A New Year’s Tale of Resilience and Responsibility
Indeed we are all familiar with the unpredictability of the world, and how it can manifest in both significant or minor ways. Countless things that we plan never turn out the way we think or anticipate. Planning for various aspects of our lives, from major happenings to daily routines often does not assure that things will unfold as expected.
It is not only wars or diseases that can disrupt well-prepared, and eagerly awaited events but nature’s unpredictability too can have an impact.
An incident that I experienced of having to deal with the vagaries of nature occurred during the New Year’s fireworks celebration in Sydney, Australia.
Set for the Grand New Year’s Firework Spectacle
Sydney’s New Year fireworks celebrations are world-famous. We had made our travel itinerary to Australia coinciding with that and were excited to witness the extravaganza.
The area surrounding the Harbor and the famous Harbor Bridge is the venue of this grand spectacle. There is always a mammoth crowd and seats have to be blocked hours in advance. People wait from early noon, on the grassy lawns to reserve a premier viewing spot, bearing the harsh rays of the sun and the noisy, teeming crowds. Some had even come prepared for a picnic, with a food basket, their mats spread out, thinking they’ll ring in the new year, celebrating with family and friends.
However, a sudden, intense thunderstorm and rain came splattering down, abruptly spoiling everything at the last moment. And the timing couldn’t have been worse…. just as the first water show was about to begin !!!
Imagine everyone’s anguish, in such a scenario. Utter confusion prevailed — as people scurried for shelter, leaving their prime positions, though the wiser ones with rain gears stayed put. The incessant rains continued for some more time, though thankfully ceasing as suddenly as it started, prior to the main program.
Yet from the chaos what emerges is both the positive and negative aspects of society.
While there were kind-hearted souls who offered their umbrellas and raincoats, realizing that we were with younger children without these. Their helpful attitude is laudable.
On the other hand, there were individuals who callously pushed and jostled, trying to come forward, much to our chagrin, managing to take over our place for a better view. Even the police guards stationed here seemed ineffective in managing the crowds.
Nevertheless, every cloud has a silver lining. Finally, the fantastic firework display did take place as the rains subsided, amidst the excited, cheering spectators. It was a mind-blowing, memorable exhibit that we enjoyed thoroughly.
Protect Mother Earth
Towards the end of the program, we were so engrossed in capturing photographs that, when we finished and looked around there were piles of trash littered all over, as the crowds slowly melted. It’s so appalling, to see such disregard for the environment, people thoughtlessly dump garbage wherever they please without caring about its repercussions.
If each one of us is consciously aware and makes an effort to refrain from this practice, then we can collectively contribute to creating a better and cleaner world to inhabit. Taking this initial step is crucial in our journey towards a sustainable and environment-friendly green planet.
