English: As recorded in history, the British rule in India flourished from 715 AD to the year 1947, shaping the

country in more ways than one. To begin with, it played an important role in shaping the name of our country, as it changed first from Bharat to Hindustan, then to Mahabharata and finally to India, as we call it today. Consequently, we have evolved over the years too, naturally. Just like, gravity pulls us back, no matter how hard we may try to stay up after jumping, so does our past keep us rooted. And yet, with this awareness of the past kindling in us, we always end up looking forward to the future, don't we? Humans are regarded as the most sensible of animals on this planet. Perhaps, it's due to our ability of understanding the roles that both 'good' and 'bad' factors play in our lives. Perhaps, it's owing to this, that our ancestors created innumerable idols. So, during dark times, it's our belief in these idols, that helped lighten up the path, giving us the power to overcome fears and keep moving in the right direction. On conducting an in-depth study, it becomes evident that, these idols represent different energies in diverse forms across various geographies. Sometimes, these characters embody the physical being as well as characteristics of certain animals and birds. And thus, every form represents certain thoughts, differentiating people worshiping certain idols from the others. For example, no matter how far apart godly and satanic worship may be, they still follow idol worship. What's different is the idols themselves and the thoughts they represent. What's more? Over the years, our lifestyle, culture, clothing, homes, et al have also come to be influenced by these symbols. The symbols handed down by generations, the ones that we recognize and are conscious of, every living moment. To come to think of it, we even call names to each other as humans, based on the behaviors/qualities associated with certain animals. For example, if a person eats a lot, it's natural for us to say 'Look, doesn't he eat like a monster?' Or if a person is fat, we often say, 'He's as fat as an elephant'. Over the years, these understandings have translated into the different forms of idols as well. However today, with our lives being dictated primarily by changing economies and political upheavals, we run after materialistic gains. Without stopping to think about things we truly love and care about. So what are we using the symbols and energies handed down by our ancestors for; to fool ourselves? Materialistic gains are like a mirage, an illusion that steer our lives, blinding humanity with their glint. And given the scenario, we continue to use our energies to further drown ourselves in this superficial quicksand? It's like a skeleton without any muscles or skin, adorned with jewelry, on which we base our joy. And the British Raj did perhaps have a role to play in it, because after 1947 I'm really unsure where we're headed. Wedged between the powers of our ancestors and external energies quintessential to our Noumea society and economy, are we just a confused bunch of individuals believing what we are forced

to believe? That's something to reflect and introspect about for all of us, isn't it?