– Saji Samuel, ANIIDCO
A visit to the historic NSCB Dweep (erstwhile Ross Island) was a journey back in time. The air was thick with the remembrance of the past, characterized by the serene remnants of British architecture reminding about the glorious days of ‘Paris of the East’.
The ruins of the club, the Church, the Officers bungalow and the Bakery, offered glimpses into the ground social life of the British residents. Imagine the scent of fresh bread mingling with the sea air, or the sound of music from the dance floors, all now replaced by the chirping of birds and silent roots grasping the crumbling walls of the buildings.
In an ordinary sunny morning, amidst the tall coconut trees, freely moving spotted deers and the gentle sea breeze – an event unfolded into a profound lesson on the universality of a mother’s love
A Silent Encounter
As, I was enjoying a peaceful walk, taking in the beauty of the colonial ruins and the sweeping coconut groves, my attention was suddenly caught by a tiny, still form lying on the ground, near the base of one of the towering coconut trees.
It was a baby squirrel
I approached cautiously. The little creature was a baby squirrel which was absolutely motionless, yet its body was still warm. My heart sank, wondering what misfortune had befallen it. I gently held the baby squirrel in my hand and was prepared for the worst.
The Rescue Mission
Then, a sudden, loud thud echoed from a tin sheet covering a nearby structure. I looked up and saw a squirrel. It had just made a daring jump from the crown of a very tall coconut tree onto the tin roof, and immediately scampered down to the ground near where I stood. Observing its frantic, focused movements with constant squeaking sound, scampering towards me, I instantly realized this could be the mother of the baby squirrel.
I quickly placed the warm, little baby onto the ground near the desperate mother. What followed was a moment of animal instinct and raw maternal devotion that touched my heart deeply.
The mother squirrel immediately approached the baby and began to push the baby with her snout. She tried this a few times, but there was no moment from the little one. She paused, as if pondering her next move. Then, with a sudden, decisive action, she gently grasped the baby by the back of its neck in her mouth.
The Climb of Devotion
Without hesitation, the tiny mother, carrying the weight of her baby, darted back towards the tall coconut tree from which she had jumped.
I watched in awe as she began to climb the tall coconut tree, ascending steadily with her precious burden. When she reached about half of the tree, she stopped as if panting for breath. Yet, she quickly continued her arduous climb, determined to take the baby back to its nest. Slowly she reached the top and disappeared into the crown of the coconut tree. The sheer effort and risk involved—jumping from that height and then climbing back up with a load—was staggering.
I continued my gaze, with the hope that the loving and courageous mother would reappear but she was not visible. I knew she would be trying her best to revive the motionless baby – I said a silent prayer and walked on – still shaken but hopeful.
Mother’s Love: The Universal Truth
Witnessing this selfless act was an emotional revelation. It crystallized an undeniable truth: a powerful testament to the deepest form of love—a bond so fundamental and sacrificial that it transcends species. A mother’s love – whether human or animal is selfless, every mother is so loving, so caring. That morning was a profound reminder to be grateful: Thank you God for this loving person with universal, enduring force of maternal love !