THE PERSPECTIVE

 

When the lockdown was announced in March 2020, just like pretty much everyone around, I also got myself to think as to what kind of situation are we heading for? And how will we manage to stay for so long in the house. Not wanting to go is one thing and not being able to go is another. This sounded unfair and at first like typical human behaviour, I put this all out on China.

Moving beyond who is responsible and who is not, I do wonder whether we will ever get out of this? Will this last beyond 2020? Will we live in this phobia for a few years? It sounds insane and unfair. Never has anyone seen this ever before and I don’t want to – not for so long.

Then I recalled my conversation with my Great Grandfather, who proudly mentioned how he was a part of freedom fight for India. He was only 19 years back then. He was born when the World War I ended with 22 million people dead that year. 21 years when Second World War began. 29 years at the time of Independence and by 1962 Indo China war in, he was thrilled to have a grandson. He talked about blackouts on windows at the time of Indo Pakistan 1965 war and shared narrative of how soldiers gave away their lives at the border and how fear mounted upon them each moment of bombarding from the top. In fact, smallpox which does not raise any alarms today also actually broke out like a pandemic sometime in history. Isn’t that too much for his prime youth to feel victimised? Phew!!!!

Not to say that we should just get used to these worse ways of life – living with so much distress around; being at war with other countries and coping up with new viruses. However, what I wish to share is a Perspective! A perspective which my great grandfather had when he narrated those incidents in his life. He was proud to share how he glided through such times and how tall he stands today. He had no disappointments, just lessons, experiences and optimism. He had no impatience, no rush and no expectations to change the unpleasant too soon. He had acceptance. He had the perspective that each day we are moving towards a better tomorrow. And that’s what matters.

Instead of verbalizing 2020 as the worst year in history, can we remember that our forefathers have seen even worse? Drawing the same Perspective, I was so heartened to read this children’s book by Tomos Roberts and ever since I have decided to call it the year of GREAT REALISATION.

 Let’s not forget, undeniably we all discovered a better way to life as we all slowed down and       re-focussed on “Quality” part of our existence.  It’s the time to stop whining like a spoilt brat and start doing whatever needs to be done and get through this as stronger. Tired of wearing a mask?  Don’t be fatuous and thankless.  It’s a massive test. You better come out with flying colours.