#376: SPOTLIGHT: Lan Lakshminarayana
Question for Lan:
Can you recall a specific moment in the last four months that you were in what you would consider to be “nature” and thought or felt for at least a split second that “maybe all is actually right with the world” ?
Lan's Response:
The moment is the picture below. I was visiting settlements on the riverine islands of the Brahmaputra river in North East India – a river that flows across 3 countries - (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmaputra_River#/media/File:Brahmapoutre.png) . These islands are formed when the river abates and they disappear when there is copious flow. Some of these islands are inhabited by extremely underprivileged people and the place has absolutely no amenities (schools, electricity, sanitation, etc).
I was on a boat which is a mobile medical clinic covering 3-4 islands a day doing routine medical checks and providing free treatment for the folks who live there. We had spent 2.5 hours in the “village island” and had found no major ailments. We had also had lunch with the people there, saw them put up an impromptu song and dance show – with the volunteers who served in the clinic (and were regular visitors) joining in. And in the backdrop was this grand river – quietly imposing but serene. Overall, the spirits were high and the atmosphere was energising. It was then that I reflected - where there is overwhelming ‘human connectedness', there can be moments of joy, hope and laughter, even in the midst of abject poverty.
For those who have not seen me, I’m the guy in the photo with the phone!
Amanda’s thought…
I suspect Lan would love all direct responses from you. I find it incredibly encouraging when I hear from any of you after I share my thoughts. It is powerful for me. I assume many others have a similar experience. So here is Lan's email… pip
Lan, reading your words painted a vivid picture in my head of the serene landscape and the bonding experience you had. I've found music, dance, and movement to feel like a universal language, effortlessly connecting people of all backgrounds. Also, your final line about human connectedness is one that might forever stick with me, as will hearing about the crucial work you've been a part of. I am truly moved by it. Thank you, Lan.
- AP
