A Strange Diwali
Isn’t it strange how we have gone from a fear-stricken society to one meandering the markets without masks?
365 days ago, we were huddled up in our homes. Masking, double-masking, sanitising, double-washing, cleaning, scrubbing anything that came into contact with the outside world. Today, we open arms in embrace. Welcome one another into each others’ homes and feed sweets like there’s no tomorrow.
If there’s one thing that the pandemic has taught me is to be grateful. Having lost so many people, near and far, to the wrath of Covid-19, there simply isn’t any other emotion that runs deep. Grateful for all I have today. Grateful despite the rangoli that wasn’t made this year. Grateful despite the lights that did not adorn our house. Grateful despite not having exchanged gifts. Grateful despite not having played cards. Grateful despite all that’s changed. I am grateful because I know all the places cast in shadows will soon be full of light. I am grateful because I know it does get better.
As businesses in India pick up and life returns to normalcy, let’s not forget the trying times we’ve all been through. Allow the spirit of the celebrations to lighten the mood and ease the pain, though not without ensuring safe distance.
Take a leaf of learning from countries like Russia and China that are currently under nation-wide workplace shutdown and restricted movement respectively. India’s healthcare system had collapsed like a house of cards. A swift blow, and off it goes again like a candle emanating smoke.
Say a silent prayer of peace for all the lives lost. All hopes that were lost. As their loved ones gasped for air, oxygen that we couldn't provide, medicines that couldn’t arrive.
Ignoring safety precautions when socialising with your friends and family is akin to drawing blood from the very hands that feed you. Don’t compromise safety of others. Do your bit to mask up, even if you are fully vaccinated! What may seem like a fight we’ve conquered is merely a plume of smoke blindsiding the real situation.
