AND GRACE WILL LEAD US HOME

By now, many of us have watched the video which captures the tragic incident that happened in Chembur, Mumbai, wherein,  Mrs. Kanchan Rajat Nath, a morning walker was crushed to death by a falling tree!  I have watched this video a couple of times and it has not only left me disturbed with many questions, it has also left me a lot mellowed…

This woman, who looked very graceful, had started her day on a positive note – morning walk and Yoga. When you see that coconut tree falling on her head, you wonder if the tree was waiting all along aiming at her head… It looks as precise, as ruthless and as swift as that!

The questions that disturb me are: Why, of all the passersby’s, it had to be this woman? Why, of all the times, it had to be this time – early morning - when her heart was so peaceful? What must be the thought of people who crossed the same path seconds before or after that incident? Who saved these people and why?

Blaming BMC for not doing away with that tree will not bring back the unfortunate soul back to life. Perhaps, it might help prevent similar incidents from repeating in future… I said, ‘Perhaps’!

The reason why I talk about this episode is: Are we all not saved from such tragedies every day? What brings each one of us – the wretched souls – safely thus far? Yes, what brings us safely home, every day?

Every time I watch or hear about incidents like this, the powerful hymn, ‘Amazing Grace’, comes before me…

Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
I was blind but now I see

‘T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come.
‘T'was grace that brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home,
And grace will lead us home

Amazing grace, How Sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
I was blind but now I see

Was blind, but now I see.

Even in this sad episode, we find the flame of hope… men and women, complete strangers, leaving everything and rushing to help their unfortunate fellow-woman… They taking her to the hospital which is there right across the accident spot… True, they cannot save the woman… But, don’t they all come to save her? And, who has placed the CCTV camera to capture the incident for us? Is it the part of a divine plan?

I don’t know…

Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come.
‘T'was grace that brought us safe thus far
And grace will lead us home,
And grace will lead us home.

GERALD D’CUNHA

Pic.: Suyog Surte

Videos: YouTube