As 2005 dawned, it will be the heaviest ever new year eve in terms of the sadness people carry in their hearts after the disaster in the the indian sub- continent. Marked by heartfelt prayers for the victims, we welcome 2005 with a hope for peace in the world. Lets peace rule the world saving from man-made and unfortunate natural disasters.
We had planned almost a month ago that we will celebrate the new year at Times Square. Ever since I heard of the disaster I had almost forgotten about the new year much less its excitement. After hours of dilemma the day before we decided to go. It may hurt a lot of a people who might think it is a sin to “celebrate” amidst the misery of millions. But I believed it was the best way for me to cope with the sadness and welcome 2005 with prayers.
A million people gathered in Timesquare symbolizing goodwill, unity and hope. Nothing but peace. There were a lot of people from south asian origin ( specifically from srilanka) carrying banners around requesting everyone to donate. Exactly at 8.15 pm there was a two minute silence tribute for the victims of the tsunami. A million people whole-heartedly prayed for the lost souls and I was glad that they planned to do that small thing amidst the frenzy.
It was absolutely food and alchohol free (infact no bathrooms either == torture!) as the noisy crowd witnessed the spectacular ball drop and the fireworks that accomponied it. It is a once in a life time occasion and I doubt if we will endure another 11 hour standing to witness a new year.
I wish the tsunami never happened. It is an unfortunate reality that rest of the world can only merely watch 150,000 fellow humans being washed and crushed away by a calamity ( “Pralayam” as pointed out by Srikanth ) only to move on hoping that another new year brings more peace.
Again, for those who might be offended by our act of being there in TimesSquare, I reaffirm again that my heart and soul is still crying for those dead and we felt in our right mind, it was not a worst thing to do, to join hands with million others emphasizing peace, unity and hope.
