SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
Altaf Shah
We all live in extraordinary times. Times which our grandfathers and even their fathers did not experience. Times when we maintain social distancing in the real world while the virtual world has opened up like never before. Every sphere of our life has undergone a change and as humans we are devising newer methods to cope with it. The good news is that while we are struggling we are also surviving, at least many of us.
Education a click away: This struggle-survival race is on every day. Take our education sector for example. The last two years have been in stark contrast to the earlier years. This time of the year was a busy one for students and their parents with large crowds gathered outside schools and stationery shops. But ‘online learning’ has brought to a stop to it with everyone virtually glued to their laptops and phones while online shopping has become the norm.
Celebrations with caution: Gone are the days of celebrating festivals and social occasions like weddings, birthdays, etc with large crowds and grand fanfare. Today, most birthdays are virtual affairs or quiet family affairs. The Indian marriage scene which was infamous for the lavish and mindless money splurging exercises is also witnessing conservative celebrations.
The flipside: While we raise a toast to the ‘new understanding’, there are the downsides to the scenario too. While children are missing out on their natural surroundings of learning and playing, there are concerns being raised about their on-screen time playing havoc with their eye-sight and concentration. Also, many poor families who cannot afford laptops, tabs and other gadgets or wi-fi facilities are at a loss to cope with this new form of learning. Many people have lost their jobs in this Pandemic and may not be able to deal with the financial stress that the school fees and other expenses that come along with it.
Social Responsibility: At such times, it becomes our responsibility as a society to extend our helping hand to those in need. The Corona Virus has not played favourites — it is striking all without any preference to caste, colour or financial status. So, while we all sail in the same boat, let us help those who are drowning to reach the shore safely together.
We could start from our homes — help our domestic help i.e our maids, drivers, security staff or co-workers to retain their jobs and extend all kinds of assistance. It is not just our religious duty to help our family, friends and neighbours but also a sincere effort in humanity.
If we involve our children in these efforts, it will be a practical lesson which is invaluable for them. They will learn that charity is the way to the Almighty and they will continue in such endeavours life-long.
The Pandemic has shown us that it is only one’s good intent and helpful actions that has saved the human race. Politics and administration has played a miniscule role. Humanity has triumphed. Let us continue to help each other and be a living example for future generations to follow. Only then can we truly call ourselves ‘being human’.
