The Other World within Our World (2)
A couple of months back I had written about the lessons to be learnt from various species of animals and had mentioned in passing about the fascinating powers of Olive Ridley Turtles as they swim across oceans and the lessons to be learnt from all the species of animals, which supposedly more intelligent and may be more pragmatic human beings, can embibe and emulate. The horizon only got expanded recently when I got an opportunity to study, in somewhat more detail, about the life cycles and breeding patterns of Olive Ridley Turtles, who are so named because of the colours of their heart shaped shell — an Olive-Green Hue. Although the most abundant of all sea turtles and inspite of their deceptively sheer numbers, they are considered “vulnerable” because of a 30% decline in their numbers from historical levels and because of their few remaining nesting sites worldwide.
Amongst the smallest of all sea -turtles, growing upto 70 cm and weighing (on an average) 45 kg, what is most amazing is their breeding and nesting cycle. Olive Ridley Turtles mate in the ocean and females are capable of storing sperms throughout the breeding season enabling them to produce one to three clutches of eggs at intervals. While reproductive capability and the desire to mate is invariably present in all living beings (with understandable and natural differences among species), what is amazing is their synchronised mass nesting in mass numbers termed “arribadas” (Spanish for “arrival by sea”) where they come in hundreds /thousands to the beach where they hatched (were born) to lay their eggs. Widely believed to be guided by the Earth’s Magnetic field to find their natal beach, females of this species arrive for the synchronised laying of eggs over a cycle of two three nights, laying their eggs in conical nests about 1.5 ft deep (about the depth of a flipper) scooping out the sand laboriously with their hind flippers and after covering their eggs with sand, return to the ocean never to see their offspring again. The eggs incubate for about fifty days before hatching, whereupon the young Olive Ridley attempts to make its way to its natural habitat- the Ocean — a process in which they encounter innumerable impediments to survival — whether by predators such as seabirds, crabs, fish, mammals, and molluscs or even by man- made obstacles such as harmful fishing nets, trawlers and of course ocean pollution and marine debris.
The inspiration for delving deep into the lives of Olive Ridley Turtles came from reading an article written by Nikhil Devasar noted conservationist, writer and entrepreneur who describes how he helped baby Olive Ridley Turtles escape the clutches of predators and guided them into the Ocean, fulfilling a promise to their mother with the prayer: -
“………………little one, I watched you emerge in this large world. Go into it boldly but look out for its perils. Stay safe from predators and harmful fishing nets. May the same instincts that guided your ancestors for millions of years continue to guide you. May you grow to live a long and happy life. And may you return to this same beach 18 years from now to visit me your follow being.”
While the actions and efforts are decidedly welcome and the thoughts epitomise nobility of the highest order, humanity as a whole has a lot to learn from these and other species that make up the other world.
The ability to swim endless miles in a synchronised orderly manner, guided by the ocean currents and seemingly inanimate magnetic fields and to find the original place of birth reflects a sense of discipline, foresight, intelligence and above all physical strength- some of all of which qualities human beings (the supposedly most intelligent and developed species) could definitely learn millions of lessons from. The manner in which the female turtles cut the umbilical cord immediately after laying their eggs might seem somewhat confounding, however can we ever imagine human beings migrating seamlessly and travelling hundreds of miles in a synchronous, orderly and disciplined manner-the answer is most definitely in the negative with the possibility of a riotous situation and a deplorable law and order condition being the most logical and probable outcome.
Moreover, relying more and more as human beings are on variants of artificial intelligence, with, to my uninformed mind, the frightening prospect of it threatening to lord over our daily lives, it is time that we put in some efforts to go back to our roots, reignite the basic processes of learning and rely more on our inbuilt intellect rather than machine based and internet modes of learning, analysis and source of information. Machine based computing and latest technological tools are definitely and most necessary for unravelling the unfathomable mysteries of the world and conquering areas unknown to human endeavour so far, the increased and infact, to my mind insane, proliferation of such aids and tools even as a child takes baby steps and learns to discover life, while robbing children of the excitement and inbuilt challenges the process entails has, if I may say rather pithily, stunted mental development. To take an elementary example, in our childhood we spent hours learning the basics of arithmetical calculations with mental maths being an integral part of the curricula (something which, admittedly many children loathed) in the long run it definitely helped in sharpening mental facilities and aided the normal neutral development process. However, the gradual early introduction first of calculators and later of computers while robbing the charm of development also has the potential of stunting the growth process.
Perhaps human being could learn from the capability of Olive Ridley Turtles to find their way back, without relying on any complex technological tools to their mother beach, a phenomenal reflection of their attachment of their place of birth and which considering their natural order of progression and procreation would sustain across generations. While many of us, human beings will find it difficult after about two decades to find, unaided their place of birth, the attachment to the place of birth seems to be common — with all human beings desiring to connect with their ancestors, imbibing their lineage and endeavouring to follow the path laid out and the practices followed by them. All in all the behavioural patterns and life cycles definitely have certain important and worthy lessons for humanity to emulate.
While the behavioural patterns of the lithe Olive Ridley Turtles really provide lesson for the humanity to emulate, the recent experience of keeping a pet has only served to broaden and confirm my beliefs as to this “other world” being a beacon of hope, and, if I may say, storehouse of wisdom for human beings whose limits of humanity, wisdom, tolerance and forbearance seem to be, inveterately creaking at the seams. Initially incubated by our children, the idea of keeping a pet was viewed with extreme trepidation and vociferously baulked at by certain influential members of our household with me as the incorrigible fence- sitter — an opportunist ready to jump sides depending on which way the wind in blowing.
However, as was inevitable, the children had their way and adopted a female from the litter of a stray- whose circumstances had criminally and savagely conspired to deny the benefits of rudimentary maternal care and nursing-something which we all taken as given. Amazingly and most surprisingly, if not astonishingly, it took only a couple of days for the naysayers and doubters to be bought over by her unrequited love and unalloyed affection. With scarcely a hint of the travails and disruption of her, if I may call, infancy, her unadulterated one-way affection bordering on tolerance in behaviour and a somewhat spirituality in her actions, she with her childlike innocence has apart from becoming an inseparable part of the family, begun to act as the veritable stress-buster (most essential in recent times) and a deal-braker in times of domestic strife — her graceful canter, childlike jump, twinkling eyes and most loving gaze acting as the most effective mediator to any kind of dispute. Ever ready to make friends with even perceived strangers and an uncanny ability to transmit love and attract affection, these canine creatures have lessons for humanity to embibe- how can one countenance to and accept any distinction one any ground whatsoever. And of course -the more you love, the more you get- the returns are always exponential and limitless.
Amazingly every day when it is time for you to come back from work, she gets the cue from the stopping of the car or the walk up the stairs and she waits eagerly and definitely excitedly with her tail wagging vigorously at the main door waiting for you, ready to pounce on you and smother you and seeking the most comforting belly rub failing which you are not allowed to settle down. Not for her to take anything for granted, the phrase “familiarity breeds contempt” or even indifference does not carry any meaning. For her you are as important today as you were yesterday or even a couple of weeks earlier and will continue to remain important- the phrase “if you love somebody show it” never more apparent with the added message of exhibiting your love explicitly and consistently and never let shades of familiarity and the quicksands of time gloss it over.
In the backdrop of this experience and naturally being more observant to all breeds of the canoe variety, I have distinctly observed this ability to be present across all of them-even stray dogs, for their ferocious demeanour is deceptive and their affection boundless -of course if treated with a certain amount of loving care and given adequate attention. Again, a lesson for all of us-the right approach, an understanding, response and an appreciation of their needs, desires and qualities would transform anybody-the unkempt to become the most polished and the criminal to a saint.
It is also be sheer chance that I got to watch the 2008 American comedy drama film “Marley and Me” based on the 2005 memoir of the same name by John Grogan. The movie features the life of a young couple after they adopt a Labrador Retriever named Marley (after Bob Marley). The file starring Owen Wilson as John Grogan is deeply engaging, entertaining and with the following dialogue recited towards the close of the film by John Grogan really sums up what these canine creatures personify: -
“A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A waterlogged stick will do just fine. A dog doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he’ll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?”
Experience really tells me that their love is unalloyed, affection untainted and commitment unwavering. Perhaps something for us humanity to learn from
In a strife torn world, with divisions, tensions and concerns magnified by the horrendous epidemic, the intelligent species -human beings, need to learn from those other species and as I said earlier embibe and emulate significant parts of their behavioural. Lessons may also be learnt from different species in the “other world within our world”. I may just say, the connotation of the phrase- “Leading a dogs life” needs to transform from negativity and deprivation to one based on undemanding love compassion and understanding -seemingly a utopian proposition burt nevertheless, even a small beginning would be a soothing balm and panacea for the many ills affecting our society today. As the wise man said, “those who teach us about humanity are not always humans-animals teach us, inspire us and provide encouragement in ways we do not even realise -the friendship provided by then is unconditional and unalloyed.”
As the celebrated American poet, essayist, journalist and humanist Walt Whitman (author of the Poem “O Captain! My Captain!” written on the death of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and which is a normal part of the school curricula and which we all have invariably read and dissected as a part of our English Literature course) very aptly put it:-
“I think I could turn and live with the animals; they are so placid and self-contained;
I stand and look at them long and long.
They do not sweat and whine about their condition;
They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins;
They do not make me sick discussing their duty to God;
Not one is dissatisfied-not one is demented with the mania of owning things;
Not one kneels to another, nor his kind that lived thousands of years ago
Not one is responsible or industrious over the whole earth.”
Hope the lessons from the pandemic and its disastrous economic, social and emotional fallout help up appreciate, understand and comprehend the lessons that this other world withing our world provides us.
