Coronavirus: The Silver Linings
Usually an adversity comes with a silver lining. Covid-19, notwithstanding its chilling impact, comes with many.
It has brought most of us ‘down to earth’, highlighting our helplessness and vulnerability. There’s so much we don’t know.
Many of us are finally willing to accept how we have toyed with Mother Nature and, now, reaping its backlash. Perhaps the world leaders will now give serious thought to the environment, global warming and its impact on our lives.
The fact that we are not always in control must bring home an element of humility and acceptance of powers and forces beyond our grasp.
No matter how powerful and well-connected one is, it comes to no avail in circumstances such as we find ourselves in.
Months would sometime pass before we could see our loved ones, now three weeks seem like an age. It’s made hearts fonder and relationships better.
There were many things which meant so much to us, but now fade into insignificance, considering the plight we are in.
We have begun to appreciate simple things, like simple food, leisure, hobbies, connecting with family and friends. No longer, the loved ones respond with much rehearsed “I’m very busy”. Most of us have time to spare, barring essential services.
This catastrophe that has befallen us has awakened our dormant passion to serve. Hundreds of thousands responded to the government’s appeal for volunteers. The response far exceeded its wildest expectations. The feeling of compassion and kindness runs through the nation, like no other time in my living memory.
The fear of scarcity has made us realise the value of food and other essentials, leading to a considerable drop in wastage.
Our plight has woken up the dormant humanity most of us have been bemoaning and lamenting about. We salute the noble souls, engaged in treating the sick and other essential services, keeping us afloat.
The Covid-19 threat has highlighted the significance of Guru Nanak’s noble Sidhant of ‘Vand Shakna’ (sharing & caring). Apart from the few greedy ones, there has never been a greater willingness to share and care.
May the goodwill sustain beyond the crisis, when we go back to normal and reflect on what has been, and how we can change our lifestyles for the better.
Good Health & Best Wishes
rs ‘arshi’