The dawn of this New Year has been tumultuous in the wake of the infamous rape case that has set in motion widespread activism and public outrage rarely seen before in my lifetime. Personally, beyond the tumult and rage, I found myself questioning and pondering many of my thoughts and reactions.

Yes, I was angry, but more than that I was scared. Of what was happening around me. Of the urgency people felt to abandon reason and seek retribution. Of the violence in the reactions being as much if not more than the violence of the crime. An eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, castration for rape?

I was angry more because, once again, the language of tolerance, love and compassion was being abandoned, perceived as weak and ineffectual; while it seemed all right to go back to Medieval times and become the lynching mob, hurling stones and cheering when the hangman pulled the cord.

I was angry and incredibly sad. I needed to clear my head and chase away the thoughts of despair and frustration that were chasing each other around my head. It was indeed fortunate that we were to be away in the Himalayas to usher in the New Year.

For five days, I refrained from getting involved in the babel that continued. It took some effort, it’s not like me to stay away. I love to jump into the fray.

Instead, I chose to focus on the beauty around me- the pristine hills, the simple people, the twittering birds, the flowing little brooks, the puddles that turned to ice overnight and melted in the warm innocent rays of the sun the next morning, the thick forests, the small winding paths that demanded all your concentration. I immersed myself in the moment, watched the kids enjoy every experience- making paper planes then flying them down the slopes covered with bare apple and apricot trees, collecting wild flowers and befriending the local children and dogs, running around in abandon, singing, talking to themselves.

The magnificent view of the Greater Himalayas reminded me of my humble place on this planet. At the same time, it reminded me that I was not meant to only sit and ruminate and let life go by. I had to flow with life, take the steps forward that would fulfill me, I had to fulfill my purpose.

I return to Gurgaon and settle into my regular routine with that sense of calmness that only a spiritual communion with nature and your self can bring. I no longer rant about the anger I see around me, that too has some purpose. I no longer lose my patience, my heart, my spirit. I know I must do what I think is right, say what I am convinced is true, and the rest will follow.