Page 95 - Magazine

Waiting for Better Days

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. COVID-19-induced pandemic
led to a halt in our everyday routine when the lockdown was announced in the
month of March. Hoping that the pandemic will be a momentary guest, it however
showed its resilience as time went on.

It has been nearly eight months since we are in our homes. Little did I know about
the hidden corners and invisible showpieces of my house until I carefully observed
them during the confinement. The lockdown gave me the time and patience to
realize the value of my immediate surroundings. In this ode to the year 2020,
I would like to acknowledge, appreciate and congratulate all those who have
tagged along the difficult journey of keeping up with the new normal. Waking

up to virtual classes, meeting up friends online, binge-watching entertainment
shows on the television, and working from home constitute reality now.

Gone are the days when virtual meetings belonged to the ‘elite.’ Today, ‘let us
meet’ denotes ‘let us Google meet’ and ‘let us hangout’ means’ let us Google
hangout.’ Sanitizers, masks, and face shields are our source of relief and
protection. But more importantly, they denote equality - these provisions signal
the accessibility of all.

However, I continue to hope for a better tomorrow, where the hardships of
our friends, families, and neighbors are reduced and our nation regains its lost
ground. More than a deviation from reality, this confinement is the reality.

By Manju Malik | Teacher (Junior Wing)

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