We missed it by just a whisker, yes, disappointing but true. Our nation’s bid to become the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon ended on a sombre note when our scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) lost contact with the space satellite, ‘Chandraayan-2.’   It was disheartening to say the least, as we were only seconds away before the landing module was scheduled to touch down on the unexplored South Pole of the Moon’s surface. This was an effort conceived nearly a decade ago and would have made every Indian hold their head high with pride; but it wasn’t to be. Millions of people waited with bated breath to witness the landing, but the expectations in the early hours transformed into a mood of gloom. Although we fell short of glory, we should not get disheartened. On the contrary, we should feel proud of the challenging venture. The entire team of scientists at ISRO, worked tirelessly day in and day out putting their best foot forward. A team effort with selfless zeal and determination to undertake this mission of such great magnitude. Their contribution is exceptional, although we fell short of making history. In the bargain, this attempt has united the country in a manner which I guess only ‘sports’ events have done in the past. They have believed in their joint efforts just as they believed, “United we stand, divided we fall”. In fact, they have a strong message to all of us to do things collectively with a collaborative spirit. Nothing is impossible if we jointly contribute our might.

Remember the phrase, “I am because we are”? Well, I remember a nice story of an Anthropologist from Africa who proposed a game to the tribal children. He placed a basket of sweets near a tree and made the children stand 100 meters away. He announced that whoever reaches the basket first, would get all the sweets. When he said, “ready steady go!” all the children held each other’s hands, ran together towards the tree, divided the sweets equally among themselves, ate the sweets and enjoyed themselves. When the stunned Anthropologist asked them why they did so, they all answered in unison… ‘UBUNTU’…. which meant, “How can one be happy, when others are sad”? “I am because we are”, a strong message for all of us, for all generations to come.

Joint efforts give stunning results. Be it our families, our work places, our Parish activities; doing things together in collaboration with other members is the best way forward. It gives immense joy and satisfaction. Let all of us, always have this attitude that will surely spread happiness wherever we are. Let’s have an ‘Ubuntu’ life… I AM BECAUSE WE ARE…

Until we meet again.

Felix Dias
(Editor)