Embracing the Rain: A Love for Monsoon's Magic and Modern Disconnect
As the monsoon season of Asharh arrives, the sky darkens with clouds, heralding the start of gentle or torrential rain. This period is described as nature's endless fairytale, evoking a range of emotions from peace to exuberance. The gentle touch of raindrops on the skin and the subsequent peace it brings to the heart are profound experiences. Even being awakened by rain at night can lead to a tranquil night spent in conversation with the downpour, a pure form of joy.
However, the author observes a stark contrast in the attitude of city dwellers, who often fear the rain and retreat indoors, viewing those who enjoy it with suspicion. This fear is attributed to modern urban development, where canals have been filled and rivers encroached upon, leading to waterlogging. The author argues that instead of blaming the rain for suffering, people should acknowledge their role in obstructing natural water flow through the dumping of waste in drains. This disconnect from nature means children today miss out on the simple joys of their predecessors, such as playing in the mud, catching fish, or listening to the rain on tin roofs.
The piece reflects on cherished childhood memories of playing in the rain with cousins, a stark contrast to the current generation's experience. The author recounts a personal anecdote of renaming a friend 'Brishti' (Rain) and himself 'Akash' (Sky) out of deep affection for the rain. For those who grew up in villages in the 1990s, Asharh represents not just a month but a piece of life, deep love, and a lingering longing. The sound of rain on a tin roof still evokes childhood and a sense of a lost self immersed in the rain. The author urges readers to see rain not as a hardship but as a beloved part of life, representing memories, roots, affection, and the purest feelings. It is a call to reconnect with nature, share these experiences with children, and teach them that rain signifies life, memory, and a profound kinship with nature.
The narrative highlights a cultural shift where the natural phenomenon of rain, once a source of joy and integral to life, is increasingly perceived as a nuisance in urban environments. This perception is linked to infrastructural challenges like waterlogging, which are presented as human-induced rather than solely natural occurrences. The author critiques a societal tendency to externalize blame for inconvenience onto natural events, overlooking systemic issues like urban planning and environmental degradation. This disconnect from nature, particularly among younger generations, signifies a loss of traditional ecological knowledge and a diminished appreciation for natural cycles. The piece implicitly advocates for a re-evaluation of urban development priorities and a renewed emphasis on fostering a symbiotic relationship with the environment, recognizing rain's vital role in sustaining ecosystems and cultural heritage.
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