This is a question that everyday several people ask - people like you and me.
Thousands die in China due to a massive earthquake. Did those people deserve to die and die like that. Why?
A severe storm ravages Myanmar (Burma) and thousands are marooned. Why?
You can call the above events as Act of God or at best, nature's fury.
But then in Jaipur human beings planted bombs to kill other innocent human beings. Why?
And closer to home - my uncle had a neighbour - a good Samaritan, a veteran and a helpful doctor at the service of the community. My uncle and aunt, a heart patient, are old. The doctor was their only source of strength. He was always there checking up the old people every now and then - before going for his morning walks or after his return from his clinic. He spoke very gently, instilling confidence in them. When they fell sick he was there at hand, arranging for specialist doctors for emergency care, talking to surgeons personally and just talking kind words.
He was not just a doctor - he has seen life. He was in Kuwait during the war and he drove down from Kuwait to India in a Citroen car, an antique piece - a very small car. He was very fond of it. Once he even allowed me to sit in it - I considered it a great privilege.
Two weeks ago, he came out to cover his car during a quick summer shower and while crossing the road, is hit by a motorbike. He is now totally paralysed on the right hand side.
I visited him today - he recognised and smiled at me with half his face. And then he did something I will never forget in my life - with his left hand he pulled me and kissed on the cheek. He is a true human being. It was I who felt paralysed with strong emotions. Here is a man who can show the power of love when he has lost everything. And to think that I was just one of his acquaintances.
I think if I am able to show this unbridled love to another human being in such circumstances, I can die peacefully.
And somewhere down the bottom of heart I am not sure if I got the answer to the question - Why?
