Most of you who know me understand that I struggle mightily with the false trappings of our modern consumer-driven culture. Over the past several months, I have devoted a considerable amount of time to figuring out the best way to deal with this seemingly endless battle, and I have come to the conclusion that I can no longer face that which awaits me back in North America. And so, I have chosen to remain here instead of returning. I hope it doesn't come as too much of a shock.
I have found myself and my life's work in the struggle of the fishermen of Kerala (a small state in Southern India). Effective immediately, I will be organizing an eco-friendly fishing co-operative to help boost the Keralan fishermen empowerment scheme. I will also be serving as chief strategist for the paramilitary wing of the NGO, creating strategies on how best to sabotage the industrial fish farming practices of the multinational corporations who set up shop off the coast of Kerala - practices which are ruining the lives and livelihoods of local fishermen through the depletion of fish stocks and the destruction of habitat. I will not be able to rest until the fishermen of Kerala have won back their waters and the resources which have been rapaciously expropriated from them. No. A re-expropriation must occur. Justice must prevail. And somehow, amongst all of this insanity, I have found peace and a deep sense of fulfillment I never thought possible.
Mom and Dad: I apologize for what I'm sure seems like a snap decision. In reality, you have probably known all along that I was more cut out for this kind of guerrilla work than chiropractic college. It took a lot of courage to make this decision, and I can only hope that you give me as much support as what you selflessly have in the past.
Seth (aka Gastroc): Could you please notify the college that I will not be enrolling for the Winter term 2007? I will miss hanging with you and D, but I hope that I can count on both of your support in this new endeavour.
Friends and Family: You will all be in my thoughts as I learn life-lessons one could only learn when they truly pursue the destiny that was laid out for them. I hope you too have the courage to follow your hearts. Please send correspondence when you get the chance. Your support means the world to me.
Who's to say where all of this will lead? It's the struggle of Keralan fishermen today...perhaps tomorrow it will be the empowerment of honey-hunters in Nepal or cycle-rickshaw drivers in Sri Lanka. Wherever there is a marginalized population, I will seek them out and work tirelessly for their cause, because in their struggle, I see a reflection of my own mortality. My only wish is that you too will one day feel the same sense of urgency I do in this regard. Godspeed everyone.
Of course, despite many elements of truth in this latest post, I am just kidding about not returning. Got'cha! My flight from Kathmandu back to Portland is still scheduled for January 5th. See you then.
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