Sun Sets on the rally and rises on a unified region...

13^th April 2007

Cyrus Dadachanji & Mohit Midha

The finale of the rally was coming close. Each participant was experiencing mixed emotions like never before. There was a sadness of the end drawing near confused totally by the excited anticipation of getting to the Maldives. Everyone was bustling around getting flags and t-shirts signed by their new found friends. The group had truly bonded into a family and as far as the rally itself was concerned, the eight separate countries had moulded into one unified block already.

Being in the first of two lots to arrive at Male, we had the disadvantage of arriving in the dark but the advantage of getting to spend a little more time there than the second bunch. On exiting the airport and arriving at the adjacent dock to board our ferry across to Male, exclamations and gasps were heard all around. Even in the darkness of the night, with only the dim lighting of nearby street, it was possible to see all the way to the ocean floor, ten feet below, through the water. Small colourful fish could be seen nibbling around the hull of our ferry. Most had seen beaches with clear water, but this clarity left everyone stunned. All that the host said was "Wait till you see it by day!"

Couple of hours of sleep and it was time to go receive the rest at the airport. Before that however, was a lovely cup of coffee, sitting out in a terrace café, cane chairs and looking out at the aquamarine waters, soothing the eyes all the way to the horizon. The reception at the airport had a flavour all its own. There was so much soul and rhythm in the beats of the drums and the movements of the dancers that most of the arriving lot could not resist joining in and made it the perfect entry. After a breakfast in dreamlike surroundings, the time till lunch was left free to explore or rest. Rahat and I, Mohit, could not imagine going back from the Maldives without getting into the water. We were told not to worry about it and were soon on our way snorkeling, looking down at fascinating sea life among the corals, including Tiger Fish, octopus and a moray eel.

There was a lunch hosted for the rally after which it was off in ferries, known as Dhonis, to catch a view of Male from every side. It was fun and cameras clicked non-stop. Inaya, our coordinator and charming escort, pointed out the new island reclaimed from the sea, which looked a lot more modern in its appearance. The dhonis also chugged past the beautiful golden domed mosque on Male and also the official national flag that no building is allowed to be higher than on the island. As we approached the point we began the ride from, one could hear sounds that got all hearts beating a lot faster. Lined up on the road, to escort us to the venue of the closing ceremony, was the most exotic collection of sports cars and motorbikes any of us had seen in one place ever before in our lives!

The rally motorcade was cheered, waved to and welcomed by hundreds lining the route. Children danced with smiles on their faces bright enough to light up any dulled and tired mind. The lead vehicle carried a music system with huge speakers that belted out the most popular and dance inspiring local music. It was a carnival all the way. The outdoor party finished on arriving at the indoor stadium housing the closing ceremony to bring an end to a wonderful journey that was aimed at beginning so many more. There were heavy hearts all around but none were too sad as each assured the other of continuing communication. The hugs were tighter and longer than usual, tears flowed from many an eye.

The closing ceremony itself was a colourful affair with performances by children, accentuated by wonderful light machines and graced by the presence of none other than the President of The Maldives. With the formalities, festivities and another round of hugs out of the way, it was time to take the last of the Dhoni rides to the airport. Fittingly timed and almost symbolic was us watching a glorious sunset as the ferry made its way across the blue waters. It was nice to see that each person knew it would be rising again, ushering in a new day and a start to keeping up to all the promises made to their numerous new friends across the entire SAARC region. The rally had definitely met its goal. The feeling to unite as a region was spreading like a mushroom cloud from the Maldives in every direction to all the other 7 countries as their participants made their way home with stories to tell, misconceptions to shatter and friends to introduce. Three cheers to SAARC Hip Hip... Hurray! Hip Hip... Hurray! Hip Hip...Hurray!