Death by design and desperation...

Recently, world was shaken by two very sad news. The horrific, man made catastrophe on 22 July, at Oslo, Norway, that killed 91 people and death of Amy Winehouse in suspicious condition (read, substance abuse at its worst!) on 23 July. 

A self proclaimed saviour of the nation, Anders Behring Brievik went on killing spree that he managed to carry out with utmost precision and took lives of 91 innocent people. This horrific rampage was the result of deep rooted hatred for Islamic immigrants! 

While I was watching the story of the gruesome killings in Norway, it struck me how the constantly changing world with paradigm shifts in politics, economics and power play is compelling social transformation globally. Not always, we are equipped to handle the pace with which such transformations occur at different levels. 

We live in interesting times! We don't know when some religious fanatic, fundamentalist or any insane person might destroy our life and that fact is very difficult to cope. Such tragic events are rare yet at the back of the mind these threats always lurk and saddest part is there is no logical explanations to "whys" of such mindless killings that leave us weary and helpless. 

If we go little deep in history of human kind, we would find that most of the massacres occurred due to basic human follies like judgment and prejudice! Human kind has suffered immensely due to this malevolent disease of hate, prejudice and judgment. How often do we examine our own thinking and check if we are nursing any hatred within us and if it is evident in our actions, mindsets and attitudes. Are we choosing compassion over hatred? 

In Amy Winehouse's death, one sees clear signs of turbulent personal life. What a waste of such a talented, soulful singer, we wonder! Why, someone like Amy would give up life and find solace in substance abuse? Dig deep and we find endless tales of despair, ambition, loneliness, failed relationships and the pain and dark anguish, guilt and shame it entails. 

Life is such a wonderful gift! I fail to understand why anyone would give it up? I have no words to express the pain of grieving families. With each life that was lost, there was a family and many heart broken friends who  experienced devastation which is difficult to heal! Their pain is beyond words hence impossible to express! All I would say is, R.I.P Utoya kids, I feel so sorry for you and your loved ones! R.I.P Amy Winehouse, how I wish you knew how precious you were! I end this post with one of my favourite songs by Amy; which turned out to be sadly prophetic( "I tread a troubled track")!