Recalling minds during pandemic

Sr Fuleswari Flora Kujur
The tiny virus, called Corona has become so powerful that it has caused COVID-19, pandemic. The word “pandemic” comes from the Greek word “pandemos,” which means everybody. “Pan” meaning everyone, “demos,” which means population.
It has become a global pandemic and is showing its power and growth by its rapid spread worldwide. So far millions have succumbed to this evil virus. It has made the people experience the difficulties of everyday life and has caused unprecedented disaster.
Medical Experts and scientists, till date have not yet found medical solution to eradicate this pandemic. It shows how helpless human beings are in-front of this invisible virus. It has managed to knock and lock down the nations and the world at large.  
Today our thinking, talking and sharing is all about how to live life purposefully. Before COVID-19 attacked the world, people fought for land, house, money, power, position, name, fame, property, wife and children, girlfriend and boyfriend, rape, human trafficking, loot and murder etc.,and these made the news and kept the world busy in its own trend. But today, every minute has become precious for all of us.  Nobody thinks of going for an outing, or to have dinner in the five stars restaurant. People have no desire to wear branded dressor adorn themselves with expensive jewellery as life under lockdown is being spent with a night suit or in pyjama at home.
Do you know what the greatest sorrow of this pandemic is? More than been away from ones family, hunger and thirst it is unable to attend the funeral of dear and near ones in the family.  As we are well aware of the pandemic guidelines set out, only the mortuary staff and burying team with proper PPE (personal protective equipment) can bury the covid-19 dead body. The family members can view the dead body, but not touch, hug or kiss the deceased and keep social distancing to prevent further infection. In a country like ours, our social life and faith is test to a great extent. Many have been deprived to conduct the last rites as it should be as per their religious beliefs. How painful and unimaginable disgrace has inflicted our humanity.
Every serious COVID-19 patient wants to live some more days if God permits. They would have loved to live, give time for God and for others but they have disappeared from the face of the earth, leaving their wealth, name and fame, and their dear family members behind. 
It’s an opportune time to show our gratitude to the doctors, nurses, health workers, army, police, and volunteers who are selflessly risking their lives in order to save you and me.
It is good to put a question to our self, what are we? The answer is ‘nothing’. The Coronavirus has taught us a great lesson to look at God’s creation smiling at us and inspiring us to live in balance and care for the common home.
The invisible virus, which we can’t see with our naked eyes, has taught the world to value life, family spirit and the need of God’s presence and power. Everyone at one moment or the other is thinking of God. Many are praying more than before, many families have re-joined once again, may be after long years of separation and have become generous, loving and harmonious. 
It is a time to reflect and make a new project of life for better living. The project of life which may sanitize us to care for all, to live a dignified life, to forgive others, to pray daily, avoid discrimination from one tribe and the other, from one group of people and the other, read books, watch a movie together which is inspirational, talk and share good ideas, knowledge, talents, time, natural resources, accommodation, support all in good time and bad time.
Let us not wait for another virus and lockdown to make us what we are supposed to be.
Let’s give our 100 percent support (by staying at home and following the covid-19 guidelines) to those who are tirelessly making great effort to eradicate this dreaded disease and prevent it from further spreading.
The author is Vice Principal, Don Bosco College, Maram, Senapati, Manipur