SHADOWS AND SUNSHINE:THE DICHOTOMY

 

SHADOWS AND SUNSHINE : THE DICHOTOMY 

"As flies to wanton boys 

We are to the God's "

Thomas Hardy 

Eloquent lines depicting  Hardy's much - discussed pessimism  !! 

Lines that echo the truth but I would say just the half truth .

 In defence of the classic and eminent novelist and poet Thomas Hardy my take is that writing is  subjective and manifests one's attitude and state of mind . The autobiographical element is always there .

We are undoubtedly puppets at the mercy of fate and The Almighty .The trials and tribulations of life , adversities and misfortunes  are certainly not easy to handle and need courage , fortitude and a balanced mind to go through them !  

 The above lines exemplify Hardy's fatalistic and negative approach to life more so because of his ardous personal experiences .

Equanimity and balance of mind , the ' sambhav' as is befittingly  expressed in Hindi is what one 

needs to practice to face hardships and the not - so - good times . Though easily said than done,  the only way is to practice and try and develop a mind set that gives one the wisdom to think that these are all passing phases and this too shall pass. Meditation is a practice that gives inner strength , fortitude and equanimity . All our spiritual preachers are promoting it in a big way as they say that is also the only way to achieve salvation .

Again as  Hardy  expressed that happiness is  " but an occasional episode in the general drama of pain " !! 

This is the perception where the problem lies...

To magnify , exaggerate and keep harping on the trying times  and hurdles that we all humans have to face only ends up in depression and disillusionment . 

     Likewise Keats' negative despondent perception  is obvious in his ' Ode To Melancholy' in which he personifies Melancholy stating ,

" She dwells with Beauty -- Beauty that must die ;

And Joy , whose hand is every at his lips 

Bidding adieu ; ..."

Keats' negative capability   , though subtle is evident .However , through this Ode Keats is suggesting ways and means to cope  with sadness as it is bound to overtake mortals as happiness recedes .

 Melancholy has its shrine within the " temple of Delight " !  Keats wants to emphasis that joy and sorrow go hand - in-hand !  Keats tries to urge mortals to embrace Melancholy and not flee from it finding it's connection with beauty and joy .

The poet in his Ode To A Nightingale and Ode on a Greciun Urn also touches upon Melancholy by pondering on the ephemerality  of beauty and joy. 

Thus it is the impermanence of joy that causes sorrow especially when catastrophic events in life occur .

A deep - seated  faith in The Lord and the realisation  that He is our Caretaker , One who is looking after us every miniscule second can allay these negative thoughts .

Surrendering to Him is the ONLY OPTION for mortals and certainly that is what gives one the strength to develop a positive attitude and renews our reverence and faith in The Almighty .

      Now in contrast to Hardy' and Keats I am  immediately reminded of Robert Browning's powerfully optimistic lines 

" Grow old along with me 

The Best is yet to be !"

        Browning is known for his robust optimism  and  these oft quoted lines signify  that age is just a number . It is up to we humans beings to perceive life and advancing age  prudently .

In other words what one has always wished to aspire in life can be done so even by the sexagenerians , septagenarians and even octogenarians ! Life begins anew for these age groups providing them some free time once their filial responsibilities are fulfilled..

This is the time to encash and pursue one's latent desires. Not only is this all-engaging and fulfilling but it also opens new avenues and vistas,  as well as brings to the forefront various hidden skills that one was unaware of .

  Tennyson's ' Ulysses 'shares a  similar view point ,

" I will drink 

Life to the lees : ..." 

which is explicitly emblematic of positivity .

Advancing years should not bring despondency and a cessation or suspension  of activity  on the pretext of age . Rather it should instil hope and a feeling of blessedness that offers the elderly opportunities to indulge ,develop and hone their skill sets which ultimately gives joy and fulfilment .

As Tennyson's  eloquent lines spill out the truth :

 "How dull it is to pause , to make an end, 

To rust burnish'd,  no to shine in use ! " 

Optimism and positivity at their best !

        Nevertheless both Thomas Hardy ,the acclaimed English  novelist - poet of the early 19th century   , Keats. The acclaimed Romantic poet  ,  and Robert Browning. the popular  Victorian poet - playwright of the late 19th century as well as Tennyson belonging to the same age  , are all  celebrated authors, poets  ...it 

is just that they have different ideologies .

 These  writers are juxtaposed  ! The paradox is apparent .This dichotomous relationship between pessimistic  and optimistic characteristics in writers of the same age , clime , nation , however , is a matter of their own sensitivity and discernment . It all depends on how life has dealt with them and their perceptions . 

      Moreover as  Indians our staunch belief in Karma  and that karmic effects cannot be ignored  provides some explanation of our circumstances and life situations .Yes Destiny also plays a significant role in shaping our outlook. Disappointmebts , betrayal , hurt , anger draw us into the trap of bitterness and negativism.Try as we might many a times situations are beyond our control throwing us in a helpless situation. It is in such conflicting times it is   The Redeemer who  will drag us out of depression and show us the right path .      

Nevertheless we ourselves need to take charge of our own feelings and reactions .  We have  to  

learn  and   make  the courageous decision to LET GO  of our disillusionments and carry  on with our lives . Holding on to hurt , dismay and dejection will not make life better , richer or more meaningful .And finally one has to believe that God's grace is always descending on us !To look at the brighter side of life with the hope that life is not a bed of roses and that  joy and sorrow are two sides of the same coin is what the stark reality that  individuals need to imbibe and cultivate in themselves .

 For as the great poet Shelley sums up in his poem " Ode To The West Wind " :

 " If Winter comes , can Spring be far behind " !

A line that is suffused with an aura of hope , of never losing hope , and is imbued with the spirit of buoyancy and sanguinity  .

             Our unshakeable belief  in the ONE who loves us unconditionally can make us see reason. Our deeds and our dedication towards them is important . However,  we have no control over their results so no use fretting about that. As the universal message of The Bhagwad Gita says

कर्मण्येवाघिकारस्ते माफलेषु कदाचिन!!

NATURE'S DUAL SYMPHONY: HER GRACE AND WRATH

 

NATURE’S  DUAL SYMPHONY : HER GRACE AND WRATH 

DR. SUPRIYA SHUKLA 

Nature is God's art ! The myriad hues and shades of His exquisitely painted flaura and fauna are extraordinarily unique. Nature creates , restores, revives and refurbishes ,nurturing and fostering Her creations .

To hit the nail on the head as the title suggests is that this  awe- inspiring magnificence simultaneously has unsurpassed  potential of destruction thus  manifesting  Her sublime and  alarming  attributes.

Mother Nature can be as formidable as she can be nurturing. 

The majestic  and mystical beauty of the hills , the lofty peaks and the snow capped mountains never fail to mesmerise !! The heart yearns to be amidst them , in these idyllic surroundings  , and  especially when clouds descend  dancing over the hills and enveloping them ...the sight is enchanting !! 

The tall pine and Deodar trees that dot the hills in clusters so much so  that they become dense forests are a delightful sight . Even the deciduous trees make hay while the sun shines ! 

Poets and bards,  delirious with joy at Nature's beauty and bounty  have sung praises, and their fraternity continues and their future generations shall continue to  eulogize this boon granted to humankind .

The beauties of nature are a treat for the eyes resulting in everlasting happiness. Keats rightly pointed out :

“ A thing of beauty is a joy forever .” 

Robert Frost in his  popular poem ‘Stopping By The Woods On A Snowy Evening’ delineates the conflicting sentiments between man and his allurement  of nature …the snowy woods .The speaker is irresistibly drawn to the woods :

“ The woods are lovely ,dark and deep…” and look spectacular when  “ the woods fill up with snow ..” Wordsworth is mesmerised by nature's splendour and believed : 

“ Nature never did betray the heart that loved her” as it was a perennial source of pleasure which gives an insight into his  philosophy of emotion recollected in tranquility 

Our nation  is famed for the highest mountain peaks .Year after year  enthusiastic mountaineers try to scale them with the aim to reach the apex.    Mount Everest and The Kanche njunga have been scaled several times  ...after all, who is not familiar with the names of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay ? This was in the year 1953  and their historic ascent to Mt. Everest  was a significant milestone in mountaineering history ! 

The 39,032 ft high and considered to be the 

tallest point on Earth has since then been conquered many a times .

According to the Himalayan database Mt Everest has been climbed successfully over 12,884  times by 7269 different individuals.

 Women climbers braving the challenge  have made 962 summits ! These statistics are as per 2024 . 

Likewise Mt. Kanchenjunga despite it's perilous route has been scaled more than 300 times , the first being in 1955 by a British expedition .

       Apart from the searing ambition, the aspiration and dream to conquer these towering  peaks,  what indubitably must have intrigued these courageous men and women  certainly was  the exotic and captivating splendour of the lofty , snow capped peaks as  their grace and beauty cast a spell on mankind ! 

Nature's blissful beauty is  euphoric  for human eyes that dance in glee at her Glory and Splendour! They are so besotted that several city dwellers resolve to stay in such hilly areas at some point in their life either post retirement  or 

even before it  . The serenity of the mountains is so magnetically alluring ! 

   However , the clouds descending on the hills, the tranquility of the mountains,  their magical beauty  that excite humans can nevertheless  create havoc . Torrential rains , cloud bursts , landslides , avalanches with the ensuing floods spell disaster and doom. How inhabitants of such places ie the lucky ones   survive  and run for their lives trying to escape nature's fury by climbing on the rooftops of their humble abodes or by mass exodus is a miracle. Several go missing or are just swept away  or buried under the debris , and all this takes only some seconds to happen . 

Every year Nature as a Destroyer plays her  part .

The 2013 Kedarnath catastrophe is one of the glimpses of  Nature's frenzied rage. 

The Himalayan region is most prone to such calamities. The beautiful terrain of Uttarkashi bears the brunt of Nature's wrath every year with landslides and flash floods that devastate . 

 8th of August 2025 recently created fresh history. The massive cloud burst and the ensuing floods wrecked havoc ! Dharali , a hamlet near Gangotri with a population just over 500 was prey to Nature's wrath. However,disaster isn't an exception here as every time the Kheer Gad , a river that runs through the village roars and rises, the locals climb on their roof tops not for rescue but to wait and watch what is left behind .  This village and the villagers are aware of such happenings and it's aftermath as the river swells indicating devastation. 2010, 2012, 2018 have witnessed nature's uncontrollable fury. On 8th August , 2025 it took barely 20 seconds for a wall of water to crash into Dharali , the epicenter  of that day's flash floods in which more than 173 perished and those who survived had to struggle for existence without food ,electricty and proper shelter.

Human vulnerability and helplessness 

 exposed.

 The Himalayas are spread across 13 states and Union Territories and even though they have distinct cultures , the risk they face is similar due to their interconnected ecosystem. The ever increasing frequency and severity of disasters like Dharali are clearly indicative of an ecosystem under stress. Our mountains are crying and pleading  for better protection.

 

Ecological imbalance , climatic change ,lack of proper planning and  unfortunately government apathy all contribute to these annual hazards. The American poetess , Annette Bromley in her poem ‘ Nature's Wrath’,   reflecting on the  destructive force of nature writes :

“ When Nature shows her indignation

towards the callous ways of man 

And blows her hot and angry breath

Breathes thunderbolts across the land ….”

       It is a pity that despite the accelerated advancement in every field we are still unable to handle such crises. It is this apathetic neglect that causes , as Annette Bromley explicitly writes : 

 “ Comes then tornado with flash flooding 

And humanity is her prey …”

 

Can we not retain Nature's  fascinating  beauty in all its magnificence ? 

Or is Nature endeavoring to repeatedly give us warnings to mends our ways , minimise encroachments  and take serious steps to deal with climate change ? 

Ecological restoration and the creation of natural buffers will have to be kept in mind in all developmental projects.Strict enforcement of environmental regulations and thorough impact assessment of large infra projects is imperative. 

Nature is ready to give abundantly and  nourish earnestly  provided  we stop encroaching into her territory .

THE ADEPT ARTISANS AND ARCHITECTS

 THE COMPETENT  CHIPPIES !!

The master craftsmen with the skill set to craft , carve , shape and mould humans body parts , the orthopedic surgeons are the ones who rejuvenate and give a fresh lease of life, energy and renewed strength and spirit to the distorted  and the dismembered .Hammers , saws , drilling machines , chisels are the power tools of these medical practioners . It is their expert carpentry that mends , repairs , remoulds and reshapes crushed, broken , degenerated bones and cartilage. ...not only that new  body parts are adroitly  replaced and implanted  by them  !! They are expert chippies as the commonly used slang goes !!
They are like Gods for the mutilated, accident - affected or the age related degenerative  sufferers who place their faith in them in the hope of being up and about again . Apart from their advanced specialised  medical studies , it is indubitably and unquestionably  The Almighty who gives their deft fingers the expertise to restructure humans body parts on the operation table. Though considered to be common , routine practices  and surgeries ,anything can go wrong in a split second jeopardizing lives.
It is only with the His blessings that everything goes smoothly.
Once the surgery is successful begins the rehabilitation period for the patient  which is the most challenging part . For the incapacitated the thought of surgery is daunting but one faces it bravely in the hope of regaining health and fitness  ...The highly sophisticated anaesthetic procedures ascertain that the patient is completely insensate and insentient during the surgical procedure .
     However,  post operative rehab and recovery is not very comfortable for the ortho- afflicted  patient . Patience , Perseverance and Resilience are key components that can facilitate the rehabilitation. 
In other surgeries recovery comes naturally gradually bringing back strength and stamina for the patient through planned diets and adequate rest.
However , for an ortho patient recovery depends solely on the individual . Whereas in  other surgeries the patient is told to rest as much as possible.  This is in stark contrast to the somehow- patched up limbs or newly - assembled limbs  of an ortho patient who is expected to physically exert and exercise the operated body part  ...and that too  just a few hours after the surgery !! What an anti climax !
A part of the body which has been slashed , ripped open ,  battered  , changed a few hours ago is supposed to be moved ....and just not moved , to be EXERCISED !! All this is to be done notwithstanding the excruciating pain and discomfort that one suffers.
In other words physiotherapy begins at the preliminary post - op stage . Physiotherapy is considered to be the most crucial and all - important facet of an orthopedic surgery !
Imagine the plight of the patient who has just about regained consciousness and instead of getting any sympathy the patient is categorically told by the visiting doctor and then the physio to start the brutal process !! And in that the physiotherapist is merciless and uncompromising.  Physiotherapy is not fleeting..to be done just for a couple of days ..
It has  to be endured for at least three months and certainly  Exercise ultimately has to be incorporated  in one's life style .
As I am right now talking of the patient's perspective  the thought of moving one's  limbs against one's comfort zone with the ensuing discomfort is not a pleasant thought at all. Once back in the precincts of one's abode this rigorous practice continues....The compulsive sight of the physiotherapist is dreadful , scary and intimidating as he seems to be the most cruel and unsympathetic  being on earth with no trace of compassion or empathy for the convalescent  unmindful of  the excruciating pain accompanied with the physiotherapy  . He appears to be the most callous and insensitive person to the patient .To bend the heavily bandaged knee , to raise it at 30 degrees and then hold it , to press the knee against the fist of the physio as much as possible are a few  of the most ardous tasks for the patient !! Sleep is not very restful too as it is cumbersome to move the heavy leg and turn on one's side . Moreover  mundane activities like morning ablutions and other routine chores when completed seem like impossible feats achieved for the day !! The unfortunate part is the dependence on others even for simple things although the walker ,
the patient's best counterpart that  keeps the patient mobile is the greatest solace !!
Nevertheless  physio  is of paramount importance , essential and crucial for restoring mobility , strength , stamina and certainly confidence in the patient.
Once this rehabilitation period is over and the convalescent returns to his normal state does he / she realise that physiotherapy is The only way to get back to normalcy.  Thus as the clichéd saying goes
All's well that ends well !!
  Medical practioners  have the  only one sole purpose of curing and healing the sufferer in every way possible.  They are architects replacing and  implanting new body parts for the ones that are no more in good working condition.  Plastic surgery which is  much in demand these days can  remodel facial features giving one a new look. It is as if one is reborn outside the womb of the mother   with the kind of face , limbs etc one wished for ! 
Whatever the surgery is , every surgery is  of great magnitude.For everything to fall in place at the right time on the operation table  till the patient regains full consciousness  has its own hazards .To be restored back to one's normal physical  state when all  internal organs start functioning well is no less than a miracle !  Physical healing is impossible without mental strength , grit and resolve  ! The surgeons  besides their surgical proficiency are able to study the mental and psychological  impact of surgeries on patients . Boosting confidence , optimism and  determination is part of their post- op therapy too.  At that point of time they are like super men , expert healers and all - knowledgable for the convalescent who reposes a staunch faith in them  following  their advise in to- to ! That is how  recovery is possible not merely through the post surgical  drugs advised , but much depends on the resolutemess and strength of mind of the one who is recovering.
And it is through this noble profession that  the astute , erudite  competent medicos  showcase their skill and expertise with  the  blessings of Our Creator and ...We Are Healed !!

   

A Convalescent 's Musings

 "As flies to wanton boys

We are to the God's "

Thomas Hardy

Eloquent lines depicting  Hardy's much - discussed pessimism  !!
Lines that echo the truth but I would say just the half truth .
In defence of the classic and eminent novelist and poet Thomas Hardy my take is that writing is  subjective and manifests one's attitude and state of mind . The autobiographical element is always there .
We are undoubtedly puppets at the mercy of fate and The Almighty .
The trials and tribulations of life , adversities and misfortunes  are certainly not easy to handle and need courage , fortitude and a balanced mind to go through them ! 
Thus the above lines exemplify Hardy's fatalistic and negative approach to life more so because of his ardous personal experiences .
Equanimity and balance of mind , the ' sambhav' as is befittingly  expressed in Hindi is what one needs to practice to face hardships and the not - so - good times . Though easily said than done,  the only way is to practice and try and develop a mind set that gives one the wisdom to think that these are all passing phases and this too shall pass.
Again as  Hardy  expressed that happiness is  " an occasional episode in the general drama of pain " !!
This is the perception where the problem lies...
To magnify , exaggerate and keep harping on the trying times  and difficulties that we all humans have to face only ends up in depression and disillusionment .
A deep strong faith in The Lord and the belief that He is our Caretaker. One who is looking after us every miniscule second can allay these negative thoughts .
Surrendering to Him is the ONLY OPTION for mortals and certainly that is what gives one the strength to develop a positive attitude and renews our reverence and faith in God .
Now in contrast to Hardy's poignant statements I am immediately reminded of Robert Browning's powerfully optimistic lines
" Grow old along with me
The Best is yet to be !"
The two great authors and poets' philosophy are juxtaposed !
Browning is known for his robust optimism  and  these oft quoted lines signify  that age is just a number . It is up to we humans beings to perceive life and advancing age  prudently .
In other words what one has always wished to aspire in life can be done so even by the sexagenerians , Septagenarians and even octogenarians ! Life begins anew for these age groups providing them some free time once their filial responsibilities are fulfilled..
This is the time to encash and pursue one's latent desires. Not only is this all-engaging and fulfilling but also opens new avenues and vistas,  as well as brings to the forefront various hidden skills that one was unaware of .
Nevertheless both Thomas Hardy ,the acclaimed English  novelist - poet of the early 19th century   , and Robert Browning. the popular  Victorian poet - playwright of the late 19th century are celebrated authors ...it is just that they have different ideologies .


Plus we Indians believe in Karma so definitely karmic effects cannot be ignored . The only solution is to have firm faith in the ONE who loves us unconditionally. Our deeds and our dedication towards them is important . However,  we have no control over their results so no use fretting about that. As the universal message of The Bhagwad Gita says
कर्मण्येवाघिकारस्ते माफलेषु कदाचिन!!

The Divine Wizard

 The Supreme Force   , That Divine Power , That Mystical Presence occasionally  reminds us of His jurisdiction through events that are beyond  human logic and comprehension .

         This  beautiful  planet inhabited by mortals offers so much in terms of flaura and fauna  , natural resources and unimaginable aesthetic beauty which we humans are constantly benefiting from . Nevertheless we often become inert to these magnificent gifts of nature and start taking them for granted. The exotic magnificence of majestic hills , high snowcapped peaks  , natural waterfalls cascading down relentlessly , the great oceans , the rivers , rippling streams , rivulets , the indescribable hues of the tiniest of flowers  , the  towering luscious green trees coupled with other living creatures from the variegated birds  , bees to the miniscule ants are all creations of That Superhuman Abstract Reality  which need to be admired , treasured and valued for they are  prized possessions which  He has bestowed on us to revel in .
They are all His Miracles !!
        To ignore or  be nonchalant and insensitive towards such Divine brilliance  is apathetic , inhuman and sacrilegious indeed.
I call  these otherwise thought to be  mundane assets as Miracles for they are beyond and above human creativity and the still -  rapidly advancing human mind . These Miracles should constantly remind us to be ever grateful to The Creator .
    A  very recent incident of the much discussed fatal plane crash that went up into flames instantaneously killing all the passengers but one who survived the ill- fated crash is not only enigmatic and perplexing but   that which defies causality and human understanding..
That was A Miracle that we all experienced ...it was as if The Creator took him in his lap for He wanted him to survive not  that He wanted the others to perish but that again is inexplicable .
Birth , Death and the future are indeterminate and not in the periphery of human intelligence. That is why it is said that we should live in the present moment.

Although births are now well planned and executed as per one's requirement , yet what we foolishly ignore is that  these so - called planned events are also ordained by The Almighty or they would not happen.
However the future and death still remain unpredictable . The most acclaimed knowledgeable  astrologers   , the best of fortune- tellers are inept at it.
The  incredible story of this survivor bears testimony to the above statement .

But  such Miracles do occur from time to time. 
      The Almighty is as if once again reminding us of His  benevolent presence .
In reality every day that passes by smoothly is a miracle ...that we wake up alive with all our senses and  organs functioning and are able to go about our business as planned by us is nothing short of a Miracle...
      If you cone to think of it on how each and every individual in the remotest corner of the world  ,irrespective of nationality , religion, caste  , creed is being lovingly nurtured,  protected and how every wish is being  fulfilled by That Power is mind-boggling . This is a sheer Miracle !
       For this and for everything even to the infinitesimal happenings  , our greatest service to Him can be heartfelt gratitude always , to be thankful every single day of our lives till our last breath !
It is only when this feeling of gratefulness envelops us can we truly honour and marvel at the wonders of His Creations .
This will also lead to a significant negation of grudges and grievances for when  one is completely enraptured and ecstatic with His miracles will the deep sense of fulfilment , blessedness and gratitude dawn upon every individual awakening his faculty to higher and more elevated levels .
It is only then that mortals can constructively think good for others and for society at large !

Japan Delights !

 Springtime ,the Queen  of all seasons is  when the land of Sakura as Japan is popularly known ,  comes  alive  radiating  The Lord's magnificence and bountiful Grace in every corner !

Though ephemeral the Sakura or the cherry blossom season ie from end of March to mid April is the best time to visit this delightful and captivating  country.
The mesmerising rows of the pristine white , powder pink , baby pink and dark pink  cherry blossoms are a glorious spectacle  , unmatched in splendour and elegance !  Although these delicate , gossamer-like  blooms  shed themselves at  the  slightest whisper  of the chilly  Spring winds yet  the ensuing magical  flurry that one witnesses  makes one dance with glee. It is indeed a surreal experience !!

The Japanese themselves make the most of this fleeting Sakura season by picnicking , revelling and making merry under these blossoms.  It is a common sight to see groups of young and old  frolicking in the shade of these trees and their smiling faces says it all. Otherwise considered to be reserved   and reticent it is on such occasions that the   disciplined citizens  let loose and vivaciously enjoy the enchanting blooms .
However , Luck has to be on  one's side to experience this enchanting sight for as is typical of the weather , rains can play spoil sport and cause the  trees to  shed all the cherry blossoms never to flower again in that season . Spring rains often arrive unanounced ending the spectacular season in a moment .But if Lady Luck is  favourable  one gets to witness the plenitude and abundance of the  unrivalled sakuras .
This time of the year also heralds  the blossoming of tulips -- fields of vibrant colour streching endlessly in carefully curated gardens ! The kaleidoscope of hues is so breathtaking that one cannot help but gasp in awe !  These tulip displays with their sheer variety and scale  offer a panoramic view so stunning   ethereal and heart-stopping that it evokes wonder ,  ecstasy  and euphoria !
In every way this time of the year in Japan is a symphony of varied hues  , celestial  beauty and unalloyed joy  celebrating  the splendour of  nature !! 

ON FB ETHICS

 Ever since Mark Zuckerberg 's life- changing radical and transformative creation and evolution of Facebook and its escalating popularity over the past decade, it seems mandatory to be on Facebook for the digi savvy world ! 

A portal that promotes friendship , resumes contact with old and long- lost friends , provides people to showcase their achievements and talents , encourages to hone their writing skills are some attractions that have led to its widespread use by all and sundry ! 

The primeval , humane and core concept of being happy and making others happy is what FB should be all about !!

However , with the intervention of A I , Facebook is loosing its credibility with several of its users. The authenticity of posts is questionable and the mass viewing of photographs , posts are jeopardised as they can be distorted , misused and metamorphosed in unpleasant ways .

At times it also arises cynical feelings of envy which relates to prejudices and biases one harbours .

   Inappropriate verbal usage often leads to exposure of hostilities publicly . ...washing dirty linen in public to put it mundanely ! This is certainly unethical giving rise to disturbing and unpleasant emotions in the reader and certainly to those it is meant for .

     There is also something called FB etiquette which is again obligatory and socially required.

To click on the Like, Love , Wow , Smiley icons is indicative of reciprocating and feeling good in others' joyful moments . A positive comment is more appreciated especially when the post displays one's skill be it in any art or literary form. Likewise absence of these normal reactions especially by those who are near and dear and otherwise active , is a kind of negligence and indifference and is almost like a deliberate affront for the sensitive user who posts . 

Another category of users are the passive ones who like to take a voyeuristic peep into your posts and choose to remain silent !! There are still better than those who are active in posting themselves but pay no heed or are simply indifferent and apathetic towards others' posts !! This is discourteous and against all ethics !! 

" Happiness is only real when shared " is a simple yet meaningful quote by Christopher Mccandless . When happiness is shared it gives more joy to the giver and also to the receiver creating bonhomie and emotional support...the byproduct being , dispelling anxiety and negativity. This used to be the ideal concept of happiness which the generation of baby boomers and their ancestors believed in and lived with.

But alas that is waning leading to increased alienation, self- centredness and thus loneliness.  

Come on all of you generations of the millenials , the Alpha and now the Beta  , learn to share your joy with others and find happiness in others' delightful moments and memories . You will see how expanded you will feel and your world will be a much more amiable and amicable place to be in !!