– Dr. Gitanjali Rampal
Assistant Professor
Faculty of Commerce (SMPIC)
Centuries ago there was a Big Bang and life was created. Centuries later there is a Covid 19 Big Bang and life has been reformed and rebooted. Human race has been battling a global pandemic which has shattered the world, turned our lives upside down and changed not just the way we live and work but also how we think and behave. Every part of the world has been affected, and every aspect of life has been impacted. I am a firm believer of the proverb ‘every cloud has a silver lining’. The silver lining of this crisis are the critical life lessons that the pandemic has taught us. The beautiful thing about life is that we can always learn – from any situation.
The pandemic has affirmed my belief that we live in a GLOBAL VILLAGE and that this world is interconnected because despite the differences and distance, we are battling the same virus and having the same struggles. Due to lockdowns and social distancing, our life has slowed down and helped us to retrospect as well as reconnect with our loved ones, even if it is virtually. The crisis has positively impacted the way we emote and how we maintain relationships.
It taught us the difference between individual rights and public safety, has given us a view of appreciating and respecting others especially those who are working hard for our safety–Doctors, Police force and the neglected working class. Apart from panic, frustration, disconnect and helplessness, gratitude, love, kindness and compassion are also key emotions that the whole world experienced at large in 2020.
Our entire lifestyle has changed to practice better hygiene because being hygienic is no longer just a good habit but the very skill for survival. As social beings we have learned to emote and connect with other beings more hygienically, going from shaking hands to namaste.
With cities locked down, organizations across the globe had to make the shift towards the realm of working remotely. Now companies are actually going to not let geographical locations stand in between while hiring their talents. Well, then, the future of work after COVID-19 definitely looks good!
There is a whole new wave of tools and software that has helped to make seamless virtual office spaces and digital classrooms possible.Online classes have become the new norm for educational institutions. Moreover, parents have got first-hand knowledge about how classes are taught and how their child perceives concepts.
Last but not the least, not only are we healing, but Nature is healing too with azure skies, pristine water bodies, sparkling snow, golden beaches, green mountains and a light breeze.
Every coin has two faces. With bad comes the good, Countries everywhere are still fighting this pandemic,we’re a race of survivors, and we’re going to win this too. I agree the battle is hard & long. But let’s look forward and focus on the brighter side.
As we grapple with the lives we have been pushed into, let’s take this time to also plan on what we will do after things normalize – what parts of normal would we want to go back to.
Rather than ruminating on what the government and policy makers are doing or intend to do, can we all play our parts, assume our responsibilities and do our bit?
Small acts, very small which can all add up to sustain the world that is getting created now after the Covid 19 big bang.
Stay physically distant but socially connected. Please take care & be safe.