Climbathon 2014 – Bara Shigri Glacier part 5
Evil is a power just as strong as the power of good. It doesn't work by
itself but uses people as media
But something unusual had
happened at the base camp. I met two girl participants from rope six at the
base camp while there remaining group was still out for an expedition. One of
them told me that Chitramohan had a snow blindness so they had volunteered to take care
of him. So they came back sacrificing their own summit. I was astounded to hear
this. I admired them and went back for the dinner. But the winds at the base
camp were singing something else. Many of the participants were accusing the
younger girl for allegedly filing a complaint of harassment against one for the
instructors of her group. Earlier also people had pointed fingers at her with
baseless accusations. Couple of times she had expressed her strong desire to
leave everything and run away to home as it was beyond her capacities to
endure. She was on the verge of succumbing to the accusations. And had she done
that, she wouldn't be the same ever laughing, bold and confident girl. No doubt
there were certain self-introspective changes that needed her attention but I thought
in that moment it was necessary to stand by her and assure her that she was not
alone. Advice could have been given later also. Few of the participants empathized
with her to their fullest throughout the expedition. Although her friends were supportive
to her; it was Pranav who came to her rescue every time. Be it carrying her
pack, appreciating her during the practice session or at times motivating her
when she would give up; he was always there for her.
In today’s world, just because your
beliefs and cultures don't fit in a society you are staying with, your styles
and behavior are modern and outspoken enough to raise people’s eye brows;
doesn't mean that you should alter them. It’s your identity and as long as you
are honest and ethically or legally not breaking any norms of society then why
change? If a girl and a boy are seen together, then why should others giggle
and spread rumors about them without having any knowledge of truth? And why
should that girl be accused of misbehavior rather than those gigglers change their
way of thinking? Shouldn't we accept people as they are rather than forcing
them to change their true identity and imitate what only we believe is right?
Every person is unique and bears both good and bad qualities. It is everyone’s
duty to appreciate the goods and advice constructively on bad ones. Giving your
frank opinions as an advice is one thing and taunting or accusing in order to
humiliate is another. But, one should also keep in mind that it is very easier
said than done. The society’s point of view is like a giant elephant stuck in a
mud pond. This notorious incorrigibility associated with traditions and myths in
our society is very difficult to alter. But one should not feel disheartened.
As I said earlier, as long as you are honest, you should rather than running
away from the troubles, face them. Unless you face them the fear will not go
away. You should believe in what you do and you should do only what you love to
do; without bothering what society would think but ensuring that in no way you
hurting anyone`s feelings. As Gandhiji said, the only religion in the world is
to worship the Truth. And you worship it by bringing purity in your thoughts,
speeches and deeds. Rest is secondary.
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