Beyond Da Vinci Code

The best seller of Dan brown’s work Da Vinci code ,no doubt, turned to be the favourite of so many ardent mystery book lovers. I am no exception. The book caught me in clutches when I read it first. Still when i read it, it keeps me from getting distracted.

After reading the book, I started exploring more and more on the Templars, Constantine, Roman and Jewish Practices. Any book shop I go, these books catch my attention and end up in my book shelf at home. One such book is ‘Beyond the Da Vinci Code’.

When Dan brown confirmedly declares Jesus would have got married, this book focuses on all the Practices, rituals of the Jews at that timeline and concludes saying Jesus may or may not have got married. I would not term it interesting; it was a big hard bound book full of facts. It changed my complete view on Leonardo of Vinci.

But what intended me to share in this blog is not about Dan brown or his works. When I was pondering over all these, something struck hard in my thoughts. Being a Christian and grown in beliefs, virtues and values of Christianity, with faith in Christ, why do I show much interest on something that defames my root of faith and that too not proven anywhere. But meagre interest I have on the realism.

There are so many silent achievers in my surrounding and family which I am not aware of. And the history of India is the richest in the world. I never had the urge to know about all that till now. Is it human tendency? Are we following whatever he has said, the good virtues, and the life of a perfect Samaritan? The answer is big no. Then why feel betrayed that our root of faith is misled?

There are so many intrusions of other cultures in our lives today. Are we satisfied with any Indian brand for any product we use? We always look out for an international brand. When the life of a common man is deeply influenced by other cultures, imagine the impact of the contemporary cultures on Christianity.

It is best to explore Bible and learn to live on its discourses rather than trying to find the family life of Jesus Christ. I don’t care a thing if Jesus is married, had a kid or any sort. I had, have, and will have faith on the man who walked the very earth I am living now, and gave excellent principles for human beings to live ethically, and shed his blood to save the lot from their sins.

A day in my life with an Earthquake of Richter scale 5

When the earthquake at Indonesia carried its impact till Chennai, it was the first time I encountered an earthquake and it was the very first time I ever realised how much I valued my life.It all started after lunch on that ‘D-day’. I remember I had so much work and post lunch, I was busy continuing them. Suddenly, my friend Anu pinged me in the MOC and asked whether my chair is shaking. I thought she was kidding. I turned back and asked Pradeepa whether she experienced anything. She too laughed at this.

But there started a commotion, when all the people who experienced this got agitated and wanted to move out. It was, by then, I realised a little movement. I got literally scared out of my wits. I started feeling a bit of nausea. Then all of us took the emergency exit and assembled at the safe point. All were so sceptic and wanted to know if their dear ones at home are safe. They wanted to reach them but in vain.

Only one mobile had network. 3 Guesses who. Yes, it was mine. Idea 3G. :) Such a great work of the Idea sir Ji to have a good connection at my office. All the while, we were chatting, made fun of all, and reacted like school kids who were just announced a holiday but I felt the worst is not over. I called up my aunt to check if she is fine and she said there has been a tsunami alert.

My thought was just one thing. It’s going to be my last day on earth. Well, believe me folks, I am not exaggerating, you see, my office is at the OMR and most probably affected, when, I should say, if ever Tsunami hits.

A while later, fed up of waiting in the hot sun and thinking of the pending work to complete, we made our way back to cubicles. I was so relieved to see a mail from the management saying the worst is over and things have restored to normalcy. My dear brother George was calling me every ten minutes asking me to leave office ASAP as it was very close to the sea.

As I was answering his calls and reading the mail again, I experienced the same shaking again. I was confused. Should I believe the mail or my senses? I voted for my senses. (Of course I trust myself alone :) ). I decided to flee.

Then we got the news that our buses would ply in another half an hour. I couldn’t run immediately as I had work to complete. Finally completing everything at a speed equal to the speed of light, (ok ok, I accept, less than that :P ) we ran towards the bus bay.

It was more crowded than usual (Obvious). I was so lucky to have got a seat in my bus after which there were around 20 standing. Now another problem. The traffic was just too much. The driver declared he would reach the destination in about 3 to 4 hours or even more which would usually take 1 and a half hour.

Though shocked, I was relived to reach home. I plugged in my earphones to tune my FM to check the news. What I heard in the radio that day, I can never forget. The RJ was eagerly interviewing an earthquake victim about his experience. Then she said Please call to this number and share your experience too and you may win couple movie tickets to the recent movie released. ROFL.:) :) :)  (Well, actually I couldn’t really roll on the floor as it was crowded)

I called up my people back home and said I may turn up very late but that I was safe. Two guys suddenly declared in my bus that they know a different route avoiding the traffic. The driver agreed and with the help of them we started along ‘the path less travelled.’ The road was very bumpy. All along the way so many people were jeering at us, saying run run run tsunami is approaching. I felt bad. How can people behave like this in such a situation? The real reason was that the tsunami alert was withdrawn quite a long time back, I later realized. :)

Wonders of wonders, I reached home much earlier than my usual time, thanks to those two guys. I learnt two important things in life that day.

Life is not permanent and I cannot hold on to it as long as I wish. Anything can happen at any time. Be prepared.

Secondly, when just for an earthquake on a scale of 5, my scare level broke the scale; imagine the people who have suffered the worst in their lives. So, help those who are not that blessed as I am, as much as I can.

Earthquake news has taken the back seat very long back and I can understand your reaction at me for sharing this now. Couldn’t help it.  :)  

C&S Most welcome.