Most countries are in lockdown. This is not by choice, but by force of circumstances. Every single movement is defined and all human activities are strictly enforced by law. Unprecedented, this situation is without any parallel in the entire human history.
This New Year is possibly the most challenging in living memory, as we face all the challenges brought into our lives by the invincible micro enemy – the Covid-19 that has disrupted our lives, disrupted our lifestyle and disrupted the world’s economy.
The outbreak of the pandemic, however, does provide a brief space for nature to show us that blue skies and crispy air are still achievable, but at a price!
It is the patriotic and moral duty of all citizens everywhere to see to it that the present Covid-19 pandemic be contained; that the deadly enemy be defeated. The war must be won.
The eastern culture instilling empathy and responsibility to community is important at this most trying and most difficult times when millions of people are infected and thousands of precious lives are lost every day in the world. Unfortunately most people, particularly in the West consider the stringent preventive measures, wearing masks, social distancing, isolation and lockdown as affront to their freedom and their fundamental human rights instead of considering them as a means to an end, the end of the spread, and the pandemic.
Fortunately, common sense is beginning to prevail in the rather troubled countries, and the various vaccines developed and available now, will hopefully contain the Covid-19. It is to be hoped that the wealthy nations will be fair in the distribution of the vaccines. All lives are important. They should respect the sanctity of life.
This unprecedented pandemic has, therefore, not only taken many lives, paralysed the entire global economy, caused mass unemployment but also affected the mental health of millions everywhere. The governments are trying their best to address all these problems, but should not overlook the mental health as well.
As the Covid-19 has yet to be contained, and positive cases are escalating globally, my thoughts and prayers are with the thousands of dedicated medical frontliners, supporting staff, the essential services, the police and armed forces, firefighters, cooks and kitchen staff, food riders, dustmen, who work to keep everyone safe ,and the fourth estate keeping us informed.
Not forgetting the ladies, the grandmothers, mothers, wives, sisters in the house who have done an incredible job during this stressful time when all are at home. Many men have made their contributions as well.
Thank you frontliners, all, each and everyone for the sterling work done. We are all grateful for personal sacrifices and contributions.
Though now a strictly family affair, New Year is still a time for celebration, heralding the dawn of another year blessed with the magnificence of nature in all its forms that has enabled us humans to evolve.
Let’s pray that this year will be the beginning of a more normal life, but, meanwhile, please do not overwhelm the health care system in the country, and ruin the magnificent efforts of all those who have worked so hard to keep us safe.
God bless this country. God Bless Everyone.
Happy New Year.
