"If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change
you.” These immortal words, aptly depict the nature of human existence.
Constantly striving to become stronger, richer and happier, human beings are
perhaps the greediest species on the planet (a Labrador might disagree, but
loving canines are excluded from this list). What happens when such a race is
hit with perhaps the hardest punishment of all - that of listening to Mother
Nature? Some rebel and fall by the wayside. Others quietly obey, but despise
existence at a visceral level. But the best ones learn. Evolve! COVID 19 was
never part of the 21st Century catalogue.
This was supposed to be the erawhen machines
finally overtook human intelligence in all, but the most sophisticated of
tasks. Where science discovers the secrets of the Universe. Where war is but a
tiny speck amidst the vast expanse of peaceful existence. Where the Solar
System is just a stepping stone to limitless exploration. Instead, what it got
was a virus that forced us to stop behaving normally. Mother Nature’s anguished
rebuttal to constant abuse and misuse forced humans to consider, for the very
first time in many years, that they are not at the centre of the universe.
Rather, they are so fragile that a single microscopic being fundamentally could
alter the ways of the world! Lives were taken away. Jobs suddenly lost value.
Abruptly, the most valuable thing was a puny hand sanitiser and a cotton mask.
Rich or poor, happy or sad - man was forced to accept that life would no longer
be the same. Money couldn’t save people anymore.
Neither could status. Nor was their ego of any
good. So what was it then? Why did people take so long to appreciate the fact
that nature doesn’t take kindly to repeated abuse? That there is a lot more to
life? Or more importantly, why does it take a tragedy for people to learn?
There have alwaysbeen signs. Signs that nature wants to fight back. Signs that
there must be a change. But no, humans are obstinate. 2 Should they continue to
be called the most intelligent creatures...or could the new definition be the
most stupid ones? Time to evaluate this. It is best we live in the present.
There are clouds, but where there is darkness, there is always light at the end
of the tunnel. One of life’s greatest champions once said,” We either win or we
learn”. In an age where morality has been at an all-time low, it is time to
learn that there is more to life than justwealth and success.
That values likekindness, selflessness, humility
and gratitude are perhaps more necessary than ever before. It is time to
understand that it is more important to strive for the ultimate truth: strive
for peace and happiness amongst all living beings on this wonderful green
planet. COVID-19 has been a severe shock, but if taken positively, has the potential
to transform lives. Thank you dear virus for showing that humans are not the
Best in nature’s creation. Thank you, for making the most intelligent race of
creatures understand that nothing can be taken for granted. Thank you, for
restoring love, compassion and kindness within countries and continents as they
fight for a common cause. But most of all, thank you Corona, for teaching me
the best lessons of life! Usha Rani VV English teacher Senior School Page 3
~Ms. Usha Rani V V
English Teacher-Senior School
