What to do When Corona Climbs Mt. Everest?

PC THOMAS

We are marching towards more than sixth month of the coronavirus induced lockdown and there seems to be no breather from the highly infectious contagion which is devastating the world. The crisis appears to be unfolding in India in the worst manner than we could have expected. As of September 22, the alarming number of COVID cases worldwide has crossed the 30-million mark and has resulted in 9,71,879 deaths.

Having dealt with social isolation in India, people keep wondering and thinking when we will able to live a normal life? The pandemic shattered the economy, corporate or the everyday economics. It wreaked people with pain of less work, of not going out or exploring new things, but it bridged that void between relationships.

While scientists and medical experts around the world have been working at a breakneck pace to launch a vaccine to control the spread of COVID-19, there is one question that everyone has that how will the pandemic end? While the official caseload has crossed the five million mark, medical experts suggest that the pandemic will touch its peak at different marks in different regions of the country. Therefore, our reaction to the pandemic has to be more localized and effective, to get rid of the pandemic from the root level.

Although the COVID time affects our emotions, memories, feelings and perspectives, it should help us to transform our vision of life for the better and to develop our character. A crisis like this teaches us lessons we would not learn when things are pleasant. We are the sum of the experiences that we come across as we go through life. As human beings, when we encounter a challenge, we have liberty on how to respond to it.

Also Read - How do we prepare ourselves against Covid pandemic?

This pandemic has taught us many things if we can introspect. Different people must have got different realization. The time is ripe to reconsider and rethink our lifestyles and our approach towards social unity. We must tighten protocols and work in unison to build a COVID free society. Cleanliness of surroundings in general and personal hygiene in particular should now be prioritized. We must extend a serving hand without anticipation of a reward. We can help those in need and be ready to help and take help when needed. Let us realize that humans are made out of love and let this love be around. Let us imbibe and reflect love.

Also Read: when-will-we-go-back-to-normal-life

In these difficult times we see many torch-bearers who are risking their lives to protect others – Doctors, nurses and police forces are the epitome of human values in this crisis. Keeping our helplessness in view, we must all surrender before the Almighty’s Power. As we move ahead on the pathway of humankind, things will roll in our favour, pleasing the creator. If we are at peace within ourselves and at peace with the nature we will certainly dispose of this virus. All of us are tense and stressed. We must turn to Almighty. Stay updated with the Best Blog PC Thomas

 

 

 

Will Schools be Reopened on September 1?

PC THOMAS

Coronavirus has captured the imagination and thoughts of governments, educationalists, scientists, the media and common man. As businesses revive gradually following the months of lockdown, now the debates about the reopening of schools and colleges have gathered momentum in India. 

In the United States all schools are all set to resume.  In fact, some have already reopened and normal classes started from the first week of August amid rising number of cases. According to a report, it is known that just fourteen days after schools reopened in the U.S, over 97000 children have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. This has been a matter of great concern worldwide, indicating that more cautious steps are to be taken before the normal functioning of the schools amidst the spread of pandemic.  However, considering the gravity of the situation and variation of the pandemic across the globe, many countries are at different stages regarding when and how they plan to reopen schools. These decisions will be made by the governments, often in discussion with local authorities.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in his address on the Independence Day said that the schools in the Delhi city will not be opened until the Covid-19 situation is brought completely under control. Besides, the Deputy CM and Education Minister Manish Sisodia confirmed before the media that the government would be slow on the issue of opening schools considering the current situations, especially the lesson learned from the condition of school children in the US. In a separate statement, he said that if the parents and teachers together with the 16-lakhs students of Delhi would start praying, it is certain we will soon be able to re-open our schools.

Some State governments are also reportedly considering opening schools from September month. On the other hand, the Centre has clarified that it has not yet finalized any specific date for the reopening schools.  It is also reported that the Centre has prepared the modalities and the plan to restart schools and other educational institutions in a phased manner, starting from September 1.

The return of children to school is important and hopefully a welcome step, but parents and children raise many questions. A greater part of parents are anxious about school closure dampening their children’s education, about children missing social interactions and about children staying on track for the next grade.

Governments should make sure that the schools should be reopened only when it is fully secure for students. However, going back to school will be something totally different from what the children and parents were used to before. It is assumed that schools may restart for a period of time and then a decision may be made to close them again temporarily, depending on the local context. Nevertheless, in the evolving situation, authorities will need to be flexible and be prepared to adopt safety measures for the protection of every child.

In this time of uncertainty, what should a parent do if his child is struggling to get back into school mode?  Parents should keep in mind that their children may experience stress. In that case, they can create a supportive and fostering atmosphere and respond positively to children’s feelings.

It is obligatory for parents to help children to stick to their regular practice and make learning playful and enjoyable by incorporating other activities such as family reading time or games. Give additional support to your child at home by building a routine around school and schoolwork. This can be of great support if they are feeling restless and having trouble regarding focusing on studies.

We all need to keep in mind that the solution to COVID-19 is no longer only in the hands of the experts. Only God can intervene when God’s people pray in harmony, in suffering situation. The Education Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia’s faith is very much valuable. In line with his faith, let us pray the welfare of the country – If the parents and teachers together with the 40-crores students of India would start praying, it is certain all students of India will soon be able to go to schools safely and comfortably. This article publiashed in Metro Vaartha on 19.8.2020. Stay Updated- The Best Blog PC Thomas

Friendship Day versus Raksha Bhandhan

PC THOMAS

Friendship day coincides with Raksha Bahandhan. International Friendship day is on July 30, but in India, it is celebrated on the first Sunday of August, on the basis that the valuable role a friend plays in life. True friends make up our life more joyful. They give us a feeling of belonging, cause us to feel cherished, never let us feel lonely and promote us to live with a better life and let go of our negative behavior patterns.

Though Friendship Day is intended to promote the role of friend in life, it is misused by the youth, like a Valentine day spirit, making a juvenile romance with many girls, saying that at least two-line-girlfriends are needed to enjoy life. At the same time it is a dangerous fact to understand that “Not a single crow, which has caught on two-line electrical wire, is alive today”!!

Unlike Friendship day, Raksha Bahandhan or Rakhi epitomizes family relationships.  It is celebrated today, the 3rd August, with boundless happiness and passion because it is the bond between brothers and sisters.  There is a deep feeling of love in it.  As we enjoy sacred festivals like Raksha Bahandhan, we should remember that, in reality, they all are meant to remind us of the inner bliss and oneness that are our inherent nature and are the very essence of life. Read more PC Thomas Article

In today's world, where human beings and nature are besieged by problems connected to Covid threat with social distancing, celebrations of such sacred days are in pipe-line pressure, however, they come out even more forcefully through various social media. These celebrations are intended to bring the much-needed message of unconditional love, destroying all enemies and disparities from our live.

Once an old man’s 100 years of Birthday celebrated where he was asked a question – "What is the greatest achievement in your long life"? - "I don’t have any enemies now", he said.  The questioner asked again: "How did, Grand-dad, you achieve this superhuman character,'? In laugh he said, "I did have many, many enemies, but NOW, in this my ripe age, all bastards are dead, I have outlived all of them.”! It is funny, this is not what the quality of having no enemies – instead, while living with the society, we wipe out our enemies and make them friends. This love makes us perfect friendship, because love is the spirit of God.

Seeing a noble action– during the U.S civil war, the then American President Abraham Lincoln was criticized for speaking of generous treatment for the southern revolutionaries. The critic reminded Lincoln that there was a combat going on, the confederates were the enemy, and they should be destroyed. But Lincoln loudly uttered, "I will destroy my enemies by changing them my friends"! This is what the real weapon of killing enemies and making friends with divine love.

The Friends in Friendship-Day and the siblings in Raksha Bhandhan-day are different in nature, on the basis of the above story.  In this dynamic and diverse world, that is changing very fast, friends also change. It is difficult to appraise whether they will be your support strength when you need them.  On the other hand, brothers can be dependable, their love for their Sisters never change.  Their love and affection match with Lincoln’s love and attitude, not with the Old man’s case.

All of us share a love-hate relationship with others in our life. Let us celebrate the Friendship day and promote the maxim that "A friend in need is a friend indeed".  And come to Raksha Bahandhan, it’s time to show some sibling’s unconditional love and bondage in their life.  This article published in Free Press on 2.8.20- Stay updated with the Best Blog PC Thomas