ON MOTHER AND MOTHERLAND

But, the man in the plains is quite different from him. The inhabitant of the vast plains is sober and sedate. He develops an attitude of serenity. He is placid, docile and peace-loving. The vast stretches of fertile land and its salubrious climate yield him gold and make his life easeful and graceful. Abundant leisure awaits him. He puts it to retrospection for exploration of the mystic things. He seeks God and finds Him. He becomes a philosopher not by conviction, but by necessity.

Likewise, the Arabs in the desert become God-minded. For, they are surrounded by vast stretches of dull, dry, dreary, pale ,and. As far as their gaze stretches, they see nothing but sand, sand and sand, and only sand. Vacuum greets them always. Their minds too become empty as a consequence of the ever present emptiness encircling them. So they turn their attention heavenwards, and meditate upon and ardently endeavor to know all about Him. God, in due course comes and dwells in their vacuum. Thus, they are turned philosophers, astrologers and astronomers. They are akin to the inhabitants of the plains in their life and leanings.

Whereas, the people who live beside waters i.e., on the shores of the ever-surging seas, or encompassed by them, have a way of life distinctly different. They see vast expanse of blue waters almost every side. The roaring waves and the turbulent tempests challenge them as it were, to prove their mettle. They become adventurous, since risk lurks at their feet. Danger befriends them and death plays hide and seek with them. Uncertainty follows them like a shadow. Could they be anything else, except enterprising and daring under such threatening conditions? They are accustomed to the vagaries of the mighty `Blue God' and his threats at life. So, they dare and are prepared to dare for any eventuality. They imbibe such spirit of adventure that could enable them to dive to the depths of the depthless seas, or fly to the infinite heights, riding the shapeless, ever-changing colourful clouds.

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