91 umbrella
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The document discusses carrying an umbrella during monsoon season. It begins by describing a day when the author took an umbrella to an audit despite the forecast being for a dry day. However, it began raining, proving the worth of bringing the umbrella. This reminds the author of lessons from childhood about the various uses of umbrellas. The author's father's philosophy was that one should always carry an umbrella during monsoon since it allows one to stay dry if it rains but does not cost anything if it does not. The document concludes by arguing that if one carries so many expectations and relationships in life, then carrying an umbrella is not a problem.
91 umbrella
- 1. 91 / Umbrella Today is 23-06-2009. I logged in and updated weather report. Indian weather map popped up. Monsoon clouds were seen around Mumbai & Gujarat area. Prediction was of intermittent rain followed by thunder showers. Cold breeze was flowing since morning. Sun and clouds was busy playing hide and seek. I had to go out for an audit. During monsoon, I always carry a folding umbrella in my briefcase. I reached the Bank for my audit work. Branch Manager casually asked me as to why I have carried the umbrella because it appears to be a dry day. I mean monsoon dry day and not the dry day you have in mind. Before I could even open my mouth for reply, heavy shower followed. Obviously there was no need to reply. Branch Manger was literally taken a back with the reply given by Nature itself. Technically the umbrella story has ended here. But the word umbrella and carrying occupied my mind till evening and left my mind only after I wrote this Article. These words took me in my childhood. I was admitted to the High school in 5th standard. Hindi was the new subject from that year onwards. I still remember one lesson on Advantages of an Umbrella in our Hindi text book. Umbrella saves you from rain. This is the primary use of an umbrella. However, the author had explained in a lucid manner number of advantages or uses of an umbrella. For e.g. One can protect the clothes from street water splashed by vehicles when rain stops, one can hide his face from the money lender (now days, recovery officer), senior citizen can use it a stick for support while walking, one can defend oneself from stray dogs, protection from sun during summer etc. My father had a practical philosophy. He would say that one should always carry an umbrella during monsoon because by doing so you will not be at any loss. Its a win -win situation most of the time. We can not dictate when showers should fall, when showers should stop etc. Carrying umbrella on a monsoon dry day keeps you alert. Moreover your arm gets a good exercise. In case it rains, then you can walk on the road with your opened umbrella like a king because most of the people would be busy searching the shelter. My mind then jumped on to the word carrying. I never understood the macro meaning of this word in my childhood. Branch Manger did ask me as to why I am carrying an umbrella?
- 2. 2 Before I comment on the word carrying, let me touch upon the general philosophy of a common man. A person carrying an umbrella feels that it must rain because he has carried an umbrella. In case he does not carry an umbrella, then he feels otherwise. Technically during monsoon, it can rain at any time. Many years, monsoon followed the regular pattern but off late it seems that nature is taking revenge on mankind. Well, that is not the point of my discussion. The only logic behind such philosophy could be that a person feels that his word should be honoured by every one and at all times. It may be true in office or home by virtue of your power but nature is not your slave. Friends, try to remember the days from your childhood and then slowly you will unearth the meaning of the word carrying. Since childhood, we accumulate number of articles and also the expectations of our parents and teachers. As we grow, the articles and expectations keep changing. Earlier we carried a school bag but now we carry an office bag, laptop etc. equally heavy. The contents have changed but carrying has remained as it is. During childhood, we were expected to behave properly, study well etc. As we grow old, some more expectations get attached such as independence, love, help, patience, social responsibilities, sacrifice etc. We always make expectations as to how others should behave with us but it is high time that we assess as to whether we also fulfil the expectations of others? We keep thinking as to how our Boss should treat me, how our subordinates should behave with us etc. A person who behaves with us as per our expectations is usually liked or favoured by us. Carrying Relationships forcibly can be a topic of a separate article. We are forced to carry some relationships in our life time but a person who has to carry such unpleasant relationships can understand the real pain in doing this. You need to attend equilibrium in every relationship. It could be that some one may be carrying your relationships. If one has to carry unpleasant relationships in family/office and at the same time carry expectations from superiors, parents, teachers, spouse, kids and other family members, then what is the problem of carrying an umbrella? So Friends, what have you decided about carrying an umbrella during the next monsoon? I am sure that you will certainly carry it. Friday, March 19, 2010