We
are living in the times where friends fear friends and blood fears his own
blood. We live in such uncertain times. Hopkins indeed hit the nail on the head
when he remarked, "Ah! as the heart grows older. It will come to such
sights colder." This philosophical
truth about mortality has awakened all of us from our deep slumber of
ignorance. Our consciousness beyond the limitations of our ego has now come
alive in all forms. In other words, humans are so engrossed in their own life
race that they have forgotten the key values; EMPATHY and GRATITUDE. And it is
now in these uncertain times that we have realized the true value of everything
and everyone around us.
The sudden
hit of Covid-19 Virus has uncovered the veil thus exposing social hierarchy,
racial differences and wealth as a powerful shield especially during these hard
times. In other words, Covid-19 has reflected a lot of deep-rooted inequality
that exists in our so-called democratic society. One major example is
unemployment. Unemployment has wiped away the livelihood of the lower-class
group who depend on their daily wages. High paid workers have the choice of
working from home whereas the daily wage earners or the low paid workers are
denied this option and therefore are the major victims without jobs. These
daily wage earners have become a victim of poverty. Their kids have become
victims of child labour due to the shutting of their government aided schools.
Let’s not forget the fact that the shutting of the government aided schools of
these poor children has stopped their access to mid-day meals too which they used
to receive daily. Covid- 19 has indeed created this viscous cycle of crisis.
Another
major issue is the major exposal of the essential service workers and the local
police towards the deadly virus. It would be right to call them “Covid Warriors”.
These warriors are not promised with any extra special safety. They fight their
own battle like a warrior each day by deciding to go to work. And this work of
theirs provides benefit to almost the entire society. We have access to health
and various essential services within the comfort of our homes because of these
great Covid warriors. We are soundlessly sleeping in our homes under the
protection provided by the local police. One must not forget to acknowledge the
protective measures taken by the Indian Government and the government employed
workers who are assigned jobs like thermal screening of the passengers from
other countries at the airport.
The
income inequality has brought to light the social inequality that has existed
in India since ages. Due to the extensive population in India, there is a
shortage of everything, starting from health facilities to eating and drinking
facilities. This devastating impact is faced mainly by the common man. Thus, poverty
is rampant among the lower class due to the existing income inequality. There
is a shortage of hospital beds and that is why only a handful of the virus
affected people out of the vast population are able to make it out alive. The
doctors and the staff are placed in such a grave situation where they literally
have to choose which pandemic affected patient to cure. It is hard to write
about the trauma faced by the family of the deceased. Words do not suffice.
They have experienced the darkest nights.
During
this pandemic, one must ponder upon his/her role as a responsible citizen. It
is one’s sole responsibility to take the necessary precautions and abide by the
lockdown restrictions and rules. While the Covid warriors are risking their
lives in order to improve the quality of our lives, the citizens are acting
careless by not abiding by lockdown guidelines like wearing a mask during the
pandemic and not staying at home. Most of the youngsters and the so-called
privileged section of the society are lavishly enjoying their lives by clubbing
and touring to different places amidst the pandemic. This reckless behavior is not only affecting
their health but also putting the rest of the society in the danger of death. The
least we can do is abide by all the Covid prevention guidelines. While we sit in
the comfort of our homes reading and hearing such horrible news of Covid deaths
and several other heart-breaking issues of the people, all we can do is EMPATHIZE
with their situation and try to CONTRIBUTE in every way possible. Many of us
might be sitting peacefully in our homes being FEARLESS because of our
privileges which is completely alright but one must not be ignorant about the
underprivileged. We must do everything that is within our means to contribute
like donating cash or essentials to the much-needed people in the society.
Coming
to the most neglected part of our society i.e., the animals, especially the
stray. The stray animals are suffering the most during the lockdown as their
food chain is dependent on our leftovers(trash). We could help them at a local
level by-
keeping
water containers for them on the road as many of them die from dehydration and
by feeding them non- glucose biscuits like Marie-gold. Care they need and love
they deserve. A SIMPLE ACT OF KINDNESS CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE.
No
doubt Covid-19 is a curse but let’s not forget the ways in which it has worked
as a blessing. While people feel trapped, mother earth is glowing in its purest
bliss. While Covid-19 is causing a havoc globally, it has also affected the
environment in a fascinating way. The CO2 emissions have drastically been reduced
thus improving the air quality. Another such intriguing news was flashed when
the wild animals were strolling in the public places which were deserted during
lockdown. Deer, Sea Lion, Pelican, Jackals etc. were spotted in public places
in many countries. The empty streets are lightened up by the golden sunshine,
the air, water and soil are purer and the biodiversity has improved drastically
during this pandemic.
Apart
from the animals, the human race too has experienced some benefits during the
pandemic. It is just that in the process of whining about the situations like
Covid-19 we have forgotten to acknowledge the fruits reaped by it. The world
has come closer to fight the pandemic. People from all across the world of
different caste, creed and sex have united to voice out various social issues
amidst the pandemic. It is the social media that has brought the world closer.
Social media has updated most of the people globally on various important news
and stories. Several educational pages and websites have educated the youth and
the masses about almost every aspect in life like the ways of boosting one’s
immunity and several other precautionary measures one can take in order to
combat the current health crisis. Today, several Covid patients are dying due
to the shortage of oxygen cylinders. But as it is rightly said that in unity
lies strength, people are seeking help using social media and the call for help
is spread like wildfire. Social media has helped people stay sane during this
pandemic. It has helped each one of us to stay connected virtually with our
loved ones. The significance of one’s mental health has been largely brought to
light during these hard times. Several influencers and bloggers have been
sharing awareness about the well-being of one’s mental health. Motivational and
optimistic talks are conducted by these bloggers and influencers that have
helped in the upliftment of our minds. Not to forget the way social media has
been used massively by people to upgrade their skills. Social Media has played
a key role in generating income especially among the youth. Several online job
opportunities have saved the people from being victim to poverty during this lockdown.
Thus, social media indeed has widened one’s horizons to a great extent. One
must utilize social media to the fullest for enhancing personal growth and
development.
One
of the biggest blessings that I have received is the opportunity to focus on myself.
We are so busy running and competing in the rat race that we often forget to
focus on ourselves and our well-being. This lockdown has gifted people with
TIME, plenty of time to discover and try out their hand at several things and
explore their interests. While some people found their interests in cooking and
painting, I spent my time listening to several inspiring podcasts like Jay
Shetty’s “On Purpose”, Jaya Rao’s “Gita for the Young and Restless”, Sadhguru’s
spiritual enlightening and Clyde Dennis’s “7 Good Minutes”. All these great
personalities enlightened me through their pearls of wisdom. I learnt the “ART
OF GIVING”. Life has gifted us with a lot of precious things in abundance like
the air we breathe. So now it is our turn to contribute back to our environment
and the society as an act of APPRECIATION and GRATITUDE. What one is giving is
not important but the intention behind it is very significant. Thus, GIVE with
your whole heart WITHOUT any EGO or SELFISH DESIRE. True giving is giving at
the right time and place to the worthy individual without any expectations in return.
In other words, you must feel INDEBTED to your society rather than feeling
ENTITLED.
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