Memento Mori is a Latin phrase that means “remember you must die”. While it reminds us about the inevitability of death, it urges us to brighten our lives and treat each day as a gift. It encourages us to live with a sense of purpose, meaning and mindfulness.
And what is life? What does it mean? Do we have a divine purpose? Are we here with a pre-determined goal? Is there a destiny-orchestrated plan? Have we accidentally landed here? Is life a timepass game of God? Is it a play where we have all been given our roles and we should act as per the best of our abilities?
Who knows?
While we do not know anything—which could be puzzling—I think it is a great opportunity as well. There are no set rules or guidelines. We create our playbook. We can color the life canvas with whatever colors we want! We can clothe it the way we want!
I have attempted to create my playbook. I have chosen the colors of purposeful living, giving and love to create my fusion piece. Living a life of purpose gives me a sense of direction, sharing and caring boosts my happiness. Life continues to teach that unconditional love is the purest act. All these are nothing but my attempts to give back the amazing gifts and blessings that I have received and continue to receive. If I can multiply the energies received and amplify it further while paying it forward, it would be a decent job.
Let us just do our bit. Either we can sleepwalk through life or attempt to do what we love—I know this is a luxury, especially when we know there are millions of people who do not know where their next meal is going to come from.
Anyway, whatever we do, it may or may not matter. It may be a leaf falling in the Amazon jungle—no one cares. Or it may matter for that temporary time and influence a chain of events. It may just be like showing the one right road or turn to the traveler. Because after a few years, all is forgotten. Name, fame, work—everything. We are not going to be as lucky as Indradyumna (1), who was able to reclaim his place in paradise because one turtle remembered his good deed even after a thousand years. Nor may we have Miguel fighting to preserve our family memory while singing ‘Remember Me‘—the famous song from Coco. So as Irrfan Khan said in Life of Pi: After a point, the whole of life becomes an act of letting go.
So why be serious? The world will continue. Karan Johar and his kin will launch the next star kids to continue the nepotism tirade. People will find more reasons to hate than love. Good Samaritans will continue their work and ensure the balance of the world. Money will win. Love will win.
What is the point of all this English? Excuse this as a crazy indulgence on a birthday morning or just free flow of random thoughts. To kaarnaa kya hai? (What shall we do?)
Munna Bhai ki bhasha mein—Bole To—Biddu—Dekho Aisa Hai—Carrom ramvanu. Juice peevanu. Saaru kaam karwanu. Majja ni life. (2)
Zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahin. (3) Or badi aur lambi dono ho to—Aish hi Aish!“ (Life should be rich in color, not just stretched in time. And when it holds both color and time — it becomes your masterpiece.”)
So yes, play carrom, drink juice, eat candy floss, enjoy ginger tea, have fun. But also paint your canvas with intention. The reminder that we must die isn’t meant to sadden us—it’s meant to wake us up. To help us create our playbook before the game is over. What will yours look like?
Phir milenge chalte chalte!
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Notes:
The iconic line from the Indian movie Anand – one of my often quoted quotes.
In Hindu mythology, King Indradyumna earned heaven through his virtue. After his death, his name gradually faded from people’s memory — and with it, his place in heaven began to slip away. But it was a simple turtle — a quiet witness to one act of kindness — that spoke for him. Its remembrance restored his place in paradise. A reminder that no good deed is ever lost; someone, somewhere, always remembers.
An uplifting dialogue from the legendary Indian movie Munna Bhai MBBS. It essentially means: “Listen, buddy… here’s the deal — Play a little, relax a little, do good work, and enjoy life.” This is inspired by the famous Gujarati line: “Saru kaam karvanu, badha ne prem apvanu, majja ni life jivvani.” (Do good, spread love, and live joyfully.) It’s a philosophy of simple living, big heart, full joy — expressed in Munna Bhai’s lovable, street-smart style.
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