An ode to Andaman island for healing me

by Sridevi Karopady Nayak (India)

I didn't expect to find India

I moved to Mumbai from Bengaluru at the snap of a finger in summers of 2018. I wanted to explore more and know where my career, as a public relations professional, was headed. However, my desire to make a living in the city was shortlived. I have a mental health disorder since 2015, so, I had no idea of the coping mechanism for being by myself in a place where I am foreign. So, with the help of a childhood friend, I found a local psychologist. The therapist directed me to discontinue the tablets, and I did. After all, a legitimate practitioner advised me, and I thought what could go wrong? Things went wrong, and I lived the subsequent days filled with anxiety. To deal with the anxiousness, I would go for a walk at Marine Drive; a beautifully laid boulevard and a sea-facing promenade in South Mumbai. Sadly, I had to stop walking because the waves began intimidating me. I could not take the intimidation anymore as I had developed a fear towards the sea and the gushing waves hitting the tetrapods. Fortunately, I relocated back to Bengaluru soon, and life started on a fresh note. Along with my friends, I visited the Andaman islands in summers of 2019. It was a week-long date with one of the most beautiful union territories of India. The enthusiasm soared when we saw our aircraft flying over the azure ocean hosting amoeba-shaped islands and islets. The sight of the pigmented water body created an adrenaline rush among the passengers on board. The head purser had to politely repeat to everyone to be seated with the seat belts on. Amidst such enthusiasm, an icy cold voice paid a visit to me. It was back; however, this time, I had SOS tablets along with me on this trip. We kickstarted our island holiday expedition from Port Blair by visiting Corbyn’s Cove beach, a beach fringed with coconut palms. This spot is often busy with jet skis, and other adventure filled watersports. I did try my luck in befriending the wave; sadly, it lasted only for brief seconds. The images of Mumbai quickly flashed in front of my eyes. I flinched but recovered soon enough before my friends could see. The second day of our trip, we cruised to Havelock island where we visited Kalapathar beach - a pristine, flawless beach hosting black boulders on its seashore. The frothy white waves brought ashore dead corals chiming against each other on the lap of the white sand. It did tempt me to play with the waves, but the voice hissed at me, and I flinched. Later in the day, we drove towards Asia’s best beach – Radhanagar Beach. Tucked beautifully at Havelock Island, and swollen with turquoise water, I found solace on the white sand rather than the waves. Majestic lush forest at the backdrop protected me from tanning. I was uncomfortable and unaware of my friends were noticing me. My friends soon broke their silence; they advised me that I had to take charge of my fear because fear is not a souvenir, and our sole purpose of vacation was rejuvenation. That’s when I prayed for courage from mother nature. We woke up to pleasant weather the day we were off to Neil Island. While we relaxed on the shore of Sunset Beach (Rampur Beach), I experienced something magical. I found myself captivated by the beauty of twinking teal waves; my feet had already advanced towards the waves. I danced and played with the water; perhaps it was a sign that the ocean was friendly, grooving, and healing. With this, I became a beach baby again, and the rest of my trip went without any fear. I live in a hill station but was born into a beach town; a place where I grew and lived for twenty-four years. I conquered my fear of the sea waves by crossing the horizon, something that I didn’t expect to find. I will always be grateful to Andaman Island for healing me. Recently, I visited Pondicherry, i.e. precisely two months after Andamans. It is a beautiful seaside town whose beaches did not intimidate me. Truly nature heals you.