I have always, am always and will always be from the “glass half full” camp and have managed to look on the bright side of life, no matter how ‘down in the dumps’ the world around us may be. This has been a steadfast for my sister Dinushka and I, and I feel that our understanding of life’s pathways, and our firm belief in God, certainly keeps us looking forward with faith. Faith I might add not just from the realm of spirituality, but faith in humanity, and the hope that no matter what, humanity will battle through the filth and emerge triumphant. The times we are in certainly seem to test these beliefs, but I am always hopeful! 

Humanity at its very core asks and actually demands that we choose our actions wisely in a compassionate system where our very own thoughts, words and deeds do not harm or hinder the wellbeing of others. Now how many of us are actually in any shape or form attempting this? From slander and bias, to malicious gossip and blatant lies, the swirling cesspool of the current situation in the country could make the sainted Mahatma do a double take! 

Let’s commence in the hallowed halls of power, where the cooled air is on a constant setting giving those within the wonderful feeling of conversing nonchalantly in the Swiss Alps. They seem far removed from the sweltering sentiments of the larger populace standing in never ending lines for the basics, while scraping by with living standards reminiscent of World War 2. Switch on the mikes and the gentleman of power spew rhetoric worthy of fairytales with stories of villains, heroes and mythical knights in shining Mercedes who are zooming to the rescue. Apart from the wasted breath, these nonsensical takes on their very own perceived truths are not believed by anyone! Break for meals means another waste of money feeding the well-padded decision makers who could make it through a few glacial winters, simply on their stored “calories.” Lofty and hefty, are many who steer the course of the nation!

As we watch in bemused awe, taking in the levels of meaningless rubbish regurgitated by the powers that be, many of us are wondering if, when and where we would be getting fuel from, medicines from, along with other basic necessities. The United Nations, ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ highlights requirements including “to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,” while Article 25 states, that, “everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and wellbeing of himself and his family.” Maybe this was not meant to be ‘Universal’ in our neck of the woods! The last time any of us saw ‘adequate standard of living’ or ‘social progress’ was what seems a lifetime ago, but if one is sufficiently ‘connected’ one’s personal ‘social progress’ and ‘standard of living’ is guaranteed! 

Enter the beneficiaries of ‘socially progressive standards of living’, the leaches drawing lifeblood from our sad staggering nation. From fleets of fuel guzzling vehicles, to armies of staff and hangers-on, to ever expanding homes, where the ‘owners’ never see or pay a single bill, the ‘progress’ seems all around us. Could some, in these unprecedented times of hardship, have the sense to say, “I don’t need the latest and greatest, and I don’t need millions worth of expenses?” Oh! What a wonderful world it would be! 

Instead the ‘Lofty Hefties’ along with their ever expanding mid sections and retinues seem determined to see the bottom of the financial barrel that is already dangerously empty. Wives, mistresses, mistresses’ friends, extended families, children recognized by law and those who are not, all seem to be on the benefit list. Not forgetting that most do not even have the sense to be covert about their extravagant spending of other people’s money! Social media seems to be their go to for splashing their wares, including posing in, next to, and sometimes disturbingly on their transportation. Mix in the massive logo belts, the logo emblazoned bags, and jewelry reminiscent of Diwali lights, and we have the local ‘socially progressive’ set who live to show! It would be nice if they had the sense to cut back on the ostentation and maybe cultivate cerebral strengths rather than their social media followers. Cerebral unfortunately, may be a word beyond their realm of understanding. If I wrote of brand names, and the latest and greatest ‘intoxicators,’ their interests may peak.

The Soirees are soaring, with hostesses and guests steeped in meaningless chatter, discussing who has the latest bag (which unfortunately in most cases come from street peddlers in Bangkok), to who has had, is having or going to have the latest procedure to make themselves into something they are not. I do understand that with many of their husbands finding ‘entertainment’ elsewhere boredom does set in, so a ‘color coordinated party’ in the hen coop maybe their very own escape mechanism. I also understand that not having their feet on ‘terra firma’ means that their heads are affected by the ‘thin air up there,’ but a little sense would be wonderfully refreshing. The only sense seems to be what they would spell ‘scents’ and that too would be the usual predictable brands that scream nouveau everything. If these wonderful social moths have so much expendable coin, why not get a custom fragrance from the likes of Monsieur Maurice Roucel, known for his unique blends of Baltic Amber, Saffron flowers and Bulgarian Rose? Oh but than again not many would know that name so what use would that be! Dressed in matching pastels colors looking like toddlers in baby shirts at a play date, they cut sky high pastel cakes that match their frilly frocks as they party on. Partying while teetering on high heels and high life. As they celebrate anything and everything, I find added amusement in the fact that with so many celebrated birthdays, not a single one of them seems to get a day older. Mention age and the extensions surely would fly!

As we are firmly half way through 2022, we speak of how everyone thought 2020 was the worst, and watched 2021 slide into the depths, maybe preparing us for the horrors of 2022. The rest of the world is also recovering, prices maybe high, but the systems in place ensures that the general population does not go without the very basics in life. As we enter the second half of the year, let us collectively try to live in the now, live in reality, and live in empathy. ‘Life’ is after all this lap that we make, while trying to make the best of it, for us and for all those around us.