The art of making progress is the ability to adapt to change. It astounds me as to how we think our lives are fixed, failing to realise that anything unknown can happen. Especially for a person like me who took a trip to China last year, it feels difficult to accept the fact that the outbreak of a mere virus could have shutdown the most populous nation of the world and declare restrictions for tourists.

This marked the first change in my life due to Covid-19, which is to believe in the ever changing nature of time, to believe that life is nothing but a series of trials for us to deal with and fight, with vigour and compassion.

The first consequence of the virus was the uncertainty prevailing all over. I remember how fear struck me like lightning when I first heard about the virus affecting thousands of people and then the situation started to escalate. Hence, our government too announced an immediate lockdown, stating that we will have to stay inside homes and practice social distancing.

This pandemic has also made me face a new reality — how little control we really have over things and our lives. As I prayed for things to get better, I realised that yes, there is fear, but there does not have to be hate or hopelessness; yes there is isolation, but there does not have to be loneliness; yes there is panic buying, but there does not have to be despair; yes we are socially apart, but are not distant in love; yes there is sickness, but there does not have to be a disease of the soul; yes there is even death, but there can always be a rebirth of hope.

Although the coronavirus has made it difficult for people to step out, it was set the world free from man’s harmful actions towards nature and earth. Mother Earth is finally having a rest. Nature is taking the break it needed so badly after the virus slowed down the frantic pace of humanity. Cities that never go to sleep are deserted. Economies that never stop their surge are plunging. A reduction in industrial pollution and global travel restrictions have cut down the carbon footprint on the planet. The ozone layer has finally started to heal.

This has indeed been an eye-opener, showing us how we humans have devastated the environment and disrupted the delicate balance of nature.

The true way to value something is to realise it might be no more. Staying at home has ensued inside me the realisation of the quality time spent and the memories made with my friends. Taking regular online classes has made me accept that no virtual learning beats the hallmark of excellence derived from on-campus learning. Now when I go back to school, I will cherish the time spent there, rather than complain about silly things.

I would also confess that the outbreak of the coronavirus has groomed me spiritually. This virus has been a powerful reminder that all of humanity is equally vulnerable, without the discrimination of race, religion or nationality. It infects the rich just as readily as it does the poor. It renders important officials just as vulnerable as ordinary citizens. In its path, we are all equal, which means we all must face this crisis together.

At a time of heightened polarisation around the world, this pandemic is reminding us of our shared fraternity. Its relentless spread has reinforced my sympathy for the people of Kashmir, who have been enduring a much more deplorable lockdown, which started eight months before ours did. Whilst India did not allow their voices to be heard, the whole world has been silenced now. I am now able to visualise how it feels like not being able to go to school, like so many children in war-torn places like Syria.

We are all powerless against the Will of the Almighty. Our knowledge and technology are too weak to tackle the decision of God. The only way to tame the pandemic is to express complete humility to God and pray for His mercy.

After months of intense efforts, the spread of the virus has been somewhat controlled in China. This breeds my optimism that if they can do it, we can do it as well. It’s how we react to this pandemic that matters. Desperate times ask for desperate measures. We should all consider it as our civil duty to play our part by staying at home.

When I open the news and learn about all the doctors, nurses and paramedical staff putting themselves and their lives at risk for our sake, my heart fills with gratitude. I cannot help but pay tribute to all state officials who relentlessly strive for the well-being and protection of our nation, against the epidemic. We must all join hands and cooperate with our government so that fewer people get infected and there is less causality.

With our collective effort, I am confident that we will sail through these difficult times. Let the great world spin forever down the ringing grooves of change.

Published in Dawn, Young World, May 9th, 2020