Pandemic – The dictionary says it’s a globally spread disease. For many, the ongoing pandemic changed the definition of ‘normal’ forever.
In March 2020, just when some were waiting for their promotions, some were studying for exams, some were all excited and geared up for summer vacations, the pandemic started spreading it’s impact, leaving no one left to be scared of. Some of the busiest and overcrowded places became absolutely vacant. Suddenly news and health care experts gained maximum of attention, because everyone was behind saving own as well as family’s lives. Sanitization, wearing masks, maintaining social distance, increasing immunity became the only goals in the ‘new normal’.
A world where everything changes in every second, came to a halt. Economy slowed down. Work places were shut to maintain social distancing, and work from home came in trend. Healthcare professionals, policemen and bank employees worked extra hours to keep health, security and finances intact. From the daily hustle and bustle, few found their ME time to relax and calm themselves down. Some tried to engage themselves in cooking, reading, gardening, singing, dancing, fitness, writing, binge watching and what not.
Virtual mediums to stay connected came in trend. Some managed to keep themselves sane by posting pictures as a part of some challenge to fetch some compliments and feel good about themselves. Online workshops to polish some or the other skill during these times, to make most of it, had grabbed more attention.
The worst times descended upon those who lived from hand to mouth. Most of the daily wagers found themselves unemployed and hence went short of money to survive. With all possible ways to commute being shut down, they started migrating to their local place on their own. A lot about this being shown on news channels, humanity came to rescue. Those who had in abundance started serving to those who starved. Dry ration packets, daily necessities, sanitization essentials and toiletries were supplied by many. Some even arranged the medium to migrate for the natives to their respective places. Many trying to do their bit, to serve others, to spread awareness, to find their solace during this crucial times of pandemic. This new normal for such sections of the society brought a lot of hardships!
There have been some positive things as well. People have started spending more time with family. Pollution levels remarkably went down thereby making the air quality better. Many residential societies have taken steps to take extra care of senior citizens. Youth is helping the elders to connect with their families virtually just because both are placed at different parts of globe. Some villages in Bihar came up with a unique way to avoid students being deprived of learnings. They started using the loudspeaker systems in temples to broadcast lessons related to respective classes / grades. Pharmaceutical laboratories and healthcare experts have worked day abd night to find a cure for this rapidly spreading virus.
I assume this to be an alarm, an alert to stop doing all the wrong things that we have been doing, to stop taking things, people, nature and planet for granted. To realize life can be lived in a simple way also. Luxury travels, HiFi shopping, dining in plush hotels are not the only goals in life, there is much more. If nothing else maximum of the crowd has learned to slow down instead of being a part of the rat race. Hope is what these times have instilled in each one of us, hope of seeing a dawn that’s virus free.
After being home for this long, everyone is waiting to get back to normal. What is normal? The one we lived prior lockdown or the one we lived during lockdown? Or something else? Shop till you drop will loose it essence and save if you have will be the new Moto; as we may like many things but we may not need them. Managing finances will be very much crucial in coming times. The otherwise most underrated place, HOME is the most safe and secured place. So, in future planning a get away every weekend would rather be replaced by stay at home kinda staycation. At least 1% of the population will think if it’s necessary to step out right then, or a little delay would work fine as well as they will get 2-3 tasks done together then! Sustainable options for living would become more common.
Being deprived of household help will lead to more recognition of their value. Front line workers like sweepers, garbage pickers would be given the respect which they deserve. Due to this pandemic, the important lesson we learnt that we all are equal, there is no difference between rich, poor, middle class as we all are inter-dependent on each other, we all co exist.
With all the tiny and big changes coming in our lives, we will all conquer this, only if we accept it the way it is, and adapt to the new normal! The one who adapts quickly will survive. This virus is an eye opener to many who ignored people, family, work, money and more importantly health.
Stay home, Eat healthy, Stay Fit and Pray!
– Contributed by Nilshree Damani Yelulkar
Nilshree is the published author of two books, ‘Stamped Sealed But Unsent’ & ‘Object+If=I’. She is also a foodie, homechef and the coolest mom ever! Get to know more about her on her instagram handle
You can also check out an emotional experience during her writing journey here.
We thank Nilshree, an esteemed member of the TCC community for this valuable contribution to our blog and hope that in this age of new normal, writers continue to put aside their daily struggles and flourish!