JOIN USImmortality may be the mutual, most towering subliminal goal of earthlings.
This is probably why Gods and Goddesses of St Olympus have evoked much mass fascination.
The primary reason behind the dawning of vampires seems clearly this.
Such was the penchant for youth and thereby, immortality — at the level of the senses, that the legendary King Yayati, who was scourged to a life-time of untimely ageing, while still in his prime, went so far (even if transiently) as to barter his senescence with one of his sons in exchange for the latter’s green age.
Such powers or boons of thaumaturgy are usually not at disposal of the common populace. All most of us can do is give free bridle to our imagination and create some permanent, tangible thing that would ensure our eternity.
Those besmirched in the world of colour could hang unto life through their paintings.
Those who pour their souls into vocals or instruments would enduringly be etched in time and history, through their melodies.
Impalpable things such as service and noble deeds would ensure that the altruists persist to dwell in the hearts of fellow human beings.
Among many, there may also be a yearning to live on at a somatic, more corporeal level.
Most, in India at least, have evidently felt this, hence try and vicariously prevail through their progeny.
Another option to exist thusly (until cloning arrives in a big way), would be to pledge organs.
That is — one’s eyes, bone, heart, lungs, liver et al could be availed after our life-time, so as to continue living long after we are gone through another.
Getting a gate pass to eternal life is simple. All it requires is going to a reputed hospital or authorised website filling details on a form, two witnesses (one of whom needs to be a close relative) and their signatures on the pledge card.
The pledge card is to be carried all the time. In keeping with the sentiments of family members, there would be no disfiguration of the departed body albeit a neat cut which is closed by the medical fraternity.
A birthday or any other occasion celebrated in the above manner would acquire a meaningful dimension.
Pledging is a personal decision that should be taken only after a profound reflection and discussion with family.
However, a few people may flounder because of perceived religious and cultural reasons.
As far as I know, there is no culture or religion in the world that is averse to this act of benevolence, provided it is done only after one’s physical demise.
Personally speaking, it is an act of selfishness that has its inception in the voracity to live on long after one is gone.
Let’s make egotism an excuse to serve; bereavement an opportunity to save lives. If American poet Emily Dickinson could romanticise death, we could do better by glorifying the pledge!