The Corona Episode; A hope for the future

The Coronavirus, commonly known as COVID 19, has made its impact worldwide and is considered a symbol of threat for human life. The dense clouds of horror and uncertainty hovering over the globe have put experts, intellectuals and leaders in a dilemma to predict, comment and decide about the future course of action. Obviously, under the prevailing situation, everyone prefers rather a conscious approach as is reflected by decisions taken so far. Although, momentarily, the entire world is under chaos and turmoil, however, it is hoped and expected that we will be out of this trial sooner than later. That would be the stage when the real test of world leaders, statesmen and intellectuals begins.

The supreme sacrifices of thousands of innocent lives without any discrimination of caste, creed, colour, religion, gender or region will hound all the decision-makers at the international and national level to rethink and review the existing policies on the uncontrolled exploration of natural resources and expansion of technologies, the expenditure of trillion dollars on the defence budget, keeping the unresolved disputes pending on one pretext or the other and race for domination by employing the tool of might is right. At individual level, these sacrifices will expectedly result into self-realization, to find a limit for luxuries, comfort, fame and prominence. Thus, the forced consciousness is anticipated to turn the corona fiasco into hope for future civilization.

As is said “Man proposes God disposes”, the Nature by using that medium of air has selected a tiny invisible infectious particle that can only survive inside living cells and has put all human strategies into disarray.

The 20th century brought a revolution in the field of science and technology. For exploration and expansion sky was no more a limit. Every complex and intricate issue had a quick and speedy result as machine replaced the human being. The globe had become a village and distances were narrowed down. While all these human-made inventions had limited availability and selective use, the nature, however, remained unbiased. The air, which is essential for human life, is not prejudiced in its availability or quality, whether the consumer is a resident of New York City or Burundi. This is where human beings have faltered. In the reliance on science and technology alone, we lost the humanity and forgot the difference between quality and colour of water that is available to a swimming pool on the rooftop of a house in Defence Housing Authority (DHA) for swimming and relaxing purpose; and a pond in the Thar Desert for drinking and cooking purposes.

As is said “Man proposes God disposes”, the Nature by using that medium of air has selected a tiny invisible infectious particle that can only survive inside living cells and has put all human strategies into disarray. It is certain that experts and scientist will find a vaccine for the Coronavirus which will no longer be a threat to human life; however, the intended lesson will remain valid for centuries to come. It is, therefore, pertinent that lessons of corona episode should be precisely drawn, meticulously evaluated and unanimously adopted across the globe for implementation to protect and safeguard human life and nature.

Apparently, despite revolutionary developments in science and technology, the corona attack has explicitly exposed the limits of human beings’ foresightedness, planning and decision-making ability at critical moments. Thus, with the settlement of dust of corona attack, the tiny particle will dilute and disappear, however, it will be remembered as a driving force behind human realization and understanding of hard and unexpected lessons. The memories of innocent victims peacefully resting in their graves and the great pressure and confusion faced by the world leaders at critical time in tackling unexpected situation will surly bring the world on a converging path. The sun will rise with a new hope and change. Humanity will be the priority.