While The Rains Last

Opening Note Of Hope

Every changing season brings along some old memories—the fragrances that linger in the air, the tastes that define our celebrations, and the moments shared with loved ones.

This edition of Profession and Beyond celebrates the joy, nostalgia, and stories associated with the rainy season, along with some important reflections too.

The Poetry Corner

As the first rain showers began, I reconnected with an old childhood friend. Amid our many conversations, we reminisced about my friend’s first love and how the rain always seemed to bring those memories to life. I’m sure many of you can relate to this sentiment. I was inspired to capture these feelings in a poetic form.

Do the rains evoke memories of your first love?

Beneath The First Rains

The wet mud from the first rain,

it's captivating fragrance, and the fallen, drenched flowers.

Long-lost memories they stir every year,

taking me down the memory lane.

Ah! Those fleeting glimpses of your simple face,

as you dried your long and lustrous hair every time.

I always enjoyed watching you from a distance not far,

wary or unwary, sometimes with a raptured gaze.

Remembering you is a repeated exercise every year,

as the monsoon comes and goes.

An annual tradition I dedicate to you,

memories of my love that bring me wholesome cheer.

Was I stupid in love or were they mere hormones at play?

I have felt foolish and sheepish at times.

My affection always stayed buried deep in my heart,

while you remained a good friend all the way.

It pained me back then, that you could never reciprocate.

But with time I realized the feelings were never mutual.

As we grew up in intellect and in age, I realized,

that you deserved someone better as your mate.

I continued to cherish my feelings for you,

even after I realized we were never meant to be.

Today it gives me joy to see you so happy in life,

with a man worthy of your care and love so true.

All I am left with are precious memories of you.

They happily visit me around this time every year.

In their company I go back in time,

for it brings me great joy and I pray for your happiness too.

Rains & Reminiscences

Different seasons mean different to everyone. Today, thanks to technology and smartphones, the essence of every season and what they mean to us is beautifully captured in our phones.

The rainy season means a lot to me and I thoroughly enjoy capturing the essence of monsoon in my phone only to reminisce the memories later when I am by myself.

This year, most of my monsoon was spent in Kerala. Being a Malayali who grew up in Pune, my frequent visits to Kerala now are a result of my parents moving back to their roots. Every visit today gives opportunities to learn more about the customs and traditions. Similarly, discussing the politics of Kerala and debating about the developmental challenges of the State is a common activity too.

Of Reflections and Actions

As my travel date to return home to Pune on 1st August approached, the Wayanad landslide happened on 30th July. A pall of gloom fell all over Kerala, and the non-stop rains along with the Wayanad tragedy brought back memories of the Kerala Floods of 2018, causing panic. Steadily rising water levels concerned everyone and schools, transport and offices stopped operations in many districts across Kerala.

My family was worried about my return journey. I was not sure whether to extend my stay or try my luck and continue with my travel plans. I decided the latter as trains were operational.

Surprisingly and thanks to the prayers of my family, my journey was smooth with the Rain Gods taking a break until I reached home safely in Pune.

While I thanked God for bringing me home safely, the return journey did lead to some reflections:

1) Nature is beautiful, with great healing powers, and offers all the love you desire. However, if you show disrespect and disregard for nature, her fury will know no bounds. The sight of the Bharatapuzha River’s force and expanse from the train was both intimidating and humbling. The power of rough waters has a way of reminding us of our own vulnerability.

2) Despite its reputation as God’s Own Country, Kerala grapples with a serious waste management crisis, struggling to manage non-degradable waste. The situation calls for urgent collaboration between government authorities and private companies to find effective solutions before it's too late.

3) Mid-July to mid-August marks 'Karkidakam,' the final month of the Malayalam calendar in Kerala, a time steeped in spirituality, devotion, and well-being. Traditionally, this period is dedicated to daily Ramayana recitals in every Hindu household and temple, with visits to temples. The culinary practices during this month include abstaining from non-vegetarian food and inclusion of medicinal herbs to increase immunity to tackle health issues. Since olden times, the challenges brought by long and dark monsoon period in Kerala have long shaped these practices. While modern times have altered the extent to which these traditions are practiced, the relevance of these age-old customs is reaffirmed in our minds whenever we face adversities each year.

4) In recent years, nature has repeatedly shown her anger through the increasing frequency of natural calamities across our country. Yet, our response has been woefully inadequate. We witness the devastation, feel the pain, and then quickly forget, moving on with our lives. Such apathy keeps us from taking meaningful action, choosing to ignore the issue as long as we remain unaffected. But caring for nature is not optional. Whether in small or large ways, we have a responsibility to act—and the time to do so is now.

Closing Echo Of Hope

As the rains continue to fall, may it wash away the worries of the past and nurture the seeds of new beginnings. Let the gentle rhythm of the raindrops remind us of the beauty in every season, and the memories they leave behind. May we care more for nature and feel more responsible towards it.

Until the next edition, while the rains last, may your hot cups of chai have warm stories as accompaniments, to be enjoyed in the company of friends and loved ones.