The Helplessness of Man

The Helplessness of Man

1986 8 August 19 The Helplessness of Man (265) The first field Marshall of India was General Manekshaw. His successor, General K.M. Cariappa, was conferred this prestigious title in January 1986.

K.M. Cariappa who had retired thirty five years ago, had a distinguished term of service. His services were acknowledged by the newspapers as an illustrious military career, and he is regarded as one of the national heroes.

On the occasion of the ceremony, many military celebrations were held in New Delhi, in which Mr. Cariappa participated. On January 15, 1986, he was inspecting Indian Army, the military youths marched past him in grand style. At this point, a newspaper reporter asked the 86-year old Field Marshall, what his impression was. He immediately replied:

“I envy them, I am not young to march with them.”

(The Times of India, 16 January, 1986)

How strange is life’s experience. Man accomplishes great military achievements and he comes to be reckoned amongst the national heroes. But when the time comes for his greatness to be acknowledged by placing laurels at him, by conferring on him the title of Field Marshall, He has grown too weak to hold even the prized trophy in his hands. He cannot march with the military with whom he had once won great victories.

Man is a helpless creature. His helplessness is shown to us in the form of old age and death. But no one is willing to learn a lesson. Blissfully unaware of this greatest reality, man is awakened only on the day when he is brought before his Lord to be judged. But such an awakening is of no value.