What is more worthy? Human Being or Being Human?

The God's Own Country

As a native of Kerala, what I missed last Saturday was the enthusiasm that every Mallu (slang for Keralite- native of Kerala, Kerala- A State in Southern most part of India a.k.a. “God’s Own Country”) used to have at least one day of the year. Yes, it was our most celebrated festival, Onam. A festival which is a big cohesive force in the social fabric of Kerala. Since my childhood I have always related Onam to prosperity, thanks to much quoted phrase in Malayalam - “Kaanam vittum Onam unnanam”, meaning “You should celebrate Onam even if you have to sell your property for it”. But last Saturday, for the first time in my 25 years of life so far (verified by my Appa who is 30 years elder to me) I saw an Onam that was not celebrated (even all official celebrations by the State government were cancelled) and the credit goes to the incessant downpours that ravaged the State a week ago.

So, as a couple of Internet searches would tell you, the State of Kerala (12 out of the total 14 Districts)  had faced the century’s worst flood- lives lost: 300+, displaced: close to 0.9 million, homes collapsed: close to 0.3 million, financial loss: ₹ 20,000+ Crores (+296 Million $), possible threat of epidemics and health threats. The State was not much focused by the national media, for reasons still unknown (not discussed even if known). However, the beings of God’s Own Country rose to the occasion with an unprecedented determination, covering all the three Rs of disaster management: Rescue, Relief and Rehabilitate.

Leaving aside all the political discussions that you might be well aware: The ruling Left Allies v/s the Opposition of Socialist Congress regarding the preparedness, the State government v/s the Central government regarding the scanty fund allocations, the local media v/s the national media regarding the poor initial coverage, ohh.. the list might not end as it has hit the minds of people; for those who have a home to run with these political discussions (TRPs you know- the more you shout in your channel, the more you get views. Eh?!). The monkey isn’t interested in them.

What the monkey is interested in is:

1. The true face of humanity: People from all walks of life came in together with a single objective: save those who are bearing the brunt of rains. You could see the Army, the Airforce, the Navy, the Paramilitary forces, bureaucrats, politicians, professionals, students and practically everyone joining their hands together. They together rescued people, gave them shelter and provisions and is still helping them to rebuild their lives.
2. The true face of governance: “Heroes are made, not born.” I feel that both the governments at Central and State level rose to the occasion, coordinating the rescue attempts, sending in troops where required, prioritising needs and providing relief. This was definitely a test of time for those in power, and I am of the opinion that they did succeed in winning hearts.
3. The true face of camaraderie and brotherhood: The people shed off their differences- of caste, creed, religion, sex, political opinions and what not. We could see people offering donations from Pakistan, the governments of UAE and Maldives, my other compatriots in India who might not be otherwise bothered about the tiny State in the bottom. Every one contributed (or are still contributing ) their parts to provide for the State they might be otherwise unaware about.

In a nutshell as the title suggests, what does it matter? Human Being or Being Human? The taxonomy of the word “Homo Sapiens” (the species that we belong to, the advanced apes) would mean literally in Latin as “Wise Men” (of course women too! No gender discrimination). Yes, the Kerala Floods have made a lot of us prove our belongingness to a specie, the Homo Sapiens, or the Wise Men. I hope the answer is now clear: Being Human matters rather than being a Human Being.

PS: Kerala is still miles away from getting on back on its own feet. But, it is the God's Own Country and Gods never appear themselves, they appear in people.