I RECALL a biology lesson from my eighth grade, where our teacher would emphasise the resilience of three species in times of crisis and change: humans, rats and cockroaches. That lesson resonates with me deeply today, compelling me to write these lines.

Currently, it seems as though the cockroaches and rats are in a state of celebration, observing humans on the path of self-destruction. This meta-phorical observation reflects my concern about the direction the humanity at large is heading in.

Are we, as humans, so embroiled in our conflicts and challenges that we are failing to exhibit the resilience we are known for?

This is a call for introspection and action, to remind ourselves of our inherent resilience, and to steer away from the path of self-detriment.

I hope this serves as a wake-up call not just for the people in our country, but for the larger human race inhabiting the planet currently. It is time we reclaimed our place among resilient beings, capable of overcoming crises rather than succumbing to them.

Asad Feroz Halai
Toronto, Canada

Published in Dawn, December 8th, 2023