“Change is inevitable. Change is constant.” said Benjamin Disraeli, a 19th century British Prime Minister.
His words still remain very true and applicable in the 21st century where change is visible all around us. It is shocking how fast technology is developing and conversely, how fast we can get left behind in this endless race. And while it may feel tremendously exciting to live in this age of 24/7 news and information, one should not forget the importance of the core skills and morals that define our lives.
It has been just over 2 years since I moved back to India from England. These couple of years have been, without a doubt, filled with plenty of activity and excitement that kept me running without any destination. After 5 years in England, I had comfortably settled into life there, got used to the place and the people. I had prematurely assumed that England would home for years to come. But that was not to be and I had returned, a bit reluctantly, to India in late 2012. Coming back to India reminded me of the time I first went to England in 2007. At that point, it wasn’t so much a culture shock as much as a whirlwind of a journey. In fact, I barely remember the first 2 years of my life there.
Of course, I remember the people and their British eccentricities, saying ‘thank you’ to the bus drivers and ‘alright mate’ to everyone. I remember the cold weather and grey buildings but strangely enough, I find it hard to remember what I had actually achieved in those first 2 years. Looking back, I now realize that the initial years served as a buffer time during which I got accustomed to the country and the people. Perhaps got accustomed too well.
Similarly, the past two years have also served as a period for me to become a inherent part of Indian society. It has taken me that time to relearn and understand the nuances of people here, the art of negotiation and the skill of getting things done. I am glad that I have been able to achieve quite a few things during the resettling phase but now, it is definitely time to up the ante. Opportunities (along with new risks) lie around the corner, and the time has come to explore new ventures, challenge myself and push the comfort zone. Going with the flow of life has been fun but taking control of the direction of life will probably be even more fun.
One of the factors that completed the circle was my trip to UK earlier this year. I went back to attend the 50th anniversary of my University but that event was just an excuse to meet my old friends, visit my old hangouts and relive old memories. It was a wonderful trip that reminded me of the joys of England but also made me realize that the grass is not always greener on the other side. The trip made me appreciate life at home a bit more and console myself that somethings were just not meant to be. Regardless of my physical location, it is in my power to determine the direction of my life and I must take the decisions (and risks) to ensure that I am moving ahead every day. So what’s next? Wait and see.
And finally, I must thank my friends, family and my girlfriend for there support and advice whenever I needed it. I will always be thankful for their selfless contribution and I hope to continue the fruitful relationships for years to come. Here’s to a challenging 2015.
Currently listening to – Can’t Be Sure by The Sundays
Photo by Aditya Mopur on Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4. Special thanks to Ashok Kandimalla and Zeiss.
Leave a reply