Not a good idea probably to take a selfie with just about anyone or anywhere. Probably, this may read like a lame disclaimer. It may sound like an ill-fitting advice has been casted out for no reason. But when you understand this in the perspective of real life events- you understand it’s more than a bumper sticker expression.
In southern Odisha, a man met a fatal end when he needlessly attempted to take a selfie with an injured bear. It is reported that the bear species- black bear- was already wounded. And perhaps, it may have happened that the man may or may not have been aware about the state of the animal. This may have contributed to an already irked animal, that perhaps could’ve already been irritated seeing the man attempting to distract it using the phone.
The name of the deceased- Prabhu Bhatara- was released just days ago following the incident and the actual footage of the incident is distressing to say the least. It’s known that the man- Prabhu Bhatara- was returning home from a wedding that he had only just attended. He had stopped for a few minutes to answer the nature’s call. That is when he gazed upon the animal and attempted to capture a selfie with the bear.
The incident, it is reported, took place at the Nabarangpur district of Odisha. Interestingly, the man was not alone. He had been on his way back in an SUV car along with other passengers. Although Prabhu Bhatara had been warned against the action that ultimately led to his sad demise, little did he pay attention to the constant warnings. As the man approached the bear, it would’ve surely felt intimidated.
As he sidled up, the bear struck and attacked. From thereon a struggle ensued and eventually resulted in the man’s death. What this appalling incident tells us is something quite simple and clear. There will always be chances of conflict whenever man approaches the territory that belongs to wild animals. It’s not the most welcoming gesture. Rather, make it simple. Such moves are unwelcoming and utterly unsolicited. Therefore, there lurks for real a grave danger. Had Mr. Bhatara been even slightly more careful, he may not have been in such a precarious situation.
And in here lies the question: are we so enslaved by our dependences on technology and gadgets that the boundaries between rational and irrational are left blurred in the wake of our obsessions? Perhaps, it’s time to learn our lesson.