN CIRCLE

On the day of Bertolt Brecht’s birth anniversary, here’s is a muse based on the playwright’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle. Brecht uses the device of ‘a play within a play’.

 

It is set in the Soviet Union around the end of WW2. It shows a dispute between the Collective Fruit Farm Galinsk fruit growing commune and the Collective Goat Farmers, over who is to own and manage an area of farm land after the Nazis have retreated from a village and left it abandoned. 

 

An old folk tale, is played out. A peasant girl who rescues a baby, becomes a better mother than the baby's wealthy biological parents. In the trial, the baby is placed on a circle and both ‘mothers’ are asked to pull it to their side, but the peasant girl refuses to do anything that will hurt the child. The true mother is obvious!

 

The circle teaches us the connection between the individual characters and the larger community, highlighting the importance of collective action and solidarity. We must understand the importance of collective action and the struggle for justice and equality. 

 

In the folk tale we learn that love overrides different truths which are after all just spins of perception and positioning. The circle of humanity should engulf all other circles, connected or not connected. Nothing is greater than justice born of sensitivity and sensibility.

 

In Caucassian Circle, truth is spun

Justice needs humanity to be won!

 

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Caution

In Greek mythology, a brilliant inventor, Daedalus and his son Icarus were imprisoned on an island. Daedalus built wings using feathers and wax. As they set out to fly, Daedalus warned Icarus to follow his path and not to fly too close to the sun, as the heat would melt the wax.  

However, Icarus, filled with excitement and a sense of invincibility, ignored his father's warnings and soared higher and higher. His wings melted and he plummeted down. Daedalus, devastated by his son's death, continued to fly, using his grief as motivation to reach safety.

 

Icarus' story serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of balancing boldness with caution. Daedalus' ability to cope with his son's death and continue on his journey demonstrates the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.

 

Being adventurous makes one step out of limiting beliefs but prudence calls for heeding obvious caution. And when on the right track, we must not allow any setback to set us back from what we set out to do. We must maintain clarity and consistency in our actions. 

 

Resilience is consistent clarity of action

Boldness must be balanced with caution!

- Pravin K. Sabnis

 

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