Describe your life in an alternate universe.
The article explores the life of a protagonist on Mars. The character navigates harsh conditions, struggling for water. They face weightlessness. Despite the desolate terrain, the character finds joy in the moment. They realize they are on a one-way mission. This illustrates humanity’s curiosity about Mars and potential future colonization. The narrative reflects on Earth as a nurturing home, emphasizing the importance of protecting it while dreaming of other planets. Ultimately, it underscores the human wish for exploration. It also conveys the challenges of extraterrestrial life. Furthermore, it stresses the need for a respectful relationship with our planet.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The article explores the harsh conditions of Mars life, focusing on the protagonist’s struggle for water.
- It describes experiences of weightlessness, discovery, and the dreamlike quality of wandering on Mars.
- The protagonist realizes he is in a one-way mission, enjoying the moment despite the risks of being alone.
- The text emphasizes humanity’s growing curiosity about Mars and the potential for colonization by future generations.
- The story concludes with a reflection on Earth as a nurturing home, underscoring the need to protect it while dreaming about other planets.
Introduction
He pondered the possibility of life on Mars in such harsh conditions. The landscape was barren, desolate, and dry. Frequent violent storms and dust swept across the surface. His throat was parched, and his body had started craving for water. He looked around. There were whirling tornadoes, but no water around. The place appeared bone dry, with traces of trails that resembled dried-up rivers.
No water
(a) Parched throat
He shrugged and desperately looked around again to see the possibility of getting water, but failed. Except for red dust, coarse sand, boulders and truncated hillock, nothing was visible. “Where am I?” He asked himself as there was no one around. He did not whisper but said it aloud to reach his voice to someone who would listen to him. It proved futile. His voice did not return to him as it would when he visited hilly areas. No one appeared, nor did any help. His lips were dry and flaky. He needed water. In desperation, he groped his body and felt a hanging bottle attached with a hook to his waist. He felt relieved. He perceived the harshness of Mars’ life.
(b) A few sips
A few sips from the bottle, which contained a scant amount of water, relieved him. “How did he reach here!?” With amusement, he asked himself in a low whisper, laudable enough for his inner self. A faint smile came to his face, and even in such a difficult situation, he managed to keep his calm.
Amidst red sand and boulders
(a) Weightlessness
All that he remembered was that, sitting in a capsule contained in a rocket-like flying object, he was flying. After some time, he felt an unusual feeling as if everything around him was floating in the air. He, too, was feeling weightlessness. When he regained his consciousness, he found himself here, amidst red sand and boulders.
(b) On Mars
Despite his hard thinking, he couldn’t answer why he was here, in such a desolate terrain. He came out of the capsule to take a stroll and experience Mars life. Standing near his capsule, he scanned the area. This time, it looked more beautiful. The terrain was red and appeared familiar. Suddenly, it dawned upon him that he was not on the Earth. “With whatever information I have, it must be Mars”, he thought conclusively and started moving. He was not walking as he would on Earth. He felt like rolling and skidding because of his low weight.
(c) The dream
He was neither an astronaut nor a scientist, though he wanted to experience space and the planets, especially Mars life for himself. He wished someone would sponsor him to experience things of his choice. “It seems,” he thought, “some kind-hearted gentleman has helped me live my dreams”. While walking and scanning the area, he thought.
(d) Millions of miles away
It gave him a sensational feeling. He felt like wandering on a planet millions of kilometres away from Earth, his native planet. He was about 23 crore kilometres away from it! The sky above looked deep blue as it seemed from the Earth. It was an absolute lull except for the occasional thunderous sound of hitting meteors. They hit the surface with tremendous pressure, creating craters.
(e) Would a return be impossible?
He wandered in a limited area, fearing not to get lost, and tried to be around the capsule. The capsule appeared dear to him, which would take him back, he thought. In his excitement, he forgot that it was a one-way mission. Oblivious to the fact that returning would not be possible, he was enjoying the moments of life on Mars. It is the fourth planet in the line-up from Mercury, Venus, and Earth.
Walking on red sandy surface
While wandering, he did not feel hungry. Instead, he felt thirsty, and occasionally he sipped water from the bottle he carried with him. The surface was solid and full of fine ferruginous dust. “Spoors are the testimony about my arrival,” he said to himself. Continuing his monologue, he swaggered and spoke, “I will be the first person to stroll on Mars.”
(a) Deafening sound
There was a deafening sound nearby. The surface trembled, and he felt a great jolt. A sense of horror ran through his spine. Suddenly, he realised he was completely alone without food or water, far from the comforts of home, vulnerable to dangers. Realising how Nature can become precarious and daunting, he was drenched in cold sweat.
What a dream!
Suddenly awoken, he got up and sat on his bed. Was it a dream? “Yes, it was”, came the answer from inside. “What a dream!” He murmured, “Would the Mars life be like this?”
Sought-after planet
(a) Curious scientific fraternity
He knew that Mars was the sought-after planet for scientists, astronauts, and wealthy individuals. The affluent are seeking opportunities and contemplating colonising the planet. It is the most studied planet where possibilities of water are also being explored.
(b) The girl who wishes to go to Mars
Alyssa Carson, a twenty-four-year-old girl, is preparing herself to go to Mars. It is her cherished dream. Her ambition is to become the first lady to walk on the surface of Mars. She would probably not return. Her ambition and missionary zeal are driving her. They prepare her for the mission, and she is undergoing training. (Wion)
The human race is curious
The human race is curious. From antediluvian times, they tried to decipher the mysteries of Nature. They have examined deep space and the universe. Understanding complex life processes and the physical nature of matter has been their pursuit. To a large extent, they have succeeded in gaining knowledge about Nature and its phenomena. It was momentous and thrilling when the first human walked on the surface of the moon. Travelling in Apollo-11, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first landed on the moon and explored it in July 1969.
(a) Space exploration
Since then, there is no looking back. Scientists made significant advancements by exploring deep space and various fields like medicine, physics, and chemistry. The study revealed that the universe is not only vast but ever-expanding. Our Solar System is a tiny part of a vast galaxy. This galaxy is part of an enormous system containing many such galaxies.
(b) Earth sustains life
Earth is the only planet which sustains life. It is rewarding and fulfilling that humans are a part of this planet. They evolved through continuous experimentation by Nature. Scientists are exploring possibilities of life on other planets. They are also examining distant galaxies. Yet, they have not found any clues of life other than on Earth. It remains a figment of imagination about the probable life and lifestyle on another planet.
(b) Colonising other planets?
An enthusiastic human race is thinking of a different solution to live on other planets/satellites. Talks are in the air to build colonies on the moon and/or Mars. Well, how far this is possible or when it will be materialised is a matter of dreaming only. The entirely different atmosphere and geographic proximity or distance are important factors. Additionally, strong physical features like gravitational force and varying atmospheric conditions pose significant challenges. Maybe in the distant future, our coming generations will witness significant changes. Colonies on other planets can become a reality. By that time people can sit and conjure about the future.
(c) Thrilling idea
Considering life beyond Earth and in other parts of the universe evokes a thrill. The bond with earthly things, nevertheless, holds a person tightly. Even with an imaginary life beyond the Earth, people keep their daily routine. They do this as they do on Earth. The scope of imagination constricts and becomes unimpressive. There appears to be no difference. The same old envious feelings are commonly seen. Cutthroat competition continues. The mad rat race and seeking fake isolation are included in the narrative of their imagination.
Earth is heaven
Our Earth is a heaven, full of good things. It is why our primogenitors named it “Ratnagarbha” (Gems bearing in its womb). Earth nourishes us, gives shelter and protection. It teaches us to become accommodating, tolerant and patient. It is also known as “Dharti” (having immense patience or Dhairya), which bears everything. Expanding and broadening knowledge is good and laudable, but what is with us must be protected and cared for. In our ancient tradition, Earth is seen as a mother. She cares for all of us, just as our mothers do.
Law of reciprocity
Taking care of Nature and Earth is our duty and is by the law of reciprocity. It is quid pro quo. Failing leads to severe consequences, as is often seen in the world. The recent severe earthquake measured 8.9 on the Richter scale in Russia. There were also floods and wildfires in various parts of the world. Cloudbursts cause massive loss of life and property. These are just a few examples. People need to be sensitive and respect Nature. It is good for everyone.
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