In this post-millennial world of cosmopolitanism, globalisation, and world literature, one wonders if the present moment isn't the perfect opportunity to take stock of where our interests and priorities lie, what kind of life lessons does a global pandemic have for all of us as a collective entity, and above all how do we respond to something that simply exceeds the limits of any one particular area, region or nation-state? It is also a timely reminder of how we take certain things for granted and in the punishing rush of events, forget to spend quality time with those who matter to us the most, be it family, friends or acquaintances.
Through social distancing, we are paradoxically coming together in an attempt to contain the damage. This is far removed from the world of digital technology and social networking sites where the idea of togetherness also simultaneously exists with a profound sense of boredom, isolation and estrangement. The global economy has come to a veritable standstill and yet for the first time in so many years people are actually realising the merits of altruism and putting the interests of the 'other' before the 'self'. Instant gratification, limited attention span and 'the devil may care' attitude is being decisively supplanted by an increasing concern for the environment, the underprivileged and the future generations.
But above all this crisis is about the dissolution of human pride and an equally important focus on learning humility. It is a reality check to prevent us from taking ourselves too seriously for far too long. The profit-maximising impulse and the fiercely competitive spirit that is now being instilled right from the increasingly commercialised spaces of classrooms to the demanding environs of corporate offices has been rendered frozen by something which is much more pressing, immediate and therefore worthy of attention.
In such a scenario, a moment of pause and reflection never hurts. It gives us a breathing space from the target-oriented lives that we find ourselves in, especially in a country like India where population significantly alters the stakes of job prospects and economic opportunities. And while it is true that the destitute and the daily wage labourers, the rickshaw walas and the domestic helpers bear the worst brunt of this protracted lockdown, it also opens up a rare window of opportunity for those who are in a position of power and privilege to contribute in their own ways toward combating the spectre of hunger and starvation.
Life, as we know it, will never be the same. The haunting memories of these difficult times will always endure while the notion of normalcy and restitution will probably be the most challenging proposition for policy makers. The spirit of resilience and ingenuity that human beings have repeatedly shown right throughout history is for the first time proving to be inadequate. And there lies the rub. An overriding emphasis on empathy which is formed in the crucible of a global crisis could quite easily become a distant memory the moment that threat is successfully diffused.
Self-aggrandisement would once again be at an all-time high. But do we want to spin around in circles and just wait for the next major calamity to once again teach us about wisdom and virtue? Or haven’t we had enough of an eye-opener to realise that it is only by locating oneself in the larger scheme of things and network of relationships that a more desirable and progressive future is possible. To understand this in its proper context, one only needs to imagine a hypothetical situation in which if any pharmaceutical company would have been successful in finding a cure for COVID-19, it would have again been driven by the predictable considerations of personal profit masking itself as public welfare.
So where do we go from here? And how do we reconcile our punishing schedules [an ostensibly stultifying one for many in times of a lockdown] with a profound appreciation for everything precious, beautiful and worthwhile in our lives? What are the bitter truths that we could take in our strides without caring too much about a loss of pride or self-respect? Because after all it is about recognising the priceless merit of the here and now as opposed to the idealistic and the utopian. It is about taking cognisance of both the kids as well as the elderly, the indigent neighbour as well as tenacious doctors and their committed support staff. And last but not the least, it is about practising kindness, compassion, and humility with others that could help us confront our personal demons and eventually exorcise them.
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