This first appeared in Heraldo 25th Dec 2020
Usually 20/20 is a term used to denote clear vision or even great eyesight. 2020 was seemingly just the opposite, it was the year of the mighty mite. The year started with COVID19 appearing on the horizon, no one was sure what it exactly meant or rather no one could predict the actual outcome in their wildest imaginations.
For us in India, the lock down unfolded with a bang on March 23st. No one knew what happened. Many were stuck in places away from home and life as we lived changed drastically from that moment on.
It was in these times of uncertainty,that the good in people came to the fore, almost immediately various individuals, corporates, NGOs came forward and started soup kitchens, distribution of essential food items and assisted those who could not afford to manage without their daily wage. It was not as if they were immune to the mighty mite, but they felt someone had to do the job, if it was not for these brave people many would have died from starvation rather than COVID.
Masks, sanitisers and disinfectants flew off the shelves and there was a palpable fear all around. The reports from far off Italy seemed to indicate that the mighty mite was fatal. We soon got over this manic fear and life began to revolve again, in a totally different way. The health care sector became the line of last resistance and they fought the virus with non stop efforts for days on end and pushed the mite back. We have to be careful so that their efforts do not go in vain and we avoid a second wave. Given that the virus has mutated, it means we have to be even more careful.
The virus may have dampened our lives but our spirits are still high and we must continue be that way. One way is to find “positives” in this pandemic. The first and foremost effect of the lock down or reduced human activity across the broad was the environment, the flora and fauna. Immediately they sprang to life and rejoiced as it seems at this human inactivity. The dust levels, pollution parameters all reduced considerably. This also meant we dirtied the world less as we have become more “hygiene” conscious. I do hope this trend continues and we throw used bottles and wrappers in dust bins rather than on the beach or street.
The second positive is that because we have slowed down, we now have more time for family, relatives and friends. The internet has proved to be a boon, allowing us to virtually celebrate our special days with our loved ones across the world, be it a birthday, a wedding or even a funeral. Video conferencing is not for only board rooms. It is here to stay and make life a little easier. Online education, one can attend a class in any part of the world sitting in ones home. This will be a boom for house bound individuals or anyone interested in skill enhancement, physical distance or age will no longer be a boundary for choosing resource persons.
The mighty mite has pushed us from our comfy couches into some form of physical activity. Across the board people are exercising as it is a way to boost immunity, be it yoga, running or cycling. Many have turned to online giving or taking classes given that gyms are closed. We are beating the virus by staying fit. This is a great sign as it will also reduce lifestyle diseases and make the planet healthy.
As we begin our year long celebration to be in a great mood for Goa@60 next year on the 19th December, the spirit that gave us our freedom is alive. The youth of Goa, have shown that they are willing to stand up and speak and expect to be heard by the powers that be. I am sure the freedom fighters who we venerate today were also misunderstood by the powers that be in those days and they were called all sorts of names and jailed for one reason or another. In this case the youth were arrested and driven around the country side for being a threat to the security of the President of India.
Even Kasab, who deserved death from the moment he was caught, was given a fair trial and that is the nature of our great constitution. The police who appeared clueless as to what and why they were arresting the youth, preferred to drive them around for hours, without food and water. They seem to have been waiting for some direction, and with the President around all the powers would have been busy. The normal procedure should have been arrest, taken to the nearest police station and charged under the relevant sections of the law. This, sadly did not happen and someone should be held accountable.
The CM has said that cattle can be transported to the Goa Meat complex, in view of the beef shortage but there are some who openly and immediately opposed this move. Should they be arrested? Surely not. That is why we are called a democracy.
While we are blessed to see 2020 through, we have to stay alert, hopeful and positive that 2021 will be better. We must not give up but help others who may be struggling. We should stand up and speak up, with or without COVID as that is what our forefathers did when that took on the powers that be to ensure that each of us would live in a free and happy country.
Merry Christmas and a very happy and safe new year 2021
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