In the month of September this year, during the early hours on a Friday, at a busy Coimbatore – Salem highway, the chauffer who was driving us from Kochi to Bangalore collapsed, losing complete control of his vehicle. Being in a “self-driving car” non-powered by any Artificial Intelligence was first of its kind experience for me and hopefully, one off its kind too. For almost a minute the car traced zigzag on the highway, occasionally hitting the road divider and eventually crashing on to it. Like every other event in my life, I owe it to God that I’m alive to strike a conversation with you on yet another festive season.
That one minute, which seemed an eternity had me staring at a blurred line that separated life and death. Post the event, for several days at stretch I couldn’t help but reflect on the aforesaid incident from various angles, only to realise that being alive is one’s greatest fortune and if that’s amid goodness of other fellow beings, it’s indeed a generous bonus. With no second thought, let me say, human relations are what matters to me the most, perhaps more than ever before.
When our driver regained his consciousness almost immediately after the incident, he recounted how he gently took his foot off the accelerator when his vision went blurry, bringing the speed of his car down substantially. Off the top of my head, I fail to find a Year before Twenty Nineteen that brought me enormous material gains. But had the driver unconsciously put his foot down on the gas pedal, the outcome on that eventful Friday in September 2019 would have been entirely different, and all my material achievements some meaningless affairs. I’m all the more convinced that the most valuable wealth that I’m in possession of is one-hop access to kind hearted individuals like you, instrumental in shaping my blissful destiny. Thank you!
We are a few days shy of another brand New Year, but I wouldn’t spend a minute drafting resolutions that I hardly follow through, instead would gratefully remind myself of the richness of your company; also celebrate the fact that I continue to exist to live life.
When I turned off the phone alarm at 4:00 in the morning, the screen displayed the day and date as Friday, 13 September. I stay away from all sorts of superstitions, still my mind suggested something terrible was to happen, and so it did! Since then I’ve learned it’s a far better option to make positive suggestions to the subjective mind and expect only favourable events to unfold and so it will. The New Year 2020 sounds so cool; let’s all put together some positive mental images of life events that’ll bring glory, peace, harmony and joy in everyone’s life in the coming year.
As always, with immense gratitude, here’s wishing you & your loved ones a joyous season, memorable holidays and an amazing Year 2020!
Rajesh,
Very astonished to read this note of yours and the car incident you have described that happened in the month of Sept. God willing you have come over and happy to see you are back to work hail and hearty.
Wishing you and your family a Very Happy and Joyous new year 2020 !!
Regards, Suresh
So grateful all turned out well. And so Carpe Diem seems to be the most appropriate response. Take advantage of every minute. Each one is precious. Happy Holiday
God is great. Wishing you, Lekshmi and chakkara a very happy and blessed New Year.
So happy to know that you and your family turned out safe and sound. It’s such close brushes with death that make us appreciate life and feel grateful for it.
Wishing you merry Christmas and happy New year
We are blessed you are still with us and I truly appreciate the important message being conveyed here. It touched me.
Rajesh kuttan….I came to know about the mishap from Amma. You ,Lakshmi and molu had a close brush with…… I’m sure the memory will stay with you for some time yet. But add to it the gladness that there is an invisible hand,guiding and protecting you all, it’s there because of blessings and prayers received from family and loved ones. God bless you all. And may the year 2020 bring you peace, health and happiness with it. All others will follow naturally.
Glad to know that , you and your family are safe post the incident in sept.
Wishing you and your loved ones a great year ahead in 2020. Happy Holidays!
Hey Rajesh.. Glad to know you have come out of that incident unscathed. Our body is a temple we must take care if it. May the year 2020 bring you health and happiness!
Hello Rajesh, let me wish you and your family, happy holidays and new year. I admire your blog and deep insight it gives me in your ability to convert adversity into opportunity. What shapes human beings is their ability to effectively deal with setback and bounce off them towards renewed meaning and purpose. I must say that your thoughts provide direction and guidance to me. Thx for the favor. Cheers – vinayak
Hi Rajesh,
The incident put me on edge of my chair,I am too glad that your and your family is safe and sound.
Also your narration reminded me the best gift bestowed by God-this life;which sometimes get shadowed behind the goal chasing in life.
Happy Holidays,Merry Chistmas and happy new year to you and your loved ones.
Wishing full of life 2020,
Jai
Oh my God..what an incident. Yes, you are right, we realise importance of existence only when we go through such situations.
I am very glad the way you see life after that.. because a incident can be inferred in ‘n’ number of ways…
Thanks for sharing with us. Gratitude is what that’s get lost in our material targets and goals..
These kinds of sharing of experiences help all of us. 🙏
Hi Rajesh,
Good to know that you are safe and hope you have come out of the grave situation.
Every moment of our life should be full of gratitude as we never know the different ways which we are kept alive.
Best wishes for a new year 2020.
Regards
Bijoy.
This is hilarious Rajesh but the Almighty has been kind to you and your family. We often take our lives for granted and chase things madly which are at times not so important.
Stay safe, blessed and enjoy life. Wishing you joyous holidays.
-Tasleem
Hi Rajesh,
Thanks for your sharing your story and reminding us all how fortunate we are to have each day! Happy holidays and all the best to you and your family!
Cheers, Zach
Oh my god!!! Only when we survive after such incident we realise the importance of life. Lucky that god is with you and helped you all survive. Happy to know that everyone are fine now. Have a great year ahead and may god bless you all with a safe life ahead and a healthier life throughout.