I know, I know… “friendship” – a vast concept to tackle in a single blog post. But I aim to shed light on a unique facet of this bond, one often overlooked.
We glorify friendship as a noble, sacrificial endeavor. Yet, genuine friendship, in its purest form, might not always involve grand sacrifices.
Recently, I attended my college alumni meet after 25 years of graduating from Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology, Sarang, Odisha. The reunion, organized by a dedicated group of friends, was a masterclass in creating a deeply emotional experience. It was like a director orchestrating a poignant film, weaving together memories and emotions into a powerful narrative.
Finding old classmates was an almost spiritual experience. Dormant emotions surged, and we embraced with the intensity of long-lost souls. It felt like our heartbeats resonated in unison.
Were we close friends during college? Not all of us. Some were close confidantes, others acquaintances, and some merely casual classmates. Yet, after 25 years, a profound sense of missing each other, a longing we hadn’t consciously acknowledged, emerged. We chose to ignore the 25 years and immerse ourselves in the camaraderie of our college days.
One of our friends graciously hosted a pre-reunion party at his apartment. The atmosphere was electric, sleep almost impossible. The next two days were a whirlwind of nostalgia, reliving cherished memories at our alma mater.
A key observation emerged: Most of us hadn’t been consistently present for each other’s highs and lows. We hadn’t maintained close contact. By conventional definitions, we weren’t “true” friends.
Yet, why this overwhelming sense of connection?
Despite our individual successes and the inevitable passage of time, there was no competition, no envy, no resentment. Why?
The reunion was an oasis of pure bliss. We didn’t fully realize it until the afterglow began to fade. Why this effortless sense of peace and joy?
People often seek these feelings through meditation, mindfulness, or spiritual practices. Yet, we experienced it naturally.
I believe this is the essence of true friendship. It is a bond that transcends the need for constant presence or grand gestures. It’s a connection that endures, imperfect yet profound.
Life as Sakti 