Impatient in Lockdown?
Rattan Singh Gill
My mind, heart and body were being separately quarantined within my compound walls that resulted into my laid-back attitude for all these days during COVID-19 Lockdown. In the meanwhile, seeing and hearing all that has been going on in some parts of the country caused a panic reaction within me that gathered all my faculties and instincts to understand the alarming situation amid which we have landed.
After the lockdown was imposed, thousands began marathon march on foot to their far-off homes out of fear of hunger after abandoning the available shelters despite official assurances to be reached soon. Few odd thousands were impatient to gather at their places of worship giving two hoots to the legal and protective restrictions against impending danger that would not only risk their lives and that of their families but would push the entire populace to horrible consequences.
Later sequences of defiance, misbehaviour, stone-pelting, spitting etc that followed were disgusting enough to cause a feeling of indignation among the commoners.
I remember a quote which reads, ‘Moments of patience may ward off big disaster while one moment of impatience may ruin a whole life.' This also made me recall a great and unbelievable story of human patience, endurance and determination which I had once read of “Thai Cave Boys” that shook entire world somewhere in June-July 2018. The massive rescue operation involved nearly 10,000 activists that had a pleasant ending.
Twelve young boys (age between 12 to 16) and their Coach aged 25, who were lost in a 400-meter deep dark cave with narrow passages flooded with muddy water in a remote area of Thailand, survived miraculously without food, water and air for nearly two weeks by sheer dint of their strong will, determination, patience and resolve to survive.
The harrowing rescue operation of ‘Tham Luang Cave' resulting into saving of thirteen “Thai Cave Boys” was miraculous, unbelievable but can be a tale of inspiration for all of us and we must read it without fail. This incredibly extra-ordinary story of human instinct and courage is available on internet which may help us accept the lockdown pains and strengthen our resolve to win the battle against COVID-19.
Whatsoever be the reasons and howsoever frightening, we must not lose patience and slip out of the houses on impulse or to follow the tunes of those in lurk of creating chaos for political or apolitical gains.
While no comparisons can be drawn between the harrowing situation of Thai boys and ours, however, we can manage the situation we are into with a little bit of resolve. Yes, we should not be stuck up in stress but indulge into something creative or unexplored. Social interaction with extended family and friends can prove a booster for energy and draw pleasure.
I do not know the extent of correctness of the term “Social Distancing” that is being used worldwide, but I take it to be a misnomer. “Physical distancing” is a better term in usage and application than “social distancing” as we have to stay socially connected to maintain emotional and mental health by being physically distant from each other simultaneously.
I do not know the extent of correctness of the term “Social Distancing” that is being used worldwide, but I take it to be a misnomer. “Physical distancing” is a better term in usage and application than “social distancing” as we have to stay socially connected to maintain emotional and mental health by being physically distant from each other simultaneously.
We must clearly understand that the battle of Corona inflicted upon us is an existential war, not for scoring point over politics or beliefs, but for existence itself – as a nation, as a people, and ultimately as individuals too. When human beings fight those stakes, there are no limits. The choice of survival or extermination doesn't leave many options open for negotiation; and if given a choice like that, all that a real human being can do is fight with all the ferocity and strength he can muster. To do anything else is to flunk out of life and be doomed.
