The Final Journey

Mr. Birla wrote many books. The Hindi title of one of them is ‘Rupaye Ki Kahani’ (‘Money Story’). Mr. Birla’s ‘money-story’ became a story of ashes in the end. So it is with everyone in this world. Everyone is busy recording his success story, ignorant of the fact that what awaits him at the end of his life’s journey is nothing but total destruction. When the Journey Ends A fter a long journey, the express train was approaching its destination. The view from the train indicated that the final station was near. Hundreds of passengers were filled with new life. Some were fastening their bedding; some were changing clothes; some were just peering expectantly out of the window. All were excited, eagerly awaiting their journey’s end. Suddenly, there was a violent thud. The express had collided with a train waiting in the yard. One can easily imagine what happened then: happiness suddenly turned to grief, and vibrant lives were faced with violent death; hope was transformed into despair. A story, which seemed to be heading for a happy ending, became a tragedy at the final moment. So it is with life. Man strives to make himself comfortable in this world, to see his ambitions fulfilled and his life a successful one. But death comes just as his dreams are nearing completion. He leaves his lavish mansion for the desolation of the grave, his glistening body to be devoured by earth and worms. His life’s