Dances with the Cranes

by G.D. Bakshi

"Dances with the cranes" celebrate, the magic and mystery of death and rebirth. These are poems of reincarnation that trace the rites of passage of the soul in the flight of the majestic Black Necked Cranes. Each year, from September to November these birds migrate from Tibet and colder regions of China to Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. The Black Necked Cranes is the National Bird Bhutan. It is called Thrug-Thrug-Kam by the Druktas. It is deemed to be a good omen. It is a symbol of good fortune, fidelity and hope. Its hypnotic dance is a metaphor for the trans-migration of the soul. If we can understand the cadence of its dance, we can solve for ourselves the riddles of our death and rebirth.

Today, unfortunately these magnificent birds are facing extinction. In the years to come will these regal cranes dies all together? Will they vanish without a trace? Will our children see them dance? Do the symbols of our hope and resurrection deserve to die? Today we desperately need to save these birds. In saving them we will save ourselves and our good earth."

About the Author:

Brigadier GD Bakshi, SM, VSM is a serving officer in the Indian Army. He Holds a Masters Degree in Defence Science and an M. Phil in Strategic Studies from the University of Madras. He has served in many prestigious posts and was decorated twice for operations in J&K. He has taught at the Indian Military Academy and the Defence Services Staff College Wellington for three years each. He has authored nine books and over 50 papers in prestigious journals.