Last week one of our family
friends died of corona. He's a barber, as well as an artist, who plays the
traditional musical instrument Nadaswaram. He has played at all our family
festivals, and everyone in our family circle knows him, and he's the only one
who had cut my hair from childhood and trim beards once I started to grow. Since
the early 90s, he owns a barbershop under the house of our grandpa's, and he
succeeds the shop from his father as he becomes old and passed away later. So,
until I was able to walk, I cut hair from his shop whenever I visit grandpa's
house, and we never paid him, and he used to debit the amount from the rent.
It really saddens all of us, and
we couldn't believe he's no more, and before the news become certain, I truly
wished it shouldn't be him. I know he's somewhat indifferent wearing the mask,
so I stopped calling him lately since the beginning of 2nd wave of covid, and I
think now that I made the right decision. We couldn't share our condolences
with their family or attend the funeral due to the covid. I wish he rested in
peace.
One of my uncles and my mom’s
cousin is admitted to hospital for nearly 10 days due to the covid infection,
and he has been kept on oxygen. But his condition is far better from the day of
admitted, and once his oxygen level becomes stable, he would perhaps be
discharged. I have seen the indifference in wearing masks at both the persons I
have mentioned above, and their conditions have certain created an impact on
others, the importance, and need of wearing the mask.
I think the people's anticipated
price to realize the significance of covid seems so high. The consciousness is
something I guess hasn't been obtained well by anyone, including some
well-educated to realize what happens around them; forgetfulness is something
natural, but how come one forget easily the terrific scenario taking place all
over the world. Over a year, shouldn't we have learned to live with the mask?
The health workers', doctors'
lives are oscillating over life or death in preventing and curing the
infection, but our roles weren't much greater, and their anticipation wasn't
that much. Simple, wear a mask and stand or talk at a distance from each other
is enough to improve the situation and quickly get us back to a normal
lifestyle. Everyone is stuck in some cage, and liberation is a must to cheer up
the body and mind that has been exhausted overseeing the destruction of lives
and livelihoods due to covid 19. It's every Indian's responsibility to save our country,
to act according to it. Let's work together.