The second quote in that philosophy book was ‘Greed makes a man blind and foolish and makes him an easy prey for death’ by Rumi.
Taking forward their discussion, Shah Ji: Everyone is finding HOME. Birds, in their nest. Humans, in their concrete homes. And art, a perfect wall.
Sharma: True, but not by destroying someone else’s home.
Shah: From an ant to a dinosaur, rivers, rain, winds, trees, birds, and animals, humans everyone is in search of a destination called HOME. A home is a place where you share your happiness with your family, create memories, and sleep peacefully. Our home is the only place where even one roti can satisfy our hunger. From rich to poor, from birds to animals, everyone is looking for peace of mind, which only a home can offer.
Sharma: Due to changing landscapes, be it political, industrial, or social, only we are benefitting but not our friends from nature. Cities are not only about people but life beyond that too. We all together share an interesting and warm bond.
We need to care about these creatures and understand that with community centers, gyms, swimming pools, and various amenities, if we have a safe and sound habitat for these trees, birds, and animals the coexistence of the plant-bearing fruits and flower-bearing saplings so birds can access their food, naturally.
If we cannot help them find their home or rehabilitate them, and provide them with a better natural ecosystem, we don’t have any right to destroy what little they have. To think, with no biodiversity and a natural ecosystem, it will have a negative impact on human life is the most selfish approach one can have. We only think about ourselves, humanity says we need to think about others first.
Shah: Shama Ji, don’t get emotional. We understand your concern.
Sharma: As you were saying, Shah Ji, a human being migrates from rural to urban areas for growth, a better quality of life, and it is also considered as a symbol of success. Similarly, you have to understand that birds and animals too, get out in search of food to provide a better life for their family. We share the same emotions and needs.
The only difference is we have an upper hand over them as far as strength, intelligence, and power. Nature has given us the power to humans, which we call ‘Humanity’, where our role is that of a protector.
Sharma Ji paused for a while…
This word ‘Humanity’, made me revisit Annu didi’s works. She has small plants, graffiti, icons, symbols, and design elements of grills and roads passing over the building and her perspective has the design and architectural elements with natural textures. I was surprised when I realized how she understands us we do not complain, but we adjust (people often call us true Indian birds, because we adjust in every situation) to the world of concrete, brick, glass, steel, and buildings. Having said that, it doesn’t mean we do not miss our trees, grass, and mud. I have immense respect for her because she has shown reality in her works.
She shows deforestation, and earth in the brown, while urbanization in black and grey relates to power and concrete. The perspective and composition hold the key. Annu didi’s works have wonderfully explained the problem.
I wanted to tell Sharma Ji and Shah Ji that the next time, your family or friends build a home, please request them to create one for us too, next to theirs. I have a dream to live with fellow humans and sing together ek bangla bane nyara…rahe, kunba jis mein sara.
Finding a home will never be a problem for us.
Photos and Text © Chaitya Dhanvi Shah
