The Blue Dot

The stage lit up as we ended our panel discussion at the 2019 Development Dialogue hosted by Deshpande Foundation at Hubballi. We were facing bright lights and hence I could not see the audience. I tried to locate the man who raised the first question. I asked, “Where are you?” He replied, “I am here.” But that did not help. “I am here” meant nothing as I could not place him across the rows and aisles of the large auditorium. Here, could be anywhere. I surrendered and answered the question.

I marvel at the blue dot introduced by Google. It gives meaning to “I am here”. Before the blue dot, I had to place myself on a big AAA paper map, find the destination, review the route and then start. Now, I open Google Maps on my phone. It locates me on Earth and pins me as a blue dot. Then the world unfolds around this blue dot. I can declare, “I am here”. Anyone can. We are now a blue dot on this pale blue dot.

On 14 Feb 1990, Voyager 1 took a picture of the Earth, our pale blue dot, from 4 billion miles away. It said, “We are here”. I hope this helps me learn why caring for the Earth is important. I am here and everything has a meaning because of that. I have often been advised, “Meet people where they are”. But how do I find them? Where are they? What is their location on landscapes of healthcare, education, justice or equity? Can I connect with their blue dot? Maybe I could navigate better with that.

Exploring: A Pale Blue Dot by The Planetary Society

Image Credits: Andrew Neel on Unsplash