As
commonality would have it, friendship is probably the noblest of all
relationship among human beings. This
wonderful feeling finds a place in the Puranas itself - extolling the
Duryodhana – Karna, Krishna – Arjuna
episodes, and in the age of the royalties involving Kopperum Chozhan –
Pisirandhaiyar, Akbar – Birbal, so to say a few. In modern
times the tinsel
world has glorified this
phenomenon in many
movies.
Why
restrict this lovely, adorable concept to the humans alone? It can be extended
to some of the four legged creatures too, the domesticated ones that are bred
and taken care in farms, households, shelters etcetera.. Among them too, the
canine variety deserves a special mention. The dedication shown, affection
showered by them to their masters’ are very well known. Their company is
enjoyed and eulogized by those who rear such pets at home. That dogs alone are
cited as sterling examples for gratitude, stands testimony
to their attachment to humans, as it is accepted for
sure that ingratitude runs thick and deep in the veins of sixth sensed mortals.
That they have stood thick and thin with their masters, even during times of
war and calamity is an indisputable fact.
Modern history is replete with stories of dedication shown, sacrifices
made by dogs, both in civilian and military assignments. The overt outpour of affection by a canine to
its master was recently witnessed by the world in the electronic media, on the
untimely demise of IAS officer Ravi at Bangalore. Those pictures
spoke for the depth of the bondage between humans and canines, a blending of
love and care mutually shared between two hearts, one ensconced in human and
the other in animal anatomy. They serve as a great friend and saviour – amigo
and aide de camp, without expecting any material
favour.
Everyone,
if not so, a vast majority of the two legged inhabitants of the world would
subscribe to the above proposition, and have friends, but for a punitive
minority of solitary reapers and sky gazers, affiliated to soliloquy.
Friendship
is a beautiful symphony, a blending of human minds that transcends barriers, be
it caste, creed, religion, sex,
linguistic, regional etc... Everything associated with this fine feeling is
broad and nothing is narrow. Friendship is described as one soul residing in
two bodies.
My friends’
list. is quite long. It encompasses school and college friends, professional
and other general acquaintances. Alma Mater friendship is still g(row)oing,
ticking strong.. We meet on social
occasions, or create one such, just to have
frolicking fun. Be it birthdays, wedding days, marriages, we
meet at a svelte outlet, which for sure,
goes to recharge
our drooping middle
age batteries, both on our physical
and psychological parameters.
While the atmosphere would be
suave in school friends’ meeting, it would
be a noisy pandemonium among college gathering. Grace will prevail in
the former gathering while garrulousness will dominate the latter. Personally
both are relished by me,
as variety is
very much a
part of my
life.
This
wonderful chord has in its fold my School English Teacher, who is a
great source of encouragement. Stationed overseas, she motivates me a lot,
supports my endeavours and corrects me
on a factual error. Special thanks are
also due in this regard to an elderly College Teacher. “
Acharya Devo Bhava “
Apart from
the above informal coterie, the formal list encompasses people from the
professional, employment bandwagon, whose guidance, and support have been of
invaluable help in shaping my career. They have been instrumental in initiating
an upward trend in my avocation. Special mention must be made of those
gentlemen who are partners of leading audit firms, for having reposed faith and
entrusted me with challenging assignments. I am grateful to Almighty for giving
me such adorable acquaintances, who are held in very high esteem. Thinking of
them I always remember the saying “ Gratitude is the best of virtues, ingratitude is the worst of vices “.
Of course,
mention should definitely be made about that special friend, a senior
Government Official, with whom I have cemented an excellent rapport, as we find
ourselves glued to many common interests. The friend in concern, though elder
by age, knowledge and experience has always treated me at par and never left me
wanting in reception and revelation. Over the years our association has grown
on premium, sans any discount. We have travelled the plains and hills,
deliberated on multitude of topics at will and length. I have sought ( still seek ) many
professional advices from that versatile person, which ca(o)me instantly with
involvement. The receptiveness exhibited by that gentleman stands tall and
towers over his diminutive figure.
I earnestly wish
that the wonderful
journey with my
friends’ should continue
ad infinitum.
Life also
gave me some bad, embarrassing experiences from people who were associated with me under the garb of friends. On
revealing their true colours, they have
got banished from
that sphere and
pushed into mental
oblivion.
May Providence shower His
Choicest Blessings on my family, friends, acquaintances and keep them all
in good stead and
bearing. Manmatha Varsha
Puththandu Vazhththukkal and Vishu Aasamshagal.
. . ========
