Wake up

Wake up

Wake up

Dear Reader,   

The month of March is the time when spring visits the Indian subcontinent after four months of chilly winters. Nature springs back to life and freshness, filling your heart with joy, and expectations of a bright new beginning.

However, the sight of nature these days brings to my consciousness, the image of our ruthless exploitation of her invaluable gifts, her guileless animal, plant, and forest life, as well as water bodies. Even as I observe the wilfulness with which nature yearns to return to its former flourishing self, I cannot help but recall continents engulfed in blazing bushfires, oceans submerged in plastic, and animals being factory-farmed and butchered to feed human greed. I often wonder whether the scenario would have been far different from what we see today, had our education system focussed on developing compassion, empathy, and generosity, instead of winning and competitiveness. 

Our senior correspondent, Annesha Banerjee, has written a heart-touching article on the power of instilling the value of compassion in young children and how it changes the entire fabric of life around them. For only compassionate children, who prioritise being kind, considerate, and aware of the pain of others, over being materially successful, can create a habitable world for all. However, we cannot wait for the next generation to heal our planet. Now is the time to act, to pray, and change ourselves if we want to prevent an apocalypse from happening. Otherwise, it might be too late.

The lead story for March is on recognising and changing our dysfunctional life patterns. We all have encountered them, but only a few understand their hidden message. However, once you start walking the spiritual path, they may become more pronounced in your life, compelling you to eliminate all that is a hindrance to your growth, happiness, and personal fulfilment. I hope that this issue will aid you in bringing you closer to yourself.

Wishing you a soul-enriching March.