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The Monsoon!! Rotary Club of Bombay Bayview - Bulletin 1 (2011-12)

It’s an official bulletin, I know. Our President is doing his best to update the young’uns on the reasons, benefits and the satisfaction levels in being a Rotarian, I know. But am tired and I want a break. I want a deviation, a breather; some freshness and loads of brightness. 

That’s why I went to Alibaug for our club’s 2 nighter fellowship. Likeminded people, joie de vivre, lots of ‘andar ki baat”, water chestnuts (pun intended), music and masti - the trip was spiked with all the ingredients that cook up an entertaining weekend. But, the one element that added the sparkle to the already brilliant holiday was the rain. 

I love the monsoon. Its vibrancy and color are enchanting. It tends to cast a magical spell on me, like I was bewitched. Light greens, dark greens, yellows and browns display natural wonders sublime; violets, pinks, reds and oranges paint arcs of joy that shine; whites, blacks, blues and grays allude to sparkling streams divine. Colors of love and passion abound in this season. The Monsoon; it brings to me the elixir of life. Did anyone say drab, dull and damp? Look out, open your eyes and feel with all your senses together. When the cold beads sting your face, the manna from heaven, in its purest form, will make that moment ‘immortal’. Truly smitten!

There is another reason I like the monsoons. For its warmth! Really, don’t laugh. Look at it this way. When the first rain comes, it brings with it earthy fragrances. Most often, we find comfort in the smells of the soil, as if we were going back to our roots, to our childhood, to memories of playing in the water, making paper boats, mud balls, rain baths. Sweet memories and soothing smells bring with them warm thoughts and warmer feelings. 


Another reason? Bhajjias! Yes, those oil soaked, calorie laden, delicious and mouthwatering bhajjias. Why not? You live only once, don’t you? More reasons for warmth? Romanticism!! For many, by now it’s a thing of the past. Why? Try the eternal situation – ala – Raj Kapoor and Nargis in Barsaat. They did not do the salsa or the hip-hop, just plain dancing in the rain. Another classic – Rimjhim rimjhim rumjhum rumjhum bheegi bheegi rut mein, tum hum hum tum, chalte hain. 1942 A Love Story - suggestive and simple.

Is it selfish to welcome the monsoon? Probably; if its boundaries are within your control. Yes, if you can dictate the timing to be only weekends at non peak hours. Sure, if you can control the velocity of the wind to be 30 kmph. Definitely, if you can map out the geographical areas to cover only lawns, gardens, fields and terraces. Without a doubt, if you can cut the volumes to run only ankle deep, anywhere there is civilization.

I cannot control the rain god. No amount of sacrifice, abstinence or penance from me will change his mind. He has decided to inundate my surroundings with his blessings or with his wrath, any which way I take it. My only option is to welcome him with open arms. To let him bathe me in his serenity, to engulf me in his embrace and drench me with all his might.

I feel rejuvenated. Alibaug was my breath of fresh air ; my revitalizer.