Alexander the Great died in 323 B.C , just in his 33rd year. Yet , his goals and achievements were such that, as legend has it, he was god-power meant to rule the world. Far- reaching though his territories were, his last wish before dying was something unheard-of: he had asked the courtiers to cover his whole body but to let his arms be stretched out of the shroud with his hands open. This was to show that he was carrying nothing with him from his conquests and vast possessions when he was leaving the world.

So many centuries after Alexander?s death, his distilled philosophy of life that nothing is yours forever has not yet been well learnt. When we attend the funeral of a friend or relative to pay our last respects, we tend to become philosophical and seem to have a clear view of life on earth: life is short; dying, we don?t take anything with us; referring to the deceased, we say for all that he or she was, he or she is nothing today and will soon ?return to dust?.

But once back in the world of activities, all is forgotten and arrogance, desire for more, possessiveness while causing harm to others again triumph. Without realising that ageless truth, some people blinded by ignorance, inexperience and self ? love go back to their old ways and say openly ? my government, my ministry, my school, my port, my department etc instead of ?our?. Remember where you are today reigning and ?terrorising? those serving under you, somebody else will be in your place shortly. Let people speak well of you for your good offices instead of cursing you even after you are gone. Nothing is permanent. Your high office, your privileges, expensive tastes and your limousine or luxury car and what not are for a short time.

It is also most unfortunate that certain heads of state, ministers, heads of organisations and others taking advantage of their positions have been found guilty of corrupt and fraudulent practices. For fear of being suspected, some of them even transfer funds from their own countries to foreign banks only so that they and their families will be filthy rich and rolling in wealth forever.

Examples are many but the Chilean ex-dictator Augusto Pinochet?s transaction of hiding and laundering funds is an outstanding example. At 89, he is currently being examined by US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. What a tempestuous life !

Whoever you are, whatever be the position you are holding, behind your counter, desk or table, you are there to serve, to help others in their difficulties, to bring relief where there is pain and suffering. You have been appointed and entrusted with duties and responsibilities which have to carried out with devotion, integrity, love and sincerity for the well-being of all those who are in need of your services.

?Honour and shame from no condition rise; Act well your part , there all the honour lies.?

And so, no matter what you are doing, your work is some sort of a mission ? which is never left without a reward. If you do well, you will be liked and remembered; otherwise, the verdict will not take long to be given. Bear in mind ? nothing is yours forever.

<B>Kaviraj SOHUR </B>